Posts Tagged ‘Author last name O’

Shadow of the Dragon (Book Two Elspeth) (Ages 9-12)

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

+ + + + Shadow of the Dragon (Book Two Elspeth)
Author:  Kate O’Hearn
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (May 21, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 034094529X
ISBN-13: 978-0340945292

Book description: One day, a young girl astride a twin-tailed dragon will destroy the monarchy and change the world for ever …Kira and Elspeth have already broken FIRST LAW many times over. Now outlawed and running for their lives they are determined to stand amongst the men and fight the unjust FIRST LAW that binds the kingdom. But cruel Lord Dorcon still stands in their way and the heat of his chase is stronger than ever. Strong and determined, Kira has done all that she can to protect and shield her younger sister. But now it’s time for Elspeth to grow up. When Paradon’s muddled magic sends them travelling through time to different eras, new challenges and terrifying threats await the separated sisters. Especially to Elspeth, left all alone to navigate a past world long before the rule of King Ardon and FIRST LAW. And all the while in a strange, alien world of the future, Kira must find a way to get back to Elspeth and reunite her family once again. A prophecy to fulfil. A cruel monarchy to upend. The battle continues …

Book review: This is the second book in the Shadow of the Dragon series.  I have not read the first book, but after reading the second book I will be keeping my eyes open for the first book, Shadow of the Dragon (Book One Kira).

Here’s the breakdown:

Hook/Setting: The opening picks up where the first book left off and I think that the setting is described very well, I can picture the various scenes in my head without trouble.

Character(s): This story focus on Kira’s youngest sister, Elspeth. I like Elspeth, she is a kind girl who wants things to be fair and just. She loves animals and has a unique controlling ability over them and they try to rescue her when she is in trouble. There is a variety of characters new and old in this story that bring the story along nicely.

Events/Plots: The plot is original and interesting. There is suspense and mystery throughout the story and secrets are revealed. This book is easy to get into.

Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: I would recommend this book to those who have read the first book and to people who enjoy stories with dragons, animals, and people who never lose hope.

Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.


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Inspector Jacques (Jack Russell: Dog Detective) (Ages 9-12)

Monday, March 1st, 2010

+ + + Inspector Jacques (Jack Russell: Dog Detective)
Authors:  Darrel & Sally Odgers
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 79 pages
Publisher: Kane Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279173
ISBN-13: 978-1935279174

Book description: There’s another dog detective in town, and he thinks he’s Jack’s sup-paw-rior ! Jack is not impressed when he meets Inspector Jacques, a French Bulldog who tries to solve human crimes. But when Jacques and his person accuse Sarge of being an art thief, it’s up to Jack to solve the mystery!

Book review: Inspector Jacques is a cute mystery from a dog’s perspective.  The main character is a Jack Russell terrier who prides himself on being top dog and a dog detective.  I would recommend this book to the younger crowd, particularly elementary kids and those who are building their reading skills (especially if the have a fondness for mysteries and dogs).  The short chapters, charming illustrations and dog related vocabulary (such as ‘im-paw-tant’ for important and ’sup-paws’ for surprise) as well as the story itself would be a good read for them. – R.C., 15 yrs. old.

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Messy Tessy (Ages 6-10)

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

* Messy Tessy
Author: Leah Orr
Illustrator: Josephine Lepore
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (August 18, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1438993986
ISBN-13: 978-1438993980

Book description: While babysitter Aunt Fran is asleep, Messy Tessy finds humorous and amusing ways to entertain herself. With ever turn of the page enjoy the mischief that unfolds.

Book review: Tessy is fun and messy. Children will delight in her mischief while Aunt Fran babysits…asleep on the sofa!

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Big Bear Hug (Ages 4-8)

Monday, August 31st, 2009

* Big Bear Hug
Author: Nicholas Oldland
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155453464X
ISBN-13: 978-1554534647

Book description: A huge bear is wandering through the forest – but wait a minute! Who’s that he’s hugging? A beaver? And a moose? And a bird? And a tree? Welcome to the world of Big Bear Hug, a contemporary fable about a bear who has an appetite for hugging everything in sight – even creatures that bears have been known to eat. One day, the benevolent bear meets up with a human. This human proceeds to do something the bear cannot understand: he raises his axe and begins to cut down a tree. Suddenly the bear doesn’t feel like hugging anymore and must make a difficult decision on how to stop this destruction in his forest.

Book review: Funny and touching. Little ones will love the idea of a bear giving hugs and with a little help from mom or dad get the idea that trees and animals deserve our thoughtful care and stewardship.

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