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Posts Tagged ‘Author last name Y’
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
 + + + Foiled
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mike Cavallaro
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: First Second; 1 edition (April 13, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596432799
ISBN-13: 978-1596432796
Book description: A graphic novel, the first of two, about a New York City high school fencer who finds out she is the Last Defender of Faerie.
Book review: I thought Foiled was pretty cool. It’s a graphic novel that brings a typical high school story (a girl likes a boy whose good looking and she doesn’t feel like she fits in) fantasy and fencing together into a promising story. (I’m assuming-hoping- there’s going to be more.) The story definitely shows promise and the illustrations are great. I liked the fencing in the story; I know nothing about the sport so I thought it was an interesting educational experience. Lastly, anyone who likes a strong-willed heroine should find that Aliera fits the description. I recommend that anyone who enjoys fantasy pick up Foiled and read it. Review by R.C.; 16 yrs.
I thought Foiled was a neat graphic novel. Hopefully, Aliera’s story will continue soon so I can read more. The story is interesting and short enough that you can read it in an hour or so. If you’re like me you will probably be unable to put it down and read it in one sitting. The illustrations are great and I liked the change from black and white to color; to me that made the story pop out more. I recommend this graphic novel to anyone who enjoys fantasy, humor and graphic novels. Review by N.C.; 16 yrs
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name Y, fairies, fantasy, graphic novel, Recommended titles, sport, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + All Star! Honus Wagner and the Most Famous Baseball Card Ever
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Jim Burke
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Philomel (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399246614
ISBN-13: 978-0399246616
Book description: The Honus Wagner baseball card is the most valuable baseball card of all time! But he was born poor, ugly, bow-legged, and more suited to shoveling coal in his Pennsylvania mining town than becoming the greatest shortstop of all time. How could it happen? Did those strong arms and fast legs turn him into a Pittsburgh Pirate and one of the game’s most unforgettable players?
In this true story, Jane Yolen shows us that wit, talent, perseverance, and passion score more than home runs. As Honus would say, ‘How about that!’
Book review: Your child will hardly realize he’s learning as he reads All Star!. Jane Yolen masterfully recounts history like a the true storyteller she is and Jim Burke’s illustrations add a homey, warm touch. This would be an ideal gift for baseball fans of any age.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Americana, Author last name Y, baseball, Highly Recommended titles, history, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + Not All Princesses Wear Pink
Author: Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Illustrator: Anne-Sphie Lanquetin
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (June 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416980180
ISBN-13: 978-1416980186
Book description: These princesses dig in the dirt, kick soccer balls, and splash in muddy puddles — all in their sparkly crowns!
Book review: A new take on princesses, one that is most welcome.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name S, Author last name Y, fairytale, girls, princesses, Title N
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
 + + + Good Night, Little Bunny: A Touch-and-Feel Bedtime Story
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Sam Williams
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Little Simon; Brdbk edition (January 26, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416983015
ISBN-13: 978-1416983019
Book description: Follow a little bunny as he puts on his pj’s, brushes his teeth, and gets ready for bed. Discover touch-and-feel elements throughout this board book.
Book review: A sweet story with rhyming text and touching illustrations. A definite keep for bedtime story time. Your little one will love feeling the different textures (soft bunny, scratchy toothbrush, cotton bedspread, slippery moon…).
Tags: Ages 0-4, animals, Author last name Y, bedtime story, board book, bunnies, Highly Recommended titles, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
 + + + My Father Knows The Names of Things
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Stephanie Jorisch
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (April 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416948953
ISBN-13: 978-1416948957
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Book description: “My father knows the names of things, he points out everything we see, and teaches all the names to me”. Join a young child as he embarks on a journey of discovery with his father.
Book review: A wonderful celebration of fatherhood and the relationship a dad has with his kiddo. Imaginative illustrations make this picture book a fanciful adventure and reminiscent of Shel Silverstein’s poetry. This would make a great gift for Dad on Father’s Day.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, family, father, fatherhood, Jane Yolen, Recommended titles, relationships, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
 + + + An Egret’s Day
Author: Jane Yolen
Photographer: Jason Stemple
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Wordsong; 1 edition (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590786505
ISBN-13: 978-1590786505
Book description: Photographs, poetry and a smattering of facts describe the life and essence of the egret.
Book review: Stunning photography and wonderfully crafted poetry harmonize making this book a celebration of the egret. This is a great way to present poetry to the younger set. Facts about the egret are included and make this book a great springboard for a thematic unit for the homeschooled.
Tags: Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name Y, birds, egret, gift book, Jane Yolen, poetry, Recommended titles, Title E
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
 + + + How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545153522
ISBN-13: 978-0545153522
Book description: Woof! From playing fetch to a walk in the park, puppy dogs are a dinosaurs best friend! This board book introduces little ones to dog care – great if your family is thinking of adding a dog to the family.
Book review: Another winner by the dynamic duo Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. Both capture the attitude of little ones, their expressions and their tender hearts as we read how bad dinosaurs turn to good dinosaurs in caring for those beloved pooches. Open a dialogue with your little ones about the care and love of your pet dog. Older kiddos will recognize themselves and enjoy the humor.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, care of a pet, dinosaurs, Jane Yolen, manners, pets, Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
 + + + How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Brdbk edition (January 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545153549
ISBN-13: 978-0545153546
Book description: Meow! From purring naps to catnip toys, kitty cats are a dinosaur’s favorite pet to cuddle. This sturdy little board book addition to the Dinosaur series by Jane Yolen helps introduce little ones to the requirements necessary for caring for kitties.
Book Review: As expected the illustrations are the real winner in How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats? Each dino accurately and humorously expresses every child’s mood and sentiment with regard to pets – from a lack of desire to treat a kitty nicely to an aversion to stinky chores to the real love and care of a cat. Jane Yolen’s narration rhymes and captures those sentiments poignantly. This is a great book for the younger ones (ages 4-5) but older kiddos (ages 6-8) will relate and be amused.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, care of pets, dinosaurs, Jane Yolen, manners, pets, Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
 * Under the Star
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Vlasta van Kampen
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Key Porter Books (November 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554702011
ISBN-13: 978-1554702015
Book review: A counting book based on the story of Christmas. Each page presents a new nativity seen and will thrill young readers as they count along until the creche is crowded with angels, animals and people.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, Christian, Christmas, counting, Recommended titles, Title U
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
 * * * The Seeing Stick
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 34 pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids; Reprint edition (September 22, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0762420480
ISBN-13: 978-0762420483
Book description: The same story that captivated readers in 1977 is back in a stunning new edition! Hwei Min, the only daughter of the emperor of China, has been blind since birth. Her father offers a reward to anyone who can find a cure for the little girl. It seems that no one from magicians to physicians can help her. Then, one day a wise old man with a mysterious seeing stick visits the princess. Will he be able to teach Hwei Min that there is more than one way to see the world?
Book review: This is a fairytale like no other! A mysterious old man, a beautiful princess and the magic of seeing with fingertips. Read as the little princess’s world is transformed by her new perspective. Astounding illustrations and an expertly woven story mesmerize and delight. The magic of this tale lies in sharing a new view of the world with its young readers.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name Y, Chinese, fable, fairytale, Outstanding titles, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
 * * * How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545143144
ISBN-13: 978-0545143141
Book description: Parents and children can never have enough ways to say “I love you”–and now, America’s favorite dinosaurs are giving families a funny book, perfect for bedtime, story time, anytime. Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it’s important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care.
Book review: This author-illustrator team does such an awesome job of delivering the message that no matter what a child does, he’s still very loved. I have such a naughty dinosaur at home myself and this book will please him to no end because he absolutely LOVES it when I appreciate his hugs and kisses. He will certainly identify with the dinosaurs in this tale and I will love sharing this story at bedtime. Needless to say, the illustrations are splendid–I love how the dinosaurs portray the many moods and expressions of children from fussing to ‘dragging their feet’–funny! If you’ve read any of the other dinosaur books by this dynamic duo you will definitely love this one.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, dinosaurs, kindergarten, manners, Outstanding titles, Title H, toddlers
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
 * * * Come to the Fairies’ Ball
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Gary Lippincott
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Wordsong (December 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590784642
ISBN-13: 978-1590784648
Book description:
Book review: Wonderful! I loved the marriage of rhyme and illustration. Each page is a treasure of story and imaginative art. You’ll find yourself pouring over each page, losing yourself in the detail. Yolen’s writing is superb, filled with sing-song adjectives and verbs that making reading this story out loud a real treat. For lovers of fairies and fairy tales this is a keeper that belongs right next to the classic fairy tales in your bookcase.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name Y, fairies, fantasy, Outstanding titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * * The Scarecrow’s Dance
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416937706
ISBN-13: 978-1416937708
Book description: The Scarecrow has always stood tall and straight, watching over the corn. Then one magical autumn night, he begins to stir. Free from his post, the scarecrow skips through the fields and leaps past the barn, dancing under the moon. But when he hears a young boy’s prayer for the farm, the scarecrow comes to understand where he belongs, and what he — only he — can do.
Book review: Warm, comforting and homespun, this tale reminds us that we each have a special purpose that only we can fulfill. I found that the illustrations and the poem made for a cozy read. I could just imagine the feel of night and all its sounds and wonder and the warmth of the home that the scarecrow peeks into. His choice to remain a scarecrow sends a message with an easy touch: There’s no place like home. Perfect for this time of year.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, autumn, fall, Outstanding titles, poetry, scarecrows, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * * Pumpkin Baby
Author: Jane Yolen
illustrator: Susan Mitchell
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Key Porter Books (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554701414
ISBN-13: 978-1554701414
Book description: A soon-to-arrive new brother or sister promises fun and excitement, but can also be worrying for a child who fears being displaced. In Pumpkin Baby, a young girl with an active imagination tries to face her fears. Spurred on by trips with her mother to a family farm, she imagines a host of babies — each with their own unique characteristics — and wonders if she could, indeed, love such a sibling.
Book review: Awww! Jane Yolen nails this tale exactly. Having had the privilege of giving my kiddos little siblings of their own, I can say that Pumpkin Baby very imaginatively, but with great accuracy, tells the tale of a bigger sibling waiting for baby. It’s endearing and so true! Just what you’d expect a little one to imagine when listening to grown-ups talking about a baby on the way. You will love this charming little book and sharing it with your kiddo will help prepare for the big day. Delightful and a joy to read; the illustrations are so adorable and appropriate.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, babies, baby, family, new baby, Outstanding titles, pumpkins, siblings, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * * Science Fair Winners: Crime Scene Science
Author: Karen Romano Young
Illustrator: David Goldin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 80 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (September 8, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426305214
ISBN-13: 978-1426305214
Book description: Crime Scene Science that puts you inside the head—and the toolbox—of modern-day experts in crime solving. Slip under the yellow crime-scene tape to conduct your own experiments: you’ll soon be detecting, inspecting, and connecting the dots of forensic science. Investigate rates of human decomposition; find out what makes fingerprints unique; identify handwriting traits; and discover the secrets of paper fiber analysis.
Each workshop includes suggestions on effective presentation at science fairs, taking experiments one step further, and using science vocabulary correctly. Talk the talk, and walk the walk, your crime scene is this way, Detective.
Book review: This is an invaluable resource for kids and parents. You’ll be inspired and enthused by the many easy to grasp ideas and principal–especially suitable for kids. Instead of the same old electrocuted hot dog, delve into the world of forensics and try new projects that stimulate interest and curiosity. A very hands on way to experience methods used to solve crimes.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name Y, criminology, Outstanding titles, science, science fair, Title C, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Sunday, October 22nd, 2006
 * * How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends?
Authors: Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press; Board edition (September 1, 2006)
ISBN: 043985654X
How do dinosaurs play with their friends? Well, there’s the naughty way, including pouting and moping and not sharing, and then there’s the right way including taking turns and letting others go first. Little ones can relate as the naughty dinosaurs learn to share and be nice to others. Very appealing to this age group AND parents. An excellent way to encourage young ones to play nicely with others.
Buy now on Amazon.com
Tags: Ages 0-4, Author last name Y, dinosaurs, friendship, Highly Recommended titles, kindergarten, manners, preschool, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
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