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Posts Tagged ‘Highly Recommended titles’
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
 + + + + I See The Sun in China
Author: Dedie King
Illustrator: Judith Inglese
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Satya House Publications; First edition (October 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981872050
ISBN-13: 978-0981872056
Book description: I See the Sun in China follows a young child as she travels from a small town to the city of Shanghai, portraying the events that take place from dawn until night over the course of that one day. The story is very simple, yet designed to give an insight into the culture of China from a child’s perspective. The unspoken message of this book is the movement from the old to the new, while still maintaining some connections with the past. It depicts some of the many choices available in China today, and the drive to be successful in a modern world.
Written in both English and Mandarin Chinese, I See the Sun in China is beautifully illustrated with warm, engaging collages made from photographs, paper cut-outs, and drawings. As with the other books in the I See the Sun series, children will be able to recognize the similarities as well as the differences between their own culture and the culture of modern China.
Book review: Beautifully illustrated and realistic, this book is perfectly portioned giving readers a broad taste of old and modern China. I loved the child’s perspective and reflection about day and her own future. Young readers will find this book new, interesting and yet very identifiable. A great taste of China! Parents and homeschoolers – this is a great book/series to add to your collection.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name K, China, countries, culture, Highly Recommended titles, Title I Ages 4-8
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, August 30th, 2010
 + + + + The Tooth
Author: Avi Slodovnick
Illustrator: Manon Gauthier
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Library Binding: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (September 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279726
ISBN-13: 978-1935279723
Book description: Marissa loves candy–maybe a little too much. When she wakes up with a toothache, her mother takes her to the dentist. And so begins a day that Marissa will never forget.
It’s a trip-to-the-dentist story about so much more than brushing your teeth.
Book review: This is an eye-opening book that grabs the reader by the heart. I love the perspective and the natural way something as serious as homelessness is slipped into an otherwise standard trip-to-the-dentist story. But you never feel like the author couldn’t choose her subject. From the point of view of little Marissa, we see what’s really important. This book could start a dialogue between you and your young child about the less fortunate and how to help. I found this book to be a pleasant and refreshing surprise that can pack a wallop of a reminder for grown-ups about what is most important. You’ll love the artwork, how the crowd is painted in drab gray and the homeless man is in color (when usually we see the world the opposite way, with the homeless almost invisible). I highly recommend this one.
Tags: Ages 4-6, Ages 4-8, Author last name S, charity, dentist, Highly Recommended titles, homelessness, people, society, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
 + + + + + 1+1=5: and Other Unlikely Additions
Author: David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Brenda Sexton
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sterling (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402759959
ISBN-13: 978-1402759956
Book description: How much is 1+1? Think the answer is 2? Not always, as this playful approach to addition proves! David LaRochelle takes children on a joyful mathematical journey that will engage their minds and teach them to think about numbers in a creative, outside-the-box way.
Brenda Sexton’s wild and wacky illustrations add layers of witty fun to LaRochelle’s clever game.
These wacky equations don’t add up…or DO THEY?
1 goat + 1 unicorn = 3 horns!
1 set of triplets + 1 set of twins = 5 babies!
1 duet + 1 quartet = 6 musicians!
1 ant + 1 spider = 14 legs!
1 century + 1 decade = 110 years!
Book review: Absolutely unique and a hit with my finicky second grade reader (he’s very suspicious of picture books; they can be too babyish). At first he snorted with disdain. 1+1=5?? But the title and cover intrigued him and he started to read. Then he got hooked. He says it’s very, very, very, very good! I say it’s very clever and fun and a perfectly fresh idea that’s a welcome read.
Tags: Ages 4-8, amusing, animals, Author last name R, clever, fun, Highly Recommended titles, math, Title 1
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, August 9th, 2010
 + + + + Little Chimp’s Big Day
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Illustrator: Lisa McCue
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Sterling (September 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402749678
ISBN-13: 978-1402749674
Book description:
In the jungle, in a tree
Sits a little chimpanzee.
Mother said she’d be right back
But now the branch snaps with a crack…
And in a SNAP, Little Chimp is off on a big adventure-taking a watery ride atop a hippo, swinging on vines, and munching bunches of bananas. But as he goes bumping, jumping, and racing across the jungle, he never stops wondering: “Where could Mother be?” Little Chimp may not know, but sharp-eyed kids will see that mommy has an eye on him all the time!
Book review: Loved this cozy tale. Little Chimp has the freedom to explore and have fun, but mom is always close by to make sure all is well. Your little one will be thrilled to search and find Mother Chimp in the background and he’ll have lots of fun discovering the jungle with Little Chimp. Colorful and packed with detail it will pique your kiddo’s curiosity and easily become a favorite.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Aithor last name S, animals, hide-and-seek, Highly Recommended titles, kindergarten, monkeys, preschool, Title L
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, August 6th, 2010
 THIS IS A LIBRARY ALERT! THIS BOOK MAY ALREADY BE IN YOUR LIBRARY!
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+ + + + Grizzly Dad
Author: Joanna Harrison
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: David Fickling Books (May 12, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385751737
ISBN-13: 978-0385751735
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Book description: Everyone knows that sometimes dads can be grumpy and grouchy and grizzly. . . .
Dad woke up in a grizzly mood. All morning he groaned and grizzled and grumped. And then he went back to bed! But when I pulled back the covers to see how he was, it wasn’t Dad in bed at all . . . it was a GREAT BIG GRIZZLY BEAR! I should have been frightened but the grumpy look on his face reminded me of someone. . . .
This is the story of how one little boy looks after a very grizzly bear for the day. He brushes his fur (and his smelly teeth!), lets him forage in the fridge, and then they zoom into town in a bright red sports car for the best day out ever! At home they have honey sandwiches and a big bear hug, and when Mum gets home, everything is back to normal. Or is it?
Book review: EXCELLENT. This book shows the fun side of even the grumpiest dad. Loved the humorous illustrations depicting a busy family household and a dad that can get on his hands and knees and play with his kiddo. Fun and imaginative. Loved the look on Dad’s face when he turns into an actual bear. Grown-ups will enjoy this one as much as the kids.
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Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name H, bears, family, fun, Highly Recommended titles, humor, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
 + + + + Monster Slayers
Author: Lukas Ritter
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (May 11, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786954841
ISBN-13: 978-0786954841
Book description: When vicious, dog-headed gnolls kidnap everyone living in the small village of Hesiod, only Evin and his fighter friend Jorick manage to escape. With help from an ancient guidebook of magical beasts called A Practical Guide to Monsters, the two boys and a new friend–elf wizard Betilivatis–must trek through ancient ruins and face one menacing monster after another in order save their families.
But Evin soon realizes that not everything is as it seems. Someone–or something–has taken leadership of the gnolls and has dangerous plans for the kidnapped villagers. Betilivatis often disappears mysteriously and has strange conversations with someone only she can see. And Evin is having unusual dreams of a place he’s never been, a place that feels more and more real with each passing day.
Book review: Monster Slayers started out as a comfortable adventure story: two young heroes that have to rescue their village; monsters; an elf. Halfway through, though, there’s a twist and after reading it I couldn’t put the book down. It was great. So while it may start off as a seemingly ordinary adventure story, Monster Slayers definitely has some surprises. I would recommend Monster Slayers to anyone who likes a good fantasy adventure or is a fan of its companion, A Practical Guide to Monsters.
- R.C., 16 yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name R, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, monsters, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
 + + + + Cassandra Gets Her Smile Back
Author: Sherri Alpert, DDS
Illustrator: Tea Seroya
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: New Horizon Press (June 22, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0882823140
ISBN-13: 978-0882823140
Book description: Cassandra loves to smile. Unfortuately Cassandra also loves to eat candy, but doesn’t love to brush her teeth. One day, Cassandra discovers ugly brown spots on her teeth. No matter how much she brushes, the ugly spots will not go away. Her mother tells her she has to go to the dentist to have her teeth cleaned and x-rayed. However Cassandra is afraid to go to the dentist — what will the dentist do?
Book review: What a great introduction to the dentist! Cassandra Gets Her Smile Back takes children step by step through the process at the dentist’s without speaking down to them while calming their fears and empowering them with information. This will really help kids learn the importance of keeping their teeth clean as well as what role the dentist plays. Definitely a book you’ll want in your library at home.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name A, dentist, health, Highly Recommended titles, hygiene, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
 + + + + Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows
Author: Cindy Jett, MSW
Illustrator: Kathy Voerg
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: New Horizon Press (June 22, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0882823167
ISBN-13: 978-0882823164
Book description: Harry loves everything about his caterpillar life: crawling up trees, eating leaves, playing with his caterpillar friends, and participating in the Caterpillar Games each Friday. He even enjoys going to caterpillar school where his teacher, a beautiful butterfly named Ms. Betty, teaches about the best leaves to eat. Then one day, Ms. Betty teaches a lesson called “How to Build a Cocoon,” where she tells her caterpillar students about building cocoons and turning into butterflies. Harry cannot believe that he has to give up the life he loves as a caterpillar to become a butterfly. Harry decides he won’t grow up — he wants to stay the same. Harry’s friends, however, teach him that change is a good and promising part of life. Harry’s endearing, colorfully illustrated story helps children not to fear change and highlights the positive aspects of growth in our rapidly changing world.
Book review: What I love most about Harry The Happy Caterpillar Grows is that it doesn’t speak down to children. In a very open and forthright manner this little story makes change appealing and gives children an expression for their fears and anxieties and possibly an opportunity to talk with the loving adults in their life about changes they face. Either way, it’s a great story that will help children internalize the good things about change and feel a whole lot better.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name J, change, feelings, growing up, Highly Recommended titles, Title H
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
 + + + + Begin Smart: What Shapes Do You See?
Author: Begin Smart
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart; Brdbk edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618969
ISBN-13: 978-1934618967
Book description: “This is a triangle. It has three sides. What is shaped like a triangle?”
Full-color photography featuring clever and playful die-cuts place everyday shapes and colors in the child’s world. Squares, circles, triangles and rectangles are revealed in street signs, buttons, sailboats and many more objects.
Book review: What fun! Fascinating for little ones as they recognize familiar everyday objects and their shapes. Flip-out pages make this and even more interesting discovery.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Begin Smart, Highly Recommended titles, preschool, shapes, Title B, Title W, todller
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + Moon Bear
Author: Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrator: Ed Young
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (May 11, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0805089772
ISBN-13: 978-0805089776
Book description: Moon bears, or Asiatic black bears, are becoming increasingly rare in the wild. They have distinctive blazes that resemble the crescent moon. The bears are seldom seen but leave footprints, claw marks, hair and bear nests high in trees. These traces provide clues about their lives in th emountains andvalleysof Southeast Asia.
Follow one moon bear in the wild as she eats, plays, hibernates, and wakes up again in the spring.
See some photos of real moon bears at the back of th ebook!
Book review: How could you not fall in love with the moon bear after reading this book? Ed Young’s illustrations (collages) are magnificent and Brenda Guiberson’s prose perks young readers curiosity as she asks questions about the moon bear’s habits and habitat. Find out all about the moon bear and his life through the seasons–fascinating!
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name G, bears, conservation, Highly Recommended titles, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + The Fantastic Adventures of Baron Munchausen
Author: Heinz Janish
Illustrator: Aljoscha Blau
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books; Tra edition (May 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592700918
ISBN-13: 978-1592700912
Book description: Munchausen is the father of all fantastic liars, and as such, he is part magician and entertainer and part scoundrel—but a charming one, of course! Here, in simple language, Heinz Janisch retells the best-known Munchausen stories with humor and playfulness, making for a lighter and more whimsical presentation than usual. These retellings are mixed with never-before-heard adventures that were supposedly found only recently among the long-lost possessions of the well-known Baron of Lies. Could it be that new Munchausen material only recently came to light? Or might Janisch be playing with us, weaving more magic and mischief into Munchausen as he goes along, compounding the tallness of these already tall tales? Only Janisch knows for sure, but it hardly matters, given the thrill and pleasure of the stories he has to relate. Aljoscha Blau illustrates Munchausen’s fabulous journeys and exciting adventures with gorgeous imaginative pictures that are sure to entrance both children and adults.
Book review: I don’t know what I love more, the tall tales or the wonderful illustrations that make them seem quite possible! Each little tale makes for a smile, and maybe a giggle or two, and the whole collection is perfect for a cozy afternoon. Makes a handsome gift.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name J, fairytale, Highly Recommended titles, story collection, 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 |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + I Love Words
Author: Francoize Boucher
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (March 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279483
ISBN-13: 978-1935279488
Book description: This amazing book will have you playing with words and inventing new ones. You’ll turn yourself into a spelling super hero, build your own bookstore and even make a talking cake! Then there are the poems to write, the word-riddles and secret codes to solve, the expressions to learn…you’ll be so busy you won’t even have time to copy and send the love letters!
Book review: Love this book! Perfect for igniting the imagination of your child and sparking a passion for writing. I’m saving this book for home school fun and rainy days. There are enough activities in his book to last a long while.
Tags: activity book, Ages 9-12, Author last name B, Highly Recommended titles, home school, language, Title I, words
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + Evolution: How We and All Living Things Came To Be
Author: Daniel Loxton
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 56 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534305
ISBN-13: 978-1554534302
Book description: Evolution is the process that created the terrible teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex and the complex human brain, clever enough to understand the workings of nature. Young readers will learn how a British naturalist named Charles Darwin studied nature and developed his now-famous concepts of natural selection and survival of the fittest. And how modern-day science has added to our understanding of the theory of evolution.
Can something as complex and wondrous as the natural world be explained by a simple theory? The answer is yes, and now Evolution explains how in a way that makes it easy to understand.
Book review: Breaking it all down in an easy to read conversational format with illustrations that clarify makes understanding the theory of evolution simple in this awesome guide! Children ages 9-12 will be able to grasp the theory and young adults will appreciate the format as well. Even adults can sink their teeth into this book and refresh themselves on the topic. Highly recommended for the home library.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, animals, evolution, Highly Recommended titles, science, Title E. Author last name L
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + +The Yellow Hummer
Author: Ivet Graham-Morgan
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 34 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 11, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432747843
ISBN-13: 978-1432747848
Book description: A broken Christmas, a saddened child and a heartbroken grandmother are the elements of this touching story for beginning readers which shows that people are always more important than things.
Book review: An excellent message for the holidays. You’ll find this little gem a welcome respite amidst the glitter, glamor and greed that sometimes overwhelms at Christmas. Brings the real meaning of love and family right back to the forefront. Well done!
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, Author last name G, Christian, Christmas, family, family values, Highly Recommended titles, holidays, love, Title Y
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + +Donner The Western Dragon
Author: Suzanne Davis Marion
Illustrator: Marj Hales
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (November 27, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439252041
ISBN-13: 978-1439252048
Book description: Donner the Western Dragon lived in a cold northern forest with his parents, brother and sister, and several other dragon families. Western dragons were noted for their warlike and fierce demeanor. The young dragons spent much of their spare time in rough-and-tumble games, snorting fire at one another, wrestling and fighting. While all the other young dragons were tumbling about and breathing fire all over the grass, flowers and trees, Donner much preferred romping and playing with his best friend, Una. Everyone found it strange that Una should be Donner’s best friend, as Una was a unicorn, an animal noted for its gentle disposition. Donner’s father and the other dragons mocked Donner for his quiet demeanor. They accused him of behaving like a peaceful Eastern dragon. He was an embarrassment to them. In an unexpected twist of fate, Donner’s unique personality and talents enabled him to intervene in a frightening situation, and become a hero, appreciated and commended by all.
Book review: Suzanne Davis Marion doesn’t talk down to her readers and I really loved that about her story. Donner The Western Dragon weaves magic both in text and in beautiful detailed illustration and enchants readers right into the story. You simply MUST find out what happens next. I recommend this book especially for advanced young readers/listeners who relish a more sophisticated story. You won’t be disappointed with Donner The Western Dragon.
Tags: adventure, Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name M, dragons, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title D
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + + Red, White & Awesome!
Author: Angie Lewtschuk
Illustrator: Markus Lewtschuk
Second Edition
Language(s): ENG
40 pages
Published by Angie & Markus Lewtschuk on April 7th, 2010
Available Formats: 8.5″x11″ color hardcover
Book description: Take a patriotic journey through the great American experience with Uncle Sam as your guide. With great enthusiasm, Sam explains why the United States of America is so Red, White, and Awesome!
Book review: An excellent book for younger kiddos that will surely fire up enthusiasm for our country. Reminds me of patriotism when I was a kid in school back in the early seventies. Kids were proud of their country and I would love to see kids fired up again like that–this book can be part of that. This is a great book for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veteran’s day. Will help children begin to develop an understanding and appreciation for their country. I look forward to using this book with home school curriculum.
Tags: 4th of July, Ages 4-8, American history, Author last name L, Highly Recommended titles, patriotism, Title R, United States
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + Define Normal
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (May 7, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316734896
ISBN-13: 978-0316734899
Book Description: Antonia is asked by her school council to peer council a fellow student with a not so bright past. As Antonia gets more and more frustrated trying to help out Jazz she learns she may need some help with her own life as her sick mother becomes more and more distant and Antonia is burdened with running the house and taking care of her younger brother. Jazz and Antonia need each other more than they think.
Book Review: This book is well written and entertaining. I can see why it was a national book award finalist. Define “Normal” is a hard book to put down and it makes you put your own life in perspective. The dialog and suspense will move you forward and the plot twists will make you love the book more.
-Review by N.C., 16-yrs old
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name P, Highly Recommended titles, life, teen, Title D, tween
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + The Healing Wars: Book I: The Shifter
Author: Janice Hardy
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray; 1 edition (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061747041
ISBN-13: 978-0061747045
Book Description: This story takes place in a world where pain can be shifted out of a body and placed into a stone. The people who have the power to shift pain from humans to the magical stones are revered by society. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Nya can take the pain out of humans but she is unable to transfer the pain to the stones like her sister, Tali. If it is discovered that Nya has a flawed talent she can be used as a human weapon against her people. When Tali is kidnapped, Nya must risk everything she has to save her sister and her people.
Book Review: The Shifter is fast paced with suspense, adventure, betrayal, and possibilities. The Shifter is engaging story that leaves you wanting more. Luckily this book has all the possibilities for a sequel, so keep you fingers crossed.
-Review by N.C., 16-yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title H, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + Willow’s Whispers
Author: Lana Button
Illustrator: Tania Howells
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554532809
ISBN-13: 978-1554532803
Book description: When Willow speaks, her words slip out as soft and shy as a secret. At school, her barely audible whisper causes her no end of troubles. But Willow is as resourceful as she is quiet, and she fashions a magic microphone from items she finds in the recycling bin.
But Willow’s clever invention is only a temporary solution. How will this quiet little girl make herself heard?
Book review: Wonderfully done! Both text and drawing style show what it’s like for Willow to whisper and go unnoticed. This book will help your quiet little one find his/her voice. Can’t think of a better book to support a child that is struggling with shyness.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name B, Highly Recommended titles, language, school, shyness, Title W
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + + Dinosaurs on the Move: Movable Paper Figures to Cut Color, and Assemble
Author: Cathy Diez-Luckie
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Figures In Motion; 1st edition (April 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981856616
ISBN-13: 978-0981856612
Book description: Educators and parents introduce the wonder of natural history and inspire a love of paleontology (ages 6-12) with this creative learning tool, featuring easy-to-assemble dinosaurs in pre-colored and colorable versions. Now children can make movable dinosaur action figures! Move their jaws, clash their teeth, make their powerful legs run, as children act out their own dinosaur battles. Includes Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, plus dinosaur facts for hours of creative play.
Book review: Had this book been around when my daughters were avid dinosaur enthusiasts it would have been a must buy in this house. Get your dino-lover engaged with hands on movable action-figures. Takes the boring out of a rainy day. Adds a breath of fresh air to a thematic unit for school or home school. The pages are thick enough to provide durable dinos. Lots of fun!
Tags: action figures, Ages 6-8, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, cut-outs, dinosaurs, fun, Highly Recommended titles, Title D
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
 + + + + Forget-Her-Nots
Author: Amy Brecount White
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (March 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 006167298X
ISBN-13: 978-0061672989
Book description: Something–some power–is blooming inside Laurel. She can use flowers to do things. Like bringing back lost memories. Or helping friends ace tests. Or making people fall in love.
Laurel suspects her new found ability has something to do with an ancient family secret, one that her mother meant to share with laurel when the time was right. But then time ran out.
Clues and signs and secret messages seem to be all around Laurel at Avondale School, where her mother had also boarded as a student. Can Laurel piece everything together quickly enough to control her power, which is growing more potent every day? Or will she set the stage for the most lovestruck, infamous prom in the history of the school.
Book review: I thought this was a highly original idea for a story, filled with interesting flower trivia as well as mystery and romance. The entire flower description and translation was engaging and really held my attention as well as did the believable characters that any young adult can relate to. Will there be a sequel? I hope so.
- R.C., 16 yrs old
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Author last name W, fantasy, flowers, Highly Recommended titles, mystery, romance, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
 + + + + Ortega
Author: Maureen Fergus
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534747
ISBN-13: 978-1554534746
Book description: With a thick finger he slowly traced the path of a stray raindrop that had landed near the corner of his eye and trickled down his cheek. And he thought to himself that it was probably a very good thing that gorillas didn t know how to cry.
Raised in a laboratory, Ortega might seem nearly human to his scientist-caregivers, but to the children at his new school, a talking gorilla is nothing but a freak. Unless he wants to spend the rest of his life locked in a cage, however, Ortega is going to have to change people s minds.
More than a comic-adventure novel, Ortega asks the reader to reflect upon the limits of science, imagine how it feels to be profoundly different from those around you and, most of all, consider what it really means to be human.
Book review: I thought this was a really interesting story because it makes you think about animals and humans and how similar they are. This is a very believable story with excellent character development. I was both amused and brought to tears–an excellent unforgettable story that really makes you think long after the turn of the last page.
- R.C., 16 yrs old
Tags: Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name F, Highly Recommended titles, science, Title O
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + Is There a Monster Over There?
Author/Illustrator: Sally O. Lee
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (February 13, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450531024
ISBN-13: 978-1450531023
Book description: Mabel and her cat Tiffany are afraid of monsters. Mabel thinks they are hiding under her bed or in her closet. One day she decides to face the monster and she learns an important lesson about overcoming fears.
Book review: The illustrations perfectly match the mood of the story, evolving from scary to imaginatively playful as Mabel overcomes her fear of monsters. What a great story for young readers who are afraid of the dark; a really non-threatening way of facing those scary beasties and making friends with them.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, Author last name L, bedtime, bedtime story, Highly Recommended titles, monsters, scary, Title I
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + The Best Family in the World
Author: Susana Lopez
Illustrator: Ulises Wensell
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 28 pages
Publisher: Kane Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279475
ISBN-13: 978-1935279471
Book description: Carlota is being adopted tomorrow! As she anxiously waits for her new family, she wonders what they’ll be like. She imagines all kinds of wonderful families…astronauts, pastry chefs, even pirates! How nice to find out that they are all that and more…the best family in the world.
Book description: This is a great read. Carlota’s every dream of the perfect family builds anticipation and prepares her and the reader for the happy ending – a forever family. Just the right book to prepare a child waiting to be adopted.
Tags: adoption, Ages 4-8, Author last name L, family, Highly Recommended titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
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