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Posts Tagged ‘Recommended titles’
Monday, August 30th, 2010
 + + + The Gobble Gobble Moooooo Tractor Book
Author: Jez Alborough
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (June 15, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279661
ISBN-13: 978-1935279662
Book description: While Farmer Dougal sleeps, Sheep and his friends board the tractor and take turns making engine sounds. But what if their loud honks, moos and squeaks wake the farmer!?
Book review: Giggle away with this one! Imagine right along with the animals as they play with the farmer’s tractor and have fun making all the different animal noises. A nice twist on the usual ‘animal sounds’ books. I got a real kick out of the animals begging to please play the game again with their little cheesy grins. This book is both fun and funny.
Tags: Ages 4-6, Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name A, farm, fun, funny, imagination, kindergarten, preschool, Recommended titles, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, August 30th, 2010
 + + + Market Day! Colors/Shapes/Opposites/Numbers [With Pop-up Market and Press-out Characters]
Authors: Victoria Roberts, Tomislav Zlatic
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 14 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (September 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279785
ISBN-13: 978-1935279785
Book(s) description: Come shopping in the brightest and busiest market you’ll ever find! Learn all about colors, shapes, opposites and numbers with the help of charming characters. Four books, 1 pop-up market and several press-out characters.
Book(s) review: Each little board book is a rhyming and colorful chance to practice colors, shapes, opposites and numbers with your child. These books will interest your toddler and begin his discovery. The press-out characters are for the older set (ages 3-4) and will delight children who fall in love with the characters. Makes a great tote-and-go collection, perfect for the car.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 9-12, Author last name R, Author last name Z, colors, kindergarten, numbers, opposites, preschool, Recommended titles, shapes, Title M
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, August 16th, 2010
 + + + Sunny Bunnies
Author: Margie Blumberg
Illustrator: June Goulding
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: MB Publishing, LLC; First edition (June 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0962416649
ISBN-13: 978-0962416644
Book description: Summer’s here and these two sunny bunnies can’t wait to dig their toes into the sandiest spot in Carrot Cake Park. There, with the big sister leading the way, they’ll build a castle, fly a kite and, of course, jump the waves! This endearing rhyming tale with its cheerful illustrations captures their day perfectly–from the moment they fling their flip-flops until, home again, they say good night . . . almost!
Book review: It’s not too late to enjoy this little summer gem. Word and illustration work together perfectly here to convey a fun day at the beach. Loved all the activities the bunnies engage in, including the last bit of fun before bedtime. A great seasonal read. A great family-fun book.
Tags: Ages 4-6, Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name B, beach, rabbits, Recommended titles, summer, Title S
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
 + + + Ten on The Sled
Author: Kim Norman
Illustrator: Liza Woodruff
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402770766
ISBN-13: 978-1402770760
Book description: In the land of the midnight sun, all the animals are having fun speeding down the hill on Caribou’s sled. But as they go faster and faster, Seal, Hare, Walrus, and the others all fall off…until just Caribou’s left, only and lonely. Now, a reindeer likes flying-but never alone, so…one through ten, all leap on again!
Book review: This one is lots of fun especially if you sing along (to the tune of “Ten on the Bed”). Each animal is a surprise as he hops, whirls, flips or bails out of the sled as it roars down the hill. This will appeal to the younger crowd obviously, but older kiddos will enjoy reading this to little siblings. Loved the illustrations and each character as he makes his way off the sled. You will, too.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name N, counting, kindergarten, preschool, Recommended titles, sing-a-long, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, August 6th, 2010
 + + + Still Sucks To Be Me
Author: Kimberly Pauley
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (May 11, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786955031
ISBN-13: 978-0786955039
Book description: With vampire boyfriend George and best friend Serena by her side, Mina thought she had her whole life—or rather afterlife—ahead of her. But then Mina’s parents drop a bomb. They’re moving. To Louisiana. And not somewhere cool like New Orleans, but some teeny, tiny town where cheerleaders and jocks rule the school. Mina has to fake her death, change her name, and leave everything behind, including George and Serena. Not even the Vampire Council’s shape-shifting classes can cheer her up. Then Serena shows up on Mina’s doorstep with some news that sends Mina reeling. Mina may look a lot better with fangs, but her afterlife isn’t any less complicated!
Book review: A great addition to the first novel. Mina’s a vampire now, but she still has problems from high school drama to love trouble, to a vampire cult. I loved the little vampire drawings at the top of each chapter as well as the believable characters. A nice read that I recommend to fans of the first book as well as those interested in vampires, love and high school stories.
- R.C., 16 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Author last name P, fantasy, high school, Recommended titles, romance, Title S, vampires
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, August 5th, 2010
 + + + There’s An Alien in My Toilet Bowl
Author: Samuel Vera
Paperback: 175 pages
Publisher: Crazee Comics (June 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615182828
ISBN-13: 978-0615182827
Book description: The most advanced, superior mind in the Universe is on a mission to Earth. His goal is to determine if we are a threat to his homeworld “Uranus”. Is Earth prepared for Captain Doodie or has he underestimated our simple race? He certainly never expected to meet Herman the chihuahua. Or the turtle, the squirrels, wolves, snakes, government operatives… Boy is he in for a wild ride…
Book review: So this is the first volume of a series. It’s not bad; it’s more of a book for those with a crude sense of humor. Not really my style, but I still found parts amusing and a couple actually made me laugh out loud. While I may not become a fan, I strongly suspect my two little brothers (ages 12 and 6) will love it.
- R.C., 16 yrs old
Tags: alien, Author last name V, boys, Crazee Comics, humor, Recommended titles, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, August 4th, 2010
 + + + Nocturne
Author: L.D. Harkrader
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (June 8, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786955023
ISBN-13: 978-0786955022
Book description: A romantic tale of vampires and magic from award-winning author L.D. Harkrader
Flanders Lane is tired of being protected by her Uncle Anatole. After years of studying magic in the back of his bookshop, she’s ready for an adventure of her own. Then one day, strange things start happening. A burglar breaks into the butcher’s shop, stealing nothing, but leaving the floors sparkling clean. Soon the seamstress’s apprentice vanishes on her way home, leaving behind only a shoe still laced at the top. And then worst of all, Uncle Anatole disappears. That night, a young vampire hunter named Pascoe knocks urgently on the bookshop door. Pascoe insists there is a vampire lurking in nearby Blakely Hall. Flanders looks deep into Pascoe’s gorgeous eyes and finds herself agreeing to help him. As Flanders tracks the vampire, her feelings for Pascoe grow until she stumbles upon a secret that turns everything she thought she knew about Pascoe–and herself–upside down.
Book review: Nocturne is a companion novel to A Practical Guide to Vampires and is a nice read for those interested in a story about realizing who you are and growing stronger mixed with magic, love and vampires. The story was a little predictable for me, but I did enjoy the characters and scenery in the story. Also, I love the title. It sounds cool. I’d recommend this book to someone wanting to go deeper into the world of A Practical Guide to Vampires It does have romance, but also some action and mystery. Give it a try.
- R.C., 16 yrs old
Tags: action, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, mystery, Recommended titles, romance, Title N, tween, vampires
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
 + + + Conspiracy 365 May
Author: Gabrielle Lord
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (May 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279548
ISBN-13: 978-1935279549
Book description: A fast-moving twelve-volume crime thriller series from a bestselling Australian author. On New Year’s Eve, Callum Ormond is chased down the street by a crazed man with a deadly warning: They killed your father. They’ll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days! Cal has hit rock bottom. He’s lost the only clues he had to the Ormond Singularity: the family secret that’s turned his life into a nightmare. And now, trapped in a high-security prison for the insane, he’s lost his identity too. Against all the odds, he must escape and carry on his father’s quest for the truth – but how? Nobody knows where he is, and no one can hear him scream. He has 235 days. His life is on the line …
Book review: Conspiracy 365 May is a great expansion to the 365 series. I felt that May wasn’t as fast-paced as the other months, but it definitely gives a lot more information on the Ormond riddle while adding to the mystery. A quick preview on what to expect: asylums, escapes, chases, a jet and a magpie. Sounds interesting, right?
- R.C., 16 yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name L, Conspiracy 365, mystery, Recommended titles, suspense, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, June 4th, 2010
 + + + Begin Smart: Pete’s Potty
Author: Begin Smart
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart; Brdbk edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618985
ISBN-13: 978-1934618981
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 + + + Begin Smart: Lily’s Potty
Author: Begin Smart
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 14 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart; Brdbk edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618993
ISBN-13: 978-1934618998
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Book description: The perennial topic of “the potty” is a welcome and essential addition to Begin Smart’s new Level 5 for children ages 2 to 3 years.
“Where’s my potty?
I have to poo and pee.
Is it under the bed?
Look and see.”
In each story, Lily and Pete search around the house to find their potty at potty-time. Colorful gatefolds throughout the books show how Pete and Lily learn to use their potties. One book for boys and one book for girls make potty-time perfect!
Book review: These little books get the topic of potty time started making what might be a scary new step for little ones quite ordinary. Great to have on hand when introducing the potty. Lets little ones get used to the idea without making a big fuss.
Tags: Ages 0-4, babies, baby, Begin Smart, potty training, pre-school, Recommended titles, Title B, Title L, Title P, toddler
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
 + + + Begin Smart: Counting Duckies
Author: Begin Smart
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 18 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart; Brdbk edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618950
ISBN-13: 978-1934618950
Book description: Here rubber duckies count 1 to 5 in a baby’s bathtub and have some fun along the way! Bold colors and rubber touch-and-feel elements will engage babies with hands-on learning.
Book review: A fun book for counting backwards. Your toddler will love reading it forward and backward. Your baby will like the colorful ducks and the whole idea of bath time and splashing around. The touch-and-feel elements, though, don’t stand out in this one as much as they do in other Begin Smart books, they’re hardly noticeable in comparison.
Tags: Ages 0-4, animals, Begin Smart, counting, ducks, preschool, Recommended titles, Title B, Title C, toddlers
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
 + + + April (Conspiracy 365)
Author: Gabrielle Lord
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (April 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193527953X
ISBN-13: 978-1935279532
Book review: Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with Conspiracy 365 April. More thrills, chills, and answers that give more questions. Yup. This book definitely gives more information about the Ormand Riddle, like a few clues from the riddle itself. This book has night chases through the woods, hospital visits, Winter drama, and, in my opinion, a scary cliff hanger at the end. (I don’t know how Cal’s going to get out of this one, but I’m glad I’m not him.) A must read for the thrill seekers already addicted to the series. If you haven’t started yet, pick up the first book; you’ll want to start at the beginning.
Review by R.C.;16 yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name L, Conspiracy 365, Recommended titles, suspense, teen, thriller, Title A, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
 + + + March (Conspiracy 365)
Author: Gabrielle Lord
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books (March 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0340996463
ISBN-13: 978-0340996461
Book description: On New Year’s Eve, Cal is chased down the street by a crazed man with a deadly warning: They killed your father. They’ll kill you. You must survive the next 365 days! Now everyone’s searching for Cal, the psycho kid who’s meant to have attacked his uncle and put his sister in a coma. He’s desperate to clear his name and protect his family, but he also has less than a year to solve an ancient family secret: the Ormond Singularity. And the closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his life becomes. He has 306 days. The threat is growing…
Book review: Okay, book three of the series. By now those who have read the first two know that to expect: suspense, mystery, betrayal, desperate situations, and cliffhangers at the end of every chapter, and that’s why we’re still reading. Cal’s still on the run, of course, running into new characters and finding more information on the mysterious pictures his dad left to him. If you enjoyed the first two, you’ll love this one as well. If you read the first two books, you’re going to read this one; after all, you want to know what happens next right?
Review by R.C.; 16 yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name L, Conspiracy 365, mystery, Recommended titles, suspense, teen, thriller, Title M. Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
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
 + + + Pork Chop
Author: David Edminister
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432753452
ISBN-13: 978-1432753450
Book description: Martial Arts Is Not For Chickens!
Porter P. Psnout’s favorite book was “The Three Little Pigs.” Unfortunately, he had frequent nightmares about the Big, Bad Wolf trying to “huff, puff, (and bluff)” his way into our hefty hero’s house for a little midnight “snack.” In his disgustingly disturbing dreams, he hid and cowered in the face of adversity. One fateful night, Porter awoke startled, and nearly frozen with fear, made himself a solemn oath to get into shape, enroll in Master Tusk’s Martial Arts Academy and to stop being a “chicken” once and for all! Did he finally succeed or succumb when he finally fully faced his fears?
Book review: A potentially popular prose for people who pine for alliteration. Kids in the 9-12 yr rage (and adults) will enjoy the humor in this. I would love to see it professionally illustrated to support such a unique story. Worthwhile to read for fun.
Tags: Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name E, funny, humor, pigs, Recommended titles, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, May 27th, 2010
 + + + Bailey’s Day
Author: Robert Haggerty
Illustrator: Bobbi Switzer
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 46 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (January 14, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432745506
ISBN-13: 978-1432745509
Book description: “Bailey’s Day” is a children’s book about a very energetic black and white pointer dog. After Bailey’s owner, a mailman, goes to work, she sets off for a day of many adventures. After hooking up with her wiener dog friend, Frankie, they go for a swim, romp through the park, and eat tacos with Pete, the taco man. The dogs have to be careful because Bailey’s owner could be driving by in his mail truck. Packed with many colorful illustrations and real photos of Bailey.
Book review: Younger kiddos (ages 3-5) will enjoy this one. Bailey is energetic and gets into a lot of mischief and will please this younger audience. The added real life photos of bailey make the book even more endearing and will thrill little ones. A great book to encourage young readers.
Tags: adventure, Ages 4-8, Author last name H, dogs, mischief, Recommended titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + Two Moon Princess
Author: Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 324 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (June 16, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718277
ISBN-13: 978-1933718279
Book Description: Andrea is a princess who does not enjoy being one. She dreams of being a knight but she is forced to learn to be a lady like her older sisters. Her life is filled with talk of succession, marriage, and spite and kindness from her sisters. Just when her country is on the brink of war, Andrea stumbles upon an alternative world where she learns strange new things. A world called Earth. Andrea is forced to make decisions that will either save or doom her world, not to mention ours.
Book Review: This book gives you an interesting perspective on what Earth looks like to an outsider and how we sometimes take things for granted. Andrea is a headstrong and curious young lady who keeps the story moving forward.
-Review by N.C., 16-yrs old
Tags: adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name F, fantasy, girls, Recommended titles, Title T
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + The Chicken Thief
Author: Beatrice Rodriguez
Reading level: Ages 4-8, 6-10
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (May 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592700926
ISBN-13: 978-1592700929
Book description: In this wordless story that is both funny and sweet, a fox steals a hen away from her home. Bear, rabbit, and rooster give chase, but in a twist on the usual children’s story, this fox is not a villain. Rather, he tenderly holds hen as he runs into the night.
Book review: Sweet. Funny. A love story. The Chicken Thief will get your little reader thinking about story and details and encourage a new story each read.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, animals, Author last name R, friendship, humor, love, Recommended titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 24th, 2010
 + + + Girl in The Know – Your Inside and Outside Guide to Growing Up
Author: Anne Katz, R.N., Ph.D.
Illustrator: Monika Melnychuk
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 112 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533031
ISBN-13: 978-1554533039
Book description: With a relaxed, conversational approach, Girl in the Know is a straight-talking little manual packed with everything a girl should know about the many changes she can expect in puberty and how to make her way through it all as smoothly as possible.
But there’s way more than just the body basics the book is divided into three main sections (Your Body, Your Mind and Taking Care) where girls will find advice on their sexuality, mood swings, crushes, health and much more.
Book review: This book presents itself as informational and does a great job of covering most of the basics of puberty and adolsecence in a matter-of-fact way. It is a secular viewpoint, so a word of caution: In the Your Body section same-sex attraction and masturbation are touched upon and may not reflect all parental views. Though these are very minor parts of one section of the book, some parents may want a heads up.
What’s missing? While periods and symptoms are discussed, nothing whatsoever is said about the signs of fertility which a girl may also wonder about and want information on as she experiences them.
The section on Your Mind is particularly good and hits on the topics of friends and bullying as well as balancing your life with rest and relaxation, creating a well-balanced life. The Section on Taking Care does a great job covering nutrition, exercise and hygiene.
All-in-all this a great book that would make an excellent part of a kit/basket that some mothers like to make up for their daughters welcoming them to womanhood. (Kits can include hygiene products, pampering items like lotion and body scrub and CHOCOLATE!)
Tags: adolescence, Ages 9-12, Author last name K, girls, health, hygiene, puberty, Recommended titles, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
 + + + Where is Love?
Author: Laura Nadler Scott
Illustrator: Marguerite Massa
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936172070
ISBN-13: 978-1936172078
Book description: Where is love? Leni Lovebird desperately wants to learn from her fellow forest dwellers so she can create a love song of her very own. But Leni just can’t seem to find love where others do.
Should she take the advice of a busy mole, an old owl, a lolling turtle or a plump bee? Fly alongside Leni as she journeys far from Mother bird in search of love, only to discover she has traveled a delicate circle home.
Book review: The narration and illustrations work together like poetry giving this lyrical tale real life. It’s not an unfamiliar story, and the moral is “There’s no place like home,” but each critter Leni encounters draws both Leni and the reader closer to this truism and warms the heart. A great book to read while cuddled up with your little one.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name S, family, love, Recommended titles, Title W
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
 + + + The Magical Leaping Lizard Potion
Author: Marsha Cook
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 42 pages
Publisher: Fideli Publishing, Inc.; 1st edition (April 2, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604141352
ISBN-13: 978-1604141351
Book description: This is a whimsical story about thirteen junior witches who must pass a test of true bravery before they venture out into the world as full-fledged witches. It includes color illustrations. A donation will be made to the LYNN SAGE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION with every book purchase.
Book review: I just love Isabella Pimpinella and hope to read more of her adventures! This book will appeal especially to girls in the 4-8 year range. As pretty as Barbie and as clever as Sabrina, Isabella will soon be able to fly and be a full-fledged witch.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, fun, girls, magic, Recommended titles, Title M, witches
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, May 10th, 2010
 + + + The Busy Bus
Author: Marsha Cook
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 59 pages
Publisher: Cronos Press, an Imprint of Fideli Publishing Inc.; 1st edition (October 21, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1604140631
ISBN-13: 978-1604140637
Book description: The Busy Bus by Marsha Cook is a delightful collection of poems. The poems are witty with great illustrations making it a fun book to read. This book is sure to bring smiles and giggles to young children especially when read out loud in a classroom or library. Not only is this amusing but it gently speaks of relationships with siblings & other social issues facing children. Make room for it on your library shelf. A portion of the royalties go to the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.
Book review: Silly, sassy, funny, clever, cute. I found more than a few of these poems became personal favorites: “The Brat,” “Don’t You Hate it When it’s Time For Bed?” and “Big Fat Pricilla the Cat.” A perfect way to introduce children to rhyme and get them thinking up their own silly fun.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, humor, poetry, Recommended titles, Title B
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + Andy and Sam Hide-and-Seek
Author: Liesbet Slegers
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279351
ISBN-13: 978-1935279358
Book description: An engaging seek and find book for young children – each colorful spread asks simple questions: Where is the rabbit? Who is living in the apple? How many elephants are there in the zoo?
Book review: A colorful first seek-and-find for little ones. Totally engages the little mind and starts them seeking details in each illustration, helping them develop skills that will make them solid readers. Great for long car or plane trips. Especially perfect for young lovers of cats, as there is a hidden cat in each picture.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Author last name S, cats, fun, hide-and-seek, Recommended titles, search and find, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 + + + The Adventures of Cosmic Gorf
Author/illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, November 2008
Ages: 6-10
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: In a far off Galaxy, on the planet Krystalia, a daring student of the Academy convinces the heir to the kingdom; Princess Reyna to embark on the adventure of their lives. They never anticipated the danger ahead nor the company of young Doodarius from the planet Uranus. Get ready to join them on a wild ride of fun and adventure.
Book review: Another fun and hilarious adventure from Samuel Vera. Doodie fans will love The Adventures of Cosmic Gorf. These little comics are easy to read, hooking the reader with gag after gag.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name V, comic book, Crazee Comics, graphic novel, humor, Recommended titles, silly, Title A, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
 + + + The OoGoolie BooGoolie’s
Author/illustrator: Samuel Vera
Publisher: Crazee Comics, November 2008
Ages: 6-10
http://www.crazeecomics.com
Book description: Remember when you were a kid and you heard about all of those things that go bump in the night? Well, for this one boy it all comes true. Journey into a spooky tale of monsters in the closet, under the bed, in the bathroom and more. This nursery rhyme is sure to give you goose bumps.
Book review: Silly and just as fun as Vera’s other creations! Reminds me somewhat of Shel Silverstein’s work. Those who enjoyed Doodie’s Adventures will enjoy The OoGoolie BooGoolie’s.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Author last name V, comic book, Crazee Comics, graphic novel, humor, Recommended titles, scary, silly, Title O
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
 + + + Bushfire Rescue
Author: Justin D’ath
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 121 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279335
ISBN-13: 978-1935279334
Book description: It’s the holidays and Sam Fox has gone to the high country to stay with his grandparents. While trying to stop cattle rustlers from stealing a stud bull, an injured Sam is isolated in the mountains during a horrific bushfire. To survive, he must rely on his courage; ingenuity, and the help of Chainsaw – a mad old rodeo bull!
Book review: Bushfire Rescue is the second book in the Extreme Adventures series, and is well, another extreme adventure for young Sam Fox.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: The story is like a snowball rolling down a hill, it keeps getting faster and faster. The setting is diverse and well done.
Character(s): Sam is back along with some new characters, mainly animals. I grew attached to Sam’s horse, Susie, but there’s also an ex-rodeo bull, wild horses, kangaoroos, and a series of birds.
Events/Plot: The plot is intense and the action doesn’t end until the book does. From falls to landslides to bushfires, it’ll be a miracle if Sam lives to be thirty.
Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: The story is unique and as good as the first book. I would recommend this book to Extreme Adventures fans and anyone who wants an hour of action.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, Extreme Adventures, Recommended titles, survival stories, Title B, Title E
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