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Posts Tagged ‘Title A’
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 |
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
 + + + + + A Most Vivid Day!
Author: Justin Young
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Dream Character, Inc. (May 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0978541812
ISBN-13: 978-0978541811
Book description: Living in a world of darkness and knowing only shades of black and gray, Tommy the bat stays up a bit too late one day and is greeted by the sunrise—astonishing him with a world of beautiful, vivid colors. He embarks on a quest to find color of his own, having to overcome initially distrustful animals, looming storm clouds filled with rain, and an absent-minded sun in order to keep the world awash in magnificent hues. Tommy’s tale, full of imagination and color, provides a new and fascinating perspective on the world people see every day.
Book review: Oh, goodness. If you don’t fall in love with this story, then your imagination is severely anemic! Beautiful watercolors illustrate this gem, magically evoking the purest of imagination. This is the kind of book that makes a child fall in love with reading. Justin Young captures fantasy and creatively paints the world with word and brush just as a child might imagine it. I absolutely LOVED the sun and moon characters and the whole concept of them painting the world in vivid color (the sun) and dreary shades of black and gray (the moon). Can’t say enough about this book–BUY IT, BORROW IT–just get your hands on a copy!!
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name A, color, fantasy, imagination, Outstanding titles, Title A
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 |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + + A Paddling of Ducks: Animals in Groups from A to Z
Author: Marjorie Blain Parker
Illustrator: Joseph Kelly
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155337682X
ISBN-13: 978-1553376828
Book description: Featuring groups of animals from an army of ants to a herd of zebras, this book takes young children on a wildly imaginative tour through a zany animal kingdom. Each group of animals is described using a collective noun (for example, a skulk of foxes, a nest of vipers, a labor of moles). Joseph Kelly s richly detailed illustrations show animals engaged in gently surreal play on a summer day in various park-like settings. Young readers will revel in the visual jokes and puns on every page.
Book review: LOVED this book. The illustrations are superb, fun and very appealing. Reading this with your little one is a real visual treat as you run through the alphabet of animals and take in their silly fun on each page. Definitely an ABC book worth buying and adding to your home library. Will be a favorite for years to come.
Tags: abc, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, alphabet, animals, Author last name P, humor, Outstanding titles, 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 |
Friday, December 18th, 2009
 * An African Tale
Author: Enna Neru
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (June 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432723480
ISBN-13: 978-1432723484
Book description: Africa, the land of extremes, drought, floods, beauty, devastation, vibrant life and miserable death. Into this land are born two children with a shared destiny and two very different backgrounds. One from a rural village in the Okavango Delta Botswana, with mud huts, no electricity and no mod cons. The other from Gaborone the capital city with all its westernizations of cell phones, TV’s, cars etc.
They are descended from Ledimo a semi god who for centuries was immortal and controlled the weather. However as we enter into the modern age his power slowly starts to fade and he becomes mortal. The power is still there though contained in a simple stone in the shape of a tornado looking very much like a diamond. It has been decreed that there will be two children born at the same time who will be able to harness the power of the stone but only if they are in agreement with each other.
Water is becoming an issue and there are powerful forces at work to control this resource.
We meet talking geckos, friendly snakes, flying donkeys and a host of other creatures as we travel from the beginning of human time to the present day.
Book review: Unique! This story has a fairytale feel to it complete with a talking gecko. This also seems to be the first in a series and if so, I look forward to reading more! – R.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: Africa, Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, Author last name N, fairytale, Recommended titles, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
 * The Astonishing Journey of Teddy Bodain
Author: Melissa Forney
Illustrator: Dave Olson
Hardcover
Publisher: Buttery Moon Multimedia, Inc. (2009)
ISBN-10: 0979009456
ISBN-13: 978-0979009457′
Book description: Told through 130 letters to her best friend, Martha, each of which includes memorable characters and original, historically accurate illustrations, The Astonishing Journey of Teddy Bodain is an engaging, adventure-filled novel for the intermediate reader. A classic-in-the-making, Teddy’s story takes her through the ravages of a yellow fever outbreak, to the Ringling Circus, to the backwoods of primitive Florida-hundreds of miles away to the promise of land-down below Lake Okeechobee.
Book review: An interesting tale about a young girl who is traveling to Florida with her family in a wagon train. Teddy Bodain is smart tomboy who is curious about life and optimistic.
Recommended for younger children (10 yrs) and for people interested in historical fiction. If you like Little House on The Prairie, you’ll like this one. The illustrations were a nice touch.
- R.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name F, diary, historical, Recommended titles, Title A, Title T, tween
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, November 30th, 2009
 * * 1776: A New Look at Revolutionary Williamsburg
Author: K. M. Kostyal
Photography: Lori Epstein Renda
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books (October 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426305176
ISBN-13: 978-1426305177
Book description: Colonial Williamsburg scholars shed fresh light on this vital era in our history with the most recent research and analysis. The book’s lively design combines with the compelling photography of modern-day Williamsburg’s street theater and historic interpretation to transport readers back to the heyday of colonial times. Scenes from around the city include a milliner forced to pack up shop, children at a play in a courtyard next to soldiers on patrol, and slaves wrenched from family and friends as they leave town with their Loyalist masters. This exciting, innovative book takes a new look at a familiar topic through the lives of the men and women who would claim America for their own and declare themselves its first citizens.
Book review: Thanks to stunning photography of life in 1776 Williamsburg reenacted we get a clearer look at history including farmers, blacksmiths, women and children, Native Americans and enslaved people. I was swept away by the writing and got caught up in the excitement of the day. This is a great read and one I hope kids will enjoy outside of a school setting.
Tags: Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name K, Highly Recommended titles, historical, Revolutionary War, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, November 30th, 2009
 * * * Action Files: Gladiators
Author: Rupert Matthews
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Spiral-bound: 24 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Spi edition (September 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592239315
ISBN-13: 978-1592239313
Book description: In ancient Rome, gladiators entertained audiences by battling each other — sometimes to the death. Talk about awesome action! Action Files: Gladiators introduces children to the colorful history of these brave warriors. The book brings history to life, explaining and illustrating the different types of gladiators, their armor and weapons, and much more. The 3-D lenticular cover, detailed fact book, information cards, reusable stickers, giant pull-out poster, and activities combine to make this an educational and entertaining read. An online component lets readers expand the fun onto the Internet.
Book review: WOW. Talk about everything you can imagine at your fingertips. This is the ultimate resource for the topic and a surefire way to engage your child in the study of gladiators. Between the illustrations, the numerous facts and the interactive items like stickers, cards and a helmet your child can construct you’ll spend hours learning about gladiators. As a homeschooling mom I find this book quite inspirational in planning a thematic unit around gladiators.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, Author last name M, gladiators, historical, Outstanding titles, Title A, Title G
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
 * * * Wet Friend! (Adventure of Meno)
Authors: Angela & Tony Diterlizzi
Illustrator: Tony Diterlizzi
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416971491
ISBN-13: 978-1416971498
Book review: If you are looking for untarnished innocence, joy and glee read the Meno books. Add me to the fan club, please! My six-year old (and certainly younger children) will love these not only because he can master the language, but also because the story is appealing, silly and fun.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, Author last name D, baby, Meno, Outstanding titles, Title A, Title M, Title W, toddler
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
 * * Big Fun! (Adventure of Meno)
Authors: Angela & Tony Diterlizzi
Illustrator: Tony Diterlizzi
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1416971483
ISBN-13: 978-1416971481
Book review: Silly! Definitely a toddler-tickler that will have your tot giggling at the end. The illustrations are nostalgic-esque and remind me of both the Jetsons and the Campbell Soup kids; the books definitely have a ‘nostalgic commercial feel’ and I could just imagine product placement here–great for merchandising, right? Great colorful pages and great lovable characters. For parents that care, this book has very mild bathroom humor which is pleasing to this age group, but is also a heads up for those to whom it might matter.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Ages 4-8, Author last name D, baby, Highly Recommended titles, Meno, Title A, Title B, Title M, toddlers
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
 * * * Begin Smart: Animal Faces
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Bath Book: 8 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart; Ragbk edition (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618047
ISBN-13: 978-1934618042
Book description: The big animal faces in this soft, cloth book will catch baby’s eye immediately. A sewn-in rattle adds to the fun—shake it to capture, keep, and build baby’s attention span.
Book review: This will be your baby’s new best friend. Perfectly made to be a clutch toy. Baby will love reading along with you and bonding with his new best friend. If my teens (twins) were teeny again, I’d have two ordered for Christmas now, that’s how sure I am that this will become a new favorite toy.
Tags: Ages 0-4, animals, baby, Begin Smart, Outstanding titles, Title A, Title B, toddler
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, October 23rd, 2009
 * * Anna’s World
Authors: Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Chiron Books (July 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935178067
ISBN-13: 978-1935178064
Book description: The United States of America in the late 1840s–a nation torn by the crime of slavery and a war of conquest in Mexico. Fourteen-year-old Anna Coburn doesn’t want to grapple with such terrible issues. Just growing up seems awful enough. Forced from her home and away from her beloved father, Anna is sent to live among the stern people called Shakers. Their strange ways and strict lifestyle are both appealing and difficult for the bright, headstrong Anna. When reunited with her father, Anna is then plunged into upper-class Boston life, where she faces a troubling mystery, new responsibilities, and events that will affect not just herself and her loved ones, but a country about to come apart at the seams. With a cast that includes Henry David Thoreau, a perceptive Shaker schoolmistress, and a murderous false friend, Anna’s World is a powerful coming of age story, widely praised for its vivid characters, gripping plot, and moral stature.
Book review: This historical novel is pretty interesting and one I’d definitely recommend to my friends. I thought the lifestyle of the Shakers was both eye-opening and realistic. I could really get into this story and I liked the characters and setting very much. The story has a good feel to it making it a very relaxing and enjoyable read. Also, the chapters are short making it an easy read for those just getting into longer fiction. ~ R.C., 15 yrs old.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, American history, Author last name C, Author last name P, Highly Recommended titles, historical, Shakers, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * Apples For Everyone
Author: Jill Esbaum
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 16 pages
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books; 1 edition (July 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1426305230
ISBN-13: 978-1426305238
Book description: Apples for Everyone is a new picture book in the Picture the Seasons series that the whole family can enjoy. Apples for Everyone is a seasonal treasure that will help to shape a National Geographic view of the world for young readers. This delightful look at the fruit of fall is sure to inspire a rich appreciation of all things autumnal.
Book review: Oh. my. goodness! The photography in this book is absolutely STUNNING and mouthwatering. Right away I found myself thinking, “What better way to tempt kids to eat right!” This is a great companion for an autumn or Johnny Appleseed theme or study series. I plan to use this book with my first grader for that very purpose and also when we study apples for science (how an apple tree grows) and art (making designs with cut apples and paint used as stamps). As you can see, much use can come from this awesome little book. Definitely worth the money for teachers, homeschoolers and any parent that wants to encourage their little one to grab an apple for snack! Perfect for autumn.
Tags: Ages 4-8, apples, Author last name E, autumn, fall, farm, food, health, Highly Recommended titles, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * Aurora of The Northern Lights
Author: Holly Hardin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (July 22, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432724398
ISBN-13: 978-1432724399
Book description: Come along as author Holly Hardin conjures a mystical world of adventure, sprites, and magical charms. After losing her parents, little Aurora sets off on her own. Because she’s different, Aurora finds it difficult to find anyone who will listen to her story, even at Christmas time. As her story continues, Aurora receives special gifts to keep her safe and important clues to find her new home.
Book review: I LOVED this story! Wonderful illustrations bring the verse to life. Mythical and magical, it tells the story of a little girl finding her place in this world. My daughters adored the story and this book definitely goes on the shelf to read each Christmas.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name H, Christmas, fairies, fairytale, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 * * The Angry Thunderstorm
Author: Carol Henson Keese
Illustrator: Rachel Henson
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1438943342
ISBN-13: 978-1438943343
Book description: The Angry Thunderstorm rolls into a child’s world in the middle of the night awakening her with a fright. Witnessing his booming display, the child trembles with fear. The Angry Thunderstorm acknowledges that he sounds ill-tempered because it takes such a powerful display to do his job. The wind. The thunder. The flashes of light. All of these seem scary. His intent is often misunderstood and his presence is seldom welcomed. But as he explains the reason behind his gruff display, the child is reassured that he does these things for a very good reason.
Book review: Loved this one. This will make a great bedtime story and help make something rather scary not so frightening to my little one. Absolutely LOVED the illustrations especially of the thunderstorm creeping about and the huge eyes of the scared child, teddy bear and other frightened creatures. Scary, but funny and soothing. A great writing/illustrating team. Sure to be a favorite in this house.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name K, bedtime story, Highly Recommended titles, humor, scary, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
 * A Practical Guide to Vampires
Author: Lisa Trutkoff Trumbauer
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 80 pages
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786952431
ISBN-13: 978-0786952434
Book description: How old is a vampire fledgling? Why do vampires avoid mirrors? What’s the best way to slip into a vampire’s home?
Book review: You loved the series on dragons, but now you have everything you ever wanted to know about vampires at your fingertips. Stunning illustrations to feast your eyes upon and fill your imagination. Perfectly targets the 9-12 crowd with G-rated material, but is suitable for any vampire lover/collector (along the lines of the older Gnomes and Fairies field books of the seventies, I think it was).
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name T, fantasy, Recommended titles, Title A, vampires
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, February 5th, 2007
 * * Apolo
Author/Illustrator: Caroline Gregoire
Reading level: Pre-K – K
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; Translatio edition (September 2006)
Language: Spanish
ISBN-10: 1933605200
ISBN-13: 978-1933605203
Cute! Apolo is VERY adorable, silly and fun. A short little story about a little Daschund. The author points out Apolo’s cuteness while illsutrating dirrections like left, right, up, down and fractions like 1/2 and whole. This book is available in English and Spanish.
Buy now on Amazon
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Apolo, Author last name G, dogs, Highly Recommended titles, humor, Spanish, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
Sunday, October 22nd, 2006
 * * * Augustine
Author: Melanie Watt
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2006)
ISBN: 1553378857
Moving is never easy for kids. They worry about so many things and making adjustments can be trying. But Augustine helps kids make that transition to a new home, new neighborhood, new school and new friends. Through her love of art, this shy penguin finds a way to connect with her new classmates. Parents will appreciate the subtle references to Picasso, van Gogh, Munch and others. Kids will love Augustine’s first person penguin perspective. Definitely a keeper and a great addition to the home library.
Buy now on Amazon.com
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name W, friendship, moving, new school, Outstanding titles, penguins, school, Title A
Posted in Book Reviews |
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