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Posts Tagged ‘Title C’
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 |
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 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 |
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 |
Thursday, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + + Chester’s Masterpiece
Author/Illustrator: Melanie Watt
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (March 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554535662
ISBN-13: 978-1554535668
Book description: Chester s finally ready to write his own masterpiece he just needs to get pesky writer-illustrator Melanie Watt out of the way.
Book review: Another uproarious laugh-out-loud a minute Chester masterpiece by Melanie Watt. We are definitely Chester fans in this house and this book met all our expectations and then some. If you haven’t heard of Chester yet, you’ll love the way this cat takes over the author’s story and scribbles in his own ideas about what makes a great book. Joke after joke between author and character make any book with Chester in it a real winner.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name W, cats, Chester, humor, Outstanding titles, Title C
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 |
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
 + + + + C’mere, Boy!
Author: Sharon Jennings
Illustrator: Ashley Spires
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534402
ISBN-13: 978-1554534401
Book description: Dog wants his very own boy. Though Mama warns him that a boy takes a lot of work, Dog is determined to find the perfect boy for him. Dog’s search takes him from the pooch spa to the mall to the park, but none of the boys smell quite right. Finally, in an unexpected place, a promising-looking boy appears. Will Dog be able to train him?
Book review: Definitely a funny twist on the traditional boy wants a dog story – and I loved it. Smart, funny and a book your kiddo will devour.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name J, care of pets, dogs, Highly Recommended titles, pets, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, March 1st, 2010
 + + + Crocodile Attack (Extreme Adventures)
Author: Justin D’Ath
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 121 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279327
ISBN-13: 978-1935279327
Book description: A robber has kidnapped Sam Fox and his cousin Nissa during a tropical cyclone. When the getaway car crashes into the raging Crocodile River, Sam and Nissa must face one ordeal after another to survive against incredible odds. Sam fights to keep his head above water and Nissa out of the jaws of certain death. As the waters rise and the crocodiles close in, Sam must push himself to the limits of endurance.
Book review: Crocodile Attack is a short, fast-paced action book that can be read easily within an hour. It is the first book in the Extreme Adventures series.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: The story starts pretty fast, the main character’s cousin is kidnapped in a store robbery by page 5. The setting is sweet and simple.
Character(s): The main character, Sam Fox, is a believable young boy who is dedicated to protecting his two-year-old niece, Nissa. I like that D’Ath had Nissa speak like a young child actually does, she mixes her Ss up with her Ts.
Events/Plot: The plot is fast-paced with one action scene after another. Sam is definitely pushed to his limits as he tries to protect himself and his young cousin.
Reader Excitability/Overall Presentation: Some events seem a little far-fetched, but the book is a cliff hanger all the way through. I would recommend this book to children who love adventure stories.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: adventure, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, Extreme Adventures, Recommended titles, survival, Title C, Title E
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, February 27th, 2010
 + + + + Changing of The Guard: The Yellowstone Chronicles
Author/Illustrator: Ted Rechlin
Paperback: 38 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (December 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432750089
ISBN-13: 978-1432750084
Book description: Merging past and present, Changing of the Guard: The Yellowstone Chronicles tells the story of the daily life of the wild inhabitants of Yellowstone National Park, both seventy million years ago and today. Told in documentary style, Ted Rechlin’s wonderful book is full of vivid illustrations depicting Yellowstone as you have never seen it before. Discover the story of the dinosaurs continues every day in the lives of the great mammals that roam the park today. Changing of the Guard beautifully depicts Bison and Triceratops side by side, Wolves and Raptors shoulder to shoulder, and the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex and the imposing Grizzly Bear alongside one another.
Book review: VERY nicely done! Your kids will marvel over the illustrations and thoroughly enjoy the comparison of yesterday and today in Yellowstone National Park. When my children were young they devoured just about every dinosaur book they could get their hands on, but Ted Rechlin takes it one step further by illustrating animals of yesterday and today side by side. Kids will gobble it up while gaining a true appreciation and education of one of our national parks–a great educational tool!
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, animals, Author last name R, dinosaurs, graphic novel, Highly Recommended titles, Title C, Yellowstone
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
 + + + + + Chester Raccoon and The Acorn Full of Memories
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Barbara Gibson
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Tanglewood Press (August 25, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933718293
ISBN-13: 978-1933718293
Book description: This title is an important addition to the Chester Raccoon/Kissing Hand series on life issues for children. Mrs. Raccoon helps Chester and his friends deal with the death of their friend by teaching them to make memories together. Many children must face the loss of someone close and the accompanying funeral, and this book will help them prepare for that experience and understand the positive aspects of memorializing loved ones.
Book review: My jaw dropped when I opened this book. From the start the illustrations enfold the reader and sweep you right into an expertly written story that is as tender and touching as it is consoling and healing. The prose is always only soothing and motherly and not the least bit syrupy or patronizing.
Here’s the breakdown:
Characters: Chester and his mother quickly resonate with the young reader especially in their dialog where Mother Raccoon is soothing and reassuring, wise and nurturing.
Events / Story Line: This story line is remarkable in that it offers children a practical means to work out their mourning; something constructive to do when a little one feels helpless.
Illustrations: Awesome. I like the full page illustrations. They really underscore the soothing tone of the story while dealing with a somber subject and offering hope.
Reader relevance: I think this is a book that little ones will appreciate, giving them an outlet for their emotions and something to create and hang onto with regard to their deceased loved one.
Reader Excitability / Overall Presentation: Death is difficult for kiddos but I think this is a book that will sew hope in a child’s heart and help him/her grieve and celebrate life.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name P, death and dying, Outstanding titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, December 18th, 2009
 * * Conspiracy 365 January
Author: Gabrielle Lord
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935279491
ISBN-13: 978-1935279495
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!
Forced into a life on the run, Cal finds himself hunted by ruthless criminals and the police. Somehow he must uncover the truth about his father’s mysterious death and solve the Ormond Singularity, a secret from the past, before the year is up. But who can he turn to when the whole world seems to want him dead? The clock is ticking. Any second could be his last. Callum Ormond has been warned. He has 365 days. The countdown has begun …
Book reviews: Lots of action, fast-paced, lots of puzzles…all addicting and I want to read the next installment! – R.c., 15 yrs old
This is great action and mystery that deals with conspiracies. Instead of chapters the book is sectioned by segments of time – I really liked that! – N.C., 15 yrs old
Tags: action, adventure, Ages 12-Up, Author last name L, Conspiracy 365, Highly Recommended titles, mystery, teen, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, November 6th, 2009
* * * The Canada Goose and You
Author: Jennifer S. Burrows
Illustrator: Margery Day
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: E & E Publishing (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0979160693
ISBN-13: 978-0979160691
Book description: This nonfiction picture book explains the life and characteristics of the Canada goose by relating them to the child and his world. Each page ends with a question that is answered by “HONK!” — inviting the young listener to “honk” along! Gorgeous illustrations accompany the text. For grades preK to 3.
Book review: Well written, beautifully illustrated. It’s the loads of information that make this book so great and I loved the way each fact related to the young reader. Especially liked that we follow the life of a goose family through the year. This would make a great book for a thematic unit. Younger readers will love ‘honking’ along with the geese. For those voracious young readers of all things nature, this is a great addition to your library.
Tags: Ages 4-6, Ages 6-10, animals, Author last name B, birds, geese, Outstanding titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
 * * Chris Dreams BIG
Authors: Chris Dudley & Chris Love-Dudley
Illustrator: Karl Edwards
Hardcover: 38 pages
Publisher: CCD Productions (April 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982322402
ISBN-13: 978-0982322406
Book description: Chris loved being a kid! He also loved dreaming of his plan to one day play professional basketball. Life was pretty good! But one morning Chris woke up and found that he was facing the biggest challenge of his life. Chris had to decide if he was going to let his new found condition end his dream or find the courage to keep playing the game he loves! Chris Dreams BIG is a triumphant story of a boy who overcomes adversity. Chris learns a valuable lesson when he discovers that he is not the only person facing challenges. His life is forever changed when he realizes that challenges do not always have to keep you from doing the things you love.
Book review: This is a great book for young diabetics or any child that has physical challenges. The authors encourage and inspire with Chris Dreams BIG and show kids that there’s absolutely no reason to give up on yourself or your dreams – just the right kind of positive message we want our kids to get! What really made this book a winner for me is that the narrator doesn’t talk down to the reader. This is a very ‘can do’ story from a real life hero that will cheer your child on.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name D, diabetes, Highly Recommended titles, inspirational, special needs, Title C
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
 * * * 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 |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * Can I Have Some Money Please?
Author: Twyla Prindle
Illustrator: Lorie Miller Hansen
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Prindle House Publishing Company (December 2, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0975952722
ISBN-13: 978-0975952726
Book review: Excellent book on tithing and sharing treasure. Easily explains the concept of prosperity and sharing the wealth. Especially useful for helping youngsters think beyond themselves and practice good stewardship.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name P, Christian, Highly Recommended titles, money, tithing, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
 * Cookie
Author: Lisa Woomer
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432730207
ISBN-13: 978-1432730208
Book description: How many cookies can one little girl eat before something strange begins to happen? Once there was a very happy little girl who loved cookies. She loved them so much that she wouldn’t eat anything but cookies-cookies for breakfast, cookies for lunch, cookies for dinner. (Need we even mention dessert?) Her parents tried everything they could think of to get her to eat the right foods, but all she would eat were cookies! Then one day, she began to change.
Book review: Get the point about good eating across with Cookie. Not only will the younger kids (4-5, 6) get a kick out of this tale, the older kids will love reading it to them. Imaginative and a topic of great interest, Cookie can help your little ones make better food choices.
Tags: Ages 4-5, Author last name W, healthy eating, Recommended titles, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
 * * Contando Con Apolo
Author: Caroline Gregoire
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Pub (September 30, 2007)
Language: Spanish
ISBN-10: 193360557X
ISBN-13: 978-1933605579
Book description: Apollo is very amusing. He is also very good looking, very kind and very clever. He can even teach you how to count to ten. Pay close attention! You might just learn something else, too!
Review: Apolo as muy adorable! Apollo is VERY adorable and you will love counting to ten with him in Spanish. You may even giggle.
Buy it on Amazon.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Apolo, Author last name G, counting, dogs, Highly Recommended titles, Spanish, Title C
Posted in Book Reviews |
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