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Posts Tagged ‘Title F’
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
 + + + + 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 |
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 |
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
 * * Flying High
Author/Illustrator: Jorgen Stamp
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (August 18, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592700896
ISBN-13: 978-1592700899
Book review: Funny and touching. Walter the giraffe knows it all and his poor friend Sonny the turtle suffers for it. Read along as Walter crafts an airplane and flies amazing feats until a storm comes along and Sonny is the only one who can save him. I loved this tale of friendship and the comical sketches that ‘propel’ it along. This book will make your little one giggle and help him become a better friend.
Tags: Ages 4-8, airplanes, animals, Author last name S, friendship, Highly Recommended titles, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * Fairy Hunters, INK
Author: Sheila A. Dane
Perfect Paperback: 105 pages
Publisher: Dane & Dane, LLC.; First edition (December 29, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982095600
ISBN-13: 978-0982095607
Book description: “Fairy Hunters, Ink.” is about a small group of intrepid fairy hunters who go about finding fairies.And they are most unusual fairies. There are Button Fairies, Fire Fairies, Picnic Fairies and fairies of all kinds of things. The book is about fairies but it is also about the relationships between the characters themselves. It has been described by one reader as a combination of “Winnie the Pooh” and “Alice in Wonderland”. The characters who thread their way through the book are Ashley, a most curious little girl about 5 years old; Big Rabbit, a stuffed rabbit (but not really stuffed) who is full of knowledge about carrots and many other things; Turtle, whom Ashley and Big Rabbit meet along the way as they chase a particularly mischievous Willow fairy and the narrator, Laura, whose age is never quite clear and who is always getting into trouble along with Ashley. They meet a lot of fairies and a few Gremlins along the way and they learn something about themselves as well. The book is full of word play and rhymes, silliness and seriousness. It can be read to a five year old or by a an eight year old or by an adult.
Book review: Claim your favorite armchair or rocker, grab your softest, most cuddliest blanket and curl up with Fairy Hunters, INK. You’re gonna love it! I love books on fairies and have read as many as the library will share and this book deserves a place among the best. A meandering tale of encounters with real fairies, the kind of story you want to take its time as the world of fairies is revealed to you, one delicate rose petal at a time. I especially enjoyed the narrator’s playful way with Ashley, Big Rabbit and Turtle. I found the journal entries to be intriguing and the best and most accurate details of fairy sightings that I’ve seen in a long time. I would love to see this book in hardback, perhaps with a smaller font to add to that older storybook/fairytale quality–and to make this book a true collectible! I look forward to more from Sheila Dane. An all around great read.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name D, fairies, fairytale, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Famous Figures of Ancient Times
Author: Cathy Diez-Luckie
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Figures In Motion; First Edition edition (April 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981856608
ISBN-13: 978-0981856605
Book description: Make Your Own Action Figures From Ancient History! Make history come alive in Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, and Jerusalem! Cut-and-color or pre-coloered action figures really move ans you play out the lives of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, King David, Jesus, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, Hannibal (and his elephant!) and other – or make up your own stories about these powerful men whose fame has lasted for thousands of years. Yes, they really move! Move their arms and legs, use their swords and shields, and act out their stories at home or at school – over and over again. History has never been so much fun! Emperors! Conquerors! Philosophers! These 20 people shaped history – and our world today. Yes, you can also read about their amazing lives, right in this book. Attention Teachers and Parents: use this book to reinforce the wonder of history and to support any ancient history curriculum through hands-on activities. Note: Your child will need a hole punch and inexpensive fasteners (available at stationary or craft stores-please see resources page).
Book review: What an awesome hands on approach to ancient history! Definitely worth purchasing for your homeschool library because you can make history lessons come alive through the use of ‘paper dolls.’ Helps kids visualize and relate to history. High quality cut-outs in color or in black and white for coloring. Note: No photocopying of these images is allowed as that is a breach of copyright.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Ancient history, Author last name D, history, Outstanding titles, Title F
Posted in Book Reviews |
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