Book Review Key 2010+
+ + + + + Outstanding
+ + + + Highly Recommended
+ + + Recommended
+ + Average
+ Poor
|
SEARCH BELOW FOR RECENT BOOK REVIEWS
Don't forget to check the archives further down for older reviews.
|
.





|
| *You may publish these book reviews on your website or in your ezine or newsletter. Please include the following byline with each book review:Book review by Lisa Barker, http://www.biblioreads.com |
Posts Tagged ‘Title L’
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, 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
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
+ + + 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
.
.
.
.
.
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 |
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
+ + + + + Looking Closely Around The Pond
Author: Frank Serafini
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press, Ltd. (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553373952
ISBN-13: 978-1553373957
Book description: Look closely. Look very closely. Is it … a leaf? A net? Just turn the page and, lo and behold, it s a dragonfly s wing. Children will learn about dragonflies and many other creatures in this interactive book that encourages imagination and instills a respect for the natural environment.
Book review: If the photographs in this book don’t blow you away, nothing will. Brilliant color and clarity make guessing what each pond object is a fun adventure. Each guess is followed by a short profile about the critter or pond feature teaching your kids all about the pond environment. Fun, entertaining and educational.

Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name S, biology, ducks, guessing game, Look Closely, Outstanding titles, ponds, science, Title L Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
* * *Lights on Broadway: A Theatrical Tour from A to Z, with CD
Author: Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator: Elliot Kreloff
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Blue Apple Books; Rei/Com edition (October 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193470668X
ISBN-13: 978-1934706688
Book description: From A – Z learn all about Broadway. Energetic and dynamic illustrations by Elliot Kreloff, quotes from famous Broadway performers, theater facts and trivia included. Bonus material includes a CD.
Book review: What a great way to introduce a young audience to Broadway! Even though this is in ABC format, older children new to the experience will appreciate the facts and trivia in this informative collection. As brilliant and exciting as Broadway itself, Lights on Broadway plunges the reader into an experience that dazzles. Prepare your child (or class) with this book for an upcoming visit to Broadway. Set the tone and spark the imagination of your children/class with this book and then create your own Broadway show.
Tags: acting, Ages 4-8, Ages 6-10, Author last name Z, broadway, culture, dance, music, Outstanding titles, Title L Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
* * * Begin Smart: Look Around
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Bath Book: 8 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart; Bath edition (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618799
ISBN-13: 978-1934618790
Book review: Three out of three stars! Well made, makes noise, colorful and educational. The kind of book your baby can devour (without destroying it) and grow with. Bonus: Older sister or brother can read this one to baby. Win-win!
Tags: Ages 0-4, baby, Begin Smart, Outstanding titles, Title B, Title L, toddler Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
* The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear
Author: David Bruins and Hilary Leung
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554534860
ISBN-13: 978-1554534869
Book description: The ninja, the cowboy and the bear do everything together — they paint pictures, compare cloud shapes in the sky, fly kites and much more. Though each friend is very different from one another, they enjoy each other’s company. Until one day when they begin quarreling and compete to see which one is the best. The bear can pile up rocks the highest. The cowboy can collect the most raspberries. The ninja can catch the most rabbits. When each contest leads to more resentment, it seems the friends will never stop disagreeing. Only when they learn to be considerate of their differences do they finally realize how much they appreciate each other.
Book review: Cute, silly and fun. A great story to show that no one has to be the best. The illustrations are remarkable and perfect for this story.
Tags: Ages 4-8, animals, Author last name B, Author last name L, friendship, Recommended titles, Title L, Title N Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
* Lake Monster Mix-Up – A Sam & Friends Mystery
Author: Mary Labatt
Illustrator: Jo Rioux
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1553373022
ISBN-13: 978-1553373025
Book description: In the second book in the Sam & Friends Mystery graphic novel series, canine sleuth Sam is bored at the prospect of spending a cottage weekend at Sagawa Lake – until she hears that the lake has a deep, dark secret. This is exactly what Sam wants to hear and sure enough, with help from Jennie and Beth, Sam finds an old diary hidden in the wall of their cabin and what they read there is chilling. Is it the key to the secret of Sagawa Lake? What about the strange face painted on the rock, near the water’s edge – and the creepy cave nearby? Something lurks in the depths of the lake. All they need is proof, which Sam is determined to obtain at all costs.
Book review: If your 9-12 yr old hasn’t been bitten by the reading bug, or if she’s letting her reading time slip away, a Sam & Friend’s Mystery is sure to grab her attention and make a convert or revert out of her. Page-turning fun! Might even engage the younger crowd. My six-year old gobbles these up.
Tags: Author last name L, comic book, girls, graphic novel, mystery, Recommended titles, scary, Title L Posted in Book Reviews |
Thursday, July 30th, 2009
* * * Lulu’s Pajamas
Author: Lucy Papineau
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (September 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554533716
ISBN-13: 978-1554533718
Book description: Young Lulu has the best Mama and Papa in the world and the best pet ladybug, Lili-Poo. After her Mama tells her a story and her Papa sings a goodnight song, Lulu drifts gently off to sleep in her favorite soft-as-a-butterfly-kiss pajamas. In the morning she decides “never ever” to take them off again! What will she do when her friends laugh and her beloved pajamas show the scars of a busy day at school? Suddenly Lulu can hardly recognize her pajamas, and they sure don’t smell like a pink dream anymore….
Book review: Where was this book when my kids were going through this phase? Loved the concept – wonderfully done! Lulu learns a lesson about wearing the appropriate clothes at the appropriate times. A perfect story for ages 3 – 6; a terrific bedtime story, too.
This book is coming out in September 2009.
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-8, Author last name P, bedtime story, clothes, Outstanding titles, silly, Title L Posted in Book Reviews |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
* * * Penny & Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery
Author: Jennifer Swanson
Illustrators: Rosita Schandy & Neal Wooten
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (August 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-936046-10-2
Book description: The crime-fighting dog duo of Penny and Rio are on the case again. Squeaky, the mouse, needs Penny’s help to get his precious belongings from a locked doghouse. But how can a couple of dogs and a mouse open a metal lock? With the help of Hobbes, a massive Great Dane, Penny and Rio work to solve this mystery. But can they get Squeaky’s valuables out before the doghouse is destroyed?
Book review: Penny drags Rio into solving the latest mystery and once again they steal the reader’s heart with their charm and personality. Funny, endearing and engaging, I would encourage your early readers (1st and 2nd grade) to try reading this with your help. How can you not get hooked on reading with Penny & Rio? I just can’t get enough of Penny & Rio!
This book is due out in August – be sure to check Amazon.com or visit www.pagesofwonder.com.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name S, dogs, mystery, Outstanding titles, Title L, Title P Posted in Book Reviews |
|