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Posts Tagged ‘Title P’
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, 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, March 25th, 2010
 + + + + Passing By
Author: Yona Tepper
Illustrator: Gil-ly Alon Curiel
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (January 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193527936X
ISBN-13: 978-1935279365
Book description: Yael peeks out from her balcony and sees everything that’s happening in the street below, from the cat in the garden next door to a green tractor chugging down the road. Finally, she sees the best thing – her dad on his way home! There’s one surprise after another in Passing By, and children will love guessing where everyone is coming from and where they’re going to.
Book review: The view from Yael’s balcony is awesome and little ones will love guessing and exploring each new discovery. Loved the point of view – young readers will immediately relate. This is what makes reading fun for little ones!
Tags: Ages 0-4, Ages 4-5, Author last name T, Highly Recommende dtitles, preschool, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
 + + + + The People Could Fly
Author: Virginia Hamilton
Illustrators: Leo Dillon and Diane Dillon, PhD
Reading level: Ages 6-10
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (January 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0394869257
ISBN-13: 978-0394869254
Book description: Many of the stories in this collection were told among slaves as they dreamt of freedom or remembered their lives in Africa. Hamilton focuses on several themes—animal tales, magical and supernatural tales, and tales of freedom—and following each story is a note explaining its history and meaning. Black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Medalists Leo and Diane Dillon round out this important book. (Synopsis by Barnes & Noble)
Book review: This book is full of many intriguing sort stories. You can read them all at once, or maybe once a day. This book would be great for bedtime stories if you have kids.
Here’s the breakdown:
Hook/Setting: Out of the many stories the setting is are good and you are drawn into the stories each time.
Character(s): This book has numerous characters from Bruh Rabbit to Jack to Bruh Alligator. These characters are as memorable as fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Red Rose, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.
Events/Plot: This book is full of various plots and events, each one as good as the last.
Reader Excitablility/Overall Presentation: I liked that the way stories were worded because it was as if someone was telling the story to you directly. I recommend this book to fans of folktales and fairytales.
Review by N.C., 15-yrs old.
Tags: Ages 6-10, Ages 9-12, Author last name H, black history, fairytale, folktale, Highly Recommended titles, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
 * * Percy The Perfectly Imperfect Chicken
Author: Rick Rieser
Illustrator: Daniel Seward
Publisher: FastPencil, Inc. (January 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1607469995
ISBN-13: 978-1607469995
Book review: I have to say that this little gem really impressed me. It’s your basic story about individuality and uniqueness…how we are all different but special, BUT Rick Rieser doesn’t succumb to platitudes. He weaves a tale of one tough little bird and his wise momma who teaches him that perfection doesn’t exist. The illustrations are absolutely stunning.
For more information see fastpencil.com.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name R, birds, chickens, farm animals, Highly Recommended titles, self-esteem, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
 * * * Pumpkin Baby
Author: Jane Yolen
illustrator: Susan Mitchell
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Key Porter Books (July 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554701414
ISBN-13: 978-1554701414
Book description: A soon-to-arrive new brother or sister promises fun and excitement, but can also be worrying for a child who fears being displaced. In Pumpkin Baby, a young girl with an active imagination tries to face her fears. Spurred on by trips with her mother to a family farm, she imagines a host of babies — each with their own unique characteristics — and wonders if she could, indeed, love such a sibling.
Book review: Awww! Jane Yolen nails this tale exactly. Having had the privilege of giving my kiddos little siblings of their own, I can say that Pumpkin Baby very imaginatively, but with great accuracy, tells the tale of a bigger sibling waiting for baby. It’s endearing and so true! Just what you’d expect a little one to imagine when listening to grown-ups talking about a baby on the way. You will love this charming little book and sharing it with your kiddo will help prepare for the big day. Delightful and a joy to read; the illustrations are so adorable and appropriate.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name Y, babies, baby, family, new baby, Outstanding titles, pumpkins, siblings, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * * Begin Smart: Peek-a-boo What?
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 18 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618500
ISBN-13: 978-1934618509
Book description: Peek-a-boo isn’t a baby’s favorite game just by chance: after a first birthday, a baby begins to understand that even when something isn’t in his sight, it still exists. He expects that a person or an object will reappear eventually—and when the anticipated finally happens, he’s delighted. This charming book, with flaps to lift and see-through die cuts, will help little ones solidify object permanence. There’s even a place for a photo so that the answer to “peek-a-boo, who?” can be a family member . . . or perhaps the reader!
Book review: Outstanding and fun! Your little one will delight in this picture book and have fun as each page unfolds and shows the surprise inside. Loved the colors, the see-through cut-outs and the surprise ending as described above. A keeper.
Tags: Ages 0-4, babies, Begin Smart, board book, infant, Outstanding titles, Title B, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
 * * Begin Smart: Push The Button
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 16 pages
Publisher: Begin Smart (October 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1934618179
ISBN-13: 978-1934618172
Book description: A soft, vinyl “button,” which shows through the die-cut pages, becomes a flower’s center, a helicopter’s propeller, the knob on a firefighter’s hose, and the crank on a jack-in-the-box. Kids push the button, then turn the page.
Book review: This one is destined to be a favorite. Little ones will love pushing the squeaky button and then look to see what happens next, page after page. A great idea!
Tags: Ages 0-4, babies, board book, Highly Recommended titles, infant, Title B, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
 * * * 100% Pure Fake
Author: Lyn Thomas
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554532906
ISBN-13: 978-1554532902
Book review: This is absolutely fun and gross and your kids will be sure to love experimenting with each ‘recipe.’ I am especially looking forward to Halloween this year and will definitely make the edible doo-doos for the kids. I can’t think of a book better suited for this time of year – except spring for April Fool’s Day. Each project is kid tested, safe and fun. The ingredients are handy and easily found at the grocery store. Everyone can do this! Make fake blood, fake vomit, fake cuts and scrapes, fake scars, fake rotting skin and tons more – you will be amazed. Three stars for being utterly cool!
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name T, costumes, gross, Halloween, Outstanding titles, science, Title 1, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009
 * * * The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life
Author: Jennifer Worick
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Taunton (October 16, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1561589861
ISBN-13: 978-1561589869
Book description: Frontier fun meets a home-spun touch in this heart-warming mixture of pioneer projects and wistful nostalgia. Jennifer Worick teaches readers how to sew a quilt, master the art of bread-and-butter pickles, speak old-time slang, and much much more. This is for the legions of Laura Ingalls Wilder fans who have dreamed of what a pioneer life out on the prairie would be like. Combining step-by-step how-to on crafts, with tongue-in-cheek instructions on prairie slang, winning a spelling bee, and singing a lullaby, The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life allows fans to finally act out their childhood dreams or to simply enjoy the vicarious thrill of reading about it one more time. This is a book that will pull at the heart strings of every childhood Laura and also teach us a few prairie-time crafts along the way.
Book review: This is a keeper that even Mom will want to own for herself! Worick perfectly captures the spirit of doing for yourself covering the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, parlor and barn. You’ll find recipes, crafts and projects and plenty of opportunity to develop your rustic skills. I love having all the traditional craft of homemaking at my fingertips in this handsome book, plus there’s all the little tid-bits, wisdom and facts interjected artfully on the pages. This is a wonderful collection of the heritage of women that should never be lost.
Tags: Ages 12-Up, Ages 9-12, Author last name W, crafts, girls, homemaking, Outstanding titles, recipes, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
Friday, July 17th, 2009
 * * The Porridge Pot
Authors: Carl & Theodor Colshorn
Illustrator: Claudia Carls
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Minedition (September 20, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0698400739
ISBN-13: 978-0698400733
Book description: In this newly translated German folk tale, a pot of porridge sparks a quarrelsome chase between a miller and his wife. Left behind is their daughter, who enters the dark forest in pursuit. But she loses sight of them, and all seems lost until a mysterious old woman appears and offers the girl a shoe, assuring her that everything will be fine as long as she follows her instructions.
Book Review: If you’re tired of princesses that look like Barbie you’ll love this princess with short brown hair! The story and unique illustrations (that combine sculpture and painting) combine to make a unique and lovable fairy tale. Whimsical, fun and magical.
Tags: Ages 4-8, Author last name C, fairytale, fantasy, Highly Recommended titles, Title P
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 |
Monday, July 6th, 2009
 * * * Penny & Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting
Author: Jennifer Swanson
Illustrators: Rosita Schandy & Neal Wooten
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 44 pages
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (December 16, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982256019
ISBN-13: 978-0982256015
Book description: Penny and Rio are two dogs who are complete opposites. Penny is curious and always on the go, while Rio prefers a good nap. At their new house, Penny discovers that their backyard is the meeting place for several different animals. Penny doesn’t know why a cat, a groundhog, a squirrel, and an owl could possibly be meeting, but she knows she has to find out. She comes up with an ingenious plan for spying on them and discovers their plot. She has to stop them – but can she get her sister dog, Rio, to help her or will Rio decide that sleep is more important? Follow along as these two pet detectives, Penny and Rio solve the first of many cases in Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting.
Book review: Lol! This is a great book. Penny steals the show and Rio is the winning ’straight man.’ Not just a book about dogs with human characteristics – not at all. You can honestly tell these two dogs (real characters at that) really did behave this way and the story hooks you right in with both dogs’ unique characterizations. We are a pet family here and I know my son is going to love, love, love this because our pets have such endearing personalities, too. We can relate! Great job.
This book is geared for readers aged 9-12, but younger listeners will love having Penny & Rio’s adventures read to them as well.
Tags: Ages 9-12, Author last name S, dogs, humor, mystery, Outstanding titles, Title M, Title P
Posted in Book Reviews |
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