Title: Mommy, Daddy, I Had A Bad Dream!
Author: Martha Heineman Pieper, Ph.D.
Illustrator: Jo Gershman
Publisher and/or Distributor: Smart Love Press
Publisher Website: www.smartlovepress.com
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780983866404
Price: $18.99
Publishing Date: 2012
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This is a wonderful child rearing tool for when children are frightened by nightmares. A young kangaroo, Joey, awakes and runs to his parents’ bed to tell them of his bad dream. Each time he does so, his parents reassure him and walk him through a logical process that focuses on remembering what he may have done or experienced earlier that could have caused the bad dream. Eventually, he doesn’t need to run to his parents any longer, but goes through the same process on his own, feels reassured, and goes back to sleep. This process gives a child much more control over his life.
The illustrations are almost museum grade. The text is written in an understandable manner. Children and parents will identify with the story and learn from it. We graded this picture book five hearts.
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Title: The Christmas Nest
Author: Toni Kern
Illustrator: Dave O’Connell
Publisher and/or Distributor: Mirror Publishing
Publisher Website: www.pagesofwonder.com
Pages: 28
ISBN: 9781612250793
Price: $13.99
Publishing Date: 2010
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This picture book is about a little bird who becomes upset when his parents move their family into a dusty old barn. As they build a new nest, Little Bird is angry that they’ve moved away from their friends and the new nest is rough and uncomfortable. He runs away in search of a new friend or family to live with. He attempts to live with Buddy Beaver, Sammy Skunk, and Perry Possum, but none of those situations work out right. Then he notices a new bright star and how many other animals are rushing to the dusty old barn. He returns there to find his parents have built a comfy nest and have been worried about him. From their vantage point in the rafters they witness the Christ Child, Mary, and Joseph. Jesus is lying in a nest, too, and shepherds and kings have come to visit and love him. Little Bird realizes he’s loved, too, and that the most important thing.
The art work is lovely and the story line carries Little Bird through a variety of negative emotions until he realizes that the positive one of Love is the most important. With our mobile society today, children can easily identify with some of the emotions portrayed in this story. Sweet Baby Jesus embodies his love for mankind in this story and Little Bird grows up just a little. We rated this five hearts.
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Title: Ambition’s Not An Awful Word
Author: Zack Zage
Illustrator: Adam Watkins
Publisher and/or Distributor: Ivy Court Press
Publisher Website: www.ivycourtpress.com
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780983607823
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2012
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This very cute story about a young boy, Zach, with big dreams. His teacher devises a class project based on what her students want to be. Zach tries to barge into the class’s alphabetic order for responses, but his teacher puts a stop to that. When his turn finally comes, he portrays what it would be like to become an astronaut on the moon, a bull-riding cowboy, an opera singer, a chef, an artist, a doctor, an architect, a banker, a lawyer, and a columnist. In each case, someone puts him down, proving he’s not likely to become any of these things. When his mother tucks him in that night, however, she tells him it’s OK to dream and that “ambition” isn’t an awful word.
At the back of the book is a Glossary for the parents that is cutely funny. The text throughout the book is attention catching and the illustrations are top-rated cartoons that really convey what the text is saying. Frankly, adults will get even more chuckles out of this book than the kids. It’s very tongue in cheek and memory provoking. Protagonist Zach reminds me of my own son when he was growing up and always coming up with big dreams. We rated this book five hearts.
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Title: The Potato Chip Puzzles
Author: Eric Berlin
Illustrator: Eric Berlin
Publisher and/or Distributor: Puffin Books / Penguin
Publisher Website: www.penguin.com/youngreaders
Pages: 244
ISBN: 9780372241614
Price: $7.99
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This is a Missouri Mark Twain Book Award winner for mid-grade students. It is a story of Winston Breen and his friends teaming up to compete in a puzzle contest to win $50,000 for their school from a potato chip magnate. The story is filled with, what else, all kinds of puzzles. Some puzzles are answered within the context of the story and others have their answers in the back of the book. All the competing teams are coached by school teachers/Administrators, who bring adult level cheating to the fray. This is an excellent values teaching book, as well as excellent entertainment. We ranked it a five hearts score.
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Title: A Wedding, Me, and the Family Tree
Author: Faye Alison Gilbert
Illustrator: Leo Silva
Publisher and/or Distributor: Mirror Publishing
Publisher Website: www.pagesofwonder.com
Pages: 26
ISBN: 978-1-61225-048-9
Price: $9.99
Publishing Date: 2011
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This precious picture book features a 6-year-old Jewish girl who has a problem thinking too literally. She wants to call the police because some guy stole her aunt’s heart and yet she still wants to marry him. At the wedding at the synagogue she discovers a stained glass window of Moses at the burning bush, yet he doesn’t have a stain anywhere on him. She gets to sing with the band at the reception and sample the cake frosting before it’s cut. Days later, she and her mother look at wedding pictures and then she rushes outside to find their family tree her mother keeps talking about. All in all, this is a delightful book that reminds me of Amelia Bedelia.
The author does a good job of using literal thinking as a means to explain to children how words don’t always mean what they say and how funny that can be. We rated this book a high four hearts.
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Title: Crush and the Blue Box Author: Greg and Stephanie Burgin
Illustrator: Aimee McEwen
Publisher and/or Distributor: The Smidgens Press / Dichotomy Enterprises, Inc.
Pages: 44
ISBN: 9780983154303
Price: $8.99
Publishing Date: 2010
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This pre-school to early elementary picture book is the 1st in a series of 16 Smidgen characters who represent the “Green Movement.” Crush is all about recycling cans and bottles into the blue recycling boxes used in many communities. The cute, friendly character, Crush, shows children at play how easy it is to pick up trash around their playground and what fun it is to work together. Crush sports a recycling symbol tattoo on his arm and each subsequent character has one germane to each one’s specialty. They all have their unique aspects, but in a consistent way for reinforcement.
The series focuses on:
•
Teaching the language of Green •Social skills training •Environmental modifications This is a wonderful series to support the environmental movement and such times as “Earth Day.” It is excellent for teaching stewartship.We rated this first book five hearts.
Title: If Babies Went to School
Author: Barbara Lock
Illustrator: Guy Tarantino
Publisher and/or Distributor: Author House
Pages: 38
ISBN: 978-1-4520-5940-2
Price: $10
Publishing Date: Aug/2010
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This cute picture book for 4-7 year olds begins with a brother and sister wondering what it would be like to bring their little baby brother to school with them. Using critical thinking in the form of inductive reasoning, they then expand the idea to include all their friends bringing their baby brothers and sisters to school. They then go through how the babies might do or not do typical school activities. These range from the possible to the ridiculous. In the end comes the realization that the babies would need a lot of help.
The author combines an adorable fantasy with the nicely done illustrations to teach critical thinking. This is best done through lots of realistic examples, which she does by using excellent “If…then” statements which cause the reader to follow through the characters’ thought processes. Learning should be fun for children, and that is what this author has done. The visualized situations with all the babies involved in an art project or writing in journals readily brings smiles to hand. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Love, Friendship, Imagination
Author: Andres Mendez
Illustrator: Andres Mendez
Publisher and/or Distributor: Homiedre! Corporation
Pages: 126
ISBN: 9780980092035
Price: $39.87
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This is a very professionally produced boxed set of three topical books based on answering what love, friendship, and imagination are. It is targeted toward young children of pre-school through early grammar school age, although there are concepts applicable to all mankind. The books are being marketed in support of the efforts of the Broadway and movie actress Carol Channing and her friend Barbara Walters to enhance the learning and teaching of the arts in our schools through their “School Starts with the Arts” Kullijian Foundation.
The author/illustrator uses high tech computer-generated artwork to present the visual framework behind his explanatory poems, which promote each book’s central theme of love, friendship, or imagination. These themes enhance children’s understanding of the emotions of relationships and how to use their minds to think outside the box. We gave the series as a whole five hearts. Reviews of each book follows below.
Title: What is Love?
Author: Andres Mendez
Illustrator: Andres Mendez
Publisher and/or Distributor: Homiedre! Corporation
Pages: 42
ISBN: 9780980092004
Price: $17.87
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
The main theme is that love is everywhere one seeks it. It can rarely be defined by size or shape, but it’s just waiting to be found. There are so many everyday items that symbolize love: birthday candles, cookies, balloons, ice cream sundays, all kinds of food and in all kinds of people. Love is there in animals and sports, homework, and play. All you have to do is recognize it when you see it.
The main character is easily recognized by his two little black dots for eyes and various kinds of hoods covering most of his brown/blond hair. In the back, there is a doll of the main character and samples of clothes. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: What is Friendship?
Author: Andres Mendez
Illustrator: Andres Mendez
Publisher and/or Distributor: Homiedre! Corporation
Pages: 42
ISBN: 9780980092011
Price: $17.87
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
Thoughts of friends can bring smiles and laughter. Sharing with friends is important, as is their trustworthiness. Friends are for playing and sharing troubles or problems. They help one another, give support, and make memories together. They’re also there when you need a shoulder to cry on.
The main character is a little boy with cool robots for friends. Many settings and examples of friendly activities are shown. The poetry is easy to follow and poignant. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: What is Imagination
Author: Andres Mendez
Illustrator: Andres Mendez
Publisher and/or Distributor: Homiedre! Corporation
Pages: 42
ISBN: 9780980092028
Price: $17.87
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
Imagination is the essence and foundation of art. Each new day is seen as an opportunity for people who like to use their imaginations. As the little girl Petunia and her dog Patches make their way through the day, they are pictured in mundane settings that quickly become exciting as they use their imaginations. A ladder becomes a mountain. Petunia and Patches become smaller than insects. Even when they have to eat or do something unpleasant, they use their imagination to make it tolerable and even pleasant for them.
Again dolls of the characters and clothing for them are pictured in the back of the book. The book’s illustrations help guide young readers so they will get an idea of what can be done with imagination to build upon reality. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: The Scruffy Little Crumb-Grabbers
Author: Peggy Krause
Illustrator: Peggy Krause
Publisher and/or Distributor: Create Space
Pages: 156
ISBN: ?
Price: $8.99
Publishing Date: 2010
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This ages 7 to 11 children’s book focuses on a young cat which has been named Spider Man by his owner’s grandchildren. This young brother, Frankie, and sister, Ruby, pair is derisively known as the scruffy little crumb-grabbers. Ages 3 and 4, the two are spoiled rotten by their mother, Nancy, and maternal grandmother, Marcy. The two rapscallions are constantly making wrong and thoughtless choices and then seeking forgiveness by offering insincere “sorry’s.” Spider Man becomes very concerned when he learns that the children are moving in because their father has lost his job. His concern centers on the kids’ unfeeling mistreatment of the cat by yelling, jumping, grabbing, tightly squeezing, and their sticky hands dirtying his fur. He is constantly having to hide and run away from the terrible two and reporting all their activities to all his feline friends, who are sympathetic to his plight. Eventually, he is instrumental in saving their lives when they sneak into a neighbor’s swimming pool.
The author does a good job of presenting a pet’s view of its world. Spider Man doesn’t understand why the children are never punished for their egregious transgressions and neither does his friends. Marcy’s gentle chidings and suggested alternatives to the choices the children make illustrate proper behavior to children listening to or reading of this book. It makes a good learning tool. We rated it three hearts.
Title: Finding My Molly
Author: Peggy Krause
Illustrator: Peggy Krause
Publisher and/or Distributor:
Pages: 114
ISBN: 978-1-4343-4279-9
Price: $???
Publishing Date: 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This National Humane Education Society’s Recommended Reading List children’s book can be described with one word—cute. It’s a story of a young cat, Soupy, whose curiosity causes him to go outside the house and becomes hopelessly lost. Ending up in a wooded area, he finds shelter in a hollow log. He makes friends with an older cat who allows him to eat food from her dish to survive. He takes in what he thinks is a new kitten but is actually a orphan raccoon kit and raises him. Throughout all these adventures, he never ceases looking for Molly, his young girl owner. The coon grows up and leaves with a mate and Soupy eventually finds his way back home to Molly.
The story deals with handling strong emotions and how different points of view can see the same person very differently. Soupy sees Molly as a radiantly beautiful young girl. In actuality, she is messy with jelly and dirt on her face. She’s losing her baby teeth, and has earned the nickname of Messy Molly from her peers. Children will closely identify with the characters and how scary a world with monster dogs can be. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: The Land of Expression
Author: David & Muttya Vision
Illustrator: Ignacio Alcantara
Publisher and/or Distributor: Vision Works Publishing
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9780981625409
Price: $17
Publishing Date: Nov 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This picture book is a wonderful lesson in diversity. The different drops of color worked very hard in the Reality Factory to produce realities in all colors. Unfortunately, the color black tended to overwhelm the other colors, which threatened and angered them. They waged a negative campaign against him, which greatly saddened him. The Creator felt sorry for Black and elevated him to the heavens where he defined and contained the beauty of all space. Back at the Reality Factory, the other colors now felt incomplete. They were less defined and began to fade. Finally they pleaded for Creator to bring Black back to them. The Creator didn’t want to, but Black begged to be allowed to come to the aid of his old, bullying fellow colors. The Creator finally allowed him to come back and remain in the Heavens at the same time. All ended well.
This team of creators have produced a visual lesson in the importance of allowing diversity to come together; that everyone or color has its roles to play. The only thing I felt was missing was the fact that black is the sum of all other colors, and that it encompasses all colors. There is some of every color in Black, but the other colors didn’t recognize it. This is an excellent tool to teach self-worth to children of color and non-color alike. We rated it four hearts.
Title: My Friend and Teacher Sammie
Author: Steve Peruski
Illustrators: Shery Larson & Jane McGarigal
Publisher and/or Distributor: Compassion Pets Publishing
Pages: 36
ISBN: 978-0-615-30968-2
Price: $15.99
Publishing Date: January 2010
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This is a touching story about how the author came across and adopted a friendly Springer Spaniel Mix dog he named Sammie. There are several lessons that form the foundation of this story. One is the rewards one gets for practicing compassion. One is the importance of never taking for granted what handicapped animals and people are capable of doing. Finally, there is the unconditional love which can come from pets. A stray dog, the author notices Sammie shivering on a General Store’s front porch up in the Northern Californian mountains. He takes Sammie home, hoping to find his owners, but none are forthcoming. A strong bond of play and friendship quickly forms between the two.
This bond is challenged when one of Sammie’s front legs becomes totally and inexplicably useless. The leg has to be amputated, giving Sammie’s owner doubts as to whether his dog can live a safe life in this predator-infested mountain region. Sammie quickly proves his mobility and unflagging courage and uplifting attitude. The dog continues to teach valuable life lessons to his loving master. We rated this lovely story four hearts.
Title: The Mystery of Journeys Crowne: An Adventure Drawing Game
Author: K. Michael Crawford
Illustrator: K. Michael Crawford
Publisher and/or Distributor: Happily Ever Art
Pages: 48
ISBN: 978-0-9817940-0-6
Price: $14.95
Publishing Date: 2008
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This highly unusual picture book promises an adventure, and it delivers. Although the author claims it is for eight years and up, I would weigh that toward the up side. The book is a story about how to find a worthy prize; however, it requires the reader to draw many pictures along the way. It is also filled chock full of hints in codes. Did I say codes? The way is absolutely inundated with them. Some are easy partial substitution codes but many others are much more complex. Some have hints or solving instructions and many do not. In fact, some are not readily recognized for what they are. This book is not only fun, it is designed to stretch the reader’s mind further than a rubber band.
This reviewer takes pride in working both the daily crossword and the cryptogram in the newspaper and at on line puzzle sites. I can affirm that these codes are tough. If you buy this book for a child, don’t be surprised if that young person cries for assistance. Don’t be surprised if you have a difficult time providing it. Many of these puzzles and clues require a wide range of cultural knowledge. Take nursery rhymes for example: at what time did the mouse run up the clock? Or, did he run down then? Try reading a sentence that, like the Hebrew language, has no vowels, which must be determined by the context of the sentence.
All that being said about its challenges, it would be a very worthwhile endeavor to work through the pages with a child and use each hard place as a learning moment. The exhilaration of solving a difficult step along the way and drawing pictures in the space provided (or on a plain sheet of paper) that cause the reader’s visual senses to develop is well worth it. We rated this exciting keep-them-quiet-for-the-summer vehicle a high four hearts.
Title: Birds of a Feather: A Book of Idioms and Silly Pictures
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Robin Hegan
Publisher and/or Distributor: Vanita Books, LLC
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-9800162-8-4
Price: $17.95
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This delightful children’s picture book blends the real meanings of common American idioms such as: “Don’t let the cat out of the bag;” “It’s raining cats and dogs;” and so on. Each idiom is stated and explained, then, an example of how it might be used is provided. The fun illustrations show scenes of what a child might imagine when hearing an idiom for the first time and taking it literally.
The combination of our language’s funny sayings and the even funnier visual jokes the illustrator has generated will make for delightfully gigglely read-a-louds. Children will get a real hoo-ha out of this book. We rated it five hearts.
Title: Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring from the Great Poets and Writers of the Past
Author: Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Kristin Blackwood
Publisher and/or Distributor: VanitaBooks, LLC
Pages: 40
ISBN: 978-0-9800162-7-7
Price: $17.95
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This children’s picture book’s purpose is more than just entertainment. Its pictures and connecting text lead the readers through young Ivy’s emotional changes and activities and dress as she wanders through the end of winter and through all of spring. These aspects are enough to make the book interesting; however an additional dimension is added throughout the pages by quoting several of our best loved poets from the past to kick up the quality level.
The pictures and the illustrator’s command of her various art media provide an excellent visual background that stops just short of museum quality level. She reminds me a little of “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans.
The decision to use excerpts from famous poets with an explanation of each one in the book’s back material is to be applauded. Today, it is almost impossible to hear or see poetry being taught, read, or written in public schools. It has been left behind as a victim of the “No Child Left Behind” movement, which focuses on basic skills and hard science and math and little on any of the arts. This book is an excellent awareness raiser. We rated it a fairly high four hearts.
Title: Nico and Lola: Kindness Shared Between A Boy and A Dog
Author: Meggan Hill
Photographer: Susan M. Graunke
Publisher and/or Distributor: Genuine Prints LLC
Pages: 16
ISBN: 978-0-615-23040-5
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This photographic picture book is about a little boy, Nico, taking care of an even smaller dog, Lola, for the weekend while his aunt is out of town. This is a precious book. Nico is so mild mannered and cute and Lola, a small Pug, is adorable. The photos are clean and well lit with vibrant colors. The text emphasizes the importance of being kind and the many ways that one can choose to be kind. The book reinforces responsibility and thoughtfulness without being preachy. It is perfect for the target ages and will help teach good tot/pet relationships. We rated it five hearts.
Title: Adventures of Countess Pigula: Up, Up and Away
Author: Karen J. Freysinger
Illustrator: Karen J. Freysinger
Publisher and/or Distributor: “A-Ha!” Elora Danan Productions, Inc.
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-9786729-1-1
Price: $16.99
Publishing Date: February 2009
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
In a dream using a hot air balloon as a vehicle to adventure, guinea pig Countess Pigula, her friends and fellow guinea pigs Little Lucy, and Sandy Pants and Himalayan show rabbit Captain Runny Blabbit go up and away to exciting sights as they search for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. What they discover is far more precious than gold—their friendship. When Countess Pigula awakes, she realizes the adventures and teamwork she and her friends experienced in a dream could be experienced in their waking hours as well. Their inherent sense of teamwork shows forth as they research the possibility of a real life balloon adventure.
This picture book demonstrates the difference between dreams and waking reality and how dreams can be used to drive what we try in real life. It also shows the true value of friendship and how it is worth far more than the riches of gold. The pictures of the animal characters are really cute. The text is in rhyme, which children love, and that is the key for the success of this book: children will identify with the story line and its presentation of both pictures and text. It is totally kid-friendly. As a read-aloud, Countess Pigula provides a perfect platform for parents and teachers to teach the true value of friendship and teamwork. We rated this lovely picture book a score of four hearts.
Title: Whose Ears are Whose?
Author: Lana Jordan
Illustrator: Pam Farrance & Melanie Babcock
Publisher and/or Distributor: Jorlan Publishing, Inc.
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-1-933830-01-8
Price: $14
Publishing Date: 2008
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:5 hearts
A boy comes into his room to find all his stuffed animals very upset. His little sister has removed all their ears and thrown them into a pile on the floor. He sorts them all out and returns them to each animal properly. The animals don’t recognize their own ears because they are too loose. The boy resorts them into some very funny combinations and duct tapes them on so they feel fitting and tight. The animals all love their ears now, although the elephant has sheep ears; the lion has rabbit ears; the pup has deer ears and antlers; the deer has mouse ears; and so on.
This is a delightful read-a-loud. First, it teaches patience when the boy doesn’t become angry at his little sister. It demonstrates sorting skills, inventiveness with using the duct tape, and flexibility in how the ears are finally matched. The animals demonstrate how people don’t always know what’s really best for them. My wife and I eagerly look forward to sharing this book with our young grandchildren. It is indeed rare that a picture book teaches so much so quickly and easily. We rated it five hearts.
Title: The Journey of Bushky Bushybottom
Author: Jeri Landers
Illustrator: Jeri Landers
Publisher and/or Distributor: Ochre Moon Press
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780976530312
Price: $21
Publishing Date: 2008
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
Jeri Landers is my favorite children’s picture book writer/illustrator. Her artwork is incredibly beautiful and complex, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter’s books. This is her second book project (each one takes her about two years). In addition to the book, she has included a CD of her reading it aloud, giving the characters their own voices.
The story is about a young squirrel who is blown out of his tree by a storm wind and sent over the forest to land a great distance away. On his way to return to his home, he is helped by friendly animals of the forest and threatened by others. It is a highly entertaining project with hours of togetherness fun for parents and children. We rated it a high five hearts.
Title: The Secret Zoo
Author: Bryan Chick
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Second Wish Press
Pages: 252
ISBN: 978-0-9791887-3-2
Price: $5.99
Publishing Date: Oct 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This is an excellent book for reluctant readers. Four pre-teens (the Adventure Scouts) become involved in their town’s zoo, which they discover is connected to a very secret underground city designed to allow people and animals to live together in peace. In doing so, Megan mysteriously disappears and her brother Noah and friends Ella and Richie find themselves in this adventure of their lives that has earth-changing potentials. The riding of a huge polar bear and a sharp-horned rhino, as well as a giant penguin while being supported by birds and a colony of prairie dogs will fire the imaginations of young readers. Thrill to their conflict with a mysterious Shadow Man and a colony of evil Sasquatches. Discover a decades old secret that is protected by a secret society of humans and animals. We rated this book with a constant lightning pace five hearts.
Title: Twoey and the Goat
Author: Robbie Timmons
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Mitten Press
Pages: 182
ISBN: 978-1-58726-517-4
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: March 2008
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This is great story for young equine fanciers. This fictionalized novel is based on a true-life story about a young racing thoroughbred and is friend and constant companion Captain Kidd, a billy goat. The story follows their whole lives from Twoey’s birth, the training he receives from his mother and advice he receives from a racing champion. He makes the transition to yearling and adulthood, winning race after race, with his ever present friend, Capt Kidd always there to calm him down. After a racing injury, we watch his slow but courageous decline into racing obscurity, always accompanied by Capt Kidd as he is sold from owner to owner. Finally, he finds redemption in retirement.
The author has done an excellent job of switching points of view to tell the horse’s story. She has an intimate style of writing that allows her readers inside her characters’ minds. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: At the Door
Author: Maly M. Kiendl
Illustrator: Maly M. Kiendl
Publisher and/or Distributor: Rose Dog Books
Pages: 30
ISBN: 978-0-8059-8996-0
Price: $9
Publishing Date: 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This illustrated children’s book follows a girl into her dreams where she learns the importance of guarding the door into one’s mind. She thought it would have been easy to keep out negative and unpleasant thoughts, but they continually sneak in, driving out the loving and pleasant thoughts. Her guide is a little elf who gives her the guidance she needs to grow and learn from her experiences. The pencil illustrations by the author aptly portray the book’s actions and philosophical concepts. We rated this book three hearts.
Title: Even the Dead Get Up for Milk / Hasta los muertos se levantan por leche
Author: Chris Holaves
Illustrator: John Goomas
Spanish Translations: Allison Barnard
Publisher and/or Distributor: Astakos Publishing
Pages: 64
ISBN: 978-0-9792991-0-0
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: May 2, 2008
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This aged 8-11 picture book is presented in English and Spanish. The story is told by a young boy whose parents have rented the only home available in their new town—a deserted funeral home. The boy hears and experiences many strange things, to include going to the kitchen in the middle of the night to witness a ghost family sipping warm milk at the table. The book is written to address dealing with fears of the dark and includes alternative solutions for getting over those fears. We rated this illustrated book three hearts.
Title: Mary the Tooth Fairy
Author: Nick Bell
Illustrator: Nick Bell
Publisher and/or Distributor: Red Cygnet Press
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-1-60108-015-8
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: Sept 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This 4-7 years picture book tells the story about how an aging tooth fairy is replaced by young Mary who was initially raised by Santa and his elves and later trained by the tooth fairy to take over the business, once certain grueling tests of her honesty, integrity, and loyalty are passed by the young apprentice. The author, a recent illustrator graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, incorporates the concepts of recognizing how combinations of talents can point the way to a career and still how hard a person has to work, study, and practice while combining excellent values to qualify for that career. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: Andrew and the Secret Gallery
Author: Matthew Diggins
Illustrator: Matthew Diggins
Publisher and/or Distributor: Red Cygnet Press
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-1-60108-016-5
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: Sept 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This 6-10 picture book reminds me James Whitcomb Reilly’s “The Goblins Will Get You, If You Don’t Watch Out.” Andrew is a real Rotten-Ralph type of character who delights in doing anything and everything bad he can think to do. The author, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona’s Illustration degree program, shows Andrew as a bully and totally rebellious young man. He becomes separated from his class during a school field trip to a museum. He experiences many scenarios that are attractive to Andrew, such as gluttony, selfishness, bullies, etc. He excels at them so well, he’s turned into the King of Toads. The illustrations are incredibly well done and the text leads inexorably toward Andrew’s fate. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: Quest for the Elfin Elixir: A Duncan Family Adventure (Book 2)
Author: Ami Blackford
Illustrator: Ami Blackford
Publisher and/or Distributor: Red Cygnet Press
Pages: 80
ISBN: 978-1-60108-021-9
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: Sept 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
If your children readers liked the Artemis Fowl, they’ll love this series. The author, a recent graduate of the Atlanta College of Art, combines the elements of modern day action with fairies and other such magical creatures. This particular episode has Ruth Duncan and older brother David traveling to the Caribbean with fairy Simone to find a magical elixir. The only problem is it is held by a group of elves who live in a cave under the ocean. Even with the best of diving equipment, how will Ruth find the courage to go diving under the surface of the sea when she’s terrified of diving? We rated the story and its attendant illustrations five hearts.
Title: The Leaping Grasshopper
Author: Jeanne Archambault
Illustrator: Dwight Smith
Publisher and/or Distributor: Jitterbug Books
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-9763031-2-1
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This picture book tells a story in Aesop’s style about a grasshopper who is too busy jumping high, far, and often to take the time to make friends and play along the way. Toward the end of the day, he notices the only animal still left in his vicinity is a cat. Although he is frightened of the cat, he asks if she wants to play. She politely replies yes, and they play together. This raises grasshopper’s realizations that perhaps he should have taken the time to make more friends and will demonstrate his willingness to do so from now on.
The quality of this book’s poetry does a good job of teaching the need for friendliness. The story is similar enough to Aesop’s grasshopper to reinforce the need for more than single-mindedness, whether it be work or play. Balance in life is what is taught here. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Larry the Lawnmower
Author: Jeanne Archambault
Illustrator: Victoria Corey
Publisher and/or Distributor: Jitterbug Books
Publisher Website: www.jitterbugbooks.net
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-9763031-0-7
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2007 (2nd Printing)
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Larry the Lawnmower is a lesson in self-worth picture book. Larry enjoys his assigned role as a grass cutting tool until his age causes his owner to replace him with a lawn tractor. Larry is sad until he is sold at a yard sale to a young boy who gives Larry a new coat of paint and fresh oil. Larry knows he will have more time to work for the boy so the boy can earn money for a new bike. Larry is happy with his station in life once again.
Although the illustrations are not of museum-level quality, they are cute and eye appealing. The story is logical and the rhymes flow. Larry becomes humanized and the child reader/listener learns we all age but we also have worth, even in our old age, as long as somebody cares. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Pirates Eat Porridge
Author: Christopher Morgan
Illustrator: Neil Curtis
Publisher and/or Distributor: Roaring Brook Press
Pages: 80
ISBN: 978-1-59643-304-5
Price: $12.95
Publishing Date: Oct 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This fun book is written as an elementary child’s first novel. It’s filled with fun illustrations that spark the imagination. The story line centers around a pirate who comes to visit a girl and her brother, insisting they feed him porridge. He is accompanied by a pig who the pirate insists is a parrot. The kids’ house suddenly becomes a pirate ship and they learn how to sail it into several adventures featuring such excellent things as cabbage and treasure. We rated this enjoyable first book four hearts.
Title: Blast to the Past Series
Author: Stacia Deutsch & Rhody Cohon
Illustrator: Guy Francis
Publisher and/or Distributor: Aladdin Paperbacks / Simon & Schuster
Pages: 121
ISBN:
Price: $3.99
Publishing Date: 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This fun 7-10 chapter book series teaches history and conflict management among friends. The series has received the 2007 Teachers’ Choice Award. The sample I read was about Betsy Ross’s role in designing and making the first American flag. Central to its theme was how difficult it is to prove a legend is true or myth. Three friends, Abigail, Jacob, Zack, and Bo, get sent back in time by a special computer their history teacher, Mr. Caruthers, has invented. Each book focuses on one historical figure and a value such as: Lincoln’s Legacy, Disney’s Dream, Bell’s Breakthrough, King’s Courage, Sacagawea’s Strength, Ben Franklin’s Fame, Washington’s War, and Betsy Ross’s Star, with more to come out soon. We rated the series four hearts.
Title: The Fairy Chronicles: Marigold and the Feather of Hope
Author: J.H. Sweet
Illustrator: Tara Larsen Chang
Publisher and/or Distributor: Source Books, Inc.
Pages: 128
ISBN: 978-1-4022-0872-0 / 1-4022-0872-3
Price: $6.99
Publishing Date: May 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This 6-10 year-old fantasy series is about normal young school girls who discover they are also able to change into fairies. They take on the attributes of plants, insects, or small animals. In this first book of the series, Beth Parish discovers she is also a marigold fairy, able to ward off harmful insects. She wields a pussy willow wand and is mentored by her Aunt Evelyn, a Monarch butterfly fairy. She meets other schoolgirls who have changed into fairies. Together, they help a group Brownies (young school boys who have changed) to recover a very important talisman, the Feather of Hope, from an adult.
This is the second venture of the publisher into children’s book. There thirty some books in the series, which the author had self published. They make excellent content for reluctant readers, We rated this first book five hearts.
Title: Team Spirit / Espiritu de Equipo Series
Author: Mark Stewart
Translator: Manuel Kalmanovitz and Eduardo Narváez
Publisher and/or Distributor: Norwood House Press
Pages: 48
ISBN:
Price: $25.27 List; $18.95 School and Library
Publishing Date: 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
These are two versions of the same series. One set of books are in English and the other are in Spanish. They are targeted toward grades 3-6. Both versions are focused toward the football, basketball and the baseball teams of major cities. Their excellent information and stories are the fuel for true developing young sports fans. They have large print and an easy flowing format to allow acceptability by reluctant readers.
The new English language books for this spring season are focused on baseball and the teams involved in last year’s World Series. They include: The Baltimore Orioles, The Detroit Tigers, The Houston Astros, The Los Angeles Dodgers, The Saint Louis Cardinals, and The Seattle Mariners.
The first four Spanish titles for this spring are: Los Heat de Miami, Los Lakers de Los Angeles, Los Mets se Nueva York, and Los White Sox de Chicago. Everything this publisher does is top notch and really achieves its goals. We rated all these five hearts.
Title: Matt Christopher Sports Library
Author: Matt Christopher
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Norwood House Press
Pages: approximately 145
ISBN:
Price: $23.94 List; $17.95 Schools & Libraries
Publishing Date: 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
Norwood House has produced large-print hardback library versions of the Matt Christopher Sports Library of sports oriented fiction for grades 3-6. This spring’s offerings include Catch That Pass; Center Court Sting; The Kid Who Only Hit Homers; Mountain Bike Mania; Snowboard Showdown; and Soccer Halfback. Each book provides exciting stories with conflicts centered around the different sports that kids love. These are sturdy volumes made to withstand many readings. Each is a fun read that still provides important, values-based food for thought. They are perfect for young reluctant readers. They are “Accelerated Reader” compatible. We rated this excellent series five hearts.
Title: We Both Read Series
Author: Various
Illustrator: Various
Publisher and/or Distributor: Treasure Bay, Inc.
Pages: 48
ISBN: various
Price: $3.99
Publishing Date: 2002 to Present
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
We occasionally review a series of books from a publisher, rather than an individual book from the series. This means we see a similar quality from the series and are impressed with it. Such is the case for the “We Both Read” series. These are colorful books designed for use by the 5-7 year-old range and their parents. The books cover a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction subjects. Their unique feature is the structure of their layout. Each left-hand page is to be read by the parent or teacher. The right-hand page is much simpler so the child can read it. The pictures and the words are informative, humorous, and fun. The books allow the grownup to model good reading while giving more detail, while the child can contribute at his or her level. These books enhance bonding as well as developing reading skills. The specific book on pets which I read was really funny and interesting—making for a pleasant reading experience. Its pictures were adorable and its text flowed easily back and forth between the adult and child reading levels. This series can also be used as a step up for slightly older children reading the adult side, so they can gain confidence in their reading abilities while having fun. We rated this series five hearts.
Title: Unicorn Races
Author: Stephen J. Brooks
Illustrator: Linda Crockett
Publisher and/or Distributor: Purple Sky Publishing, LLC
Pages: 32
ISBN: 978-0-9769017-3-0
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: March 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This gorgeous picture book tells the tale of a young girl who, after going to bed each night, flies away on a unicorn’s back to become a princess. Tonight she witnesses a race among several beautiful and powerful unicorns before she must return to her home and bed.
The author is an ex-government agent whose career in dealing with the worst of terrorist threats to our country prompted him to create alternative environments in the minds of children where they are safe to experience wonder and joy with no worries of reality. The illustrator uses the medium of water colors to create art gallery-level pictures, which act as an imaginative springboard for young children. I found the book easily passed the test of being read to my grand daughter and capturing her attention. The book is packaged in a unique manner to hardbacks, since its covers have an almost upholstery feel to them—they’re soft to the touch. We rated this wonderful book five hearts.
Title: Frederick Douglas: Young Defender of Human Rights
Author: Elisabeth P Myers
Illustrator: Cathy Morrison
Publisher and/or Distributor: Patria Press
Pages: 113
ISBN: 978-1-882859-57-3
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: Feb 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:5 hearts
This is the thirteenth volume in Patria Press’s Young Patriots’ 8-12 series, which is the republishing of the wonderful, rescued biographies, which many of us older folks read in our libraries back in the 1950s (those light blue or orange books). This particular book presents the realities of the American slave culture in a way that communicates its horrific realities, yet does it in a tasteful manner. Frederick, a brilliant, self-educated young black man, became the abolitionists’ voice in New England. His books and lectures helped raise the level of awareness of the unrighteous plight of slave life. As a one-time teacher of troubled youth, I believe all young Americans of all colors should read to learn and understand from where today’s Black American come. Although a tastefully written book, there will be no doubt how terrible slave life was when children were simply commodities to be trained to a life of forced servitude. We rated it five hearts.
Title: A Baby Brother! Oh No!
Author: Joann Hakala
Illustrator: Kimberly Shaw-Peterson
Publisher and/or Distributor: Beaver’s Pond Press, Inc.
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1-59298-152-6
Price: $10.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This cute picture book is an excellent tool to help young children get ready for the arrival of a sibling. Two sisters and their friends share their concerns about having little brothers who are more trouble than they’re worth. The two sisters work up some strong anxieties; however, those rapidly dissipate when they first hold their new little brother in their arms and begin the bonding process. We rated this book three hearts.
Title: Danny’s Dragon
Author: Janet Muirhead Hill
Illustrator: Pat Lehmkuhl
Publisher and/or Distributor: Raven Publishing, Inc.
Pages: 190
ISBN: 0-9772525-0-7
Price: $10
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This mid-grade novel is badly needed by the families and children of soldiers who have lost their lives. Danny’s dad is shot down in the Iraq war. With no money coming in, Danny’s mom is about to lose their ranch. Danny finds solace on his horse, which he imagines is a dragon. He submerges his anger of losing his father and his guilt feelings that he was the one that forced his dad to go back on active duty to get enough money to buy Danny’s horse. Held in emotions can cause problems and do so in Danny’s case. Meanwhile, Danny’s mom has her own issues which come forth in her hobby of painting. There is conflict galore and many parallels to other young peoples’ plights, which are addressed in this book, which is nicely illustrated with pen and ink drawings. We rated it five hearts.
Title: Quest for the Dragon Stone
Author: Ami Blackford
Illustrator: Ami Blackford
Publisher and/or Distributor: Red Cygnet Press
Pages: 48
ISBN: 1-60108-008-5
Price: $18.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
Ever now and then a small, independent press leans forward in the foxhole and proves you don’t have to be a mega-corporation to have a great idea and execute it with panache. Such is the case for Red Cygnet, who has decided to become a platform for the very best of young, new talent in the children’s books arena. They have decided to look for the very best college students who are both writers and illustrators. This book, one of their first, exemplifies the validity of this approach. Ami has written a cute magical fantasy and has peopled it with wonderfully drawn characters and settings. The story will easily evolve as a series while allowing each book to provide just enough information to keep a reluctant reader curious and involved. We rated this excellent mid-grade work five hearts.
Title: Ruby Lee the Bumble Bee: A Bee of Possibility
Author: Dawn Matheson
Illustrator: Pamela Bareita
Publisher and/or Distributor: Bumble Bee Publishing
Pages: 40
ISBN: 0-9754342-6-8
Price: $17.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This picture book is an inspirational motivational vehicle that also includes an educational coloring book. Told in verse, Ruby Lee the Bumblebee demonstrates it is possible to do the impossible (according to conventional wisdom), even to fly when one’s wings are inadequate to hold one up. This cute book teaches that God wants us to be all we can be. We rated it three hearts.
Title: Destructo Boy! and Spillerella: We Are Who We Are
Author: Howard Shapiro
Illustrator: Kelly Carter
Publisher and/or Distributor: Trafford Publishing
Pages: 24
ISBN: 1-4120-9492-5
Price: $10.99
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Tom is clumsy and sister Tupelo spills everything. Their parents nickname them Destructor Boy and Spilleralla. A bully on the school bus hears their names called out by their mom when they leave for school. He begins to tease and deride them. One day Tom lets him know that they are happy and proud with whom they are. The author has an excellent non-violent way of dealing with bullies. This is an excellent book for anger management and self worth problems. We rated it four hearts.
Title: Hanukkah Counts Too!
Author: Howard Shapiro
Illustrator: Dawn M. Landrum
Publisher and/or Distributor: Trafford Publishing
Pages: 22
ISBN: 1-4120-7274-3
Price: $12.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Tom and Tupelo (brother and sister) are the only Jewish children on their block and in their school. At Hanukkah time, Tupelo has an identity crisis, wishing her family could celebrate Christmas because that’s all her friends talk about. Cousin Ron helps out with a pep talk about the importance of their traditions and how maybe her friends can help her celebrate Hanukkah. Tupelo finally understands and accepts her heritage.
This is a book about not being afraid or ashamed of being proud of your heritage. It show kids there is room for more than one religion or one set of traditions. We rated it four hearts.
Title: The Pittsburgh Steelers
Author: Mark Stewart
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Norwood House Press
Pages: 48
ISBN: 1-59953-063-5
Price: $25.27
Publishing Date: 2007
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This is from the publisher’s Team Spirit series of NFL football team information books designed for grades 3 to 6. Designed to provide meaningful background information about the team so that young people can understand why it’s fun to be a fan, this book covers not only its modern times, but how the team got started; what they’ve worn over the years; and many positive aspects and memories. This book presents valid reasons why Steeler fans can and should be proud of their football team. At the same time, it stretches the readers’ vocabularies with specialty words and an excellent in-the-back glossary. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: The Hidden Feast
Author: Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss
Illustrator: Don Tate
Publisher and/or Distributor: August House Little Folk
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-87483-758-8
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
The barnyard animals gather for a feast after a wonderful party thrown by their neighbors. All are disappointed when a bowl of cornbread is set in front of each. In fact, rooster goes home in a huff, while the rest of the animals choose to be polite and make the best of what they see as a bad situation. Imagine their surprise when all find wonderful foods hidden under the cornbread topping. To this day, rooster always scratches deeply for food, making sure he never misses out again.
This picture book emphasizes the need for good manners and the importance of looking deeper than what’s on the surface. We rated it five hearts.
Title: Conejito
Author: Margaret Read MacDonald
Illustrator: Geraldo Valerio
Publisher and/or Distributor: August House Little Folk
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-87483-779-0
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Conejito, the little rabbit, is sent to the top of the mountain to visit his aunt, who will fatten him up and make him stronger. On his way up, he literally runs into several predators (fox, tiger, lion) whom he talks into letting him go until he comes back much fatter. He gets to his aunt’s safely and eats and dances until he’s fatter and stronger. He rolls down the mountain in a wooded barrel and tells each predator the mountain and Conejito are on fire, scaring them all away. He returns home safely.
This is a classic Panamanian folktale which teaches the importance of cleverness. We rated it four hearts.
Title: Aunt Gussie and Grandfather Tree
Author: Kay Brown Gustafson
Illustrator: Patrick Rolo and Lisa Fifield
Publisher and/or Distributor: Beaver’s Pond Press, Inc.
Pages: 48
ISBN: 1-59298-101-1
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This nicely illustrated picture book depicts a fictionalized story about the saving of a great oak tree which stood in the way of progress. One woman energizes a whole city to save the tree from the chain saw. It is finally moved and transplanted in a safer spot miles away in a new home. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Heading to the Wedding
Author: Sara F. Shacter
Illustrator: Christine Thornton
Publisher and/or Distributor: Red Rock Press
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1933176-059
Price: $18.95
Publishing Date: August 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
The publisher’s publicist claims this is the first book of its kind, and I believe him. This fun book shows how one set of parents prepared their two children to attend a wedding ceremony and reception. It models inappropriate behavior one would expect at a children’s party and then shows how to act differently at an adult joyous occasion. We rated this badly needed book five hearts.
Title: The Munched-Up Flower Garden
Author: Nancy Kelly Allen
Illustrator: K. Michael Crawford
Publisher and/or Distributor: Red Rock Press
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1-9331760-6-7
Price: $10.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Liz Reilly wants to win first prize for her flower garden at the community picnic. Sallie Young has won it for the last four years. Sallie comes around every day to brag and generally try to get under Liz’s skin, who wisely keeps her mouth shut. The day of the picnic Liz discovers Sallie’s goat has destroyed her flower garden.
This picture book teaches the importance of keeping one’s temper and what goes around, comes around. We rated it four hearts.
Title: Happy Birthday to Whooo?
Author: Doris Fisher
Illustrator: Lisa Downey
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9768823-1-0
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This picture book is a cute riddle book that uses birth announcement cards to teach how big different baby animals are. At the end there are short factoids about the animals represented. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: The Giraffe Who Was Afraid of Heights
Author: David A. Ufer
Illustrator: Kirsten Carlson
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9768823-0-2
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This picture book takes three animals’ natural environments and turns them into fears. They meet one another on the way to the doctor where they hope to find cures for the giraffe’s fear of heights, the monkey’s fear of climbing trees, and a young hippo’s fear of water. An attacking crocodile causes their instincts to over ride their fears, saving them from attack and curing them of their phobias. We gave this book five hearts.
Title: One Odd Day
Author: Doris Fisher and Dani Sneed
Illustrator: Karen Lee
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-97688233-3-7
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This picture book plays with the concept of odd numbers by illustrating people, pets, and objects with odd numbers of body parts and attachments. The pictures are really cute, causing one to occasionally do a double take. It does a good job of explaining the math concepts around odd numbers in the back if the book. We rated it five hearts.
Title: If You Were A Parrot
Author: Katherine Rawson
Illustrator: Sherry Rogers
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-0-6
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This picture book allows a child to explore what it would be like to be a parrot. The illustrations are excellent, showing children with beaks and feathers. In the back material, there are scientific facts about birds in general and parrots specifically. This is a fun book and we rated it a high four hearts.
Title: Ruff N Rescue: Adventures with the Heroes of New Barker Island
Author: Kurt and Shannon Wasserman
Illustrator: Lance Rose, Kurt Wasserman, and Dawn Tate
Publisher and/or Distributor: Seven Locks Press
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1-931643-87-3
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This picture book uses Dalmatian dog characters to replicate a fire fighting company. They are called to a fire at Fifi’s Poodle Palace and rescue Fifi. The book shows the fire fighters at work and at play, providing children with insight into the lifestyles of fire fighters. We rated this book three hearts.
Title: A Turn for Lucas
Author: Gloria Averbuch
Illustrator: Yaacov Guterman
Publisher and/or Distributor: Mitten Press
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1-58726-291-6
Price: $17.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This picture book describes two twins and their interest in playing soccer. The girl is much more involved than the boy; however, he comes into his own when he gets the chance to replace an injured goalie and overcomes his fears at that position. The book addresses both good and bad aspects of children’s sports; however, it stresses the importance of sportsmanship. We rated it four hearts.
Title: PBS Kids Board Book Series
Author: Sherry Gerstein
Illustrator: Andy Bennett
Publisher and/or Distributor: Brighter Minds Children’s Publishing
Pages: 14
ISBN: 157791258-6, 157791260-8, 157791261-6, 157791259-4
Price: $6.95 each
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This children’s developmental series represents a partnership between the Public Broadcast Service (PBS) and Brighter Minds Media, Inc, and focuses on the characters from PBS Kids. A portion of the books’ sales goes toward supporting PBS Kids shows. I reviewed four books in the series: Hide and Peek (a lift a flap letters book), Imagination Vacation (a color foil shapes book), The Great Cake (a numbers touch and learn book), and Moo, Moo, Who Are You? (a fold out book to learn animals).
On the back of each book are instructions to the adults on how work with children to teach the concepts in each book. By capitalizing on the familiar TV characters, the books provide entertainment while teaching these basic knowledge sets. The books are sturdy, as board books must be. This series gives parents one more tool for teaching their children the basics. We rated them four hearts.
Title: Extreme Monster Series
Author: Mel Friedman / Louise Simonson
Illustrator: Eric Smith / James W. Elston
Publisher and/or Distributor: Penny Candy Press / Brighter Minds Children’s Publishing
Pages: 96
ISBN:
Price: $3.99
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This elementary to mid grade reluctant reader chapter book series consists of characters who are non-scary young monsters that use supernatural powers and mild extreme sports to solve problems and conflicts. An example of a character is Val, the skateboarding vampire who is a vegetarian and only drinks beet juice, not blood. There is also Jinx, the street luging witch; Wulf, the in-line skating werewolf; Steiner, the BMX biking monster; and Mumford, the speed climbing mummy.
Cutely structured and illustrated, each short chapter ends with a puzzle game that contributes with its answer to the final puzzle answer. That, in turn, provides a code word which can be entered into the www.extrememonsters.com website to unlock access to more puzzles and games. This series does what has to be done to capture the interest of young reluctant readers with exciting adventures, challenges, entertainment, and even a world wide web hook. We rated this series five hearts.
Title: The Baabaasheep Quartet
Author: Leslie Elizabeth Watts
Illustrator: Leslie Elizabeth Watts
Publisher and/or Distributor: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1-55041-890-4
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Four singing sheep retire from the farm and drive to the big city for a taste of something different. No matter how hard they try, the just can’t seem to fit in until they enter what they think is a baabaasheep quartet singing competition. Imagine their surprise when they find themselves in the middle of a barber shop quartet competition. To their even greater surprise, they win the contest. As their hastily constructed disguises start coming apart, they suddenly find they fit in after all because the audience doesn’t care that they’re sheep, just that they sang the best.
The book is entertaining and the moral lesson is good. We rated it a high four hearts.
Title: Carolina’s Story: Sea Turtles Get Sick Too
Author: Donna Rathmell
Illustrator: Barbara J. Bergwerf
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-3-7
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3 hearts
This factual picture book explains that sea turtles can get sick or injured and that caring people carry them to turtle hospitals in South Carolina for treatment. Actual photos are used for illustrations. In the back is a nice turtle art project. We rated this book three hearts.
Title: Christmas Eve Blizzard
Author: Andrea Vlahakis
Illustrator: Emanuel Schongut
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-3-7
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This picture book uses a bilingual (Spanish) story and excellent illustrations to teach about how to help birds survive the winter. Nicholas goes out in a dangerous blizzard to rescue a Cardinal bird when he sees the bird fall off a new apple tree Nicholas and his grandfather planted. He releases the bird once it has warmed and regained its ability to fly. In following years people come from miles around to se an apple tree in the snow that has so many Cardinals perched on it, they look like living apples from a distance.
In the back of the book, there are many activities for feeding birds in the winter, as well as a small Spanish glossary. This was a particularly well done book and we rated it five hearts.
Title: Christmas Tails
Author: Robert X. Leeds
Illustrator: Ken Stetz
Publisher and/or Distributor: Epic Publishing
Pages: 52
ISBN: 0-9674025-7-3
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This picture book is for both children and adults. It began as a Christmas card that turned into thirty pages of verse. Mr. Leeds sent it to a few clients and friends. It got into the hands of Orson Wells, who recorded a sound track of it just before he passed away. It has since been re-illustrated with more adult-like pictures.
Christmas Tails is a tribute to dogs and woodland animals who rise to the occasion of pulling Santa’s sleigh when all his reindeer come down with a virus. Not only is it a touching story, it also illustrates many of the major dog breeds. We gave it a high five hearts,
Title: Hopalong Jack and the Blue Bunnies
Author: Jeri Landers
Illustrator: Jeri Landers
Publisher and/or Distributor: Ochre Moon Press
Pages: 36
ISBN: 0-9765303-0-9
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This gorgeously illustrated children’s picture book looks like something Beatrice Potter might have done, only better. The artwork is exquisite, using a combination of water colors and old/new world paper cutting. The story is cutely funny about a young rabbit, Hopalong Jack, who feels frustrated about having so many brothers and sisters (we all know rabbits don’t add; they multiply.) This is especially irksome because so many of them look up to Jack and copy everything he does to appear different from them (does this sound like a middle-school peer group?) When Hopalong Jack uses blueberries to dye his fur blue, all his fellow siblings follow suit. When his brothers and sisters begin copying his discovery of music and dance, he finally realizes being a trend setter is not such a bad thing.
Although written for a younger set, there are lessons here for slightly older children as well. The artwork is more intricate than a “Where’s Elmo” book. Reading this work requires repetitive study to extract all the nuances from its pages. We rated it a very high five hearts.
Title: How the Moon Regained Her Shape
Author: Janet Ruth Heller
Illustrator: Ben Hodson
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-4-5
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2006
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
This telling of a Native American tale on why the moon changes her shape when others put her down and then regains it as she realizes she is of value couples with the scientific explanations and illustrations in the book’s back to teach some basic astronomy about the earth’s nearest neighbor. The book also teaches how to deal with bullies, in this story, a rude Mr. Sun. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Loon Chase
Author: Jean Heilprin Diehl
Illustrator: Kathryn Freeman
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-8-8
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 200
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Miles, the family dog jumps in the lake to follow Mother and Daughter in their canoe. He spies a small family of loons. Mom and daughter try to stop him, but he stubbornly swims toward two young loon chicks. Mom and daughter needn’t have worried because the male loon spreads his wings to appear bigger and splashes Miles until he escapes. Daughter paddles back later to see if the chicks are OK, and is also confronted by the male loon.
Children will learn how animal parents safeguard their children. In the back there are interesting facts about loons, Native American cultural tidbits, and a loon mask art project. We rated this interesting book four hearts.
Title: Pieces of Another World
Author: Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: Salima Alikhan
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-2-9
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4 hearts
Young Jody is awakened by her dad late one night to see a piece of another world. As they drive together past familiar landmarks which appear different in appearance and purpose late at night. Jody wonders if this the other world until her dad parks his pickup in an empty field and they lie down together in the back and watch falling stars, better known as meteors, or pieces of another world.
In the back of the book are meteor facts and math and even a recipe for meteor cookies. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Water Beds: Sleeping In The Ocean
Author: Gail Langer Karwoski
Illustrator: Connie McLennan
Publisher and/or Distributor: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Pages: 32
ISBN: 0-9764943-1-0
Price: $15.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
This “Mom’s Choice Award” book explains how mammals in the ocean are able to sleep. Excellent illustrations of each animal also include a young child mimicking the animal’s sleeping position. The material is interesting and there is an excellent how-to-draw activity of sea mammals in the back of the book. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: The Long White Scarf
Author: Maxine Trottier
Illustrator: David Craig
Publisher and/or Distributor: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Pages: 32
ISBN: 1-55005-147-4
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
A chain of coincidental events connected by a beautiful white scarf follow Queen Victoria from the role as a young princess to an elderly Queen Mother. The illustrations capture the setting and mood of England in the Victorian era. The thoughtfulness of people and the possible uses a scarf can be put to are explored. Although the account id fictional, it is close enough to the truth to be realistic. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: The Blacksmith’s Gift
Author: Dan T. Davis
Illustrator: Matthew S. Armstrong
Publisher and/or Distributor: Second Star Creations
Pages: 62
ISBN: 0-9725977-4-3
Price: $14.95
Publishing Date: 2004
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 hearts
We predict this may be the sleeper of the holiday season. This recent Ben Franklin Award winner is an outstanding story about how the legend of Santa Claus may have started in Norway. An older couple, a carpenter and his wife, long for a child of their own, yet none is forthcoming. They make toys and clothes to be stored away until a baby may be born to them. In making a beautiful doll house for the blacksmith’s daughter, the carpenter discovers there’s an orphanage in the next town. He loads up his carriage on runners with all the toys and clothes they have made to give to these orphans. Deer come from the forest, because the carpenter has befriended them through the years, and they pull the sleigh of gifts to the needy children.
The story will clutch at your heart and the illustrations are just right—not too much and not too little. We rated this book a high five hearts.
