| The Cat's Meow |
| Art by Wendy Whittingham |
There’s a Beetle in My Bed Book Review by Dixie Phillips If you want a fun, yet educational, read for the little ones in your life, you've got to get Bill Kirk's newest book There's a Beetle in my Bed. Mr. Kirk has delivered a grand slam with this amusing story. Who would think a gentle nudge from an imaginary beetle hiding in your bed could make learning so much fun? After reading this story, you will be giggling and chanting together with your children: "There's a beetle in my bed. I just saw him duck his head." The rhyming story is guaranteed to tickle the funny bones of children of all ages and the neatest part about the book are the "Factoids" on each page. So while the children are enjoying the story of the little boy who is afraid of the growing beetle in his bed, they are expanding their scientific knowledge, too. Bill Kirk's text coupled with Suzy Brown's colorful illustrations are a match made in "Picture Book Heaven." For more information on how you can purchase There's a Beetle in my Bed go to http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/beetle-bed.htm While you are there, check out some more great books published by Guardian Angel Publishing. You won't be disappointed. |
TITLE: Emerald Ace AUTHOR: David Falash PUBLISHER: Black Leaf Publishing http://www.blackleafpublishing.com COPYRIGHT: 2009 The Black Leaf Publishing Group FORMAT: Paperback PAGES: 351 PRICE: $15.56 (US), £12.50 (UK) ISBN-10: 0955990319 ISBN-13: 9780955990311 Fifteen-year-old Mick Gallagher has a dream. All he wants is to become a fighter pilot and help free Ireland. Little does Mick know his dream of flying will come true sooner than he thinks! But how long will it be before Mick can help free Ireland? Mick is in awe when he witnesses a dogfight in the sky above Aunt Patti’s farm. The fight between a British pilot and a German pilot is a harrowing one. With guns blazing the German pilot shoots the British pilot down. However, the German soldier is injured and crash lands almost hitting Aunt Patti’s house! Before he realizes it, Mick travels to France where he is given flying lessons. While staying at the French chateau of his instructor, Mick meets Michelle Guerintaux. A romance soon blossoms between Mick and Michelle. Set in the backdrop of World War I, Mick finds himself flying and fighting with the Red Baron himself! Mick is honored as he is to be part of Richthofen’s Flying Circus but one thing bothers him. When can he fly to Ireland to help free them from the British? I usually don’t enjoy a war story but I did enjoy this one. I found it to be a real page-turner from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book and I hope to read more by Mr. Falash! To learn more about the author please visit his website at: http://www.davidfalash.com There are a few places to purchase Emerald Ace. You can purchase it from the author’s website listed above. You can also purchase this action packed story at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.amazon.co.uk. Deb Hockenberry kidztales@verizon.net http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com http://debsbookreviews.blogspot.com 'When God closes a door, He always opens a window' Will do book reviews-no erotica, gay or lesbian |
Title: Dignity Rocks Author: Stephanie Heuer ISBN: 978-1-60005-097-8 Publisher: HappyAbout Dignity is often defined as the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect. Self-esteem, self-regard and self-respect are all values that every child and adult should bestow upon themselves and others. The words,” I feel like nobody,” this simple phrase should never be spoken or come out of the lips of a child or an adult. We are all somebody and we all have the right to have our thoughts and opinions heard and recognized. Our accomplishments should be praised and our shortcomings and mistakes understood, explained in order that both children and adults learn from their errors and not by being ridiculed because we are not perfect. This brings me to my review of a very innovative and creatively written book; Dignity Rocks by author Stephanie Heuer. Children are sensitive to the moods, words and actions of adults, their peers and their teachers. Harsh words or being ignored or laughed at, can create a negative effect on a child’s self-esteem and self-worth and more. Children look to the adults in their family, older siblings, and teachers for respect, guidance, acceptance and security. The author of Dignity Rocks makes a strong statement to both adults and children about how it feels when a child cannot speak his or her words and their voices go unheard. Making a child feel invisible, alone or upset when family’s fight can often make the child feel isolated and alone. The author asked many different youngsters to fill in the blank: I feel like nobody when__________. This is a powerful statement and the answers were quite poignant, revealing and heartfelt. A child who feels like nobody when parents fight and no one listens to their words can turn themselves off and often feel alone in their own private world. When someone talks about them behind their back, or laughs when they fell down or trip, their self-respect and dignity are bruised and it can leave a negative effect on that child and make them think twice about trying to do something new in front of others for fear of being laughed at. Children do not like to be ignored when they need to speak to an adult as shown when the little boy wants his mother and she is engaged on the phone. When a father no longer lives at home and the child cannot say good night to him the child feels like nobody because the other kids have their dads all the time. The way a child dresses is not often their choice but that of a parent. Not every parent can afford designer clothes, shoes or fashions. Children feel left out when they dress differently from their friends and are hurt when they are laughed at and do not fit in with the current trends. There are many important points that are made by the author and many children who answered her first question as to when they felt like nobody. These answers are crucial to helping adults understand just how harmful their actions and words can be to child’s dignity and self-worth. On the opposite side she counteracted the negative feelings and asked the same children to respond to the prompt: I feel like somebody when: on child answered: When my dad plays ball with me; another when: my friends recognize what I do best, a third: when no one interrupts me when I speak. My favorite: when everyone in my family does everything together. This reminded me of my Sundays when my Dad was not working and we all spent Family Day doing whatever would make the entire family smile and happy. Added to the book and helping the reader to understand how each child felt about expressing their feelings in both prompts are the illustrations. The reader can see and feel the emotions of the child that is upset about being made fun of or feels alone. The reader can see the look of joy and elation on the same child’s face when something great and wonderful happens that makes the child feel like a somebody. On page 26 of the book the author provides a guide for educators, group leaders, parents, and youth groups to help teach life skills, character education and DIGNITY and the true meaning of the word. Dignity Rocks should be in school libraries, the office guidance counselors, study schools, hospital libraries, group homes, and schools and in every home for all children to read. Dignity Rocks and so does author Stephanie Heuer for writing this book and sharing it with us. I would definitely recommend this book to every child, parent and adult to read. Fran Lewis; reviewer |
Charlie: A Boy With Reading Difficulties And His Dream Everyone has a dream to become someone special when they grow up. Each of us has a talent and we need to explore it to its fullest no matter what it takes or how much work is required. Charlie, a nine- year old boy with dyslexia feels discouraged and happy when he has to read in school or at home. No one should feel defeated about learning and as an educator and reading specialist who worked with children with learning difficulties in reading, I truly know that everyone learns at their own pace and own rate. Charlie had a dream like most children do. His was special and unique to him. Charlie loved writing poetry and kept a book filled with his poems and thoughts. He loved reading these poems and wanted more than anything to become a poet when he got older. But, Charlie had to overcome not only the fact that he had a learning problem in reading but also the cruel and uncalled for comments of the other children in his class. Children can be mean and say things that hurt the feelings of others especially when the other child does not fight back or they do not really understand what is behind the child’s difficulty. Charlie hated going to school for that reason, but with the encouragement of his mother and his supportive teacher he managed to learn and cope with his problem and more. When Charlie is approached by a group of boys in his class one young man named William comes to his defense and a true friendship is born. William not only helps Charlie with this reading but also encourages him to enter the contest in school in poetry. Even though all of the children are required to enter, Charlie is motivated to write the best poem that will reflect his feelings and learn to read it fluently in front of his classmates and their parents. When Poem Week came Charlie felt apprehensive about reading his poem. Not only that, but his teacher Mrs. Jones found his book of poems and wanted him to read one to the class. She felt that he had real talent. What happens when he reads the poem and everyone listens to his words will forever endear you to him and more. Charlie is an inspiration to all children who ever had learning disabilities and the author of this book has written a great story that every educator, parent and child should read. I am going to read this to my niece who has a learning problem in reading and get her a copy of it for herself. Teaching reading to children with learning disabilities was what I did for over 20 years. The look on the faces of the students that were non- readers at the beginning of the year and could read on grade level and sometimes above at the end brought joy into my heart. There are so many Charlie’s in the world. There are so many that are often not properly assessed with dyslexia or other disabilities. Having nieces and nephews with reading difficulties and working with them and my students has taught me and I am sure the author a lot. Every child can learn. Never give up on your dreams. Parents need to encourage their children and children need to encourage each other. The suggestions to parents and teachers at the end of this book are invaluable. Fran Lewis; reviewer |
“Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder” By Jo Nesbo Illustrated by Mike Lowery Aladdin 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 ISBN-10: 1416979727 ISBN-13: 978-1416979722 $14.99 December 2009 272 pages The word fart in the title and a Norwegian author – what’s not to love? And there is so much to love about this book. When tiny, 10-year old Nilly moves into the neighborhood wild antics erupt. He meets up with the crazy professor Doctor Proctor and together they invent fart powder. But other than good old noisy fun, they can’t think of another good use for it. Until by accident they invent something a lot more explosive, which is how they wind up with Totally Normal Fart Powder and the super-duper Fartonaut Powder. Nilly and his new friend Lisa decide to sell the Totally Normal Fart Powder to the kids at school while Doctor Proctor tries to sell the super stuff to NASA. But bullies Truls and Trym and their father Mr. Trane hatch their own evil plan. From then on the story blows up into a carnival ride of hilarious twists and turns that include the Dungeon of the Dead, slimy sewers, and animals you wish didn’t exist. Jo Nesbo has created a spectacular farce that is laugh-out-loud funny. Mike Lowery’s drawings sprinkled throughout add just the right amount of absurdity to what is destined to be a comedy classic. Readers of all ages will find themselves giggling over “Doctor Proctor’s Fart Powder”. Copyright (c) 2010 by Peggy Tibbetts |
“Bunion Burt” By Marsha Hayles Illustrated by Jack E. Davis Margaret K. McElderry Books 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 ISBN-10: 1416941320 ISBN-13: 978-1416941323 $16.99 November 2009 32 pages Bunion Burt has sore feet. Everyone from Cousin Kurt to Sister Vert and even sweet sow Pert offer wacky ways to soothe his pain. But it’s up to Pappy Spurt to save the day. The characters’ exaggerated heads and feet in the brilliant watercolor illustrations accentuate the whimsical nature of this story. My favorite illustrations are those in which the artist adds another layer which is usually humorous. Jack Davis rewards watchful eyes with the antics of a comical cat who alone keeps readers turning the pages. “Bunion Burt” is a limerick story full of charm and silliness. Marsha Hayles masterfully captures the enchantment that happens when story meets verse. Children are never too young to appreciate the magic of language and they will fall in love with these wonderful words. Copyright (c) 2010 by Peggy Tibbetts |
“Weezer Changes the World” By David McPhail Beach Lane Books 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 ISBN-10: 1416990003 ISBN-13: 978-1416990000 $15.99 December 2009 40 pages Weezer is a cute little dog who does normal cute little dog things until one day he gets struck by lightning and everything changes. Suddenly Weezer can do extraordinary things. Then Weezer gets sick and it is up to everyone in the world to show him what they can do to change. The watercolor illustrations are comical and engaging. “Weezer Changes the World” is not so much about how one person can change the world but how everyone together can make a difference if they really want to. This simple story grabs the great big scary world by the horns and tames it for young readers. It is meant to be read again and again as young children will gain more insight with each repetition. Copyright (c) 2010 by Peggy Tibbetts |
“Tales from the Crypt #8: Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid” By Stefan Petrucha, Maia Kinney-Petrucha, John L. Lansdale, Jim Salicrup Illustrated by Rick Parker, Miran Kim, James Romberger, Marguerite Van Cook Papercutz 40 Exchange Place, Ste. 1308 New York, NY 10005 ISBN-10: 1597071633 ISBN-13: 978-1597071635 $7.95 November 2009 96 pages This graphic novel is a collection of four stories, “Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid” Parts 1 and 2, “Dielite” and “Carrier”. Each story is introduced with sick commentary from Crypt cartoon characters. “Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid” is a zany parody of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”. Follow the adventures of Glugg as he is accidentally killed by his brother Crowley then returns as a zombie to haunt those who tormented him in life. The story layout is unique and the artwork is comical. “Dielite” is a hilarious send up of “Twilight”. Dedward is a pathetic vampire with a hopeless crush Lou Anne Lugosi who wishes he would just drop dead. The artwork here is detailed and extraordinary. “Carrier” is the wacky story about Dan Warren, a truck driving, reluctant werewolf and his murderous friends. The style is classic comic book and the artwork is action-packed. Fans of “Mad Magazine” will love this book. Once they read it, middle school age boys will be hooked on the Tales from the Crypt series. Caution: You could die laughing. Copyright (c) 2010 by Peggy Tibbetts |
“Violet Wings” By Victoria Hanley Egmont USA 443 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016 ISBN-10: 1606840118 ISBN-13: 978-1606840115 $15.99 August 2009 368 pages Zaria Tourmaline is not a typical teen. For one thing she’s an orphan whose parents and brother disappeared years ago. She lives with – of all people – her cranky teacher, Beryl Danburite. And she’s not exactly human. She is a lavender fairy with violet wings. On her 14th birthday, along with receiving the customary watch and wand, Zaria discovers that she possesses enormous magical powers. This shocking revelation immediately turns her world upside down. Her world is Tirfeyne, which is not typical either. Tirfeyne is located in Feyland, another dimension where fairies, genies, gnomes, leprechauns, trolls, and quite possibly a few trogs live. Zaria is not content to learn about her new abilities from her mentor, Lily Morganite whom she despises. She studies her mother’s spellbook which provides her with a comforting connection to her long lost family and an overwhelming desire to find out what happened to them. She and her friends sneak through an unauthorized portal to visit Earth where they experiment with casting spells on unsuspecting humans and wind up in more trouble than they could have ever imagined. But fairies are charged with using their magic to do good in the world. Amid all the turmoil and mischief that surrounds her – not to mention the part she plays in it – Zaria unravels a mystery that involves her missing family. When everything seems lost, it is up to Zaria to make something good come from all of it. “Violet Wings” is part fantasy, part mystery, part coming of age. All together Hanley takes readers on a fascinating journey into another realm with enough friends, family, scoundrels, rascals, plus those pesky rules and laws to stay engrossed without being overwhelmed. Genie historian Orville Gold’s narratives at the beginning of each chapter dispense Feyland fun facts and even some clues for the careful reader. Zaria and her friends are enchanting creatures who are just beginning to understand their own powers. Feyland is a mystical world that readers will long to return to again and again. Copyright (c) 2010 by Peggy Tibbetts Peggy Tibbetts The Road to Weird Rumors of War http://www.peggytibbetts.net http://advicefromacaterpillar.wordpress.com http://fromthestyx.wordpress.com |
Take a Captivating Safari Adventure Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
| Open the first page of Sounds of the Wild: Safari (Pledger Sounds)and you’ll feel as though you just stepped into the vast African plains of the Masai Mara in Kenya. Maurice Pledger has written a fascinating book that will entice every young animal and nature lover.Not only is this an amazing 3D-pop-up book, but it’s full of fun facts sending the message that by learning how to conserve these savanna habitats, humans can protect these creatures and keep them safe for the future. Young readers will learn about one of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa named the Masai Mara, the Ngorongoro Crater which is an animal sanctuary formed about eight million years ago when a volcano collapsed, the Serengeti, and the Kalahari. The book shows how each animal plays an important role in this unique habitat and how the vast amount of grass is the root of all survival. The amazing paper-engineering by Keith Finch will drop you right into the tropical wild grasslands of Africa. So many animals pop off the page such as a hungry crocodile, wildebeest, leopard, ostrich, giraffe, and cheetah while you also hear the animals yawning, snorting, and screeching. Did you know a grunting hippo spends up to 18 hours a day in water or that the black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa with a speed of 12 miles per hour? If you didn’t or if you’d like to learn more, the sounds of the wild are calling in this captivating safari adventure disguised as a children’s book. Additional Information: Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 16 pages Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (November 17, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1571455566 ISBN-13: 978-1571455567 Source of review copy: PR agency |
| Encounter dinosaurs like never before Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
| Ten Hats A Counting Book Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
Just seeing the cover of Dinosaurs (Learning in Action)will lure young readers into wanting to see what’s inside. And they won’t be disappointed.
Yeah, the cover shown on the left is great, but you don’t get the feel for it through a still photo. When you initially pick up the book, you’ll find a
cover just like the one on the left, however, the dinosaur’s eye is closed. With the press of a button, the dinosaur roars, opens it’s eye and the
eye flashes bright red. Amazing! Even I found myself wanting to hit the button again and again!
Since the cover is just so much fun, it will encourage even the toughest of readers to pick this book up. But the fun doesn’t end there. Open the
first page and you’ll be surprised to hear the roar of a newborn Eorapter that literally pops off the page with a 3-D pop-up as it hatches from its
egg. I had never heard of a Eorapter until I opened this book and was fascinated to learn that this little two-legged meat-eater was one of the
world’s very first dinosaurs.
But that’s just the beginning of what young readers will learn as they enter the age of dinosaurs and experience them like never before. And
what I like about this book is that it will appeal to all ages. My four year-old used it as a tool to learn the names of the dinosaurs that appear in Ice
Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and older readers will learn everything from what a dinosaur was to dinosaur weapons to the end of an era.
And as they learn, they’ll be fascinated at the paper engineering by Alison Gardner and James Diaz. Flip a dinosaur egg open to spy a baby
dino inside, lift flaps to see a dino’s bones, stretch one of the longest dinosaur’s necks, and sink your teeth in as an Allosaurus snaps right off
the page.
Not only is this book a wonderful addition to any dinosaur lover’s collection, but with the holidays right around the corner, it will make a truly
memorable present. After all, there aren’t many dinosaur books that allow your young readers to see, hear and encounter prehistoric creatures
while also learning so much about them.
Additional Information:
Author: John Malam
Illustrator: John Francis
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592239404
ISBN-13: 978-1592239405
Source of review copy: PR agency
Yeah, the cover shown on the left is great, but you don’t get the feel for it through a still photo. When you initially pick up the book, you’ll find a
cover just like the one on the left, however, the dinosaur’s eye is closed. With the press of a button, the dinosaur roars, opens it’s eye and the
eye flashes bright red. Amazing! Even I found myself wanting to hit the button again and again!
Since the cover is just so much fun, it will encourage even the toughest of readers to pick this book up. But the fun doesn’t end there. Open the
first page and you’ll be surprised to hear the roar of a newborn Eorapter that literally pops off the page with a 3-D pop-up as it hatches from its
egg. I had never heard of a Eorapter until I opened this book and was fascinated to learn that this little two-legged meat-eater was one of the
world’s very first dinosaurs.
But that’s just the beginning of what young readers will learn as they enter the age of dinosaurs and experience them like never before. And
what I like about this book is that it will appeal to all ages. My four year-old used it as a tool to learn the names of the dinosaurs that appear in Ice
Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and older readers will learn everything from what a dinosaur was to dinosaur weapons to the end of an era.
And as they learn, they’ll be fascinated at the paper engineering by Alison Gardner and James Diaz. Flip a dinosaur egg open to spy a baby
dino inside, lift flaps to see a dino’s bones, stretch one of the longest dinosaur’s necks, and sink your teeth in as an Allosaurus snaps right off
the page.
Not only is this book a wonderful addition to any dinosaur lover’s collection, but with the holidays right around the corner, it will make a truly
memorable present. After all, there aren’t many dinosaur books that allow your young readers to see, hear and encounter prehistoric creatures
while also learning so much about them.
Additional Information:
Author: John Malam
Illustrator: John Francis
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Pop edition (August 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592239404
ISBN-13: 978-1592239405
Source of review copy: PR agency
| There are many things to be thankful for Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
| Looking for a fun counting book packed with a ton of encouragement? Ten Hats: A Counting Book is a fun rhyming story that shows the different kinds of hats worn by amusing animal characters doing different jobs. Young readers count down the different hats we see on the wall. Each page shows a hat and asks the question, Who wears that hat we see? From a police officer to dancer to snow plow operator, many jobs are covered, sure to peak the interest of your young reader. The last hat is a graduation hat. “Who wears that shiny, flat cap we see?” The story points to the reader of course and the last line sends home the message that “you can be anything you want to be!” This is a great book for a pre-school or kindergarten graduate and can also serve as an early reader. We all wear many different hats in life, and this book is a great reminder of the endless possibilities. Additional Information: Author: Carolyn Mott Ford Illustrator: Jack Gordon Paperback: 34 pages Publisher: E & E Publishing (September 11, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0979160626 ISBN-13: 978-0979160622 Source of review copy: Publisher |
With the holidays behind us and toys abound, it’s a good time to teach young readers there are so many things to be thankful for.
In a series of poetic sentences, Pat Mora has crafted a wonderful children’s book that will do just that. Gracias / Thanks (English and Spanish
Edition)tells about some of the everyday things for which a young boy is thankful that might be overlooked.
For example, “the sun that wakes me up so I don’t sleep for years and years,” a flying ladybug, “foamy ocean waves that chase my sister and me
and sometimes dash after us with a fast Splash,” and for Abuelita, “who always winks and gives me a dollar when nobody’s looking.”
From sunrise to sunset, we learn of all the things this little boy is thankful for and it gives each of us the opportunity to chat about the large and
small pleasures in our own lives.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books; Bilingual edition (October 20, 2009)
Language: English, Spanish
ISBN-10: 1600602584
ISBN-13: 978-1600602580
Source of review copy: Publisher
In a series of poetic sentences, Pat Mora has crafted a wonderful children’s book that will do just that. Gracias / Thanks (English and Spanish
Edition)tells about some of the everyday things for which a young boy is thankful that might be overlooked.
For example, “the sun that wakes me up so I don’t sleep for years and years,” a flying ladybug, “foamy ocean waves that chase my sister and me
and sometimes dash after us with a fast Splash,” and for Abuelita, “who always winks and gives me a dollar when nobody’s looking.”
From sunrise to sunset, we learn of all the things this little boy is thankful for and it gives each of us the opportunity to chat about the large and
small pleasures in our own lives.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books; Bilingual edition (October 20, 2009)
Language: English, Spanish
ISBN-10: 1600602584
ISBN-13: 978-1600602580
Source of review copy: Publisher
| Hooray for Humberto Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
| In most children’s books, a bookworm is literally just that– a worm! That’s why it was refreshing to run into Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster who proves it’s not just worms who like to bury themselves in books. Humberto likes to bury himself in books so much he’s actually a little antisocial. He leads a quiet solitary life, surrounded by books- left, right, up, and down.When the other animals in the forest ask Humberto if he’d like to play, Humberto always responds, “I don’t have time. I’m too busy reading.” But one day, when the forest faces a terrible flood, Humberto realizes the power of friendship. Humberto comes to everyone’s aid, much like the heroes in his stories, and when the sky darkens, Humberto takes out a storybook and they share a story together. Young readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations of Humberto’s stories coming to life in his mind–from sipping tea in Paris, escaping from fire- breathing dragons, and soaring through outer space. And any bookworm will relate to Humberto, not only in the joy of reading, but the joy of sharing a story with others. Hooray for Humberto! Additional Information: Paperback: 24 pages Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (October 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1935137921 ISBN-13: 978-1935137924 Source of review copy: author |
| Louis Sockalexis Native American Baseball Pioneer Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
Chances are if you ask anyone who the first African American baseball player was to play in the major league and break the color barrier, they’d
say Jackie Robinson. However if you asked that same person who the first Native American baseball player was to play in the major league, they
probably would have a blank stare.
Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer , is a warm picture book tribute to a historic sports star.
Growing up, Sockalexis faced difficult times. Native Americans did not have the same rights as white Americans and were forced to live on
reservations. He often worked alongside his father, but dreamed of becoming a major league baseball player. In the spring of 1897, Louis
packed his suitcase and boarded a train to Cleveland after being offered a role in the majors. But just like Robinson, life in the major leagues
was difficult. Just as Robinson would trot on the field to calls and boos, Sockalexis trotted to the field amongst Indian war cries.
Louis knew he was not only playing for himself, but all of his Penobscot people. When he smacked a homer against the Giants in 1897, Louis
had won the fans’ respect.
An afterword goes on to explain that Louis was one of the most versatile players in baseball. Being the first Native American to play in the major
leagues, Louis paved the way for other Native American and minority players. The story of Louis Sockalexis is one of dignity and grace –a man
who fought back to show that it doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, hispanic or Native American, the love of baseball stretches far beyond race.
Additional Information:
Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600604285
ISBN-13: 978-1600604287
Source of book: Publisher
say Jackie Robinson. However if you asked that same person who the first Native American baseball player was to play in the major league, they
probably would have a blank stare.
Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer , is a warm picture book tribute to a historic sports star.
Growing up, Sockalexis faced difficult times. Native Americans did not have the same rights as white Americans and were forced to live on
reservations. He often worked alongside his father, but dreamed of becoming a major league baseball player. In the spring of 1897, Louis
packed his suitcase and boarded a train to Cleveland after being offered a role in the majors. But just like Robinson, life in the major leagues
was difficult. Just as Robinson would trot on the field to calls and boos, Sockalexis trotted to the field amongst Indian war cries.
Louis knew he was not only playing for himself, but all of his Penobscot people. When he smacked a homer against the Giants in 1897, Louis
had won the fans’ respect.
An afterword goes on to explain that Louis was one of the most versatile players in baseball. Being the first Native American to play in the major
leagues, Louis paved the way for other Native American and minority players. The story of Louis Sockalexis is one of dignity and grace –a man
who fought back to show that it doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, hispanic or Native American, the love of baseball stretches far beyond race.
Additional Information:
Author: Bill Wise
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Lee & Low Books (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600604285
ISBN-13: 978-1600604287
Source of book: Publisher
| Not Just Another Bug Book Reviewed by Lori Calabrese |
| You do not want to miss the buzz over Bugs and Spiders (The Wonders Inside) by Jan Stradling. This is a nonfiction treasure that any parent, librarian or teacher would love to own. Young readers will learn about everything from insects, things with wings, bugs, spiders, and beetles. It’s jam-packed with facts such as the mosquito has a mouthpart shaped like a needle for piercing its food, caterpillars need to eat all the time, and most insects move their wings together, but the dragonfly beats its front and back wings separately. Everything is covered from metamorphosis to mimicry to camouflage. But what’s stunning about this book are the illustrations. Five full-page acetate pages reveal the hidden workings of different animals’ bodies and the spectacular computer-generated illustrations will have the hair on your arms standing on end. You’ll see the hairy legs of a spider, the compound eyes of a horsefly and the fuzzy body of a bee. Whether your young reader loves dragonflies, hoverflies, locusts, cicadas, tarantulas, or more, they’ll fill their quest for knowledge in this spectacular creepy-crawly collection. Additional Information: Hardcover: 80 pages Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books (August 11, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1571459073 ISBN-13: 978-1571459077 Source of review copy: PR agency |
Review by Beverly Stowe McClure A PUPPY, NOT A GUPPY Holly Jahangiri • Reading level: Ages 9-12 • Paperback: 50 pages • Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC (October 27, 2009) • Language: English • ISBN-10: 0984070850 • ISBN-13: 978-0984070855 Irma wants a puppy, but her parents tell her all the reasons she can't have one. Irma's friend Jimmy has two dogs, a cat, a parakeet, and sixteen pillbugs. He also has a guppy about to have babies and offers Irma some of the babies when they are born. Irma thinks guppies are boring. She wants a puppy, not a guppy. However, when Jimmy tells her he'll have to flush the babies down the toilet if no one wants them, Irma can't allow that to happen. Poor little guppies. With her mom's and dad's permission she accepts the guppies, even though they're only dumb fish. And Irma is in for a big surprise. To learn how to take care of her guppies, Irma reads books and makes some amazing discoveries, not only about fish, but also about people and how their names might affect their feelings about themselves. I also learned neat facts about Irma's "boring" guppies and had fun in the process. Even Jimmy learns a thing or two. Holly Jahangiri includes a "Learn More" section with a link to a Web site where children can discover all sorts of cool things about fish. The "Fun Facts" section of the book will have young readers, and parents, too, rushing to the pet store for fish of their own. This book would be great in elementary school science classes. I would have loved to use it when I was teaching fifth-grade science. Ryan Shaw's drawings are just perfect for the story. The expressions on Irma's face, ranging from disappointment to surprise to all smiles, make the story even more fun. And the fish--you have to see them for yourself. A Puppy, Not a Guppy will make a great addition to school libraries, public libraries, and your own private library. A story for all ages. |
Tiny Angel Chapbooks for Tweens by Nancy Carty Lepri Guardian Angel Publishing Print ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-94-8 ; 1-935137-94-8 eBook ISBN 13: 978-1-935137-95-5 ; 1-935137-95-6 Things aren't looking too bright at the moment for 8-year old Macy. She's just moved into a new place, left her best friend behind, and in her new school there's a bully who makes her life miserable every chance he can get. But just when things can't seem to get any worse, she receives a visit from a special little friend: her very own guardian angel! This little angel is witty and has an attitude, and does her best to infuse Macy with strength and confidence. Finally an opportunity comes for Macy to prove herself at a bee spelling competition... Will she go for it and show everyone what she's made of, or succumb to her fear of success? Tiny Angel is a well-written, delightful story that will entertain middle-grade girls. Macy, with all her doubts and insecurities, is a character young girls 8 and up will identify with. The story has a good message--there comes a time when we have to be bold and act in order to achieve our dreams--but it is not preachy; it's simply a good story about school, friends, being oneself, and achieving one's full potential. Highly recommended. Reviewed by Mayra Calvani |
Five Great Green Books for Kids By Amy Lou Jenkins author of Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting. www.AmyLouJenkins.com Raising children who love the earth requires first-hand experience with the relationships found outdoors. Literature can intensify that love. Reading a great book adds resonance to the experience of being human. An ecologic consciousness begins as soon as a child has awareness of the world around them. These green books for kids are rooted in a love for the environment. Take kids outside; read to them. Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost , Susan Jeffers (Illustrator) This book, like those that follow, is recommended for young grade-school children. While a toddler shouldn’t handle this book, the beauties of the words are suitable for any age. A classic poem, frosty vellum cover, and striking artwork make this book feel sacred. Even more than the sum of its parts, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening does not try to be a book to promote environmentalism. It is an extension of the artist’s nature- loving soul. Frost’s poem brings to life the mysticism of being outdoors. Children should learn the rhythm of beautiful words. The clean frosty images may evoke thoughts of Santa Claus for youngsters. Adults may consider what it means to grow old. This is a book to read over and over so that when a child has grown they will recall these words some winter night when they look into a dark white world and recite aloud “Whose woods these are I think I know.” The Everything Seed: A Story of Beginnings by Carole Martignacco This is a wonderful book to read aloud to little ones. Where do we come from? Where does the universe come from? Illusions to the seed that exploded and became the universe and the seed that became you (the reader, or the child being read to) represent unity between everything. Reading this book to a child could be an act of love. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss The language of Dr. Seuss is a joy to read. Children with their black and white sense of morality easily see the villainous behavior in destroying the Lorax. This is a book that can help explain why it is not good to buy (even if you could afford it) more than you need. The relationship between losses in nature and conspicuous consumption is not too popular in the consumer culture of the US. Yet somehow, no one argues with Seuss, because he always gets the lesson and the fun just right. The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry Share this story with a child so they will never see any puzzlement in the humancentric question, If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? Everything that falls and everything we take has an impact. The forest is full and busy with life, without a human in sight. Every child and adult should have these concepts straight. The message to save the rain forest, and more, comes through clearly. Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals by Steve Jenkins Lots of facts and stunning pictures will busy the mind of youngsters. Especially fine for kids who love facts. Everyone loves an underdog. And the animals here are all underdogs. In every case, human intervention has been the most significant factor in the decline of the species. There are some stories of hopeful recovery. This is a good starting point to discuss how we share the world with these rare animals. Children are likely to become champions of animals as they read. Amy Lou Jenkins is an award-winning author, book reviewer for the Sierra Club, and National Green Living Examiner. Find book reviews and more at www.AmyLouJenkins.com |
| Brownbird’s Luck by Kriss Erickson. In a misty land, long ago, and far away, lived a lovely girl-child of fourteen. Her lineage was as mysterious as the mountain range that loomed over the valley where she lived. Her father grew flax, and her grandmother, “The Dark Weaver”, wove the linen into beautiful tapestries, some with strange powers. This was their only means of a living. Deila tended the animals on the small farm and helped “Gran” with the weaving. One night everything changed when a foal was born to the dray horse and by morning was taken from them by an evil creature. Deila has to deal with a strict hard-working father who’s lost his wife (her mother) and is fighting to save their farm, the loss of her beloved tutor, and the often confusing hints her grandmother gives her as to why things are the way they are and what is going on. But the hints are designed to make her think and reason things out for herself. And the things are not always “normal”. A strange brown bird seems to bring luck when it’s around. And sometimes brings more than just luck. Then a mysterious new foal is left one stormy night in the dray horse’s stall. But this one is different. Pure white, refined, and somehow “different”. What follows is a gradual awakening to her true heritage and a new set of strange challenges she must face if she is to save her new-found friend. This is the first in The Land Behind the Veil series, an epic journey into a fantastic land not seen by many humans. Erickson does a great job of immersing the reader into Deila’s world. You can almost feel the dust of the barnyard, the electric thrill of stroking the new foal’s coat, and the other parts of her surroundings. I got lost in the story and was quite sad when I’d read the last page. I can’t wait for the next installment. A great “read” for fantasy lovers from young adult on up. Reviewed by Allan Kalar |
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