Ready Set Read Reviews

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

2010-07-15T12:37:00.011-05:00

The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness
Geared Towards: Ages 14+
Published By: Candlewick
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-7636-4490-1

If you enjoy reading a good thriller, ripe with horror and delight, then look no further. For the Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness will fit that bill perfectly with its unique and terrifying storyline.

In the first book of the series, The Knife of Never Letting Go, you learn that the world can be a very scary place, and no matter how much you think you know you may never be right. Set in a world of "noise", Todd has never known silence- not in the sense that you or I have. Cursed with a disease from the Spackle, an alien race, a person's thoughts are no longer his and his alone. It's a dark and dangerous world, nothing like the settlers envisioned when they first came to this new planet. Yet it's the only world Todd has ever known. It's not a fun place necessarily, but it's home.

And then a day comes that Todd must question everything he's ever been taught or thought true. In that day, Todd discovers the most horrifying thing of all- silence. Unlike anything he's ever known, Todd hears a silence so pure it could be almost maddening if it weren't for the fact that it is so amazing. Delving deep in to his search to discover the root of the quiet, Todd quickly finds out that much of what he's grown to think of as truth is infact complete and utter lies.

With his world crumbling down all around him, Todd finds himself wrapped up in a deadly game of cat and mouse. With his new found friend, Viola, at his side Todd does what any sane person would do, he runs. Initially the plan was just to get out and away, but rumor along the way says there's a town by the name of Haven where there is a cure for the "noise" and where they will be safe. If they can just get there...

Book 2, The Ask and the Answer, picks up right where it's predecessor left off. The trouble is, when they get to Haven it is anything but. For unfortunately they weren't fast enough. Choosing the path of least resistance, the town of Haven has given itself over to the invading army of Prentisstown. With its officials and leaders overthrown, the new law in town is the frightful Mayor Prentiss. Having promoted himself from Mayor to President, Mr. Prentiss has also renamed Haven to New Prentisstown. Sadly New Prentisstown does not appear to be any more serene or safe than the old. Quite to Todd and Viola's dismay, it may even be worse.

In old Prentisstown you knew what you were getting, but here there's a feigned attitude of normalcy despite the government being overthrown, the segregation of sexes, and the general air of doom. Having managed to overcome so much opposition on the road, Todd and Viola are not prepared for what's about to happen them.

Ripped apart almost immediately, the two are thrust into separate areas of the town not knowing what has become of the other. This is most especially difficult for Todd because when they arrived in town he was carrying his bloodied companion as her body struggled to withstand the damage caused to it by a bullet from Davy Prentiss' [the mayor's son's] gun. Todd is promptly detained and tortured; meanwhile, Viola is whisked away to a House of Healing where her wound can be properly taken care of.

Days pass and neither have any indication as to what has happened to the other, only the empty promises from Mayor Prentiss that neither has nor will be harmed. Consistently pushing to gain Viola's confidence, the President tries to persuade her to his side. When the settler ships land, she will be his way in- his way to assure he stays in control. Viola doesn't trust him though, knows he's a devilish liar. And still something about the way he presents himself, something about the words he speaks make everything that much more believable.

In the House of Healing where she was first taken, Viola discovers there is a plot brewing to upset the current regime. Not wanting to dine with the dragon but likewise not wanting to do anything that could have ill repercussions for Todd, wherever the Mayor might be keeping him, Viola treads lightly. Walking a high rope of uncertainty, she knows she has no other choice. Both sides present what could be a somewhat dependable story if only she didn't know so much already.

Caught up in the pain of his loss and the helplessness of his confinement, Todd struggles to understand how he is to free himself, save Viola- if she's not already dead, and all the while make it out alive. Escape is all but impossible with his guard dog Davy always breathing down his neck. And then, when he least expects it, Todd sees his chance. The question is, could it be a trap?

Just like the first installment of Todd's story, this book was an incredible and addicting read. Wrought with torment, anguish, and pain the character's came alive as their distressing tales were told and weaved together with just enough love and hope sprinkled in for good measure. Of course, since this is only the second book in a trilogy, we are left with yet another nail biting cliff hanger ending. The positive to this though is that book 3 is already out in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. We'll get it here in the States and Canada in September!!! That gives you just enough time to pick up your own copy of books 1 and 2 in the Chaos Walking series, before heading out for a copy of book 3, Monsters of Men when it hits the shelves. I can hardly wait!!!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Want to read my complete and original review of The Knife of Never Letting Go? Click here.

P.S. On a side note... I found that "Resistance" and "Uprising", both by MUSE, were the perfect songs to listen to while writing this review. Each seems, to me anyhow, to be perfectly suited "soundtrack" songs for this book. ;)

Little Black Ant on Park Street by Janet Halfmann

2010-07-05T14:17:00.010-05:00

Little Black Ant on Park Street by Janet Halfmann
Illustrated By: Kathleen Rietz
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Trudy Corporation & the Smithsonian Institution
Publication Date: December 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60727-003-4

I never knew this line of books existed, but after reading Little Black Ant on Park Street by Janet Halfmann I know I simply must look into finding more books published by this company. Halfmann is a amazing author, and I have been a huge fan since I first had the opportunity to read and review her earlier title, Little Skink's Tail, published by the incredible Sylvan Dell. But back to Soundprint's Smithsonian's Backyard, and more specifically Little Black Ant on Park Street.

If you have a young child who is interested in the how's and why's of nature, then I highly recommend this book. Accompanied by colorful and very realistic illustrations, this story documents the journey of a solitary little black ant as she goes through the day to day activities that comprise the life of one so small. Halfmann does a fantastic job of describing the design and function of an anthill and the hierarchy within. And in a language young children can easily understand, she explains how ants travel; search for food; and work as part of a group for the greater good.

Who knew an ant's life would actually offer up some good life lessons that even we as human beings can learn from? Well, it's true. The tiny black ant displays an attitude of dedication, intelligence, independence yet with ties to a group oneness, and a strength of ingenuity. When life gets difficult or a job seems too big to tackle, the seemingly insignificant ant doesn't get upset, she simply finds a solution. Whether it is asking for help or keeping her head down and staying on the path, she gets what she needs to get done and finds fulfillment within the act and end results.

It's a lesson I know I can use to take to heart. If a tiny little ant can accomplish so much simply by dedicating herself, how much more can I, as a person, accomplish if I set my mind to it? How great can my life be if I really apply myself?

Yes, this book definitely provides some wonderful life and scientific lessons, but it also provides something more basic- pure entertainment. Watching as the little ant on Park Street goes through her day was both educational and full of heart. Coming from someone who generally can not stand ants, I'd have to say I really found myself drawn in to this book. Without a doubt, Halfmann has written another winner with Little Black Ant on Park Street. It's been my privilege to have this review opportunity.

Thank you!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

***MORE ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION LINE, AS SEEN ON THE BACK OF THE BOOK***
"Smithsonian's Backyard... is a world of wonder for children intrigued by the wildlife outside their windows. These entertaining stories answer many questions children have about the habits and habitats of the animals in our own backyards. The series excites children about reading and learning, using interactive storybooks, audiobooks and stuffed animal toys. This title was developed under the direct supervision of curators for the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History."

Another FREE Online Book Offer: The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood

2010-06-29T13:51:00.002-05:00

Here is another great online offer. The Poison Diaries isn't even in stores yet, but Harper Collins has posted it in it's entirety online. Interested readers should check it out soon though as I don't know for how long it will be available.

Browse Inside this book

Get this for your site

FREE Online Read: Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

2010-06-29T13:38:00.002-05:00

Browse Inside this book

Get this for your site

I read this book a couple of years ago; it was really pretty cute. I haven't had the chance to read any of the others in this series, but hopefully will one of these days. Enjoy the freebie! =)

A Leap of Faith by Sabine S. Goldman

2010-06-05T20:00:00.005-05:00

A Leap of Faith by Sabine S. Goldman
Geared Towards: Ages 9-12
Published By: Strategic Book Publishing
Publication Date: July 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60693-954-3

We live in a world full of endless possibilities and opportunities. Countless events take place every moment just outside our view, but just because we do not see these things happen does not make them any less real. What if just outside our realm of knowledge and understanding there was another whole world of life? What if legends and tales of days gone by were true? What if faeries, or rather Pixies, actually were to co-exist alongside our human world?

According to Sabine S. Goldman's, A Leap of Faith, such a reality is not so far fetched. Pixies do exist and take up residence in many places within our human realm. And one place in particular that they call home is Windhill Tree.

Life in the Windhill Tree should be blissful; but Faith, a fiery sixteen year old Pixie, has never felt like she fit in. Compared to the other Pixies in her home, Faith both looks and acts differently. Unlike others of her kind, her heart desires to explore, and explore she does. But when Faith's father finds out that her love of exploration has been taking her beyond her community's borders to observe the humans he is furious. Not only is interacting with humans incredibly dangerous, it's also expressly forbidden by the Pixie code.

After being found out by her father, Faith can't stand to sit around and see her punishment come to pass. She has been told that her lightening ceremony is to be canceled, but a Pixie who goes without her lighting ceremony is doomed. It is at this time only that a Pixie will gain her powers, including the ability to always fly. If she is to be denied her chance at a full Pixie life, Faith can't begin to imagine what she will do. Her interest in humans has always been hard to ignore, but certainly just watching from the sidelines can't warrant this kind of punishment.

It doesn't take long for Faith to realize the gravity of her misjudgement. Deep in thought on her favorite red mushroom with white polka dots, she never notices the humans getting closer. And before she can even realize what has happened, Faith finds herself caught up in the hand of a human girl. This particular girl, Sam, is one Faith has watched diligently over time. Something about her in particular has always drawn Faith's attention, yet now with no space between them Faith understands how serious her miscalculations might have been.

Faith's journey doesn't end here; however, I don't want to give away any more of the story or else you won't have any reason to read it for yourself. And that, my fellow bookworms, would be completely unfair to both you and the author. Sabine S. Goldman has done a fabulous job creating Faith's world and telling her story. Perfect for any young adult whether this reader has a pre-existing interest in the world Pixies and/or faeries or not.

I found the story to be quite endearing, and Faith's lone spirit is an aspect I know many young readers can relate to. Feeling outcast and alone is, sadly, an all too common complaint in today's society, but as readers will discover it does not have to be that way. You are never alone, no matter how different you are. Friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and from all walks of life. And if it takes a tiny Pixie to get this point across so be it!

I had one small complaint in regards to the story development, but it's hard to be too specific without giving anything important away. I guess the easiest way to explain would be to simply say that I found part of the story's progression about 9/10ths of the way through to be somewhat unbelievable. Based on information given earlier in the book it just didn't fit. The way some of the character's responded to certain events seemed all too easy, like the progression was rushed in order to draw the story to a close. I don't know. Maybe I'm way off base and reading too much in to things. I guess I'll leave that up to you, the other readers, to decide.

Despite this minor criticism, I must say it was an absolute pleasure to discover and read this little gem. Infact, my deepest thanks go out to Sabine for allowing me this review opportunity. THANK YOU!! Looking forward to seeing what twists and turns A Leap of Faith- A New Beginning, Ms. Goldman's next installment takes.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Jeri Smith-Ready's SHADE

2010-05-18T13:50:00.005-05:00

I love Jeri Smith-Ready's adult/young adult books. She's amazing. Now she's got a new teen fiction debut, Shade; I just can not wait to read it!

Book Preview from Jeri Smith-Ready's website (found here)

Love ties them together.
Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plan for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Look for the sequel, SHIFT, coming May 2011!!

Check out the book trailer and the soundtrack she envisioned going along with it. :)

Click the below link to listen to the soundtrack.
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/19638927883/standalone

Updating

2010-04-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

Please forgive the mess as I redecorate and reorganize. I'm having some difficulties with the new template, and don't appear tech savvy enough to get over the hump. Please be patient as I take the time to figure out what needs to be done to get me past this snafu. Thanks!

Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows

2010-04-09T13:47:00.006-05:00

Ivy & Bean: Doomed to Dance by Annie Barrows
Illustrated By: Sophie Blackall
Geared Towards: Ages 6-10
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: November 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6266-0

When you were a young girl, did you ever want to run away? Were you ever so thoroughly convinced that a broken limb or a horrible sickness might be the preferred option when up against something you really truly didn't want any part of? Did you ever convince your parents you wanted to participate in something that you all too soon discovered wasn't what you'd expected? Did you ever beg out only to be denied?

All of these and more are true for Ivy and Bean the characters of Annie Barrows' early chapter book Ivy & Bean Doomed to Dance.

Ivy and Bean are the best of friends, and these best friends are now cast as the unseemly "friendly squids" for their ballet recital. This is not at all what either of the girls signed up for. Who know ballet would be so awful? It was supposed to be fun like it was portrayed in The Royal Book of the Ballet. In the story of Giselle there was dancing, the kicking off of heads, stabbing, and death. It was a ballet about an out and out brawl, far more entertaining than Wedding Beneath the Sea.

When the girls first got their bright idea to sign up for ballet, each had had to talk her parents into letting her go, and it wasn't an easy sell. Both Ivy and Bean had had to promise they wouldn't whine or complain, nor would they give up. But being stuck playing the part of a squid certainly warranted a small bit of whining, right? Mom and dad will surely understand and allow them to drop out of dance class. Wrong! Quitting is not an option.

If they are to have a chance at outsmarting Madame Joy and making it out of the recital alive and without looking ridiculous as squid they're going to have to really start brainstorming. There are several options available to them. They could break an arm, get sick, or even run away. None of these options are ideal, but Ivy and Bean are prepared to do what it takes to get out dancing in Madame Joy's stupid ballet recital if it's the last thing they do.

I had heard of the Ivy and Bean books before, but this isn't a series my daughter had yet started on so neither had I. I have to say that I thought the storyline was really pretty cute, and I enjoyed how the author seemed to understand her characters. Reading as a parent it was very easy for me to see how true to form they really were. Little girls are indecisive and constantly changing their minds on what they like and don't like, want to do and don't want to do. They're bossy and don't like to be told what to do. They embarrass easily, and they are very curious young creatures. It's true that girls can be very mysterious, even from a young age, and as such it's hard to always figure them out. Ivy and Bean are no different.

There was never any question in my mind that this book told a great, engaging story that any little girl would enjoy reading. I will admit though that when it started out I was a little taken aback by the dark tone of the discussion Ivy and Bean were having about ballet and Giselle in particular. Seemed that bloody toes, murder, and suicide were all a bit much for a book geared at such a young age group. The story quickly turned from this towards a more lighthearted direction, and I understand why the author chose to incorporate these earlier aspects into her story. I just can't see handing the book over to my own 6 year old (who reads at a 4-5th grade level) to read just yet. I don't doubt that she'd enjoy the story and probably wouldn't even think too much of this initial bit, but I don't know...

All things considered I'd certainly recommend the book; I'd just do so with a slight warning as I've already done here. As a whole I think Ive & Bean: Doomed to Dance will be a real crowd pleaser among 1st to 4th grade girls. The story itself, told through eleven short chapters, is something they'll be able to relate to and laugh over. Plus the illustrations, done by Sophie Blackall, do a wonderful job of visually cataloging Ivy and Bean's adventure.

**Thanks to Chronicle Books for giving me this review opportunity.**

OUR GRADE: 4 hearts

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz

2010-03-19T00:42:00.006-05:00

The Night Fairy by Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrated By: Angela Barrett
Geared Towards: Ages 7-11
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: February 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3674-6

Laura Amy Schlitz, acclaimed author and Newbery Medal Winner, has recently released her new illustrated fiction title, The Night Fairy. Flory, a night fairy, must learn how to survive when the tables are turned and she suddenly finds herself without a wings. A fairy without wings? Nonsense! Unfortunately though, this is not the case.

As the author explains early on, fairies do not make good parents. So it is not uncommon at all for a young fairy to be left on her own to make her way through the big, amazing, and oh so very dangerous world. This normally would not be a problem, but for Flory the trouble comes when a little brown bat mistakes her for a moth. It only takes the creature a moment to realize the error of his ways; however, even by then the damage is already done.

Flory, barely as tall as a single acorn, finds herself, a night fairy, wingless and alone. Uncertain as to what else she might do, Flory quietly locates a shelter [a giant's bird house] for herself and begins to brainstorm. To be a night fairy is to see and experience such undeniable beauty and awe. Still, without wings the dark of night is very dangerous and difficult to navigate.

It's a bittersweet day when Flory determines that despite her heritage, it is now the day that offers her the most likely rewards and benefits- such as food, safety, and survival. With that, Flory renounces her night fairy name, and begins to live as a day fairy. But even the sunlight hours are full of obstacles and dangers galore. Flory must learn to not only live as a day fairy but to survive as one as well.

Flory doesn't cater to anyone and quickly comes to the realization that someone as small as herself must learn to demand respect if she's going to get anywhere in life. And a wild temperment is just what the doctor prescribed. Bold and brazen, Flory steps out of the dark and in to the light as a day fairy. Determined to survive, she wastes no time in making the necessary demands of those creatures around her, most specifically Skuggle the squirrel.

Despite the fact that he is more than double her size, Skuggle is an easy pawn. His tiny squirrel brain thinks almost always of food. And a hungry squirrel can easily be bought and coerced into doing exactly what one wants. It's not always easy, but soon Flory has Skuggle wrapped around her little finger and is able to travel the garden as she pleases.

As she grows, Flory begins to discover she knows more and more magic. All the same, and even with a friend of size on her side, Flory must still be consciencious of her surroundings and never forget for a moment where she comes from.

The Night Fairy is compact little book, but the story it contains within its pages is anything but simple. Full of drama and adventure this is the kind of fantasy that leaves the reader envisioning a sequel. The well thought out story combined with the beautiful watercolor illustrations make this short tale almost classical in style. It won't take you long to read it, and I guarantee you it won't just be because of the size. Schlitz's storytelling ability leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat as you root for Flory and her friend(s). You don't want the story to end, but as far as this particular installment is concerned you are left feeling satisfied and content. For the author leaves no strings untied, and does a wonderful job of bringing her story full circle.

This delightful little tale of fancy is one I look forward to sharing with my own daughters. So thank you, Candlewick, for the review copy and opportunity. It's been a real pleasure!

OUR GRADE: 4 hearts

Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds

2010-03-14T13:20:00.009-05:00

Rose's Garden by Peter H. Reynolds
Geared Towards: Ages 3 and Up
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: October 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4641-7

Rose's Garden is an imaginative tale with a beautiful and inspirational sentiment. Written in dedication to Rose Fitzgerarld Kennedy herself, this story is meant to show the resplendent joy that a little hope, faith, and love can bring about.

Rose is a wee girl, traveling the world in her giant tea pot. As she travels from one exotic land to another Rose slowly fills her incredible ship with seeds to remind her of each and every place. After a time her grand tea pot is overflowing with seeds, and with no further room Rose sets her sights on a place where her amazing journey can come to a halt.

Once she finds a place to dock, Rose sets out to discover just the right spot for her glorious garden. It doesn't take long before she stumbles on to an ugly, abandoned lot just perfect for what she has in mind. Upon returning to her ship, however, Rose is dismayed to find that birds have swooped in and selfishly eaten all but a small handful of her prized seeds.

Most people would find such a thing so depressing that all hope would be lost, but Rose is not most people. Unwilling to let a trivial detail such as this get her down, she scoops up the few remaining seeds and heads back to nestle them gently in the dirt. But time and the elements seem to be against Rose. Despite everything she does, her garden just won't grow.

As word of her dream spreads, Rose suddenly discovers that she is not alone in wanting to make the world a more beautiful place around her. Children of all ages and color begin coming to her from around the community to share in her faith of a more beautiful tomorrow. Bringing with them colored paper flowers in all brilliant shades and designs, Rose's garden slowly begins to sprout forth before her eyes. It's not quite what she had initially envisioned, yet it's absolutely perfect.

This lovely little picture book tells an endearing story ripe with originality and lots of heart. It's a story that not only inspires you to take in all the beauty around you, but to go after it without holding anything back. Life's an adventure but it can be amazing if you just allow yourself to dream big and never let go of your faith.

OUR GRADE: 5 hearts

Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St. Jean

2010-02-24T15:33:00.007-06:00

Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St. Jean
Illustrated By: Libby Carruth Krock
Geared Towards: Ages 4-10
Published By: Oren Village
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9777272-5-4

Little sis Alyssa wants to play with her big brother Ralphie while he's home for the Summer from school. Ralphie, however, just wants to be a boy. He wants to watch tv, eat snacks, and just relax. He's not asking much, but Alyssa just won't take "no" for an answer. And as Ralphie sends her off on her own to play he settles in for a nice afternoon of movie watching. Little does he know that soon his most dreaded nightmare could very well become his very reality.

Rousing him from his afternoon break, Alyssa cries out for help. She's found a really big spider in her room, and only her big brother can help. Stuck between his own fear and his love for his baby sister, Ralphie must decide how best he can help Alyssa. Ralphie knows he can go up against a normal spider, but what if it's not a normal spider? His imagination gets the best of him, and suddenly Ralphie doesn't care about tv or snacks anymore. All he cares about is saving his sister. Life without her would be quieter for sure yet it would in no way be better.

Pick up your copy of Alyssa and the Spider by Alan St Jean today and see what happens. Will Ralphie save his kid sister or will the nasty spider prevail? Told in a lilting rhyme, this is a story that is bound to interest any young child. Combine that with the brilliant watercolor and pencil illustrations by Libby Carruth Krock, and you've got yourself a real winner!

P.S. Watch for the print book that includes a special audio edition of the story narrated by the author himself. It's really fun and perfect to download to your child's iPod or to listen to in the car. Listen for the page turn ques and your child can even follow along with the book for pictures.

P.P.S. Watch for an author blog/interview with Alan St. Jean coming soon here at Ready Set Read Reviews!

OUR GRADE: 5 hearts

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko

2010-02-24T11:09:00.006-06:00

Al Capone Shines My Shoes: A Novel by Gennifer Choldenko
Geared Towards: Ages 10 and up
Published By: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3460-9

Set in 1935 on Alcatraz island, Al Capone Shines My Shoes is the story of Moose Flanagan your average 12-year-old boy living in a very non-average place. How, you may wonder, did Moose come to live on Alcatraz of all places? It's not exactly like it's a kiddie park or something. Quite the contrary infact, as Alcatraz is an island prison filled with a few hundred of the country's meanest, nastiest, and dirtiest criminals. It's a place criminals fear and dread. And as has already been established, it's also Moose's home.

Moose's dad is one of the Alcatraz prison guards, and as such he and his family take room and board there on the island. Really it's not all that bad. With other staff families living onsite as well, Moose has several friends to play with. They enjoy games of baseball in the parade grounds, and there's plenty of places to roam. All in all, it's not too bad at all.

That is until the day that Moose decides to try and take his sister Natalie's well being in to his own hands. Always a compassionate brother wanting the best for his sister, Moose sends a message to Al Capone, one of the baddest and most notorious inmates Alcatraz has, asking him a favor. What Moose wants for his sister is not something he himself has the power to get. He hopes, however, that maybe with a little pull from someone with Capone's stature his wish can become a reality. For you see, Moose loves his sister dearly and she him, but that doesn't change the fact that something is wrong with Natalie. And what she needs most of all, besides the love and support of her family, is the opportunity to get in to a proper boarding school specializing in working with children with Natalie's problems. The one school in particular that Moose wants more than anything for his sister to be admitted to is the Esther P. Marinoff school in San Francisco. It's a place where hopefully with time she can be made normal, and with it only being a ferry ride away from Alcatraz Moose knows if she gains admitance he'll still be able to visit her. Could be that it's a win win situation.

Then the fateful day came- the day the most infamous gangster in America replied personally to Moose and his request. Perhaps it wasn't something he honestly expected to happen. Perhaps he didn't think it all the way through. But whatever the case, Al Capone sends Moose a note via the laundry letting him know his request has been filled. It's a great day for Moose! Until he finds out with every favor comes a returned request.

Terrified of having Natalie loose her new found place at the prestigious boarding school or worse yet his dad lose his job, Moose doesn't know what he should do. Having received yet another note, this one saying only two words "Your turn." Moose sets off on the ride of his life. On a small island containing many of the world's most egregious criminals, Moose is left wondering how long it will be before his time runs out. Will he be able to fulfill Capone's request, or will he be left watching his back for the rest of his life?

Readers who have read Choldenko's previous release Al Capone Does My Shirts would obviously be encouraged to pick up a copy of this sequel. However, even if you haven't read the original installment, I highly recommend this book. It's full of mystery and surprise, and despite it's unique setting, it's a story I think many kids could relate to. In relatable terms we'd probably be talking more along the lines of school yard bullies (etc) and not high profile gangsters, but at the end of the day I think both are more similar than you might think. Never mind how interesting this book was just in the details of life on the island. Having never been there to experience it firsthand I wouldn't know how true to life it was, but it seems pretty reasonable to believe there were kids just like Moose living on the island during its heyday. What a life that must have been!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita

2010-02-11T12:02:00.004-06:00

Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita by Kathleen S. Wilson
Geared Towards: YA
Published By: BookSurge
Publication Date: May 2009
ISBN: 978-1439230657

We live in a beautiful world comprised of living breathing nature, intermixed with man-made technology and creations. It's civilization at it's finest. Or is it? In today's eco-conscious society many believe we, as the presiding and dominant species of our planet, have a responsibility to clean up our acts before we overrun the Earth with pollution and devastation. The fear is that one day, if we are to do nothing, we will eventually see our man-made waste and advancements completely overrun the majestic environment our Creator has given us. In short, the world as we know it could be detrementally changed forever if we don't step in and take corrective action now before it's too late.

Such is not too different a scenario than Kathleen S. Wilson portrays in her new young adult eco-fantasy adventure Rumer & Qix: The Race to Terra Incognita. It's the 31st century and everything has evolved way beyond the greatest imagination of Mirra's predecessors. Nature is extinct, and left in its place is a synthetic world. Living within a man-made Mirrasphere, complete with an intricate collection of SynAir controls; computer controlled sunlight and evening stars; faux flora and fauna; and more, this is the life all Mirrans know. But a shift is beginning on the horizon, and everything the world of Mirra thought it knew it about to change.

What if there was real life outside of the Mirrasphere? What if it was the real, genuine article- nature- reemerging after so many centuries? Well, that's what random Indie reports would have you believe. A brilliant green blade of grass here. An incredibly fantastic butterfly there. The reports are scattered, but more and more the networks are reporting strange, unexplainable nature sightings across the globe.

As an apprentice reporter for the Global Quotidien news, Rumer is only 16 but her interest is piqued. Raised by her godfather after the mysterious death of her parents when she was just eight years old, Rumer already has a taste for investigating the unexplainable. Her job though is not all the fun she'd dreamt of. Relegated to reporting on the mundane and strictly forbidden to look into any of the amazing indie run nature sightings, Rumer decides she won't be held back. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and one she can't in good conscience ignore.

Credible reports are pouring in by the day, and with so many unique occurrances it only stands to reason there's more than meets the eye. So, with her animet, Qix, by her side Rumer sets out to discover the truth behind the supposed resurgence of nature long since believed to be extinct. Why is it appearing now? Better yet, where is it coming from and how?

With a little help from some otherworldly sources, Rumer sets out to break the world's biggest story yet. If there really is an explaination she will find it. And if, along the way, she should happen to discover the world's greatest mysteries, than so be it.

For someone who typically veers away from the fantasy genre, I must say The Race to Terra Incognita was an all too enjoyable fantasy thrill ride. Who knew that ecological issues could be so entertaining? In a world not so completely dissimilar from our own in many ways, a story is breaking loose about how mankind has destroyed it's ecosystem and left in it's place an all too disheartening replacement. Readers, no matter their previous personal stand on ecological issues, can't help but think twice about this world we ourselves live in. Certainly we're not dealing with anywhere near the extremes the characters of this story were, yet one can't help but admit it does provide some interesting food for thought. We are but a step away from our future.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Flawed Dogs: The Novel by Berkeley Breathed

2010-01-03T22:44:00.010-06:00

Flawed Dogs: The Novel by Berkeley Breathed
Geared Towards: Ages 8-12
Published By: Philomel Books
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-399-25218-1

Prospective readers will take one look at the cover of Flawed Dogs: The Novel and they won't be able to turn away. The comical yet endearing illustration, created by none other than the author, Berkeley Breathed, himself is a true rendering of what readers can expect to find between the book's covers- humor, heart, hurt, and heroics.

When our story begins we find "Little Buddy", a bedraggled Dachshund, being carried to and deposited inside a dog fight ring. Complete with his soup ladle leg, it is obvious this poor little dog has seen more than his fair share of horror. Rather than compete with his opponent, a large vicious looking pit bull terrier, "Little Buddy" decides to give up the fight and simply lies down. His lackluster attitude spurs plenty of jesting and jeering but he doesn't care. Because once upon a time, a long time ago, "Little Buddy" had a great life. It is that life that he begins to reminisce and dream about...

Sam the Lion started life destined to be a prize winning Westminster show dog, but along the way his plans took a turn for the extraordinary. Freed from the clutches of the horrible Mrs. Nutbush, Sam takes after his rescuer, a young girl named Heidy. An orphan herself, Heidy understands all too well what it's like having no one to lean on and no one to trust in. So despite her initial misgivings about taking him along, Heidy allows herself the pleasure of wisking the tiny dog away with her. It's a match made in Heaven. Heidy finally has someone to love and play with, and Sam has a warm and loving place to call home. And then everything comes crashing down around them.

A jealous canine rival, Cassius, determined not to be outdone by the fabulous Düüglitz Dachshund comes up with a plan that'll not only sully Sam in Heidy's eyes but also in the eyes of everyone else they live with. It's a dastardly plan; however, Cassius knows it will guarantee a place in the spotlight for himself. For you see, the large poodle knows Sam has nothing on him in the area of size or strength, yet with Sam in the house there's no room in Heidy's heart for another. Removing Sam from the picture not only clears the way in to Heidy's heart for Cassius, it also ensures there will be one less opponent for him to try to beat at the highly competitive Westminster Dog Show.

Nevertheless, Sam is a fighter. He may fall, but he will always get back up. He may break, but he will aways mend. He may lose hope for a time, but in the end he will always charge forward ready to get back on top.

It's a complicated tale full of up's and down's. It's also a breath of fresh air. Flawed Dogs offers a uniquely marvelous story that will fill young readers with a need to keep going until that very last page. With a story so cute and entertaining, it's no wonder Berkeley Breathed is a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best selling author. I myself will definitely be checking out some of his other works.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids by Maureen Healy

2009-12-28T02:45:00.005-06:00

365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids by Maureen Healy
Geared Towards: all ages
Published By: Growing Happy Kids
Publication Date: January 2010
ISBN: 978-0-615-32390-9

Everyone knows that in order for a child to grow up strong, healthy, and intelligent he needs to be well taken care of in the physical and mental sense. There should be shelter, appropriate clothes, healthy foods, and education. But what if these physical and mental things were the only aspects of a child's development we, as parents, paid attention to? What if we were to give our child everything in the way of food, clothes, protection, and education but never take the time to build them up emotionally? What would happen if a child's emotional well being fell to the wayside and was never nutured or encouraged?

In a perfect world no child would go without any of the above, yet unfortunately in today's busy society there are many parents/grandparents/educators who overlook the importance of an emotional upbringing. Every child should live a rewarding life. In order to make this more a reality than just an idea, it is important for parents to empower, educate, and inspire their offspring. Through open lines of communication and a parenting style that comes from the heart, we as parents can not only impact our children in the here and now but forever through the words and teachings we instill in them. For words hurt and words heal. It's all in the way you use them.

Shakespeare once wrote, "The voice of parents is the voice of gods; for their children they are heaven's lieutenants." Buddha is quoted as having said, "Whatever words we utter should be chose with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill." That is to say, what we put in to our children emotionally is going to come out of them ten fold. If we work to influence their emotional beings through uplifting and encouraging conversations and dialogue we stand a chance of not only teaching our children social and emotional intelligences but also of creating in them more rounded, joyful, compassionate, and confident adults.

In her book, 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids Maureen Healy shows in length just how many ways parents can incite their children and help make them more emotionally aware, insightful, and happy. Written in a list format, Healy's book is broken down in to three main segments: EMPOWERING (Where "your child gains: courage, confidence, optimism, connection, and self-trust.") , EDUCATING (Where "your child learns about: emotional awareness, social and service learning, ethical living, and universal truths."), and INSPIRING (Where "your child connects with his or her: inspiration, imagination, creativity, love of nature, art, and spirit."). In each she lists many suggested conversation starters that a parent can use to create a exchange with his or her child(ren). Many are thought provoking on a child's level, but many seem a little cheesy. I guess in that regard, this is one of those books you must pick and choose from. Not everything will work for everyone, yet I'm sure each person who reads this book will be able to pick out several key elements they find beneficial and helpful on some level.

I have to admit that my first impression of Maureen's book wasn't exactly the best. Truth be told, I thought a lot of her suggested conversation starters were just corny and sometimes lame. I get what she was trying to achieve through them; they just, unfortunately, did not all resonate for me. Also I could sense a strong new agey, Buddist vibe in a lot, though not all, of the author's writing. This is not surprising because she openly mentioned, on one of the first pages of this book, her ties to the Buddist and New Age movements. For some this won't be an issue. For me, however, as Christian it was a little too much. I want the best for my children just as much as the next mother, maybe even more, but I don't buy in to a lot of the "the universal harmony" crap that goes along with either of the aforementioned belief systems.

I don't want that to sound like I'm completely tearing down Healy's book, because that would be completely false. I do, again, think that there are quite a few really good thought provoking sayings in this book. Just to name a few from each section...

In the section on EMPOWERING-

#7 The Best (found on page 15)
"Ordering the best from life and expecting it often returns just that- THE BEST. So enjoy looking for the best in your SELF and OTHERS because soon the best starts looking for you."

#17 Everyday (found on page 17)
"You are loved every minute of every day in every way! I love you. God loves you. Your angels surround you and protect you on your way. There is nothing to fear as you let God steer. Enjoy being surrounded by UNIVERSAL love from above."

#35 Never Give Up (found on page 22)
"Never ever give up! Life has some bumps and bruises, ups and downs, highs and lows but never, ever GIVE UP. Being able to hang on and not give up is a GIFT to yourself that you are STRONG, CAPABLE and WILLING to see life through. Plus there are rewards coming to you."

In the section on EDUCATING-

#129 Happy Wishes (found on page 53)
"Everyone is the same. We all want happiness and to avoid pain. This truth connects every person. No matter what is occurring in life- look past the surface and see every person wants to feel happy. Even the grumpy teacher!"

#131 No Better (found on page 54)
"There is no better. Each of us is UNIQUE and SPECIAL. No one is better than anyone else. Every person has gifts that are being birthed within them. EVERY MINUTE. Respect the blossoming of everyone's gifts equally."

#150 Patience (found on page 58)
"Patients are not just for doctors! It is the ability to rest in knowing all is well, others can go first, and you can happily wait your turn. There is not RUSH in life. All the best things are coming to you so just be happy and let them SHOW UP right on time."

In the section on INSPIRING-

#298 Fully You (found on page 101)
"I want you to be FULLY you in everything you do! So enjoy discovering your self, taking your talents off the shelf and being fully the wonderful you. What do you fully want to do?"

#332 No Ordinary (found on page 109)
"There are no ordinary moments! Every second is special. Even if you are picking your nose or wiggling your toes! God is here, there and everywhere. So see the DIVINE light shining everywhere even at night."

#357 Seeds (found on page 115)
"Today's seeds are tomorrow's flowers. You can plant seeds and watch flowers rise up from the dirt. Or you can plant kind words and see all kind words spring up all around you! What type of seeds are you planting now?"

The above is just a taste of what readers can expect to find between the pages of Healy's new release, 365 Perfect Things to Say to Your Kids. I'll repeat that while I don't particular love every saying in this book, I do agree that there are some really great ones to be found. I think the author did a good job of structuring her writing so a young child can easily understand most, if not all, of the 365 sayings. Her simple wording and catchy rhyming text is undoubtedly one of the key componants that will help younger readers commit Healy's "truths" to memory. And while I probably wouldn't use the book in the fashion the author indicated, I would probably use it to get suggestions for cute notes lunchbox notes that I could send to school with my 6 year old daughter.

Thanks to Maureen for allowing me this review opportunity!

OUR RATING: 3 hearts

The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) by Gina Misiroglu

2009-11-14T10:19:00.006-06:00

The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) by Gina Misiroglu
Geared Towards: Ages 4 and up
Published By: Visible Ink
Publication Date: October 2009
ISBN: 978-1-57859-219-7

Being a parent is truly one of the most amazing opportunities I think any person can ever have the pleasure of experiencing. It's full of up's and down's, but there's almost never a dull moment. Of course, as any parent will know, having a child can also be very enlightening. Things you didn't know your child could come up with, they'll inquire about. Why is the sky blue? How does a bird fly? What causes leg pains while one is sleeping? Why does a cat pur?

These are just a few of the many questions children love to ask, and when they do ask them we, as parents, are expected to have an educated answer to offer. Sometimes, depending on the age of your child, you can get away with a simple "Because it just is." It's highly unlikely though that this response will generate the desired response. The more likely scenario is the one where the child will continue to hound and harrass you for a fact based answer until you either find it or make something up. And let's face it, nobody wants to lie to their kid because they don't honestly have a clue what the answer to their question is. Yet, what are you supposed to do when you don't have a good explaination? Some might turn to the internet or the dusty encyclopedia set that rests, untouched, on the family bookshelf. But what if there were an easier place to find the answers to your child's interesting and highly imaginative questions? Now there is...

The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) by Gina Misiroglu is the perfect reference resource for parents, teachers, and kids alike. Written in a clear and easy to understand fashion, this book is exactly as it's name suggests, a handy answer book. I really love the way the author has chosen to breakdown the contents of the book, because it makes it easy to navigate through when looking for information on a particular subject. For instance, everything related to Outer Space is in it's own chapter. Next follows a segment on Planet Earth and our Moon; Creatures Big and Small; Plant Life; People Around the World; Politics and Government; How Things Work; Math, Measurement, and Time; All About My Body; and Daily Life.

If you know what category your child's question would fall under, you only need to flip that section to search out an answer. What's wonderful is that this is a book you can really turn to in all those "I dunno" moments when your child asks you a question you simply haven't got a clue how to answer. Granted, there's no guarantee your child's question will be one that is featured in this compilation; however, with nearly 800 queries touched on within its pages I think it's fairly safe to say you've got a good chance at finding the information you need.

I should also mention that the author has been incredibly thorough when collecting the data for her book. Every question that is listed is paired with a thorough and comprehensive answer which parents can adapt to their own situations. In other words, say a parent finds the answer to his child's question but the answer is too indepth for the child of this particular age to be able to absorb and understand it. Not a problem. All the parent has to do is shorten the given answer to something a little more age appropriate. This way, the parent can be certain he is offering the best answer possible to his child, but he's also able to do so in a way that doesn't, hopefully, leave the child with more questions than answers.

I'll tell you what, even if you don't have a child who's quite to that critical stage of 24-7 curiosity, this is a book you'll still want to get your hands on. Why is that? That's an easy question, and one I don't even have to look up the answer for in the book. (hahaha) The reason is because The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) is actually really interesting. Reading through it, in order to write this review, I found myself constantly amazed with the knowledge I was consuming from each page. It's a true wealth of information- useful to useless and everything in between.

My thanks go out to online publicist, Lisa Roe, for giving me this fantastic review opportunity. This is a book I guarantee will not get set on a dusty old shelf to become forgotten and outdated. Nope, this is one I know is going to get a lot of use in this house. So, thanks again, Lisa!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

2009-11-05T06:22:00.006-06:00

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
Geared Towards: Ages 14 and up
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3707-1

We've all heard about selling your soul to the Devil, but what if you really did? In Daniel and Dina Nayeri's new reimagined Faustian novel, that's exactly what happens.

Across the globe, five unhappy children are mysteriously swept away from their lives in the regular world, never to be seen or heard from again. Reemerging several years later, distinctly and totally different than before, the Faust five are ready to reek havoc like never before. For what's a deal with the Devil if there's no fun involved?

Given over to a lust like no other, the Faust children (as they've since come to know themselves) have become more than mysterious teenagers out to have a little fun. They are in it to win it, and there is no losing. Beauty, fame, and fortune are more than mere petty pipe dreams. For the Fausts they are a way of life. Each having made a very lucrative, albeit chilling deal with the beautiful governess, Madame Vileroy, now proudly embodies his or her most sought after "gifts". Though by no more than sheer evil the teens are able to see their utmost dreams come alive. No more wishing. No more hoping. Now it's all coming together and each is getting exactly what he/she wanted more than anything else. Except, no one thought twice about the consequences.

Can the Faust children ever learn to see the error of their ways? Will they be bound to their perverse ways of life forever or will they ever truly take notice of the driving force affecting each of them? Will any ever be able to repossess his/her own soul and turn over a new way of life? Or will the cheating, stealing, hiding, and lying carry on with them throughout the rest of eternity?

Readers will be captivated by the twisted and intriguing world brought to life in this eerie tale. A wonderfully nefarious debut by Daniel & Dina Nayeri, Another Faust depicts, in a whole new way, the ultimate self serving sacrifice as originally brought to the table by German legend.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Bear-ly There by Rebekah Raye Review & Blog Tour

2009-10-25T16:18:00.014-05:00

Bear-ly There by Rebekah Raye
Geared Towards: Ages 8-11
Published By: Tilbury House
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-88448-314-4

I grew up in an area of the country where most everyone is accustomed to having black bears around. Even if you don't actually see them you know they are there, lurking in the woods waiting for the sun to go down so they can venture out to investigate the people world around them. There it's fairly common to spot one of these brave and curious creatures rifling through the garbage or sauntering around. However, now I live in the city, and while I'm still familiar with country life, my own daughters are not. That's why I really enjoyed the opportunity I was recently given by Tilbury House Publishing to review their new release Bear-ly There written and beautifully illustrated by author Rebekah Raye.

When bear awakes from his long Winter slumber, he is hungry and ready to explore. But when he suddenly smells something sweet wafting through the air, bear is no longer interested in the worms and acorns he's found buried deep in the ground. No. What he wants is what he smells, and what he smells is hidden inside a locked, wooden shed just beyond the woods.

After the bear tears in to Charlie's family's storage shed, seeking out the delicious smelling bird seed that had lured him there, Charlie is left fearing for the lives of his geese. They were safe in their own shed at the time, but another visit from the bear could end on a not so lucky note. With that, Charlie takes the opportunity to begin researching his wild visitor. Not only can his family take measures to help insure that the bear does not return, but so can their neighbors. It's a joint effort that everyone, including the bear, can benefit from.

Bear-ly There is a great story about a boy who sets out to protect his pet geese and in the process saves the bear he was protecting them from. With charming illustrations to accompany it, this story is one that children and adults both will enjoy reading. What's more is that you could even say there's a moral to the story; one that suggests that life is precious and everyone- everything has a place and purpose. Who wouldn't love that message?

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Now for some fun...

Rebekah has graciously offered to contribute some of her beautiful wildlife artwork (see samples of her work atwww.rebekahraye.com), in addition to the signed books that Tilbury will be giving away. So that's a total of 10 fantastic prizes during this tour!

Blog Comment Prizes

Tilbury will draw 9 lucky winners from all of those who leave comments on the participating tour posts from (October 16-30) to win one of the following prizes:
- A set of four art cards (2 sets available)
- A signed wildlife art print
- An original sketch from Bear-ly There
- An original sketch from The Very Best Bed
- An original sketch from Thanks to the Animals
- A copy of Bear-ly There, The Very Best Bed, or Thanks to the Animals, signed by Rebekah Raye

Winners will be announced on Oct. 31, US/Canada addresses only, please.

Twitter Prize

Everyone that participates in the Twitter Book Party, and/or posts anything about the tour using the hashtag #Bear-ly There from October 15-30 will be entered to win a complete set of Bear-ly There, Thanks to the Animals, and The Very Best Bed, all signed by Rebekah Raye. Winners will be announced on Oct. 31, US/Canada addresses only, please.

Messy Tessy by Leah Orr

2009-10-22T23:03:00.004-05:00

Messy Tessy by Leah Orr
Illustrated By: Josephine Lepore
Geared Towards: Ages 2-5
Published By: AuthorHouse
Publication Date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4389-9398-0

When I first received an invitation to review Messy Tessy by Leah Orr I thought it sounded like it could be kind of cute. Here's the synopsis from the book's cover, "While babysitter Aunt Fran is asleep, Messy Tessy finds humorous and amusing ways to entertain herself. With every turn of the page enjoy the mischief that unfolds." What little kid doesn't get in to some mischief, right? But when I actually received and read the book, I have to say I was a little disappointed.

In the story the little girl, Messy Tessy, is left to entertain herself while mommy is out and the babysitter falls asleep. She makes do reading to her dollies, painting, playing salon, and just generally having fun. And truthfully, the story itself was cute enough. However, I really didn't like how it promoted the idea of coloring on the walls, destroying the dolls by painting on them and cutting their hair, and even the little girl cutting her own hair. These are things that little girls are likely to discover and attempt on their own, but as a mother of two little girls I'd honestly prefer not to give them any ideas. Does that make sense? Maybe I'm reading too much into things, but I just can't bring myself to read this to my daughters. I'm really sorry.

I do completely and one hundred percent though applaud the author's vision she's working towards attaining by publishing this book, as well as the two others she has written. This vision is one that goes a long way towards helping people just like her own daughter. This vision is to help find cure for the many affected by Cystic Fibrosis. While this story itself does not in any way touch on CF, the author and her family intend to put all money earned from the sale of this book directly into the hands of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. What a noble cause!

With the above in mind, I'd like to recommend the purchase of this book. Whether or not you like the book itself you'll know your contribution via your purchase has gone to a good cause.

Congratulations, Sarah_Elizabeth!

2009-10-18T22:34:00.004-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS, SARAH_ELIZABETH!

You have been randomly selected (via Limmy's Raffle King) to win your very own, fresh from the publisher, copy of The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury. You didn't leave a way for me to contact you, so please e-mail me (readysetreadreviews@gmail.com) within 7 days in order to claim your prize. Thanks!!!

And to everyone else who entered this giveaway, thank you so much! I wish I had enough copies of the book to go around, but unfortunately I do not. You really won't be disappointed with The Princess and the Three Knights though, so be sure to pick up a copy soon.

Baby Owl's Rescue by Jennifer Keats Curtis

2009-10-14T15:34:00.005-05:00

Baby Owl's Rescue by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrated By: Laura Jacques
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934359-95-2

It's widely proclaimed that should you ever find a lost baby animal in the wild that you should never ever mess with it. Theories differ, but some say the parent may abandon the baby because it senses your presence. Others say that the baby could be abandoned and left for dead because the parent may be frightened by your smell on their young. But what if you found a baby bird or animal that would be in actual danger from other outside sources or predators? Is it then okay to intervene?

In her book Baby Owl's Rescue, author Jennifer Keats Curtis, offers a wonderful story and example of how you could involve yourself were you to ever stumble across a lone baby animal that looked like it could use help. The animal in question in Curtis's book, is as the title suggests, a baby owl. Fallen from his home high in the trees, the young bird is unable to fly back up to his nest. Maddie and Max know, however, that even though the baby owl appears to need help that they should never involve themselves without first consulting an adult. In this instance they go to their mother, who just so happens to be a wildlife rehabilitator.

Mom knows that every case differs and that no real plan of action should be taken until you've thoroughly looked at all the variables in each individual situation. Does it look like that baby is hurt? Is danger eminent if you don't assist the baby? Have you failed to see the parent return within a reasonable time? Is it possible mom or dad have simply gone off to forage for food and that they'll be back soon, in which case they can then assist their baby themselves? These are all great questions you must consider if and when you are trying to determine if action should be taken on behalf of a wild animal who appears to need help.

In this story, after considering all of their options, Max and Maddy's mom determines that they should help. The baby owl is too young and small to fly back up to its high nest, yet left alone on the ground it could easily become prey for a hungry predator. It's not as simple as just picking it up and plunking it in to the nest though. Even when the decision to intervene has been made, a human's involvement with a wild animal baby should still be minimal, at best. No one wants to inadvertantly cause more harm to the unsuspecting creature. However, with a little knowledge and creative planning, mom and the kids are able to rescue the baby owl and easily get it back to safety.

It's a great story with a happy ending!

But don't think the fun stops there. No, of course not. This is a Sylvan Dell publication which means there's a fantastic "Creative Minds" section to be found at the back of the book. It's full of educational owl fun facts, activities, games and more. It's so great that young readers likely won't even catch on to the fact that they're learning something until it's too late. Now if that's not a education in disguise I don't know what is!

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

~Princess Picture Book Giveaway~

2009-10-02T11:38:00.009-05:00

Would you like to win the little princess in your life a copy of Karen Kingsbury's delightful new hardback picture book, The Princess and the Three Knights? Well, thanks to the ever so generous Lindsey R. at Zonderkidz, I am pleased to announce that you can do so right here at Ready Set Read Reviews.

To enter you can do can do some or all of the following, but you must at least do the first. Your name will go in the hat one time for each entry that I receive from you. (Please note: Due to the cost of postal prices, I'm afraid I must limit this giveaway to those with US addresses only.) Also, please make sure to include you a way to contact you with each comment.

1. Check out my previous blog post containing my review for The Princess and the Three Knights, and leave me a comment there and then again on this post confirming your entry. (This is a must for entry. Without this step, all other entries will be null and void.)

2. Leave a post here telling me what your favorite traditional romantic fairy tale is. Extra entry if you tell me why.

3. Add my button and/or a link to Ready Set Read Reviews to your sidebar, then comment here with a link back to confirm your entry.

4. Blog about this giveaway, including a link to this post, and comment back with a link to your own post.

5. Twitter about this giveaway. Be sure to leave your Twitter id in your entry comment.

6. Stumble, Digg, etc this post at least once, and link back in your entry comment.

7. Become a Ready Set Read Reviews follower. There's a box on the right sidebar on the main page. For one entry, leave a comment saying you've done so. Or if you're already a follower, just let me know.

8. Sign up for e-mail updates from Ready Set Read Reviews. Leave the e-mail address ("name at gmail dot com" format is fine) you signed up with in your comment for one entry.

That's a minimum of 10 entry options; so get to it!

I'll leave this contest posted for 2wks. That'll bring me back around to pay day so I'll have the money to put the book in the post right away after doing a random draw from all entries to select a lucky winner.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO ENTER! It really is a great book, so don't let this opportunity pass you by. :)

The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury

2009-10-02T10:29:00.006-05:00

The Princess and the Three Knights by Karen Kingsbury
Illustrated By: Gabrielle Grimard
Geared Towards: Ages 4-7
Published By: Zonderkidz
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-3107-1641-9

As the mother of two little girls, and as a little girl once myself, I am no stranger to fairy tales. In most there's always a beautiful princess who wants to be loved and rescued by a handsome prince. He can be brave. He can be noble. Rarely, however, do the stories show us any real character on either party's behalf. Usually the prince just has to be good looking and come with a title and that automatically makes him a suitable candidate to take the hand of the princess. Or, if he's not an automatic shoe in then there's usually a duel or some other physical challenge which takes place to help narrow down the selection to a single suitor.

That is all fine and dandy, and truthfully I have enjoyed these fairy tales as much as most. Yet, I've often wondered, and have seen discussed many times online, why do fairy tales seem to never show the princess being claimed by a prince, or even just a regular guy, who sees more than just her money and beauty? They're make believe stories so no one expects them to be fully realistic, and still when little girls read these enchanting tales they get continually hit with the idea that looks and money are everything. That's a pretty deceptive message if you ask me.

What if an author was to take the bold step and write a fairy tale that still incorporates all the beauty and wonder of it's earlier counterparts but also added more substance to the characters? What if someone wrote a fable about a princess who was desired for more than just her delicate looks and heavy coin purse?

Apparently Karen Kingsbury, author of The Princess and the Three Knights, was of the same opinion because this new picture book, out in September 2009 from Zonderkidz, brings together the wonder of a princess's courtship with the idea that there's more to her than her fairness and wealth.

When the king's lovely daughter matures to the age of marriage he finds that she has many prospective suitors. But as is always the case, there are more than not who see the princess as a prize to be had not for the sake of the pleasure their unity would spark but for the benefits it would allow. The king knows his precious daughter is beauteous but unlike many he recognizes her beauty is more than skin deep. Wanting nothing less than perfect for his little girl, the king sets out to find the one knight who is most likely to love the princess for who she is and not for what she looks like or what family she comes from.

It's a refreshing point of view to see coming from fairy tale styling. It's brilliant how Kingsbury has managed to string together a romantic fable written to this particular age bracket that not only shows the importance of including God in all your relationships but also shows little girls that true love, not beauty or status, thought both of these can be wonderful to have, should be the given priority. She's taken everything that little girls find appealing in traditional romantic fairy tales, and she's blended them with these more realistic and Godly ideas to create a really good, really well rounded story!

Never mind the simply gorgeous illustrations by Gabrielle Grimmard. The cover alone will mesmerize you and call you to pick up the book. I swear, this is a book that will appeal to any little girl who dreams of one day being swept off her feet by her knight in shining armor.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Winnie the Pooh is back!!

2009-10-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

It's been almost 84 years since Winnie the Pooh made his debut. That fuzzy little tummy all stuffed with fluff has been the focus of A.A. Milne's and E.H. Shepard's two classic books, Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corners, and it's been featured in many more contemporary styled picture books and cartoons. But now after nearly 80 years, fans of the original classics can rejoice because on October 5th, 2009 Winnie the Pooh will be back in his first authorized sequel in over 80 years!

From the press release (found at the Penguin Group website) -

Michael Brown, for the Trustees of the Pooh Properties, who manage the affairs of the A. A. Milne and E.H. Shepard Estates said, "We have been hoping for a good many years that we might one day be able to offer the world a sequel which would do justice to the original Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The original books were one of the greatest celebrations of childhood in any language, but we believe that David Benedictus and Mark Burgess have captured the spirit and quality of those original books. We hope that the many millions of Pooh enthusiasts and readers around the world will embrace and cherish these new stories as if they had just emerged from the pen of A. A. Milne himself."

Don Weisberg, President of Penguin's Young Readers Group commented, "Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin are an integral part of so many children's reading experience. We are privileged to be part of this adventure to bring new tales to a generation of young people in the United States."

David Benedictus's manuscript was inspired by his familiarity with Winnie-the-Pooh's adventures after having worked on Audio CD adaptations of previous Winnie-the-Pooh stories. David has collaborated with illustrator Mark Burgess to create what is sure to become another treasured Winnie-the-Pooh book.

Is anyone else excited?! I know I certainly am. The original Winnie the Pooh books were timeless and I am very anxious to see what new author David Benedictus has to offer. If you're as excited as I am and can't wait until Monday for the book to hit the shelves, then be sure to visit the Penguin Group page here where you can learn more about the books and characters, and where you can download an exerpt from the first chapter of Return to the Hundred Acre Wood. Plus while you're there, don't forget to check out the video clip of award-winning narrator Jim Dale the Exposition to the book. It's no wonder he's won awards, his voice is perfection.

Get ready people because this is going to be great!

Before you go, how about a few random fun Winnie the Pooh facts?

Winnie the Pooh was brought to life on Christmas Eve in 1925 when the first Pooh story, written by AA Milne, was published in the London Evening News. The piece was based on a bedtime story read by AA Milne to his son, Christopher Robin.
The characters in AA Milne's stories are based on toys once owned by his son. The original stuffed toys are now kept in New York Public Library.
The inspiration for Hundred Acre Wood comes from Ashdown Forest in Sussex, which was near AA Milne's country home Cotchford Farm.
Winnie the Pooh is also called Pooh, or Pooh Bear, but never, ever, just Winnie.

Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker's Daughter by Liz Kessler

2009-09-23T09:01:00.007-05:00

Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker's Daughter by Liz Kessler
Geared Towards: Ages 8-12
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: September 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4202-0

Philippa Fisher is a girl no different from any other, except for the fact that she believes in fairies. She doesn't just blindly believe in them either; she knows they exist- has met one in person. But now her fairy godsister, Daisy, has gone back to wherever it was she came from, and Philippa has been feeling exceptionally lonely in her absence. Lucky for Philippa the feeling of loss goes both ways.

On a family vacation to a little known town in the middle of nowhere Philippa and her parents set out to have fun. Unfortunately for Philippa, her parents' idea of fun doesn't always match that of her own. Philippa loves her parents, but spending every waking moment with them here in this quaint, albeit pretty, little town doesn't really overwhelm her with excitement. She craves the attention and interaction of a relationship with someone her own age. With both of her best friends currently out of her life, Philippa just needs a friend she can count on- someone she can talk to and just be a kid with.

Never in a million years does Philippa think she'll find that person here in the tiny town of Ravenleigh Woods. Yet that's exactly what she finds. Robyn is a local with a story of her own, but like Philippa she doesn't want to share too much too quickly for fear of being rejected or laughed at. Whatever it is though, it must be good.

It's not every day life takes you on a path of mystery, which is why, with only so much time before her vacation draws to a close, Philippa knows she must get to the heart of Robyn's story. Because if her intuition is anything at all to go on, Philippa senses she and Robyn have far more in common than either first thought. And maybe, just maybe that's what brought them together in the first place.

As if on que, before she can even realize what's going on, Philippa suddenly finds herself face to face with her best friend, Daisy. That's right; here in Ravenleigh Woods. Daisy, her fairy godsister. Thought to be gone away forever to continue on her magical missions, Philippa is simply delighted to see Daisy again. Daisy claims she couldn't stand to be apart of Philippa any longer and tells her she's snuck off to see her, despite the rules at the ATC. It's a story Philippa would love to believe, except now she questions whether Daisy's unexpected arrival is because she sincerely wanted to see her, or if she's just part of another of Daisy's missions. Philippa soon decides she doesn't care what the reason; she's just glad to see Daisy again.

What she's not expecting though is how Daisy's turning up ties in with her friendship with Robyn. But maybe work and play can go hand in hand. When things start getting really strange, Philippa finds herself and her friends in real danger. With no one else to turn to, Philippa knows their only chance of survival lies in her hands. The time has come to suck up personal feelings and lay it all out on the line. Philippa wants Robyn to be her friend, but when push comes to shove she knows she doesn't have any more time to dance around the subject of Robyn's insecurities and secrets. Daisy's life depends on it!

Philippa Fisher and the Dream-Maker's Daughter is a stirring tale of enchantment bound to capture the attention of any young girl. Full of magic and excitement, this story brings life to those things which dreams are made of and showcases the importance of true friendships. Young girls everywhere are going to be drawn to this book, not only by the amazing story, but first and foremost by the resplendent cover. Let's face it, it's gorgeous! The whimsical colors and design called out to me, and I'm an adult. So I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they'll entice readers at the age level this is marketed to.

Note to Readers: Do not let the fact that this book is a sequel deter you from picking it up. If you really can't stand to read a follow up book without first reading the intial release, then by all means first pick up Philippa's debut adventure by Liz Kessler, Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister. Undoubtedly doing so will give you an all around feel Philippa and her history with Daisy. However, if this book sounds too good for you to pass up right now, know that you can easily jump right in without having first read the original book. I did, and I didn't have any trouble following along. Kessler did a great job of including enough information to keep new readers on track despite not being already familiar with Philippa's and Daisy's earlier story.

OUR RATING: 5 stars

Mother Osprey by Lucy Nolan

2009-09-19T14:49:00.007-05:00

Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys & Gulls by Lucy Nolan
Illustrated By: Connie McLennan
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934359-96-9

Today's is Talk Like a Pirate Day so I can think of no better time to share with you a review of Sylvan Dell's Mother Osprey: Nursery Rhymes for Buoys & Gulls; a book celebrating the world of nursery rhymes "from sea to shining sea". Everyone enjoys nursery rhymes, and most of the ones in this book will be probably seem oddly reminiscent of the ones you yourself were read as a child. But don't worry that this is going to be just another reprint of a collection you already have on your child's shelf. No, quite the contrary, because what you'll find here, in each rhyme, is a clever new rendition of Mother Goose's own original verses. Set to a tune that celebrates all things piratey and of watery goodness, Mother Osprey is a nonpareil.

Move over Mother Goose; Lucy Nolan is in the house! The whimsical quality of Nolan's new retelling of yesterday's nursery rhymes is irrefutable. The way Nolan took every rhyme, no matter the original topic, and rewrote it to tell a completely different story, while maintaining the initial cadence, is both creative and ingenious. And technically speaking, she did it flawlessly. As did Connie McLennan, who skillfully produced the classic style illustrations which also add to the fun, lighthearted tone of this book.

Plus, did you know that even while your child is reading nursery rhymes he can be learning too? It's true. Because no Sylvan Dell book can be complete without some form of educational gold dust sprinkled throughout. They are nursery rhymes, so naturally there are some that are comprised of nothing but sheer silliness. There are others, however, that actually take the time to educate while entertaining. Take for instance the rhyme titled "One Flamingo". In this amusing little piece readers get schooled on the names and classes of several waterfront creatures. (Example: Jellyfish in a group are called a smack and geese in a group are called a gaggle.)

There's more, of course, in the 'Creative Minds' section at the tail end of the book. The first two page spread focuses in on one or two particular aspects of each poem, and then offers more fun details about each. (Example: The fun fact for "Buoys & Gulls" explains what a buoy and gull really are.) Then there's a two page map that later ties in to a fun activity sheet where the reader is asked to located different things on the map. There are also a few poem-related questions that will test the readers knowledge and understanding of a handful of the poems. And last but not least, there's a small segment that simply allows readers to discuss the importance of water, the key component found in each nursery rhyme found in Mother Osprey.

So even if you're dubious as to how a rhyme originally penned about a lamb can be recreated to feature a clam or how one originally about a shoe now includes a shell, you should be sure to give this new collection a chance. It's remarkably funny, and I can almost bet you'll find yourself secretly trying to relearn your classic favorites with today's new spin.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Moose and Magpie by Bettina Restrepo

2009-09-18T08:57:00.007-05:00

Moose and Magpie by Bettina Restrepo
Illustrated By: Sherry Rogers
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: August 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934359-97-6

I never thought this day would come. As a diehard fan of Sylvan Dell and their amazing children's books, I have never had anything but good words to say about their books that I've had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. Today, however, I'm going to break the cycle. Today, I'm not going to be able to tell you how much I adored this book; because if I did, it would be nothing more than a boldface lie. For the truth is, I really didn't like this one at all.

From the very start, Moose and Magpie by Bettina Restrepo seemed to feel disconnected and choppy. I wasn't sure where the story was going or if there even was a point.Unfortunately, it seemed like more time was spent building jokes for Magpie to tell than actually building a backbone to the story. Truthfully, even by the end of the story I wasn't really sure what the point of it all was. It could have been to show that while moose begin growing their antlers at a young age they eventually shed them like a snake sheds it's skin. It could have been, but I really don't have a clue. That's what happened in the story, but it was so heavily inundated with jokes, (Which if I'm being honest, many of them weren't even very funny.. even for a little kid.) that Magpie was telling, that it was hard to focus on what, if anything, was actually supposed to be taking place.

I mean no disrespect to the author, as I know each person's taste and style are different. And I know that no matter how popular or unpopular it ends up being, an author's work is like his/her own offspring. Despite my opinion on the book, this is a story that the author undoubtedly slaved over and put her heart into. As a reader though, I can't help but think back to other works published by Sylvan Dell. In doing so, I see much stronger structure to the writing styles which not only aides in the smoothness of each story's flow but also makes them more enjoyable to read.

As far as content is concerned, I really didn't think there was much to the actual storyline in Moose and Magpie. What I will give you though is that there were some good facts interspersed throughout the story every couple of pages. (These were separate from the story, and included in their own little subtext boxes.) It looks like the author attempted to work each fact in to the story itself, but a lot of the times the meaning was lost due to the lack of fluidity in the story telling.

There are, once again, several wonderful education resources to be found at the end of the book in the "Creative Minds" section that all fans of Sylvan Dell have likely come to know and love. In this particular CM section readers won't find as many play along games, but they will find plenty of moose facts ranging from those regarding tangible interaction between real moose and birds, what moose eat, moose antlers and body parts, and to the complete life cycle of the moose. The one game that is included is a fun matching section where readers are asked to match pictures of each moose body part with facts about those parts.

All in all, given the combination of educational facts and the charming illustrations by Sherry Rogers, I'd rate this book somewhere in the middle of the scale. To me it lacked too much in the way of the story, because of this I didn't really sense any passion or excitement coming through. I did appreciate the overall effect of the complete package, but it won't be a book my girls and I read over and over again. As a matter of fact, I'd be good never reading it again, and that makes me quite sad as we always love to read and re-read the titles in our growing Sylvan Dell collection.

OUR RATING: 3 hearts

Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk

2009-09-11T10:05:00.007-05:00

Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk
Illustrated By: Sherry Neidigh
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: July 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934359-94-5

Nature is beautiful no matter what the time of year, but when Fall arrives there is no mistaking it for any other season. We know the minute it begins because the tree leaves start to shift from their vivid greens to an awe inspiring array of brilliant colors. Rich reds, stunning purples, golden yellows, bright oranges, and deep browns. Each of these will eventually fall to the ground, leaving the tree sparse and bare in preparation for Winter.

It is this evolution author Fran Hawk and illustrator Sherry Neidigh have given life to in their book Count Down to Fall. Perfect to read, right now, as we embark on the close of Summer and make our way head long into the cool, brisk days of Autumn. Readers who live in areas where the seasons do complete this phenomenal change, will assuredly find themselves inspired to look at nature a whole new way after reading this fun and informative book.

Count Down to Fall is a journey through the woods, past ten different deciduous trees. Through the rhyming stanza storyline, Hawk educates her readers about the different types of trees and what their leaves look like as they release their hold on their branches and start their slow, flutter to the ground. But the learning doesn't stop there. No, like with every Sylvan Dell release, there's more educational aspects hidden inside the fun story exterior. In addition to teaching readers about each specific tree, leaf, and fruit this book also teaches basic backwards counting from ten to one.

Remember, I said there were ten different trees featured, and the author has cleverly written her tale to show each tree losing a certain number of leaves. Starting with the first tree, the sweet gum, ten leaves falls to the ground. Next nine leaves float lazily down from the dogwood tree. I won't give any more away by continuing to list the trees, but you get the point.

Don't worry that young readers will shy away from this one because of the educational benefits. For as has been mentioned already, Sylvan Dell's line always blends the perfect amount of fun with education. Your kids won't even realize they're learning until it's too late!

Illustrated by the ever so talented Sherry Neidigh, this book will leave you counting down the days until you can see the changes in nature for yourself first hand. Bright, bold illustrations bring home the beauty of nature in the Autumn, and show readers just exactly what each tree and leaf should like. Seriously, I simply love how Neidigh incorporated so many aspects in to each of her lovely pictorial spreads. Each picture shows what the tree looks like in Fall; a close up of the bark, leaves- both in Summer and Fall, and any fruit the tree produces (such as pinecones and nut); and it presents it in it's natural environment, complete with pictures of the animals that would be living in, on, or around it. It's a complete illustration package.

The "Creative Minds" section, found at the end of the story, is another fine example of what Sylvan Dell brings to the table through their books. The first section gives information about each plant part (stems, seeds, roots, etc), and then has the reader match the part descriptions with a small picture of each one, as found in the story. The second section touches on the various shapes, sizes, and colors of the leaves. Again, readers are given a descriptive list of the shapes, and then are asked to match them to the pictures of leaves featured on the page. The third section talks about the importance of plants, and shows how each animal in the story relys on those plants for basic survival. Lastly, in the fourth section of the "Creative Minds" portion of the book readers are given pictures of five types of leaves in both their Fall and Summer state. They're then asked to match the leaves into pairs.

It's the best of both worlds, where in parent's are concerned. Your child reads this and enjoys a short break from the craziness of today's technology dependant world. He uses his brain as he not only processes the story and plays the games, but also as he learns something new. The best part of all, he has no idea how educational the experience actually was!

Fall is almost upon us, and with it comes the relief of cooler temperatures and the beauty of changing leaves. So, can you think of a better time than now to settle down with your child to read Sylvan Dell's new release, Count Down to Fall by Fran Hawk? I certainly can't.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Free Library of Philadelphia Needs Your Help!

2009-09-11T08:45:00.002-05:00

If you or someone you know lives in the Philidelphia area you have likely already heard the disheartening news about what's to become of their Free Library there in the months ahead. Unfortunately, it seems that due to state budget cuts or simple lack of financial planning all of the Philidelphia Free Libraries are at risk of being closed effective October 2, 2009. As anyone with a love for books knows, we simply can't allow this to happen!

Books are a huge part of libraries, but what we must remember is that our libraries offer so much more than just the opportunity to read and borrow books. Additionally, they offer media services where patrons can check out audio and video products for use at home. They offer free on-site computer stations with internet service, so job seekers can look and apply for jobs; so students can do homework and online research; so seniors can get needed information about social security and other benefits. There are countless programs and services available to the community through the library, and all are free. That's why it is so important, especially in today's economy, for our libraries to be available and well funded.

With libraries being in such popular demand by children and adults alike, residents in the Philidelphia area must band together now to contact their elected state officials to let them know that losing the Philidelphia Free Community Library system is not an option. Let your voices be heard, and be sure to pass along the word to anyone you know who will also feel the loss should the government not come up with a budget solution quickly.

Here's the link to the Free Library of Philadelphia home page- http://www.freelibrary.org/ When you get there a pop-up window should open up with the link for how to contact your local Philadelphia region elected official(s). Also, should you be interested in more information on this, please feel free to check out the library's We Need Action Now! page.

A Sad Day For Reading Rainbow Fans

2009-08-28T09:57:00.005-05:00

I have fond memories of being a little girl watching the classic Reading Rainbow on PBS. A show filled with endless possibilities and wonder, any child could watch the show and magically be transported in to a fun and exciting storybook world. Following a new book's story each week, with LeVar Burton as your host, you'd take off on an extraordinary adventure. A bookworm's delight, this show, geared at children ages 4-8, inspired creative thinking and an immense love for reading. You could hear and see the book's story on tv, but then go to your own local library to pick up a copy for reading yourself. It was great because not only did you get ideas on what sorts of books you'd like to read yourself, but you also got the opportunity to hear other kid's reviews and opinions of the books as well. All around, it was a wonderful, wholesome show that parents and kids alike enjoyed watching.

That's why I'm so sad today over the announcement I only just this morning read on the NPR website. After a 26 run, Reading Rainbow is no more. It seems the cost is just too much to consider producing the show for even one more season. Reason's given suggest that funding and interest now lies in shows which help viewers learn to read, as opposed to Reading Rainbow which inspired the love of reading. I can't begin to see how that makes since in any way, as it's only natural to think if you're teaching kids HOW to read you should also give them reason to WANT to read.

Truth be told, to me it sounds like a bunch of bureaucratic garbage. However, unfortunately my opinion is just that- mine. I suppose in the face of this sad and regretful news we should look back on the history of Reading Rainbow and rejoice that it has come along as far as it has. For as the third longest running show in the history of PBS, Reading Rainbow has only been surpassed by Sesame Street and Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. A 26 year run is certainly nothing to be scoffed at, and I guess we will always have reruns!

Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high,Take a look, it's in a book — Reading Rainbow ...

(To see the original NPR story that spurred this post, go HERE.)

FREE e-books from Sylvan Dell!!!

2009-08-28T09:24:00.009-05:00

I review a lot of books from Sylvan Dell, as I'm sure most of you have noticed. We love them! They're educationally entertaining and are always filled with the most beautiful illustrations. You simply can't go wrong with their books.

So, if you've been following my reviews and thinking how you'd be interested in checking out some of those titles for yourself now is the time! No matter how short on time or money you may be right now, Sylvan Dell wants to share their wonderful library with you. For a limited time only Sylvan Dell is offering a FREE trial of all 45 next generation e-books on their site. You can view the digital book online and have it read to you in either English or Spanish.

Pop on over and see what all you've been missing!! But don't wait; this special promotion will end October 31, 2009.

Come see why Sylvan Dell's tag line is, Science and Math through Literature!

What's New At The Zoo? by Suzanne Slade

2009-08-27T09:39:00.006-05:00

What's New At The Zoo? An Animal Adding Adventure by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated By: Joan Waites
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: Fall 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934359-93-8

Coming from a household where frequent trips to visit the animals at the zoo is practically mandatory, there was no thought involved when I accepted the review opportunity for this book. What's New At The Zoo? An Animal Adding Adventure, written by Suzanne Slade, is a zoo lover's delight.

On this animal adventure, readers travel through the zoo checking out each animal habitat and counting to see how many are in each. From elephants, to giraffes, to penguins and more. Readers get the opportunity to visit eleven different animal exibits, and in each they get the opportunity to learn both the name for the adult and for the baby. It's great fun because, as opposed to a regular picture book, What's New At The Zoo? is more than just a cute story. It's a story that makes you pay attention and think, but it doesn't do so in a way that makes it any less enjoyable than it's traditional counterpart. Quite the opposite in fact.

Both my girls, ages 3 and 5, couldn't get enough of this book. The colorful illustrations, by Joan Waites, and Slade's rythmic text is enough to draw any reader in. Then when you consider the mathematical question posed in each two page layout, it's like factoring in a game to the equation. Even my youngest daughter, who isn't really all that familiar with addition yet was totally able to work through the questions. She might not fully grasp the concept of these math skills yet, but because it was written in to the story like a game she found it fun and wanted to try it. Another fun aspect of the book was that Waites cleverly included a single soaring red balloon hidden in each picture. Both of my girls, but especially the youngest, had fun seeking it out in every animal's scene. That's what makes this book so great. It has appeal for both the younger and older readers.

And anyone who is familiar with Sylvan Dell's fabulous line knows none is complete without the brilliant "For Creative Minds" educational section always included at the back of each book. What's especially great about this particular "Creative Minds" section is that the publisher has offered some wonderful, real world, learning advice that is practical and not just fun to know but actually something they'll need to know. It explains and demonstrates two different methods of addition, adding everything in groups of ten and also adding by columns. There's also a section that offers short mathematical problems and then uses a number fact family triangle to help illustrate the problems. It's hard to explain, but trust me it's cool. Something like this will be an incredibly useful tool for a math beginner.

Plus, since this is a book all about animals, this section wouldn't be complete without a part dedicated just to them. Last but not least readers will enjoy learning the classification of each animal and doing the Animal Matching Activity. In this area you are given a thumbnail size picture of each animal and a list of eleven animal fun facts which you must then match together. Readers who paid attention during the story will have picked up the name for each baby animal, making this puzzle a cinch.

Parents and educators want to be sure to take advantage of the free online resources and training tools offered at Sylvan Dell for this and, I believe, all their delightful kids books. View a virtual preview of the book, hear a segment read aloud, download copies of the "For Creative Minds" section to print, or even have your child take a quiz (Reading, Comprehension, or Math) about what he/she learned from the book.

There's just no other way to say it than, you can't go wrong with this or any of the other marvelous titles from Sylvan Dell. You just can't!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Sneakiest Pirates & The Heroes of Googley Woogley by Dalton James

2009-08-12T10:05:00.013-05:00

As a kid, did you ever dream of writing and illustrating your on book? I did. Actually, I had my own little series of books that I wrote and illustrated back in elementary school. They were about a family of bears. Sure they might sound like a rip off of Stan and Jan Bearanstain's series, but I promise you that was not the case. (*laugh*) Either way, though, it's all a mute point because those storybooks never went farther than the copy or blue lined school paper they were printed on. So, while I do still have them today, they are no more likely to be read by anyone outside my immediate family than they were intially.

Now Dalton James, on the other hand, did not let his age stand in the way of his aspirations. Last year, at only seven years of age, Dalton wrote and illustrated his first book, The Sneakiest Pirates, for publication through Outskirts Press, Inc. Then only a few months ago, Dalton, now eight, released his second book, The Heroes of Googley Woogley. Dalton advises readers to be prepared because he's not done yet. There's yet a third book slated for release in this series, and still others in the works that are completely unrelated to this set.

I would like to note that I've seen it mentioned that these books are geared towards children ages 9-12, but truthfully I think anyone from age 5-9 would be more within range. It's true that a five year old might not be able to read all of the words on his own, but I belive he would be able to fully understand the story if it was read to him. Likewise, a twelve year old would have certainly no trouble reading the books, but I wonder if maybe the subject matter/style/length wouldn't be just a bit beneath someone of this age. However you look at it though, young readers of all ages will enjoy knowing someone close to their own age wrote these frolicsome and adventurous anecdotes. The stories are short, but they're fun and full of imagination.

The Sneakiest Pirates by Dalton James
Geared Towards: Ages 5-9
Published By: Outskirts Press, Inc
Publication Date: May 20, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4327-2477-1

It is obvious that this book was not penned or illustrated by a professional, but that's what gives it it's charm. The simplistic storytelling and pictures really bring alive the idea that this book was born of a child's creativity and not of someone with a literary degree under their belt. In that, it's refreshing and genuinely inspiring.

In the story of The Sneakiest Pirates Pirate Pete and his daddy Scurvy James follow the contemptible Peg Leg Chuck as he steals and later buries the king's gold. Peg Leg Chuck, being so consumed with getting away from the king's ships, never even realizes that he himself is being robbed. Rapt with greed themselves, Pirate Pete and Scurvy James then go head to head over the new found treasure.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

The Heroes of Googley Woogley by Dalton James
Geared Towards: Ages 5-9
Published By: Outskirts Press, Inc
Publication Date: March 22, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4327-2782-6

Having gone a long way with the money they stole from Pirate Peg Leg Chuck, Pirate Pete and Scurvy James are back. Known only as Rock Star Pete and Rock Star James, this father/son duo is ready for another rip roaring adventure. But instead of racing across the salty seas as they did when we first met them in book one, Pete and James are now rearing to soar the skies in their brand new spaceship.

Once in space, Space Boy Pete and Space Man James decide that instead of doing naughty pirate-like things they'd rather help people in danger. Upon picking up a satellite message from the residents of the planet Googley Woogley, Space Boy Pete and Space Man James rush to their aid. It seems there are two kinds of aliens living on Googley Woogley, and they don't get along. The SooDos are friendly and compassionate. The SooDonts are not. The SooDos enjoy helping one another and living peacefully. The SooDonts, however, enjoy pilaging and destroying everyone and everything around them.

Before they can return to Earth, Space Boy Pete and Space Man James must figure out how to help the SooDos overcome the mean and nasty SooDonts and bring tranquility back to the people of Googley Woogley.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Strange Angels Giveaway Winner Announced

2009-07-17T10:49:00.005-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS, RUBY (MOUTH)!!

You are the winner of a brand spankin' new copy of Lili St. Crow's Strange Angels. I will be contacting you shortly, or if you see this first and would like to send your mailing info to readysetreadreviews@gmail.com I will work on getting your prize off to you before I head on vacation next week.

And thank you to everyone else who entered this giveaway. I had such a wonderful response, that I truly wish I had more than one copy of the book to offer up to my readers. Alas, I do not. Even if you were not the winner though I do hope each of you will find the opportunity to grab yourselves a copy of Strange Angels. It was such a good YA read, and with more books to follow in the series perhaps there will be more chances to win here at Ready Set Read Reviews in the future.

SLOB by Ellen Potter

2009-07-04T17:35:00.006-05:00

SLOB by Ellen Potter
Geared Towards: Ages 9 and up
Published By: Philomel Books
Publication Date: May 2009
ISBN: 978-0-399-24705-7

Chocolately, crunchy goodness on the outside with gooey, creamy goodness on the inside. That is the short and simple description of an Oreo cookie; the one cookie that has Owen Birnbaum practically bending over backwards to protect in his story SLOB by Ellen Potter.

Owen is many things, but thin and popular are not among them. Since the mysterious death of his father some two years ago, food- especially Oreos- has become his crutch. At 57% fatter than the national average 12 year old, Owen has fallen into a rut wherein his weight is concerned. He knows he should watch what he eats; still food comforts him and soothes like a balm to a fresh wound.

When Owen's daily treat, an ecofriendly pack of three single Oreo cookies, disappears from his lunch sack one day during class he doesn't have to look far before finding his most likely suspect. Being unusually smart, just one point shy of genius- to be exact, Owen decides to invent a trap which he can set to hault the cookie thief and thereby end the indignant attack on his own personal weight issues. What Owen does not realize is that this simple, yet calculated task will be only just the crux of his story.

He's a good guy with a kind heart. So what if he has a soft spot for food? We all have our vices, and Owen's is, truthfully, not that far off from what many of us struggle with on a daily basis. But when all is said and done, food will not be the sole benefactor of glory in this tale. Far from it. Unwilling to be complacent any longer with his position in life, Owen will learn to fight his personal demons and come to terms with his past.

In an inventive story which shows the main character in an environment most kids today can easily relate to, Ellen Potter crafts a delightful tale full of witty humor, creative thought processes, deep storylines, and still plenty of heart. Young readers will enjoy discovering what makes Owen Birnbaum tick. And, maybe just maybe they'll learn a thing or two and find inspiration between the book's pages- inspiration to grow from one's past, inspiration to have and reach towards big dreams, even inspiration to better one's self.

The way Owen holds himself in spite of the way other's treat him is both heartening and thought provoking. Being smart and overweight makes him the perfect victim for verbal and physical abuse among his peers. Yet, while you can tell the taunting and jeering strike a cord with Owen, he is a bigger person; no pun intended, and does not allow the disrespect of others to bring him down to their level. Instead, he takes their abuse and uses it as an incentive and driving force which comes to shape him into the hero, of sorts, that he becomes.

A thoroughly cute and enjoyable story, I am honored to have had the priveledge to read and review SLOB for Ms Potter. Within the pages of this book is a well crafted story which will move the reader and leave him/her with a feeling way more satisfying than any number of Oreo cookies could ever hope to give.

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!!

2009-06-15T15:21:00.020-05:00

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Geared Towards: Ages 12 and up
Published By: Razor Bill
Publication Date: June 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59514-251-1

In a day and age when young adult fans flock to paranormal reads like the Twilight and Vampire Academy series, Lili St. Crow (also known as Lilith Saint Crow on the adult lit spectrum) has released her first YA novel in the form of the eerie and oh so chilling Strange Angels.

There are things out there, dark and nasty things, that most people prefer to pretend do not exist. They're out there though, and as Dru Anderson will tell you, you're better off living in that world of make believe where everything smells like roses.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Raised by her grandmother and father, after her mother's death when Dru was only five, Dru has come to see the world through different eyes than most other kids her age. At sixteen she should be working towards finishing up her last couple of years of school, shopping at the mall with girlfriends, and even dating a high school hottie. Instead of this grandious picture of modern teenage life, however, Dru travels across the country with her dad hunting down things that go bump in the night. They're not your average father daughter duo, but what Dru and her dad have together works for them. It's not always easy or safe, yet at the end of each day they can rest knowing that maybe, just maybe, the world is a little safer because of what they do.

And then, the unthinkable happens.

When her dad fails to return home after a hunt one cold winter night, Dru knows something bad has happened. Perhaps it's her sixth sense, the touch - as her grandma called it, but whatever it is though Dru knows she's got plenty to be worried about. Caught in the middle of a battle against things no sixteen year old should even know about, Dru Anderson must push beyond everything she thought she knew about life and The Real World if she's going to ever see another day of either again.

Alone and afraid, still the new girl in town, Dru turns to an unlikely source. With the help of her new found friend Graves, the somewhat attractive goth boy from American History, Dru sets out to solve the mystery of what happened to her father. She knows what became of him, but not who or what was responsible. Yet that is the million question she must answer if she's to ever avenge his death.

She is the hunter and the hunted. Running for her life, Dru must work in ways she never knew herself capable. She must learn to put her trust in those most likely to hurt her. And she must push herself farther than ever before.

In this brilliant coming of age tale, Crow has created a highly unnerving and bizarre world right here within the realm of our own. Her layout is seamless and the story developement is spot on. I particularly enjoyed how despite her character's backgrounds, Crow has made sure they don't come across as brash and unbelieveable. Dru's still just a regular teenage girl at heart. She can, for a time, hold her own in this world of darkness and pain, but despite her strength and attempted bravado Dru is not ashamed to recognize her own inexperience and weakness. The same goes for Graves, and even, to a lesser extent, Christophe. It's this naivete which adds to the overall realistic vibe of the story. You feel for the characters, and you are able to really see through their eyes because the voice of the story is believable while being utterly engaging.

I think readers will be really pleased with how entertaining this novel is, and with the news that there's a sequel on the horizon for Spring 2010!

If you'd like to give Strange Angels a go for yourself, then now is your chance. Thanks to the kind publishers (more specifically to Emily) at Penguin Group (USA) I have an extra copy to giveaway one one lucky Ready Set Read Reviews reader (US only please... unless you already commented and aren't within the US.. then I'll still enter you because it's my fault for not making this specification initially.)! All you have to do to enter the draw is leave a comment here, by July 11th, telling me who you'd like to win for and why. Sound easy enough?

Want more entries? Do any or all of the following in addition to the first required post. Then comment back after doing each to let me know you did it so I can enter you again. This gives you a possible 6 entries in to the draw.

1.) Become a Ready Set Read Reviews blog follower/or let me know you are already one. (on the right hand side of the screen) ***1 additional entry***

2.) Follow me on Twitter (Twitter id is: monkeygirlsmama - Be sure to include your twitter id with your follow up comment.) ***1 additional entry***

3.) Retweet and link back to this giveaway on Twitter (Be sure to include your twitter id with your follow up comment.) ***1 additional entry***

4.) Subscribe to the Ready Set Read Reviews blog feed. (on the right hand side of the screen) ***1 additional entry***

5.) Post about this giveaway anywhere else online (Facebook, your blog, etc) and post a link back. (Be sure to include a link to your post with your follow up comment.) ***1 additional entry***

Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day! by Dandi Daley Mackall

2009-05-24T01:22:00.010-05:00

Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day! by Dandi Daley Mackall

Geared Towards: Ages 6-9

Published By: Zonderkidz

Publication Date: May 2009

ISBN: 978-0-3107-1566-5

With my oldest daughter, now five, reading at about a second to third grade level, I am always looking for great chapter books that she can read on her own. I look for books that aren't too advanced, yet ones that will still be something more substantial than your basic beginning reader. This is exactly what I was hoping to find when given the opportunity to preview and review Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day! by Dandi Daley Mackall. Guess what, folks? It was!

Readers who remember enjoying the popular juvenile fiction series about Ramona Quimby should most definitely add this book to their TBR (to-be-read) list. The first in a new series, That's Nat!, by Zonderkidz and, more specifically, Dandi Daley Mackall, this is a book that I simply could not get enough of. I have incredibly great expectations for the series, as it comes together, as a whole, and I can hardly wait for the next book to release.

Even as an adult, I found I was so excited to read Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day! because the cover illustration was cute and the story sounded like something that I could have written about my own girls. Having read it, I am even more excited to let my daughter(s) have a go at it. My only worry about introducing the ever big hearted Natalie, star of the series, to my own daughters is that she has an uncanny way of getting herself in to quite the mess. I'd hate for my kiddos to be inspired by her, in the wrong ways, and repeat the five year old's off the wall "of the heart" mishaps. (LOL)

"What", you might ask, "is the book about?" To find the answer to that question, readers need look no further than the title of the book itself. Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day! is all about how one little girl, aka Natalie, strives from the very first moment in the morning until the very last moment of the night to do something truly remarkable, amazing, and wonderful for her parents. She's an utter sweetheart, but despite Natalie's best intentions everything she sets her hand to goes wrong in some fashion or another. It starts with her trying to make her mom and dad some grape omel-nats (grape omelets) for breakfast. Then the day quickly goes down hill as one by one, from her attempts at prettying up the bathroom and dad's Sunday church shoes to rescuing her friends the ants, Natalie's grandious schemes fall flat. More so, they don't just fall flat. They crash and burn!

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Natalie and her parents because literally I could have written the book about my own daughter. The way Nat thinks and acts, the things she does, they are all things my daughter has it in her to do if she hasn't done them already. (LOL) Better yet is how spot on the author portrays the parents. Mom and Dad know Natalie doesn't try to create the trouble she finds herself in, but even having that knowledge does not stop mom and dad from getting upset and imposing punishments when necessary.

All Natalie wants is to do something really special- something one-of-a-kind special. She wants to do something that will make her mom and dad stand up and say "that's wonderful!" More than anything, she wants them to be pleasantly surprised by her endeavors. Alas, nothing goes quite as expected. What Natalie doesn't want is to upset her hurt her mom and dad; however, at the end of the day it feels like she's done nothing but disappoint them. She wants to make them proud, and she wants to feel important. But as Nat quickly discovers, being a five-year-old girl in a grown up world can be very stressful. This is why she finds it so reassuring that even when it seems the rest of the world is against her, God is on her side.

God is all around us, and I adore how seemlessly Mackall manages to work Him in to Natalie's story. In such easy to follow terms, Mackall touches on God's forgiveness, His love for us, even His creations. It's perfect because the way she has written Natalie to think is most certainly the way most children that are going to be reading this book will also think. How awesome to be able to introduce God or help establish God's presence in your child's life than through a light hearted read like Natalie and the One-of-a-Kind Wonderful Day!?

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Q & A with Tony Fucile- Let's Do Nothing!

2009-05-13T12:09:00.021-05:00

To coincide with my earlier review, I thought it would be fun to share what Tony Fucile, author of the new picture book Let's Do Nothing!, had to say about this, his May 12, 2009, release.

Q. How and when did you become interested in art and animation?

A. I was lucky to have been exposed to some of the greatest animation at a very early age. We had a local TV cartoon host who showed early 1940s Looney Tunes, which were on the air every day after school. Those Bob Clampett Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons in particular just mesmerized me. Then came my first viewing of Pinocchio. Of all the movies I’ve seen in my lifetime, none compares to that one screening in terms of dramatic impact. I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I knew its characters weren’t “real,” but to me they were more alive than anything. Later came Ray Harryhausen’s wonderful stop-motion monsters, the Peanuts holiday specials, Chuck Jones, and Tex Avery. All of this is what inspired me to learn how to draw.

Q. How did you make the leap from films to books?

A. I spent most of my career in animation making hand-drawn animated features, as both an animator and a character designer. Pixar brought Brad Bird up to develop The Incredibles, and I came along to join the team, helping to create and build the characters and supervise animation. I was intrigued by the computer. It was an amazing experience, but I did miss drawing, and acting with drawings. In the meantime, the hand-drawn form of animating movies was slowly being phased out at all the studios, including Disney. A very sad development.

I had always wanted to make picture books, but thought it was something that would be very tough to break into. I had collected many little tidbits over the years that I thought would make fun books. I began developing an idea about a kid who climbs his huge grandfather like a mountain. But my wife spotted a review of The Daddy Mountain in the newspaper, and that was the end of that. It actually energized me. I thought to myself, Wow, the great Jules Feiffer thought this idea was worth making a book out of. Maybe I have a chance here!

Q. How is creating a book different from or similar to working on animation?

A. The biggest difference for me is the writing. In animation, I never wrote or worked in story. I was an animator. My responsibilities were similar to what an actor gives a director in a live-action film. I was addicted to it, the notion of breathing life into characters with a pencil and paper. Making this book was kind of like animating, but without the in-betweens. In an animation shot, we call it the “storytelling pose”— the single visual idea that must be conveyed to the audience, to connect them with what you’re trying to communicate. When you animate, you usually begin with that dominant pose or poses in mind. Let’s Do Nothing! is really a series of key animation storytelling poses. It scratches that animator itch in me that I’m afraid will never go away. Also, with a book you are a one-man show — you lay it out, draw locations, research, and color the thing all by yourself. I used to live in a black-and-white world as an animator. That may have been the toughest challenge for me with this book: color. I hope that I stink at it a teeny bit less than I did before painting the book.

Q. Why did you want to write a book about doing nothing? How did you get the idea?

A. I vividly remember those childhood moments of excruciating boredom. We tend to remember the interesting and exciting parts of youth, but what about those times when you feel like you are stuck in a vat of molasses? A kid experiences that with such conviction. It was horrible! That said, I think those moments can be hugely catalytic. Great ideas come out of a bored mind. Or quiet mind. The concept of nothing wasn’t the impetus for the book; it was
a product of the characters and situation. I visualized these two bored boys — one kind of like me, and
the other kind of like my childhood friend Steve.
Then I had them interact. The idea of doing nothing
really sprang from these characters yapping at each other.

Q.Describe the process of illustrating Let’s Do Nothing!

A. Most artists who use computer paint programs use them to do their final art. I went the opposite way with this project. I used computers for roughing it all out and real materials for final art. I used a Cintiq monitor, which allows you to draw right on the screen. I completed all versions of the dummy on the Cintiq using the program Painter. I find the program great for playing around with layouts and placing text. It has all sorts of cool brushes, and experimenting with color is very fast. Being slightly detached from the work is strangely liberating for me as well. It keeps me loose. When it came to doing the final art, I went with traditional materials: acrylics, ink, and pencil. You still can’t beat real art supplies for tight control (and happy accidents). It was fun! And I like getting dirty.

Q. What artists, writers, and/or experiences have most influenced your work?

A. I’ll always be somewhat a product of my experience as an animator. My drawing style is very much influenced by some of my favorite animators. Many of my heroes from the golden age of the art form made the transition to picture books: Bill Peet, Mary Blair, J.P. Miller,The Provensens. I love Marc Simont, Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, William Steig, Roger Duvoisin, Robert McCloskey, Richard Scarry, Jules Feiffer, Charles Schulz, N.C. Wyeth, Ronald Searle, Hank Ketchum. I can go on and on. Many current artists and writers inspire me as well. I should mention one book that cast a spell over me: Dmitri the Astronaut by Jon Agee. Like Where the Wild Things Are, this is a book that I can endlessly chew on, like a dog with a bone. I love the appearance of something that at first glance feels breezy and spontaneous but at further inspection reveals tremendous complexity. I love it. I think that books as much as anything inspired me to try to create one myself.

WANNA SEE MORE ABOUT THIS AWESOME BOOK? CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING ANIMATED TRAILER!!!

Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile

2009-05-11T13:59:00.010-05:00

Let's Do Nothing! by Tony Fucile
Geared Towards: Ages 4-7
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: May 12, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3440-7

Have you ever sat still and tried to do nothing? Better yet, have you ever told a child to sit still and do nothing? Were you met with the realization that even when you try your best to do absolutely nothing it's actually an impossible goal to achieve? That's what the boys, Frankie and Sal, discover in Tony Fucile's debut children's picture book, Let's Do Nothing!

Having done seemingly everything there is to do and having played seeminly everything there is to play, Frankie and Sal look for something to occupy their time with. When they decide to play a game of "do nothing" they quickly discover that doing nothing isn't as easy as it sounds. Every time they set their minds on a "do nothing" task, such as be a still statue, a tree, and a sturdy sky scraper, Frankie finds that while he can make his body respond properly at first he can't maintain the still facade. For you see, all the while his body is trying to stay still, his mind is working overtime as he imagines himself in each scene but with added distractions.

My three year old and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book together. It was fun to see what the kids would attempt to do on their "do nothing" adventure, and even more fun was trying to act out those same scenes together along with them. Every child has surely, at one time or another, played the statue game. And that's basically what the children in this book were attempting to do. So, more less, reading Let's Do Nothing! is not just a book for storytime, but inspiration to play a game as well. That's what made it all the more exciting.

If you enjoyed the animation is such cartoon films as The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles then you'll be thrilled to learn that the author/illustrator of this book had his hand in the character design and animation of all of them and more. Having been in the design/animation field for over twenty years, Fucile provides solid and creative illustrations to accompany his humorous literary debut. Each picture is simple, but totally grabs the reader's attention. Fucile has perfected the ability to infuse life in to otherwise flat characters on the page. It is true artistry when even such unadorned illustrations can show such emotion and give the reader a clear picture of how the characters displayed are truly feeling. The illustrations mirrored the gaiety inspired by the story, and allowed for the author's humor to really shine through his art as well as his words.

As a parent, I appreciated how the author showed kids having fun and using their imaginations. I also thought it was great because this book makes you think about how much our bodies really do even when we try our hardest to not do anything at all. It showcases the intricate complexities of our person, and how amazing we really are. And through it all it shows how to really have fun, even when you don't have a million and one toys at your disposable. A great inspiration for the kids of today's techno savvy, digital age.

Thanks to Candlewick for the review opportunity! This was one of the most fun children's books my daughter and I have read as of late!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Fairest Star: Friends & Enemies Part III by David Field

2009-05-03T14:32:00.009-05:00

The Fairest Star: Friends & Enemies Part III by David Field
Geared Towards: YA
Published By: Athena Press
Publication Date: November 2008
ISBN: 978-1-84401-363-8

I was asked to review this book, and at first I was going to send along my thanks but also decline the offer. The book's cover turned me off right away, and as a rule of thumb I usually steer clear from the fantasy genre. Yet, when I read through the synopsis a second and third time, I couldn't help but feel like this Field guy just might have something here. So, I agreed to review the book. I think what really did me in was the fact that I just had to read more about how a kid from the 21st century could take his cell phone back to the 16th century. Try picturing it. It's really quite funny; wouldn't you say?

Actually getting in to the book and following along was another story all together though. I found that not having read the first two books to the Friends & Enemies series really put me at a disadvantage because this wasn't a stand alone book. This, from what I could tell, picked right up from where the second installment left off. I was at a total loss when it came to keeping all the characters and their stories straight. Thank God for the list of characters included at the beginning of the book because I had to switch back and forth to and from those pages constantly. Didn't really make for an incredibly pleasant reading experience, but it helped in a huge way compared to if the list hadn't been included.

I think that if a reader has already taken the time to read the first two books in this series he'll most likely enjoy reading this final part. I found it hard to get in to because I couldn't keep up, as already mentioned earlier. But as far as stories go, it was pretty exciting- full of action, adventure, and appeal. Then there's the bit which initially caught my eye, the technology from today in yesterday's world. Maybe I'm being too hard on it, but while I found the concept intriguing initially, I found it to be a little too far fetched in the end. It was a fun twist, but when push comes to shove I couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that the phones would actually work in the year 1599. Not just work, call back to modern time! Using a GPS from the future to help guide the horse in the past was also a bit bizarre for me. I guess it all depends on how you look at it, and maybe if I were actually of the age this book is marketed to, I'd not think twice about it.

As Tommy (from the 21st century) and Eloise (from the 16th century) try to hunt down the priest, Drogo, to exact revenge for his taking Eloise's mother's life, they must also fight for their own lives and those of their friends. There's also a brewing romance, but it's winsome- not like so many of the relationships portrayed in YA fiction. Even in books geared towards pre-teens and teens, today the focus on sex or sexiness is more often than not actively written if not implied. However, the hero and heroine in this story have a sweet and innocent relationship that shows their affection without overdoing it. It was quite refreshing. It was also nice to see the author keeping their relationship believable in the sense that Eloise, despite her love of the modern day life, was born and bred a girl of the sixteenth century. In that day and age, today's advanced relationship styles would have left the people aghast. So it was believeable to see Tommy and Eloise showing their attraction in a much more delicate light.

All in all, I would recommend this book. I would do so though while making note that the reader should be sure to start out with book one. This is a series with too much going on to simply skip straight to book three.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

The Dr. Hippo Series by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.

2009-04-29T09:16:00.020-05:00

A while back I had the pleasure of reviewing Charlotte Cowan's most recent release in her Dr. Hippo series, The Moose With Loose Poops. It was funny, yet offered great insight for parents and children on a regular run of the mill tummy bug. My daughters and I enjoyed the book, and were absolutely thrilled when the author asked if we'd like to review the rest of her series. Naturally, we accepted without a second thought!

Cowan does a brilliant job of connecting the reader to her stories, and offering a tangible look at the disconcerting feelings and body reactions a child deals with when he or she is sick. Her story style takes the form of entertainment, but hidden within is a concept that even the youngest of readers can understand. No one likes to be sick, especially when it's for the first time. What Cowan does through her stories is helps familiarize her readers with the facts about some everyday common illnesses, and puts an exact name with each. By doing so, she helps take the edge off the unknown, thereby helping to calm the fears and concerns children can feel when they're sick.

Parents too can benefit from checking out this line because each book includes a handy, laminated Parent's Guide. The guides each discuss, in a question/answer format, the concerns the parent may have regarding best caring for their child who happens to be suffering from the illness the character in the story also dealt with. These handy reference guides are not meant to take the place of a real doctor visit, but they may help ease the parent's concern and guide them in knowing at what point they should consult their child's physician and what to do for their child themselves until that point is reached. As with any book, these guides serve as recommendations only, and all parents should always follow their gut instinct when best deciding whether to call the doctor or not.

Now for a quick synopsis of each individual title...

The Little Elephant with the Big Earache by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.
Illustrated By: Elaine Garvin
Geared Towards: Ages 2-7
Published By: The Hippocratic Press
Publication Date: September 2004
ISBN: 978-0-975-3516-04

Eddie the Elephant is preparing for a birthday celebration with his cousins. He doesn't have time to be sick. But an icky ear ache makes him have to slow down and sit out some play time in hopes of getting better. Momma gives Eddie some medicine to help make his ear feel better, but only Dr. Hippo can determine for sure the full extent of Eddie's ache.

Peeper Has a Fever by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.

Illustrated By: Susan Banta

Geared Towards: Ages 2-7

Published By: The Hippocratic Press

Publication Date: October 2005

ISBN: 978-0-975-3516-28

Peeper the Frog is looking forward to going to the big picnic withhis family and friends. He wants to try to win the diving competition. But a nasty fever stops Peeper in his tracks. Dr. Hippo thinks the fever is just the on set of an infection which means that Peeper must stay home and get lots of rest. Will medicine and rest help Peeper get back on his feet in time for the big contest?

Katie Caught a Cold by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.
Illustrated By: Katy Bratun
Geared Towards: Ages 2-7
Published By: The Hippocratic Press
Publication Date: October 2005
ISBN: 978-0-975-3516-35

When Katie the Polar Bear begins to sneeze uncontrollably, she worries that she won't be allowed to skate in the upcoming Ice Show. Dr. Hippo doesn't think it sounds like anything more than a household variety cold, but she still must take care of herself and get better if she wants to participate. Lots of rest and warm fluids can help make Katie better, but will she feel alright in time?

Sadie's Sore Throat by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.

Illustrated By: Katy Bratun

Geared Towards: Ages 2-7

Published By: The Hippocratic Press

Publication Date: November 2006

ISBN: 978-0-975-3516-42

Sadie the Giraffe can't wait for her school's art fair. Her contribution is going to be the beautiful necklaces she's been working hard to make. But when Sadie's throat starts hurting and she comes down with a fever, prepping for the fair is the least of her concerns. Momma gives Sadie medicine to help ease the pain in her throat and to bring her fever down, but only a trip to Dr. Hippo can tell them for sure what's causing Sadie to be sick and how to properly treat her.

One of the commonly shared themes in this series is that each child has some big event getting ready to take place that suddenly gets tossed in the air with the introduction of the child's illness. I think it's a unique way to approach not only the sicknesses themselves but also how each child can expect to deal with them. Life gets put on hold when you're sick, and learning to be patient can be difficult. Each story shows what process a child can expect to go through when dealing with a particular infection or sickness, and shows what kind of behavior they should have despite how unpleasant the situations can be. (An example of this would be how willingly each child takes his or her medicine and visits Dr. Hippo despite the intense desire not to.) When you are sick it can feel like it lasts forever. But what's great about these books is that they show, in each story, that an end is in sight. And even when things don't go exactly like the characters would like, they still find a way to be happy.

OUR RATINGS: 5 hearts (each)

Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace

2009-04-29T08:45:00.006-05:00

Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace
Geared Towards: Ages 3 and up
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: February 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6655-2

Little Oink is a cute little pig, but he differs from his friends and family in one big way. As far as pigs are generally concerned they love to wallow in filth and be as sloppy as can be. Not Little Oink. Little Oink prefers everything to be clean and tidy. He doesn't like to have a messy room or wear dirty clothes. He doesn't mind being different, but his parents aren't so easily convinced.

In this cute, unorthodox story we see the family dynamic take an unusal twist. Instead of the classic argument where the child wants to be messy and the parents are constantly calling for him to be more neat and tidy, here we have a child who wants to be orderly and unsoiled while the parents are calling for the clutter and grime. While it wasn't my favorites byRosenthal; it really was quite funny. That being said, kids of all ages are sure to enjoy reading this good-humored, adorably illustrated tale.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Starlight Animal Rescue: Dark Horse by Dandi Daley Mackall

2009-04-16T13:41:00.009-05:00

Starlight Animal Rescue: Dark Horse by Dandi Daley Mackall
Geared Towards: Ages 8-12
Published By: Tyndale House
Publication Date: February 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1271-2

I picked this series up midway through, and have now read both the third and fourth installments without having first read the debut and second book. NOTE TO SELF: Must remedy that asap. Dark Horse the fourth book in Mackall's Starlight Animal Rescue series told a gripping story with heartfelt emotion. And the focus the author had her characters put on God was powerful and moving.

Hank is not a new character to the Starlight series, but in this book we see him in a new light. Previously the role readers have seen Hank cast in was that of a strong leader, someone with huge amounts of compassion, and a great knack for keeping the positive perspective. But in Dark Horse we see him for the true person he is - human, flawed, and a boy on his way to becoming a man. He is still compassionate and loving, yet we are all human and even the best of us can't maintain a totally cheery outlook on life every waking second of every day.

Even as the dominant child in the Coolidge household, Hank was not raised to inhuman or godly proportions. Like anyone else, he is only as strong as he feels. And when the Starlight Animal Rescue finds itself recovering from a terrible fire that destroyed the barn and everything, non-living, within it Hank finds himself struck down with grief, guilt, fear, and anguish. The ranch can't survive without a place to house the rescues. Not to mention it's nearly Thanksgiving which means Winter is only a short matter of weeks, if that, away. What will the Coolidge's do if they have no place safe and warm, away from nature's elements, for their horses to stay once the storms of Winter arrive?

Hank is only a boy, but he feels the urgency of the situation can not be ignored. Everyone else in the Coolidge household recognizes the importance of rebuilding as quickly as possible; however, their faith in God keeps them positive that all will come together in the end. Hank though has a hard time putting his stock in God. He believes in Him, but his faith isn't as strong as the others. Because of that, Hank feels a nearly unbearable burden to accomplish everything on his own without giving God a chance to take the load from his shoulders. Unable or unwilling to cast his cares upon the Lord, Hank struggles to keep it together and to not go off on his family. Every time they seem lax in their planning or actions Hank wants to scream. He can't do it alone, and if no one else will help him in the way he feels is necessary then he's never going to have the barn up in time.

Compounding Hank's stress is the emotion he feels regarding his rescue, Cleo. Already an abused and injured beast, Cleo was brought to Starlight so she could be free from the terror and pain she'd come to know. But when the fire started, Cleo panicked and in doing so trapped herself inside the burning barn. Hank and his father were eventually able to free her from the structure before it became completely engulfed in the flames, but not before the horse was totally panick-stricken and injured. Now being kept in a field down the road, Cleo remains in a state of wild terror. Hank initially tried to calm the horse, but agitation coursed through her veins making it impossible for him to get near her.

The world weighs heavy on Hank Coolidge, and even a visit from his cousin Catman and Winnie the Horse Whisper doesn't help break Hank from the funk he's allowed himself to get in. What Hank needs is to recognize he is not responsible. What he needs is to know he's not alone. What he needs is God. God is already there, waiting to exchange Hank's grief and feelings of responsibilty for peace and comfort. Will Hank give Him the chance?

This was another incredible story by Mackall. Even though the primary focus of this story was on Hank, all of the other characters each played an integral part in the story. Catman, the ever laid back flower child-esque, one of the bunch brings a lot of calming energy to the story. The brother's Mr & Mr Coolidge bring the laughter with their silly jokes. Kat and Dakota brings their new found faith, strong and beautiful as it is. And Winnie brings with her a wealth of knowledge and perspective. I think Mackall's set up for this installment in the Starlight series couldn't have been done any better. I found myself really aching for Hank (and for Kat and Winnie), as no person- yound or old- should ever have to suffer the feelings of helplessness that Hank felt.

What I love best about these books is that the author really seems to know her characters and her audience. Just because the books are Christian based does not mean that all readers are going to be solidly grounded in a Christ centered life. Even if they are, we are all human, as Mackall so seemlessly shows in this story. Not one of us is perfect, and we all have moments where we should cry out to God to ask for forgiveness, favor, and guidance. Giving up the reins and saying, "I don't know how to do this, Lord; I put it in your hands." is not an easy feat. I'm an adult who has grown up in the church and I still struggle with this frequently. As a child, trying to be independent and willing oneself into adulthood, the pressure to measure up and be self sufficient can be all the more overwhelming. I think it's great that Mackall shows this need through her characters, but then also shows how simple and beneficial it can be to rely a little more on God.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Big Rabbit's Bad Mood by Ramona Badescu

2009-04-14T16:13:00.009-05:00

Big Rabbit's Bad Mood by Ramona Badescu
Illustrated By: Delphine Durand
Geared Towards: Ages 2-6
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6666-8

We all have them- bad moods that is. Some days we know exactly what it is that is bothering us, and it's easy to resolve the inner conflict that causes the bad mood in the first place. Other days we can't quite put our finger on it, but we and everyone else around us knows there's something bothering us because of the big ugly mood following us about everywhere we go.

The latter is what happened to Big Rabbit in Big Rabbit's Bad Mood by Ramona Badescu. Rabbit wakes up one morning feeling grumpy and glum. He doesn't know why he feels this way, only that he does. He can't talk on the phone because his friend won't answer and his mom's too busy. He can't listen to some soothing music on the radio because his bad mood takes away the pleasure. He even tries to watch something on tv, but all he can see is his big bad mood staring back at him. Everything Rabbit tries to do just ends up worse and worse until Rabbit can finally take it no longer. Whatever the reason for his being there, the bad mood must go! With that final thought on the matter, Rabbit begins to devise a plan to free himself of the bad mood once and for all.

Suggesting that Rabbit has a bad mood doesn't really hit the idea home when you're dealing with younger readers, but this is where the work of the illustrator really comes in to play. She has done a wonderful job of capturing the concept of the bad mood and bringing it forth on the page. The hairy gray creature hereforth known as Bad Mood, can be seen following Big Rabbit around throughout each illustration. It's this visual which really takes Rabbit's figurative bad mood and turns it into something totally identifiable for kids. Being actually embodied by a character on the page, boosts the impact of the story because it really allows the kids reading the story to establish a better of understanding of what Rabbit is going through. And that, therein, allows them to sympathize and relate with Rabbit's plight on a much more personal level.

My girls and I thought that Big Rabbit's Bad Mood was a lot of fun to read together, and the fact that the story starts out sad but closes with a happy ending just makes it a real winner. Plus I think other parents like myself will not only enjoy the story on it's basic level, but I think they'll also enjoy it for the author's subtle message about how we sometimes overthink things and cause ourselves to be visited by the bad mood. Because certainly, Rabbit and I can't be the only ones that do this.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Dinosaurs ROAR, Butterflies SOAR! by Bob Barner

2009-04-14T12:24:00.013-05:00

Dinosaurs ROAR, Butterflies SOAR! by Bob Barner
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: April 2009 (COMING SOON!)
ISBN: 978-0-8118-5663-8

I simply adore Bob Barner's illustrations, and have since the very first time I laid eyes on one of his books. It's not that they're overly detailed, but their amazingly bright, bold, and eye catching in a very unoverworked way. I'd say that even if a person wasn't drawn in by the actual story he'd still be thoroughly transfixed by the illustrations in one of Barner's books. They're that powerful.

It is the same with his upcoming release from Chronicle Books, Dinosaurs ROAR, Butterflies SOAR! In this story of Earth's prehistoric days, Barner shows how something as small and tender as the butterfly could manage to not only live alongside the dinosaurs but also enhance their way of life. Adding to the already exceptional beauty of nature, butterflies aided in the growth of vegetation by carrying pollen from one blossom to another. In doing so the planet was changed for the better. There was more air and more food first for the dinosaurs, and then for all the other creatures that have come to exist, humans included, since the butterfly first fluttered on to the scene.

This was a very pretty book, yet in my personal opinion this was not Barner's strongest story. To be perfectly honest it was just okay for me- even kind of boring. There were no aspects that really gripped me or made me want to read the story again. I did think it a wise decision on the author's behalf to include the sub text that came outside the story. These additional segments went a bit deeper with the facts and seemed to have more substance. Perhaps that was the author's intent and how he intended to appeal to both the younger ages (4-6) and the older ages (7-8) with this book. If that's the case though I think he should have stuck with focusing on the older age group, because truly neither my 3 or 5 year old had any interest in this story outside of the vivid pastel and paper illustrations. Even the fun fact section at the back of the book seemed geared mostly towards the older age bracket.

One last thing... I want to say that I believe Barner is an exceptionally talented author and illustrator. I was somewhat disappointed by this particular book, but I'm eager to see what he will come up with next.

OUR RATING: 3 hearts

Starlight Animal Rescue: Wild Cat by Dandi Daley Mackall

2009-04-11T11:17:00.006-05:00

Starlight Animal Rescue: Wild Cat by Dandi Daley Mackall
Geared Towards: Ages 8-12
Published By: Tyndale House
Publication Date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1270-5

Finding books that are both wholesome and entertaining can sometimes be difficult. Especially at the impressionable age of 8-12 years, we want our daughters reading books that will uplift them and encourage their spirit. Certainly everything doesn't have to have a full on Christian perspective. However, for a young Christian girl finding a book that does yet still matches a more secular book in story and print is a big bonus. Such is what you can expect to find with Dandi Daley Mackall's Starlight Animal Rescue series.

Starlight Animal Rescue is an animal rescue ranch. Amoung its many residents are abused and unwated horses, cats, and dogs that have been taken in from uncertain circumstances. Run by the Coolidge family, the rescue is more than just a safe haven for troubled animals. It's also a home filled with loved for those kids who have no place to go, fit in, or call home.

Wild Cat, which happens to be book 3 in this particular junvenile fiction series from Mackall, introduces us, the readers, to Kat a young girl taken in by Chester "Popeye" and Dr Annie Coolidge. Kat is 12-years old, and struggling to beat the odds. Unlike most kids her age she is small and frail, a victim of cancer. With news of Kat's adoption date looming on the horizon, she is both excited and terrified. God has blessed her with the Coolidges, an amazing family, and she loves them dearly. But being so sick and weak all the time, Kat worries that she isn't deserving enough to be graced with the family name. Everyone else in the family from her sister and brothers to her Dad and Mom, as she has affectionately come to call them, pulls a great weight to make sure that the Starlight Animal Rescue runs as smoothly as possible. And even the smallest jobs at the rescue can be very unnerving and, at times, impossible for Kat. The medicine she takes makes her sick and weak, but she determines not to let it stop her from earning the right to the family name. Everyone else has his or her place, and if she's going to be a Coolidge she determines she too must find her own place within the ranks.

According to Dictionary.com the word WILD can mean any of the following:

living in a state of nature; not tamed; not domesticated
frantic or distracted; crazy
unrestrained, untrammeled, or unbridled
amazing or incredible
intensely eager or enthusiastic
Cards. (of a card) having its value decided by the wishes of the players

I find these definitions very interesting when taken in to consideration up against this book's title.

At first readers might assume the name, Wild Cat, is in reference to cat with the beautiful blue eyes and long white fur on the cover. This correlation could indeed be most accurate. In the story, Kat does spend a good amount of time trying to understand and figure out the inner mental workings of this darling animal. I could see definition number four standing in here. Perhaps, however, there's more to the title than just the obvious reference.

It could also be that the title draws inspiration from the school project Kat finds herself working on. Different from anything she'd ever imagined doing for a grade, Kat and her partner start their own cat clinic. Playing the role of doctor, Kat must put her knowledge to good use so that she can help her fellow students train their cats to be less frantic, more restrained, and more domesticated.

Or maybe still the title refers to the main character herself, Kat- aka Katharine. She is just weeks away from having her adoption in to the Coolidge family finalized. She's intensely eager to make the family proud and earn her right to own their name. The Coolidges love Kat and wouldn't have her any other way, but she feels that she should and could be doing more. Could it be that the title is derived from her incredible need to feel like a equal partner in the family and at the rescue? Is it possible the book's title, Wild Cat, ascribes itself to Kat who perchance feels her value is determined by the amount of work she does at the rescue and the amount of worth the family allots her?

This is a book I can not wait for my daughters to be able to read. It's currently too old for them, but I know that this is a book worth saving for them. Kat's strength and perseverance are edifying. Her immense trust in God is thought provoking and poignant. Filled with many references to God and the scriptures, I was really pleased with how this story came together. I can definitely see this being a great teaching tool for young girls because through the story they'll come to understand compassion, learn the Word, and simply be uplifted in their own personal lives.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

I Screwed Up!

2009-04-09T13:43:00.002-05:00

Okay, guys, I screwed up- big time! I was trying to pretty up Ready Set Read Reviews, but in the process I accidentally deleted all my side and bottom bar add ons. If I was smart I would have saved all the info before I tested the new layout, but nope. That means, my buttons, links, recommended reads, awards, etc are all gone. Eeeps! I have a pretty good idea of what I had, but it's going to take me a couple of days to get everything back in order.

Also, being the brainiac that I am, I can not remember what-so-ever what login info I used for my feedburner e-mail subscription thing. So, if you/are signed up to receive feed updates from me here please watch for another post with more info on what I end up finding out. I'm thinking I'll probably have to sign up for a new feedburner account, and I don't know how that affects the original feedburner linkage I had on here before.

Oi! Long story short, I'm hoping when all this is said and done it will look even better here. For the next few days though forgive the jumble as I work to restore everything I lost. Thankfully I didn't lose the actual content of the blog. That would have been beyond brutal.

-Rebekah

I know a lot of things by Ann & Paul Rand

2009-04-06T12:52:00.005-05:00

I know a lot of things by Ann & Paul Rand
Geared Towards: Ages 2-6
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: February 2009 (reissue pub date)
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6615-6

Published originally in 1956 by Harcourt, Brace & World, Ann & Paul Rand's classic picture book I know a lot of things has been only recently reissued by Chronicle Books. And how lucky for those of us who had never had the pleasure of reading, or even hearing of it, before now. If you're looking for a book that will encourage your little one and get them excited both about reading and learning, this is one I must suggest.

The colorful illustrations are visually stimulating, and the rhymthic rhyme of the text is pleasing and fun. Written on a preschooler's cognitive level, reading this will inspire children to never be satiated with their current knowledge but to always be hungry to learn even more. Parents or teachers can use this book as a lead in with their little ones to see just how much those little brains have already absorbed about the world around them. Grab ahold of your hat though because once this ship sets sail there will be no stopping these kids from taking everything in around them and then quickly wanting to share it all with you.

On a side note... I wanted to say that I love how Chronicle stuck with a very classic feel and appearance with this reprint. The pages, unlike many picture books released these days, have the matte texture and look which do wonders for maintaining the classic air. The illustrations themselves appear to have retained the original rich coloring I am used to seeing in books printed in the 50's and 60's. Having never seen the original I can't say for sure, but it really looks like they didn't amp anything up, but rather stuck with everything from the original. I think this was simply brilliant!

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story by Janet Halfmann

2009-04-06T08:37:00.011-05:00

Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story by Janet Halfmann
Illustrated By: Duane Smith
Geared Towards: Ages 6-11
Published By: Lee & Low Books
Publication Date: June 2008
ISBN: 978-1-60060-232-0

I acknowledge the importance of paying attention to history so that we can not only understand where we've come from but so we can all the more also appreciate what we now have. Likewise, I believe that if we're not to repeat history's mistakes we must strive to learn from them. An example that beautifully displays this importance is Janet Halfmann's Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story; a book easily classed as moving, harrowing, and awe inspiring. In sharing Robert's story, Halfmann shows the importance of following your dreams and how doing so can truly change your life and those of the ones around you.

Seven Miles to Freedom is the true story about Robert Smalls, born in to Southern Carolina slavery in 1839. From a very early age, Robert knew that being a slave was not the life he was meant for. When Robert was 17 he met Hannah Jones, a slave from another family. Having worked out an arrangement with each of their masters, Robert and Hannah married. Their union wasn't as simple or easy as that of a non-slave couple, but they had love. Soon thereafter they also began a family, with first a daughter and then a son. The couple was happy, but still they were slaves. Their children too would be slaves. Loving and being dedicated to his wife and children, it was this knowledge that truly pushed Robert to make his dream a reality.

I believe children and adults both will enjoy this book. Accompanied by simple yet stunning oil paint illustrations, by Duane Smith, this is a story of hope and wonder. A book that will capture your attention, break your heart, and yet leave you with a complete and total sense of happiness. This is a tale that shows the importance of dreaming big even when the road to achievement doesn't come free of risks and danger.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

DUCK! RABBIT! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

2009-04-01T08:16:00.006-05:00

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6865-5

I've always enjoyed looking at optical illusions and trying to see if I could find all of the possible picture scenrios. That's why I was so excited to learn about Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld. The focus of this book, as you likely have guessed by now, is a white creature outlined in a bold black. From one perspective the critter looks undeniably like a duck, but when you allow yourself to step back and consider it a bit more you can also see a rabbit.

The characters in this book are unseen, but the entire book is made up of them arguing over this duck/rabbit creature they spot outside under the beautiful blue sky. Each is adamant that he (or she) is right, and refuses to open his mind to the possibility that perhaps the other is right. Underneath the obvious storyline was a hidden little gem too. I think it served as a good example of why arguing really isn't all it's cracked up to be. Most readers can probably agree that if you look hard enough you'll see both the duck and rabbit. There's no way to tell for sure though which animal it really is. So, perhaps kids reading this can take with them the idea that sometimes you simply can't know who is right and must both conceed to draw.

It's a short little picture book, but Duck! Rabbit! is quite clever and a lot of fun. I personally was able to see both the duck and the rabbit, but as I tend to do with most optical illustions I tended to see one more so than the other. For me it was the rabbit. If I forced myself to see it I could definitely make out the duck though. My 5-year old also saw both but seemed to take note of the bunny more. My 3-year old was the exact opposite, seeing both but claiming to see the duck more so than the bunny.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Swim the Fly by Don Calame

2009-03-31T08:51:00.007-05:00

Swim the Fly by Don Calame
Geared Towards: Ages 14+
Published By: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: April 2009 <---- COMING SOON
ISBN: 978-0-7636-4157-3

Boys will boys, and one thing that they will always have on their minds are girls. For the boys in Don Calame's first YA novel, Swim the Fly, this is no different. Matt, Sean, and Coop have been best friends forever. As such they do all sorts of goofy and crazy things together. Especially each year when Summer rolls around, the boys try to keep things interesting by setting some form of goal they must achieve before school starts up again the Fall. Just as one would expect, the goals get more indepth with each passing year. This year though, the trio is really upping the ante. What would make a 15-year old boy's Summer the best he'd ever had? Naturally it'd be seeing, in person, a real live naked girl.

With their Summer challenge set in stone, the boys have no idea how truly complicated achieving such a task is going to be. Plus when Matt, trying to impress a girl, decides to volunteer himself as the swim team's new 100-yard butterfly swimmer he really gets himself in deep water (pun intended). Matt's not a strong swimmer in this particular style, but now that he's put himself out there he finds he can't step back. His being in the spotlight has brought his existence to the attention of his dream girl, Kelly. To quit now would make him an even bigger loser than he's already used to being.

Summer may last only a few short weeks, but Matt, Sean, and Coop have a lot to keep themselves busy. The ridiculous lengths they will go to to make their goals a reality, will leave readers young and old doubled over in laughter. A story that's just as funny and ackward as it is inspirational, in a weird sort of way, shows one should always strive his hardest to achieve his goals. Yet at the same time it shows that you should always be truly careful what you wish for.

Swim the Fly is a delightfully fun story that does a great job of summing up just a few of the trials I'm sure most 15-year old boys (and girls too possibly) traverse through on their way to manhood.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

COMING SOON: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs... the Movie

2009-03-27T22:26:00.012-05:00

One of my favorite books to read my girls has always been Judi and Ron Barrett's Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. The story is that of one big imaginative adventure, and the illustrations drawn by Ron perfectly capture the absurdity of it all.

So, imagine my surprise when tonight my husband stumbles upon a movie trailer for, you've guessed it, a new animated adaption of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. First there was a spark of excitement at the prospect, but I quickly became skeptical as I watched the intro to the trailer. Don't get me wrong, the animation is great and the story sounds cute. But it is NOT Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. Unless I've been reading a completely different version all these years, the writers for this new and upcoming screenplay have done a serious number on the script and have rewritten an already exceptional classic. I haven't even seen the movie and I'm already thoroughly disappointed!

I have no doubt that as a stand alone film this movie may be cute and a real crowd pleaser, especially when it's released in it's 3-D format this coming September 2009. I however, think it's a real shame that it seems the writers/directors have deviated so far from the original storyline.

I'm attaching the trailer below. Anyone interested in sharing his thoughts is welcome. I'm curious to see if anyone else has the same feelings about as I do, or if I'm just being overly sensitive on the subject. Thoughts?

Weebeasts: Plight by Micah Linton

2009-03-26T12:48:00.008-05:00

Weebeasts Plight by Micah Linton
Geared Towards: Ages 3+
Published By: Beast Stew
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9821734-0-4

If your young child is a fan of oddities like trolls, gremlins, ogres, and the like then you must look in to getting a copy of Micah Linton's Weebeasts books. Recently I was given the opportunity to review the second book in the picture book series, Weebeasts: Plight, and I have to say I'm sure I've never seen anything quite like it. Other reviews I've noticed online are all extremely positive for this book line. I, however, am really not 100% certain what I think. The creatures themselves are very inventive, but they're kind of a little bit scary too. I suppose that's the point though when likened to the other odd creatures mentioned above.

The story for Weebeasts: Plight, finds the Weebeast civilization in an uproar. Having been quite unkind to the neighboring species, the Weebeasts find themselves having to leave their home in search of someplace new to live. They search and they search, but quickly they realize how good they had it before they let their unneighborly behavior get in the way. Now with no place to go the Weebeasts must learn to thrive and survive if they're ever going to locate a new place to call home.

It's a simple story, but one that children will likely enjoy. The artwork, also by Linton, is again very simplistic yet incredibly bright colored and unique. Someone on another review I saw posted commented about the similarity between the Weebeasts and Dr. Seuss's Sneetches. I just have to say that I couldn't agree more. This was actually my very first thought when I initially saw the Weebeast character. Growing up, the Sneetches were always my favorite of Seuss's characters, so I found it quite fun to see the resemblance (implied or otherwise) here.

While noted as geared towards kids from ages 3 up, neither of my girls, ages 3 and 5, had any interest in this book. I think for them it wasn't the story but rather the bizarre illustrations that turned them off. Like I said earlier, they're creative but maybe a little too extreme for some of the younger readers. That or maybe if my princess-y girls were rough and tumble boys they'd find a bigger appeal in it? Either way, my thanks go out to the author for giving me this review opportunity.

Additionally, Linton sent along a copy of the Weebeastology: Volume One book set and a plush Weebeast. If you pick up the picture books and really enjoy the illustrations then I highly recommend you check out these books as well. There aren't any words, but the Weebeastology books are filled with more pages upon pages of Weebeast illustrations.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Classic Bible Storybook by Kenneth N. Taylor

2009-03-24T16:19:00.004-05:00

Classic Bible Storybook by Kenneth N. Taylor

Illustrations: Richard and Frances Hook

Geared Towards: Ages 4+

Published By: Tyndale Kids

Publication Date: March 2009

ISBN: 978-1-4143-0769-5

It's while our kids are in preschool and early elementary, all very impressionable ages, that we as parents, grandparents, and teachers want to work to instill our core values and beliefs in them. That's why it's important for every Christian family to have a great kid friendly Bible that the family can enjoy together. Older kids can obviously manage just fine with a regular children's Bible, but those at a younger age level are more likely to enjoy something with a little more interest appeal than a book with all words and no pictures on the pages. There are lots of different options out there to choose from depending on what style exactly one is looking for. I think, however, that parents like myself are going to discover the Classic Bible Storybook by Kenneth N. Taylor and find that it blows most of the others out of the water.

The Classic Bible Storybook actually reminds me a lot of a hardback storybook style Bible my family had when I was growing up. Even something about the roughly drawn, realistic illustrations takes my memories back to the Bible from my childhood. In all likelihood they're probably nothing alike, but just the feel one gets from looking at them seems to make you take a stepback and really enjoy them. (Which is what I did with the ones when I was a kid.) One key difference that I can recall though is the size. The one from when I was a little girl was massive. There was no way a young child could have held it to read on his/her own without much difficulty. Taylor's 2009 release is also a beautiful hardback, but it's compact and really pretty manageable - even for my 3-year old. And this is all just the book's appearance...

The actual meat and potatos of the book are obviously, the stories and the way they are written. With 121 in all you can read a new story each day if you wanted, and in the course of a year you'd cycle through the complete book three times. Talk about a great way to reinforce the stories and lessons! I loved how easy to read and comprehendable the stories are. Written in a way that is easy for young children to understand and enjoy, all of these timelessly great Bible stories are perfect for reading aloud or even quietly on one's own. Parents will appreciate that the author references each story's original book, chapter, and verses so there is no doubt where the stories come from. Older children and parents may enjoy going back to the regular Bible to look up and read the stories directly from there as well. Plus at the end of each story the author has included a small handful of comprehension questions to help draw the child out to discuss what he/she learned from the story.

The Classic Bible Storybook is the perfect package inside and out. Truly deserving of the name Classic, I see this book being cherished and passed down from generation to generation. I certainly hope for that to be the case in my family.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Too Tall Alice by Barbara Worton

2009-03-13T13:56:00.007-05:00

Too Tall Alice by Barbara Worton
Illustrated By: Dom Rodi
Geared Towards: Ages 7-11
Published By: Great Little Books
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9790661-1-5

Growing up different can be especially hard for a kid, but what we as parents and teachers must strive to enforce is the mindset that being different is not necessarily bad. Every person alive is unique, and we should all delight in our differences because that's what makes our world such an interesting place. Whether short, tall, fat, thin, old, young, rich, poor, smart, and even not overly bright, we all have our place in this world. And many characteristics that we grow up hating about ourselves are later the ones we love so much.

With the story of Too Tall Alice readers will step in to the shoes of a girl 4 inches taller than all the other girls in her class. When impressionable, 8-year old Alice accidentally over hears her parents and neighbors discussing both the draw backs and pluses of her height, she finds herself caught up in a swarm of emotions. Her father says she's like a bean pole, but Alice doesn't want to be a bean pole. The neighbor says she's so tall and thin she could be a model, but she doesn't really want to be one of those either.

What should be a simple, fall in to bed and go to sleep, night turns out to be a huge adventure for Alice. She cries herself to sleep because she's worried she'll either stay like a bean pole forever (but make lots of money as a model) or end up normal like the rest of the girls (and have her parents not be able to afford to keep the roof over their heads). Neither is an ideal situation, and as any young girl will do she over thinks things entirely. But in her dreams, Alice begins to see there's not so much to worry about on the horizon. She learns that whether you're tall or short it doesn't matter. Life will always have plenty of great opportunities for you to seize. She learns though that first she must seize control of her own life, and learn to be happy with herself because of WHO she is not what she looks like. Recognizing that no one else cares whether she's a little different or not makes the world of difference for Alice. Waking up from her dream with a smile on her face, Alice has learned a lot and is ready to take on the beautiful day and all of life ahead of her.

This was a cute book that combined a great message with some really fun illustrations. I believe it's important for kids to learn how to be comfortable in their own skin at an early age. If you can teach a child to accept himself for who he is early on then you save him a lot of heartache years down the line. He will not only have a great advantage in life as a whole, but will also be prepared to be far more accepting of everyone around him as well, despite any differences they might have.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Mama's Kiss by Jane Yolen

2009-03-12T09:46:00.005-05:00

Mama's Kiss by Jane Yolen
Illustrated By: Daniel Baxter
Geared Towards: Ages 3-6
Published By: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: October 2008 (hardcover)
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6683-5

Mama's Kiss is a short but sweet book about a kiss that travels the world bringing happiness to all it touches before finally returning home to where it belongs. It's kind of a strange concept if you think about it too much- a single kiss being shared by so many people and animals. Young children, however, will enjoy the tale because it's funny and cute.

The cadence of Yolen's text makes Mama's Kiss fun to both read and listen to. Meanwhile, Baxter's winsome illustrations delight the eyes. Combined together, readers are presented with a perfect picture book that, while listed for little ones ages 3-6, I believe would make a great addition to an even younger child's library.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury (PROMO)

2009-03-06T15:46:00.002-06:00

Every day I look at my daughters with amazement. It seems like only yesterday I was pregnant with each of them, yet this year my oldest will turn six and my youngest will turn four. Where did the time go? Some days it truly breaks my heart to think that in such a short time we've come this far. It's all been such a crazy beautiful journey and I wouldn't trade any of it for anything. Yet, I think how fast these first years have already passed it makes me dread, to a degree, the years that lie ahead. I love my babies and I know they need to grow up. Part of me even looks forward to all the experiences that will one day come with that growth. The other part of me doesn't ever want them to grow up, but rather to stay the age they are now- always mommy's babies; always my precious little girls.

So when I saw the online promo for Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury, I knew not only did I have to read it but I had to share about it here. I haven't picked up my copy yet, but just watching the promo has me bawling like an absolute blubbering fool. I get the feeling reading this one to my girls is going to put me in the same position that Robert Munsch's Love You Forever does every time I read it. What position is that? One dependant on lots of tissues because I can barely make it through the story in one piece. LOL

Anyhow, enough about me... Why not check out Karen's book trailer?

Henry the Impatient Heron by Donna Love

2009-03-03T17:09:00.005-06:00

Henry the Impatient Heron by Donna Love
Illustrated By: Christina Wald
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: February 2009
ISBN: 978-1-934359-90-70

Henry the Great Blue Heron was always a fidgety bird. He loved to move, and could hardly stand to stay still in one place for more than a moment. From the time he was a baby his siblings and parents told him he needed to learn control, to focus on being calm. It was unbecoming of a Great Blue Heron to not be able to stay still. Having always been able to rely on others and their skills to feed and take care of him, how on earth would he ever catch a meal on his own if he didn't learn the patience necessary?

Well, the day comes when Henry finds himself lost and alone, having wandered away from his family while in pursuit of an eye catching dragonfly. As the day passes by, Henry tries on more than one occassion to find himself a tasty treat to satisfy the ache in his tummy. However unfortunate, Henry can't seem to catch even a frog. His inability to patiently stand still and wait for the right time to act creates too much commotion. Every creature that Henry sets his sights on senses his presence well before he makes his move to strike. Every time he thinks he's going to win, he's defeated again by his own clumsy, noisy, self. Whatever will Henry do?

Befuddled and certainly frustrated Henry is awestruck when he discovers himself in the waters alongside THE GREAT BLUE HERON the heron of all herons. Seeing Henry's dismay, The Great Blue Heron takes the opportunity to instill in Henry the understanding of how important the fine art of patience is. Giving him food for thought along with some helpful suggestions on how to curb his own impatience and hone his fishing skills, The Great Blue Heron takes his leave. The sun is about to set, but the hunger in Henry's stomach has only grown more with each passing hour. Can he put The Great Blue Heron's teaching to work? Can Henry once and for all be a patient bird capable of taking care of himself?

Young readers are going to enjoy this story because, like Henry, they are likely to understand firsthand the difficulty of staying still. In a world that's go go go, and full of instant gratification opportunities, learning to be patient can be one major struggle. It's such an important lesson to learn though, and Love's story does a great job of portraying both the negatives and positives of of patience. Those lacking the finer patience skills will benefit from seeing how with a little effort we can all learn to be patient and therein tackle even our greatest challenges.

The Creative Minds section in this book also deals up some great lessons on The Great Blue Herons themselves. With fun facts, a Heron life cycle matching game, and even info the Heron's habit children will be educated while being entertained. And with some thought provoking questions regarding pollution in the wetlands, parents will have the opportunity to discuss some of life's more meaningful issues.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Read Across America (3/1/09)

2009-02-27T16:08:00.004-06:00

Sunday is Dr. Seuss' birthday. So, if you don't already have plans, why not come out and join the NEA 's Read Across America birthday celebration?!

Take your kids and celebrate Dr. Seuss' books with fun-filled games, special appearances by the Cat in the Hat, and more! It's all happening this Sunday 3/1/2009 from 1p-3p at Target stores across the country. Visit Target's web site for more location information.

http://www.target.com/readacrossamerica

Rosie Flo's coloring books by Roz Streeten

2009-02-25T12:44:00.010-06:00

Rosie Flo's coloring book, Rosie Flo's Garden coloring book, and Rosie Flo's Animals coloring book by Roz Streeten

Geared Towards: Ages 8 and up

Published By: Chronicle Kids

Publication Dates: January 2009

ISBNs: 978-0-8118-6552-4, 978-0-8118-6618-7, and 978-0-8118-6619-4

Designed and illustrated by Roz Streeten, the Rosie Flo coloring books are fantastic! If you have a young girl in your life who enjoys sketching, drawing, coloring, or painting you simply must buy her these books. Each book is filled with nothing but black line drawings of clever little outfits. It's up the child (or adult as it may be) to draw in the heads, legs, and arms. Then you color in the whole thing.

These books are so neat because you get to let your own creative juices flow as you decide what each outfit's wearer should look like. Even though the author recommends these books for children age 8 and up, I think kids as young as 5 will really enjoy them as well. You don't have to be highly skilled in the work of art to have a blast with these totally inventive books. It's almost like it's a reverse take on paper dolls. Instead of putting the clothes on the bodies, you're putting the bodies in the clothes.

With three books to choose from there's a wide variety of outfits and costumes to pick from- even scenery and settings to go along with some. In the first book, Rosie Flo's coloring book, you'll find vintage gowns, pjs, sun dresses, and many others. In Rosie Flo's Garden all of the outfits and costumes take on a garden feel. There are wood fairies, garden gnomes, tea party dresses, dresses inspired by vegetation and even bugs. In Rosie Flo's Animals all of the outfits take on a very animal inspired feel. There are animal prints, spider web dresses, bee hive dresses, and more. Tons of creativity went in to designing the dresses and outfits in these three books. It's amazing! Something else really fun about this line of books is that each includes two perforated, large sized post cards so you can share your creative genius with someone you love.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Suburban Dragon by Garasamo Maccagnone

2009-02-24T15:46:00.006-06:00

The Suburban Dragon by Garasamo Maccagnone
Illustrated By: Al Ochsner
Geared Towards: no age specified, approx Ages 3-7
Published By: Crate & Fly
Publication Date: 1992
ISBN: 978-1-419-660443

When a rainy day in the suburbs keeps Garrett, Anthony, and Aimee inside they find themselves bored with nothing to do. Mom suggests curling up together for a story by the fire, but it's not a new story and the kids aren't taken with it. Will the bordem ever cease?

Suddenly a dragon jumps up from behind the couch, and in an instance the children are anything but bored. A little bit frightened, they run to hide but mom doesn't make it in time. The scary dragon nabs her before she can get away. Whatever are the kids to do?

Putting their heads together, the kids devise a plan that will allow them to fight off the mean dragon and save their mother from his scaley clutches. They dress up, they set traps, and in the end all their hard work pays off. Mom is saved, and the kids all learn a valuable lesson about using their imaginations.

I loved how this story depicted not only a solution for bordem, but a family spending honest to goodness time together. Mom's solution to a rainy day wasn't to set her kids in front of the television while she and dad occupied the time doing their own things. Instead, it was to read together and play together. To incite the kids to do something more than just sit around and mope about not being able to play outdoors.

The Suburban Dragon is a cute story about how much fun you can have when you put your mind to it and use your imagination. Life doesn't have to be boring. A little imagination goes a long way, and as the siblings in this book discovered it can be even more fun when you get the whole family involved.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

The Moose with Loose Poops by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.

2009-02-20T12:01:00.005-06:00

The Moose with Loose Poops by Charlotte Cowan, M.D.
Illustrated By: Penelope Neal
Geared Towards: Ages 2-7
Published By: The Hippocratic Press
Publication Date: January 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9753516-5-9

Show me one person who says they don't find their curiosity piqued by the title of this book, and I'll show you a liar! Seriously, a few weeks back I had told myself I was going to stop accepting submissions for review for a few days because I had a lot going on. I wanted to catch up on the books I had in que, meanwhile I wanted to be sure I didn't over commit. Well, naturally, as soon as made this promise to myself this review request came through. The title was hilarious. So, I had myself a good belly shaking laugh, and then I broke my rule for the day by accepting the request. What a great decision that was! :P

Any parent/teacher/guardian knows that being sick can be very traumatic and scary for a young child. How to explain that everything they are experiencing is completely normal and healthy, in terms the child will understand , can often times be difficult because you don't want to upset the child anymore. The publishers at Hippocratic Press have picked up on this, and so was born the Dr. Hippo Series. The Moose with Loose Poops is the first book that I've had the chance to read for myself though I'd love to check out the other four (Peeper Has a Fever, Katie Caught a Cold, The Little Elephant with the Big Earache, and Sadie's Sore Throat- all by Cowan) that were featured on the book jacket.

Authored by board-certified pediatrician, Charlotte Cowan, M.D., the story of The Moose with Loose Poops guides readers through the ups and downs of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) which causes upset tummies, vomitting, and diarrhea. Both children and parents alike can use reassurance when it comes to these things, and Cowan's story does a brilliant job of offering such in a priceless way.

Miles the Moose wants to go camping with his dad. But when Miles doesn't eat much and complains of a tummy ache Mom knows something's up. Her suspicions are confirmed when a frightened Miles throws up. Mom reassures Miles that what he's experiencing is perfectly normal. But as any good mom would do, she says camping is off for the time being. Mom says a body needs plenty of rest while it gets better, so it's home to bed for Miles. Dr Hippocrates backs mom's call to cancel the camping trip, and also recommends Miles drink lots of fluids.

Later when Miles wakes up he's feeling good as new. Mom knows though that the feeling is momentary at best. His troubled tummy has yet to dispell whatever germs have caused the upset in the first place, but it's not long before that all changes. Miles complains to his dad about another tummy ache, a different feeling one this time, and dad knows what to expect. He hurries them to the bathroom in time for Miles to make it to the potty. Feeling almost immediately better, Miles, as any capricious child would do, quickly rushes off to tell the world about his experience in the bathroom.

Cowan perfectly captures the innocence and pure wonder of a young child in Miles. The story is straightforward but not without a healthy dose of humor. Who isn't going to laugh a sympathetic and understanding laugh at, "A waterfall's coming out of my bottom!"? Only someone in tune with a child can write something so comical and yet hit the nail exactly on the head as far as a child's reactions and reasoning are concerned.

The Moose with Loose Poops is a book that not only teaches and comforts. It's a book that inspires a great deal of laughing. Children and adults alike will enjoy following Miles' adventure from feeling yucky to feeling great again.

Additionally, parents will be happy to know that there's even a little laminated guide included in the back of the book just for them. The guide, Getting Through Gastroenteritis, helps educate parents on how to determine if their child is suffering from gastroenteritis and if so how to treat it. There's also a handy chart detailing when, regarding what symptoms the child has, a parent should contact the doctor. All in all, a very thorough little guide that I think makes this book the complete package.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

My African Bedtime Rhymes by Brettell Hone

2009-02-20T11:17:00.007-06:00

My African Bedtime Rhymes by Brettell Hone

Illustrated By: Ginger Nielson

Geared Towards: Ages 4-8

Published By: Shamwari Publishing

Publication Date: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-620-40992-6

This beautiful collection of African rhymes provides wonderful insight into the lives of some of Africa's well loved wildlife- elephants, hippos, owls, fish, crocodiles, and even a fly. With four unique stories to choose from, readers can actually choose to read this book cover to cover in one sitting or opt for one story at a time. The text is lulling and pleasant to listen read; however, Hone uses many big words that I think younger readers/listeners are simply not going to understand or know. I don't doubt for a second that they'll enjoy the stories; but I do think they might not be able to take it all in at once.

Based on that, I tend to think My African Bedtime Rhymes might be a bit heavy for the younger readers/listeners. Yet as a parent I can see this being a great opportunity to help kids extend their vocabulary skills and open their eyes to a world they're not able to see and appreciate first hand on a daily basis. And truly, I have to say though that coupled with Nielson's amazingly exquisite artwork, which makes you want to crawl right in to the pages, it won't matter if the younger kids in the group don't fully connect with the stories right off the bat. They'll be drawn in by the rhyme and illustrations. As they then hear/read the story again and again I think they'll begin to fully appreciate the deeper subtext and factual aspects.

In short, you can't go wrong with this captivating collection. My African Bedtime Rhymes is a book that your child will continue to enjoy even as they grow older.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game and Love Their Neighbors by Jan & Mike Berenstain

2009-02-13T10:09:00.013-06:00

The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Geared Towards: Ages 4-7

Published By: Zonderkidz

Publication Date: May 2009

ISBN: 978-0-310-71252-7

In The Berenstain Bears Play a Good Game the cubs learn several important lessons as their soccor team, the Rockets, goes up against the big and nasty Steamrollers. Not only is their opposing team made up of players way bigger than they are, but the Steamrollers also don't play by the rules. Brother and Sister Bear, along with their fellow Rockets, must learn and determine to play fairly despite the fact that doing so might not help them gain the win. As Coach Papa Bear explains, it's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game. No matter what it is you do in life, you must always strive to enjoy the experience and do your best. Then if you win you had a great time doing so and you know you did it honestly. If you lose you won't be able to beat yourself up over it because you'll know you did the best you could. Likewise, it won't have been a wasted experience because you'll have enjoyed yourself in the process.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors by Jan & Mike Berenstain

Geared Towards: Ages 4-7

Published By: Zonderkidz

Publication Date: May 2009

ISBN: 978-0-310-71249-7

Another wonderful life lesson is brought forth on the pages of The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors. With a story that had a definitive Good Samaritan feel to it, the Berenstain Bear family learns a lesson about judging people by their appearances. For you see, the majority of the Bear family's neighbors are all well kept and put together, all but for the Bogg Brothers who live down the road. Wherein everyone else's houses and yards are pretty and clean, the Bogg Brothers live in a rundown shack with junk in the yard and pig wallowing in a muddy pen. Compared to the rest of the town, these neighbors are a problem.

But when the Bear family experiences car trouble on the road to the town festival, it becomes quickly apparent that appearances can be deceiving. Unwilling to inconvenience themselves, the "good" neighbors, Mr and Mrs Mayor and even Squire and Mrs Grizzly, pass by leaving Mama, Papa, and the kids standing by their broken down car. With no offer of help, the Bear family begins to wonder if they'll ever get to the festival. However, when the Bogg Brothers come rattling down the lane in their beat up jalopy, they graciously stop to help. It's then that the Bear family realizes the error of their ways. It's not what's on the outside that matters; it's what's on the inside that counts.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Beezus and Ramona Coming to the Big Screen

2009-02-13T09:08:00.005-06:00

If you have or ever were a little girl you're probably more than a little bit familiar with Beverly Cleary's famed Ramona. As a girl myself I was head over heels for this wholesomely fun series, and absolutely can not wait for when my oldest is able to really enjoy all the books.

With that in mind, I was absolutely ecstatic to find a press release from Walden Books in my e-mail this morning. Check it out...

FOX 2000 PICTURES & WALDEN MEDIA CAST “BEEZUS AND RAMONA”

Teen Sensation Selena Gomez and Joey King are cast as sisters in Upcoming film based on best-selling book series by Beverly Cleary
LOS ANGELES, (February 6, 2009)….Teen sensation Selena Gomez, who stars in the series “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and Joey King (“The Suite Life of Zack and Cody”) will star in the motion picture “BEEZUS AND RAMONA,” based on the best-selling Ramona books (over 91 million…and counting) by Beverly Cleary.

Gomez will portray Beezus, the brilliant yet insecure older sister to King’s Ramona, whose vivid imagination, boundless energy and accident-prone antics help her family face its biggest challenge.

King’s casting follows Fox 2000 Pictures’ nationwide casting search for Ramona, during which the production division saw hundreds of girls – with King finally nabbing the role after completing a screen test.

Elizabeth Allen (“Aquamarine”) directs from a screenplay by Laurie Craig and Nick Pustay. Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan are producing for Fox 2000 Pictures and Walden Media. Di Novi has successfully brought to the screen several other literary properties aimed at female audiences, including “Little Women,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and the recent “Nights in Rodanthe.”

In addition to her starring role on “Wizards of Waverly Place,” Selena Gomez is working on her debut album, due for release later this year. Joey King, who began her career at age four, has amassed an impressive list of film and television credits including “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Medium,” “Jericho” and “Entourage.”

Twentieth Century Fox releases “BEEZUS AND RAMONA” in theaters everywhere March 19, 2010.

About Fox Filmed Entertainment
One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Fox Filmed Entertainment produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of FFE: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox Atomic, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.

About Walden Media
Walden Media specializes in entertainment for the whole family. Past award-winning and highly successful films include: “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “Nim’s Island” and “Charlotte’s Web.” Upcoming films include “Tooth Fairy” starring Dwayne Johnson, and “Bandslam” starring Vanessa Hudgens.

WOW Blog Tour: No One is Perfect, and YOU are a Great Kid by Kim Hix Plus Review

2009-02-10T16:48:00.009-06:00

Before anything else, I have to say how sorry I am that I'm making this post sooooo late in the day. My plan was to have it up first thing this morning when I got home from dropping my oldest daughter off at school, but nothing at all went according to plan today. Starting with husband getting in to a car accident on his way to work, the day's schedule kind of went out the window. So, to the author and women at WOW, I apologize for my tardiness.

That being said...

It is my pleasure to be able to host today, a great guest blog by author Kim Hix. Her book, No One is Perfect, and YOU are a Great Kid is a brilliant book about a little boy name Zack, like her own son, who struggles daily with feelings of being different. Being a child can be hard enough without the added degree of suffering through emotional battles. Add in this factor to the mix, and it can be very trying for a child just to cope and fit in.

No One is Perfect, and YOU are a Great Kid by Kim Hix
Illustrated By: Lee Dillingham
Geared Towards: Ages 4 and up
Published By: Book Surge
Publication Date: 2006
ISBN: 1-4196-3148-9
Genre: Children's Nonfiction/Special Needs

Winner of Best Children's Book for ages 6 and under, Reader Views Award for 2007 Annual Literary Awards

Synopsis: No One is Perfect and YOU are a Great Kid is a lovely book written about Zack, a young boy who struggles daily with ever changing moods. He tries to understand why he gets very sad, upset, discouraged and angry in response to what most would consider insignificant events. Zack often feels different, left out, and isolated due to his moods. He poses thought provoking questions to his audience that can spur some meaningful conversation. This book will touch your heart and anyone who has a special child in their life who struggles with any degree of emotional, behavorial, or psychiatric disorder.

Kim's book shows the world a great example of how a child with behavioral or mental disorders feels on a day to day basis. Through her book she hopes to comfort those dealing with these issues so that they don't feel quite so alone. And she would love to aid in opening the eyes of those unfamiliar with such disorders; to help educate them and perhaps give them a better insight in to what children (and adults) with these disorders go through. Maybe if we can help bring more understanding into the picture we can bring with it more tolerance.

I'm blessed to say that I have not had the first hand experience that Kim has had with this topic, but that made me all the more interested in reading her book. I think it's very important to see past everyone's differences and remember that we're all the same at the core. I found No One is Perfect, and YOU are a Great Kid to be a beautifully written book. Kim shows the reader, through a child's eyes, what it's like to be different. Even an average child can relate to a lot of what the child in Kim's book deals with. It may not always be to the same scale, but they'll definitely relate.

I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be the parent of a child with some form of mental disability. I do not mean this in a negative way either, but rather say it in a sense of awe. You surely love that child just as much, if not more, than you'd love any other child. Being the parent to a child with no disabilities can be extremely difficult, but there's so much more time and energy undoubtedly invested in raising a child who does have issues that require extra attention. Through Kim's book and her mission to education those who read it, you can truly see and feel the passion she has for her own child and those with like diagnoses. No One is Perfect, and YOU are a Great Kid is a remarkable children's book worthy of all the praise it can get.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

And now, a word from Kim Hix herself:

Faith, love, hope, words I heard all of my life but really did not feel the true meaning of such simple words until my son was born nearly 14 years ago. They are my motto every day and words I often express to others. When loving a child with a disability of any kind they are words you cling to and believe in. My son suffers from emotional disabilities, or neuropsychiatric disorders or mental illness, however you choose to label what he lives with on a daily basis. He, and millions of other children are diagnosed with illnesses of the brain that affect how they feel, act, react, behave and think. These are complicated illnesses, the same as the adult versions, however just at a much earlier age. My son, Zack, has always over reacted to the most minor of situations, raging often, crying frequently and riding a daily roller coaster ride of emotions. From very early on I knew something was wrong, which started this journey that is now 11 years long and prompted our book No One is Perfect and You are a Great Kid. As he grew, suffered and tried desperately to understand what was happening to him he struggled with many questions of Why? along with feeling as if he were the only kid in the whole world who was struggling with these very complicated challenges. I have often been the parent who did not discipline my child, who raised a spoiled, manipulative, self centered, unruly boy, which are all very far from accurate. If you are a parent of a "high spirited, intense child" as I am, you have most likely heard some of the same accusations from parents of "perfect " children who do no wrong, who respond to their parents every command on queue, and perfectly behaved and well mannered. My hope and prayer is that the people in general open their minds and come to realize that children like mine, who suffer with these illnesses, are not bad kids, not evil or purposefully oppositional but are lovable, kind, funny, smart and full of promise as is every other child. Yes,they may do things differently, loudly, extremely,and outrageously. They need to be given understanding, reassurance, patience, acceptance and compassion. My wish is that other children who feel different for any reason find hope, promise, acceptance and the gift that is within them and realize they are not alone. Mental illness is not a choice, it is not contagious, it does not make you "less than". I hope our story will open the lines of communication for parents and children, friends and neighbors to discuss and explore behavior they may not understand. My biggest hope is that children who are seeking acceptance,understanding and answers be able to find that from parents, peers, teachers and siblings and to know they are not alone in their challenges. -Kim

About the Author:
Kim Hix is a native of Columbia SC. She graduated Lander University with a BS in Psychology 1988. She worked at various capacities at Marshall Pickens Hospital in Greenville SC from 1990 until 2004. She is now employed part time by Greenville Hospital System as a Patient Family Liaison (Advocate) and also as a part time personal trainer for Sportsclub Simpsonville. She has been Married 15 years to Doug Hix and have two children Zack 12(dx OCD, Tourettes Disorder Spectrum, and PANDAS) and Kelsie, 8, a real girly girl! She currently reside in Simpsonville SC with her family and 3 dogs.

"My name is Kim Hix and I am the mother of a very special young boy who struggles with emotional difficulties. He has experienced an array of moods from an early age, which include rages, depression, anxiety, and drastic mood shifts. In our journey to find help, we've encountered many specialists and interesting people. During this time, my son dealt with feeling different from his peers, isolated, and at times, rejected. My son would express to me that he felt no one understood him and that he was the only kid in the world with these problems. What started out as a project to help my son, cultivated a desire to let other kids and parents know that they are NOT alone. In fact, millions of children are suffering with mental illness, neuropsychiatric disorders, and behavior disorders. They long to be accepted, to be normal, and just fit in. They suffer, and we, the parents, suffer all the while our hearts are breaking."This is why I wrote a book for Zack and kids like him, who struggle with feelings of being different. It is my hope that this story will offer some measure of comfort and belonging to the children who read it."

Websites of Interest:

Kim Hix' website: Intense Kids, Great Kids

Book available for purchase: No One is Perfect and YOU are a Great Kid

Best Children's Book Award: Reader Views

Read CORALINE by Neil Gaiman for FREE

2009-02-06T09:00:00.005-06:00

Coinciding with the movie debut of Neil Gaiman's CORALINE, hitting theatres today, Harper Collins has decided to offer the book, in its entirity, for FREE on their site. Just click the link below to be taken to their page where you can read the book in full online. Then be sure to check out the movie.

I personally haven't read the book yet, but I think I have a paperback copy lying around here somewhere. I can't wait to read it though, and the movie looks incredible!!! I'm crossing my fingers that this is one I'll get to see while it's still in the theatre.

Anyhow, here's the link for CORALINE. Feel free to share your thoughts here if you have read it or once you do. :)

Prayers from the Heart Book 1 & Book 2 by Dr. Cherlyn Sunflower

2009-02-02T22:34:00.008-06:00

Prayers from the Heart, Book 1 and Book 2 by Dr. Cherlyn Sunflower
Illustrated By: Hergie Hergenroeder
Geared Towards: Ages 3+
Publication Date: 2008

Several months back I was given the opportunity to meet with a local author, Cherlyn Sunflower, to discuss her up and coming children's devotional series titled Prayers from the Heart. As we sat down at Cherlyn's kitchen table and she began to tell me her thoughts behind the books and her vision for where it would go, I couldn't help but follow along and silently complete her sentences. So much of what she had to say regarding current children's devotional materials out there was an exact replica of my own thoughts.

As I've been thinking since my oldest was about two years old, it seems that so many of the available products today don't really teach the participating child how to pray. The devotional products themselves aren't bad but they are lacking. In order to train a child to explore and grow their relationship with God they should know how to actively communicate with God on more than a basic level. Prayer is a direct lifeline from God to man and visa versa, and not all prayers suit every circumstance. The prayers you'll likely find in most children's devotionals you see on any Christian bookstore shelf are cookie cutter prayers. They treat prayer as an impersonal, one size fits all, kind of thing. In reality though, prayer is the way we communicate with God and to do so on a personal level we should be praying prayers that mean something to us and relate to the life situations we are currently dealing with. A child who learns at an early age how to actively and personally connect with God will be eternally grateful.

"Prayers from the Heart is based on the results of six decades of
research on accessing children's thoughts and designing ways to help children
express themselves. Begun twenty years ago, the prayer topics, interactive
questions, and Bible Nuggets have been refined based on use with children and
parents of Protestant, Evangelical, Lutheran, Catholic, and other Christian
faiths. "

What is so great about Prayers from the Heart is that each book is packed full of wonderful lessons that help parents and teachers guide their children, ages 2 and up, to pray applicable prayers that they themselves develope to share their own feelings and thoughts with the Lord. The planning layout is simple, easy to understand, and even easier to apply.

The steps as laid out in Prayers from the Heart are as follows:

Choose a prayer that relates to a REAL LIFE SITUATION currently in your child's/youth's heart. (Choose a prayer, type not actual pre-worded prayer, from the table of contents.)
Tell child/youth that now is a good time to pray. (Move to the Get Ready to Pray step of the lesson.)
Review a Bible Nugget. (Each lesson has a Bible Nugget section which is simply a selection of Bible verses that directly apply to the lesson topic.)
Ask Questions that get your child/youth to apply this info to his/her life. (Move to the Brainstorming step of the lesson.)
Ask child/youth to pray their own prayer. (Moving to the Let's Talk With God step.)
Reassure your child/youth that God hears our prayers.

In this format, parents and teachers can aptly guide their children to focus their prayer time on something that actively affects them and is on a level they can personally understand. If they are praying for a person specifically instead of just a general all encompassing prayer, they are much more likely to invest themselves in the prayer and share deeper thoughts and emotions on that person's behalf than they would with a generic prayer on that unspecified person's behalf.

The one thing that I really love about the Prayers from the Heart books is that they are not designed with any particular day to day structure in mind. In otherwords, unlike a traditional devotional that has you go from day one to day two to day three to day four in succession, Prayers from the Heart is designed to be followed as the child feels led. For instance, if today the child is feeling sad, you can flip to the lesson dealing with sadness. In it the child will be lead to ask, in his/her own words, God to help him/her overcome their sadness. If tomorrow the child is wanting to give thanks to God for helping him/her feel happy you can flip to the session on giving thanks. So while you could go straight through the book from one section to the next this really wouldn't behoove you or the child because you'd no longer be following the child's heart regarding what to focus his/her prayers on.

Another great aspect of the Prayers from the Heart books is that they are designed to grow with you and your child. As each prayer section comes with an EASY, NEXT STEP, and GOING DEEPER difficulty level. What this means is that each level inspires the child to think about what they are praying for and apply the concepts of the level in multiple different degrees. By doing so this allows the child to develope aneven deeper connection with God through their prayer life.

In each book the author has included the Bible Nuggets on small wallet sized cards, so older readers can cut out the cards to carry with them when studying, applying, and possibly memorizing them to hide in their heart. Also to cut out their are prayer cards featuring important people that the child might pray for. He/she can cut out and color these cards, and then save them someplace safe as a reminder to include these people in their daily prayers. There are also several activity pages throughout the books that allow the child to list their blessings, portions of a particular prayer, thoughts, pledges to God, etc.

In short, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to sit down and talk with Dr Cherlyn about these books. She has spent countless hours researching, writing, revising, and more. And the hard work shows. I'm ashamed to say after all this time I still haven't sat down to actively begin going through these books with my daughters, but I have read through them both on my own and love the concept and material thoroughly. My goal is to do a prayer overhaul on the daily prayer time my girls have, and I intend to start this immediately with the Prayers from the Heart books by my side. I would strongly encourage anyone with children to look in to getting copies of these books for themselves. It is my belief that our children grow up way too fast, and in light of that fact we, as parents and teachers, need to be doing everything we can today to get them on the right path to having a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with the Lord. And I believe that Cherlyn's books are the right materials we need to help us do just that.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For the first twenty years of her career, Dr. Sunflower taught elementary and special education students in both private and public schools. For the last 25 years, she has provided instruction for prospective early childhood, elementary, and middle school teachers at University of Minnesota: Moorhead, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, Oral Roberts University, and Northeastern State University. She has taught Language Arts workshops all over the United States for classroom teachers and parents. Since retirement, Dr Sunflower has been active in children's and youth's ministry.

Dr. Sunflower's field of expertise is helping children express their thoughts and feelings. She has authored four popular resource books for teachers that help children capture their thoughts. Over 300,000 copies of these valuable resources have been printed and used in 63 countries:

Really Writting (2006) - J. Wiley Publishers

Real-Life Writing for Young Authors (2000) - Prentice Hall Direct

Really Writting (1994) - Simon and Schuster

75 Creative Publishing Ideas (1993) - Scholastic Professional Books

Dr. Sunflower's training and experience in language arts, especialy with the composing process, has allowed her to cross over into this area of children's ministry. The same research-based methods for getting children to communicate with other people has proved extremely effective in getting children to compose and share their thoughts and feelings with God, their Father.

If you would like to order a complete copy of the Prayers from the Heart books to study or have any questions for Cherlyn, please feel free to contact her at prayersforheart@windstream.net. And visit her website at PrayersForChildren.org.

Baron Thinks DOGS Are People Too! by Laurie Dean

2009-02-02T21:48:00.006-06:00

Baron Thinks DOGS Are People Too! by Laurie Dean
Illustrated By: Kevin Collier
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Big Tent Books
Publication Date: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-60131-035-4

Baron is like any puppy, full of endless bounding energy. He loves to jump, run, and play. He loves attention. But when Baron nearly runs out in front of an on coming car, his owners decide it's time for a trip to obedience school. Baron finds this new development hard to swallow, yet he does his best to learn the things his teacher shows him. It takes him a little while, but after a while Baron begins to display his newly learned tricks and behavior. Instead of rushing about in a choatic dash all the time, Baron slows down. He sits quietly when asked, follows when called, and is now more than ever a good and obedient pup.

It should make Baron happy to know that he has made his family happy, yet he still feels sad inside. What Baron wants, has always wanted, is just the attention of a best friend. One day while playing in the snow, his owner Billy finds himself abandoned as all his own friends go indoors to play. Baron then steps up to the plate to cheer Billy up, and in doing so realizes his best friend has been right before his eyes all along.

Baron Thinks DOGS Are People Too! was a cute enough book. To be honest, it wasn't my favorite kid's book of all time. It did teach a couple of good lessons though within the pages of it's story. I believe children that read this book will enjoy Baron's antics, and through them will learn the fine art of obedience, patience, and of opening their eyes to world right in front of them. As happened with Baron, we all too often don't realize that the things we want most in the world are the things we already have. Hopefully young readers will pick up on this message as they enjoy Baron's story.

Illustrations by Kevin Collier, illustrator of Topsy Turvy Land, which World Magazine (Dec. 6, 2006 issue) voted one of the top 50 children’s picture books of all time, has done an interesting job with the pictures in this book. I can't say I love the illustrations because there's just something about them that makes me think "dated". At the same time though there's something strangely appealing about the cartoon-style drawings.

Readers who are interested in checking out Baron's story for themselves are encouraged to order their book through the publisher's site, Big Tent. Dean will donate $1, for every book purchased there, to help the medical charity Operation Smile repair cleft palates and cleft lips among needy children throughout the world.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

Little Skink's Tail by Janet Halfmann

2009-02-01T13:11:00.011-06:00

Little Skink's Tail by Janet Halfmann
Illustrated By: Laurie Allen Klein
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Sylvan Dell
Publication Date: August 2007
ISBN: 978-0-9768823-8-1

I've reviewed several of Sylvan Dell's books, and each time I'm amazed by how exceptional they are. If you're a child, parent, grandparent, or teacher looking for high quality, entertaining, yet highly educational books then look no further than what Sylvan Dell has to offer. I kid you not, this company doesn't fool around. Working with only the highest caliber of authors and illustrators, you can't go wrong with any of the books they publish.

Most recently I was invited by author Janet Halfmann to review her book Little Skink's Tail; which, as it turns out, is a publication of Sylvan Dell. I would have accepted Halfmann's offer no matter what; however, I must admit that when I learned of the publisher it was a deal clincher for me. It's like I said, I have a great respect for this publishing company, and I knew any book coming from them would not disappoint.

And what can I say? I'm in love!!! Little Skink's Tail is, by far, one of the cutest books of all time. By and far, this is a story that inspires imagination all the while teaching a great lesson. When we meet Little Skink she is busy enjoying a breakfast of ants in the bright morning sun. Caught up in the moment, Little Skink is oblivious to the fact that she's become the interest of a big, hungry crow. Caught with no place to go, Little Skink must determine a route of action. But it doesn't take her long to figure out what to do. Created with a built in safety feature, Little Skink quickly distracts her captor by snapping off her bright blue tail and diving for cover. The crow goes after the twitching tail, and Little Skink is able to get herself to safety.

Losing her tail is all fine and dandy, it's both a perk and draw back of being a Skink. She knows it will eventually grow back, yet in the meantime Little Skink begins to miss her beautiful tail. Feeling a bit sad, Little Skink watches the other animals in the woods around her. Then it hits her. What would it be like to have another creature's tail? Little Skink then goes on to imagine how she'd look if she had the tail of a rabbit, porcupine, squirrel, and more. Each looks pretty neat, but none is quite right. She is a Skink after all, and a Skink looks best with a Skink tail. I'm happy to report, though it seems like I'm crossing some forbidden line for sharing the ending, that Little Skink does infact find, at the end of this tale of tails, her very own tail grown back in gleeming color.

It was immediately evident why this title was selected as the 2008 FPA Best Children's Picture Book Winner, 2008 FPA Best Overall Book Winner, and 2009 Learning Magazine's Teachers' Choice Award Winner. With gorgeous watercolor illustrations, the incredibly talented Laurie Allen Klein, captures perfectly the playful and inquisitive story scenes. The story itself reads like a charm, and incorporates both an entertaining story with a good message. Everyone, even Little Skink, enjoys a little daydream wondering what things would be like if they were different in some small way. What I loved about this book was that while Halfmann showed it is okay and fun to use your imagination, at the end of the day you should always be happy with who you are. Just like Little Skink learned, each of us is uniquely created, and each is perfect as we are. You don't need to try to change yourself to be someone or something you're not.

As is the case with all Sylvan Dell titles that I've had the pleasure of reading, this book ends with a great "Creative Minds" section. The first activity is a Footprint Map where the reader is asked to locate the matching footprint for each animal on an illustrated grid. This activity teaches matching skills, number and alphabet skills, directional skills, and also counting skills. The second and last activity is also one of matching, howbeit a different sort. This time readers are shown a picture of each animal tail (featured in the story), and they then must match it to the animal name. On it's own this activity might not sound all too educational, but it is. Readers will find, alongside each animal name, a little blurb describing what each animal uses his tail for- attraction, protection, steering, balance, etc. So, they'll have fun doing the activity, and come away from it having hopefully learned something new.

EDITED TO ADD: Congratulations to Janet Halfmann and Laurie Allen Klein on this book's most recent award, the Mom's Choice Best (of three) Children's Books of 2009 Award. Plus Little Skink's Tail was also recently named the 2009 Gold Recipient: Animal Kingdom category and 2009 Gold Recipient: Educators’ Choice category.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

The Bomb That Followed Me Home by Cevin Soling

2009-02-01T01:20:00.006-06:00

The Bomb That Followed Me Home by Cevin Soling
Illustrated By: Steve Kille
Geared Towards: YA-Adults
Published By: Monk Media
Publication Date: November 2007
ISBN: 978-0-9767771-2-0

Let me first start of by saying that when I received the e-mail about this book it was listed as a children's book. It is NOT a children's book. Luckily I realized that before I sat down to read it with my girls. It's hilarious, quirky, and downright bizarre, but it is not for kids. Older kids could probably do okay with it; however, I'd honestly classify it as more of an adult read.

Full of satire and wit, The Bomb That Followed Me Home is a crazy tale about a boy who finds himself being followed home from school by a stray bomb. It isn't a mean bomb, but rather a lonely bomb just looking for a place to call home. Mom says the bomb can't stay because there'd be too much work involved in taking care of it, and she doesn't trust the boy to be that responsible. The father vehemently says 'no', and even attempts to get the Department of Defense or National Guard to take in the stray his son has come to affectionately call "Rusty". In the end there's only one good solution to the question of what to do with little Rusty. I won't tell you what though because I don't want to ruin the end of this short and ridiculously absurd fractured fairytale of sorts.

The picture book style illustrations by Steve Kille are hard for me to describe. There's something about them that makes me think the 70's. Or I even kind of sense a Spy vs. Spy (from MAD magazine and MadTv) vibe going on with the artwork. It's kooky but it totally works and draws you in to this funny but certainly PG story.

NOTE: This is the third book in Soling's "fairly twisted fairy tales" series.

OUR RATING: 3 hearts for adults or 0 for kids

This Is the Day! by Nancy White Carlstrom

2009-02-01T00:40:00.004-06:00

This is the Day!: A Celebration of God's Creation by Nancy White Carlstrom

Illustrated By: Richard Cowdrey

Geared Towards: Ages 4-7

Published By: Zonderkidz

Publication Date: February 2009

ISBN: 978-0-310-71428-6

Learning to appreciate all the finer details in God's creation isn't always something easily taught. Both adults and children alike are often swept away with the mindset of taking things for granted. We may appreciate the world around us, but not to the right degree. We should find ourselves actually stopping to truly enjoy the smaller things in life, and then giving God the glory.

Consider the shapes in the clouds, smell the flowers, enjoy the innocence of nature.What Carlstrom has done in her new release, This is the Day!, is bring the reader's attention to several ways we can all gain a truer respect for the world God has made. Readers visit deer, foxes, quail, eagles, frogs, rabbits and more through the winning illustrations by Cowdrey. Having laid out a day by day plan to direct readers to see areas where they can show their gratitude, we can see through a new light this is the world that God has made.

This lyrical story will leave your children eager to step outdoors to admire the beauty of nature. It will leave them, eyes opened, to the many ways that God has incredibly blessed them. And last but not least, it will leave them with a smile on their face because, this is, beyond a doubt, the day the Lord made!

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

God Is with Me through the Day and God Is with Me through the Night by Julie Cantrell

2009-01-31T23:40:00.011-06:00

God Is with Me through the Day by Julie Cantrell
Geared Towards: Ages 4-7
Published By: Zonderkidz
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-71562-7

Is there a child on earth that doesn't adore fuzzy, cuddly animals? If there is I have yet to meet him/her. They might not all be keen on getting up close and personal with all the animals, but in print or at a distance looking at sweet little animals can bring a joy like no other. I think that's what makes this book so marvelous. The rhyme is great, but the bright, close up pictures are so cute!

My daughters loved this book, and my 5 year old had a blast reading it on her own. With colorful, oversized font it is perfect for younger children to follow along with while learning to read or when reading on their own. The pictures are downright adorable. And the message Cantrell shows us through her text and the incorporated pictures is that no matter how small we are or what we do in a day we are strong, protected, and loved- both by our families and by our God.

It's nice to have a book that reassures children that even in today's world they can still have fun being kids, and that God will never leave or forsake them. Even when times are scary or we feel alone, our spirit can rest easily because we know God will never forsake us. Just as in Bible times God took care of His people (Jonah and David were mentioned by name.), so does He do today.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

God Is with Me through the Night by Julie Cantrell
Geared Towards: Ages 4-7
Published By: Zonderkidz
Publication Date: March 2009
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-71563-4

Nighttime can be even scarrier than day, as any parent knows. When the sun goes down, that's when all the spooky noises, shadows, and scary things come out to play. But, as Cantrell shows in her follow-up to God Is with Me through the Day, night doesn't have to be scary. With this book the author shows how even when playtime is done and the time has come for bed, we don't have to be frightened or feel alone. God is always with us- day or night. He is big, strong, and powerful. Just like he protected Daniel from the lions, He will protect us. We can bravely close our eyes, and drift off in to a restful sleep knowing that God will always be there loving and watching over us.

As in the first book, God is with Me through the Night is full of loveable animal pictures. All of the included shots show the animals in such expressive ways that it's really easy to see how they might be feeling the implied emotions (love, fear, loneliness, etc). I think they're suited perfectly for this book, and again, with the great font choice, really complete the whole layout package.

This is a set of books I think any young child would greatly enjoy. Fun to read, and so easy to look at over and over again.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine Mommy Blogger Awards 2009

2009-01-30T13:19:00.002-06:00

I'm certain I won't win because A.) there are way too many other awesome mommy bloggers, B.) Ready Set Read Reviews hasn't been around that long to gain that much readership. However, I saw Brimful Curiosities post about the Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine Mommy Blogger Awards for 2009, and I thought "why not?!" Ready Set Read Reviews is, after all, a blog about books for kids, and Scholastic just happens to be a major children's book publisher. So, while I might not have the umph to truly put me in the running, I figured it couldn't hurt to post here. If anyone thinks this blog is worth nominating, I certainly won't stop you. ;) Likewise, if you don't think so that's cool too. They allow you to nominate as many mommy bloggers as you'd like, so even if you don't nominate me be sure to put in a nomination for your favorites. It's gonna come down to the top 5 when all is said and done.

DETAILS (as seen on the Scholastic site):

Mommy Bloggers Rule!

Mommy blogs are online diaries written by those of you on the front lines of changing diapers, packing lunches, and helping with homework. They’re funny, moving, sometimes outrageous, and they offer a big dose of "I can relate!"

We invite you to nominate your favorite mommy blogs for our first-ever
Best Mommy Blogger awards. (If you're new to blogs, try visiting those in the "Blogs You Love" box below the entry form.) We'll close out the nomination period on February 13, 2009, and narrow down the nominees to a select list. Then, beginning February 23, we invite you back to this page to vote on the finalists.

The five winners will be announced on the Scholastic.com/parents Web site prior to appearing in the June/July 2009 issue of Scholastic Parent & Child magazine.

QUESTIONS from little hearts by Kathleen Long Bostrom

2009-01-29T11:57:00.007-06:00

QUESTIONS from little hearts by Kathleen Long Bostrom
Illustrated By: Elena Kucharik
Geared Towards: no age specified
Published By: Tyndale Kids
Publication Date: February 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-4143-2998-7

As a Christian mother I am always looking for sound and solid ways to answer the questions my girls ask or may ask regarding God, prayer, Heaven, angels, etc. And let me tell you, it's not always easy to know exactly how you should present the answers. This is why I was so excited to discover QUESTIONS from little hearts.

QUESTIONS from little hearts by Kathleen Long Bostrom and illustrated by Elena Kucharik (illustrator for the popular 80's CareBears) is perfect to have on hand for those times when your young child has a theological question you're looking for just the right answer on. A combination of four Little Blessings books, broken down in to four sections, these 288 pages will well equip you for any question your child might pose about God, prayer, angels, and Heaven.

The first part of each section takes childlike questions, such as "Do you love me always or just when I'm good?", and puts them together in a captivating rhyme format. This makes it super easy for young children of all ages, to relate and understand the questions on their own level. That's not all. If we have the questions that still leaves us lacking the answers, which is where the second part of each section comes in. Here we find God's answers to His precious young children's inquries. Again comprised of a delightful rhyming composition, children will be easily able to follow along as they gain straighforward and easy to understand answers to their questions.

Along with finally having a chance to get their many questions answered, children will enjoy the sweetly adorable multicultural illustrations. Parents will relish finding having a kid friendly answer guide at their fingertips. Better yet, you won't feel like you're just doling out uninformed or unsubstantiated information either. With a handy dandy Biblical reference guide at the end of each section, parents will be able to quickly follow up with Biblical support on each answer the previous poetic response from God gave. In this way you'll be able to show your child how God's answers can truly be found in His Word, and you'll likely be laying a foundation to teach them to go to the Word in the future when they have a question for God that they just can't seem to understand themselves. This is a lifelong lesson every Christian should be taught.

I really enjoyed this book. I think the poem question and answer style keeps it interesting and encourages children to voice, in their own ways, the questions they have about God. Instead of being afraid to ask, they'll be inspired. Having two little girls myself, I know this is a book my family and I will truly benefit from having in our library. A great resource for anyone who has or deals with young children in a Christian setting.

On a side note, I didn't see anywhere where an exact age recommendation was listed for this book I'd say though that it is geared for any child old enough to really ask the questions included, so maybe from ages 3-8 or thereabouts.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Samantha at the Crossroads by SK Smith

2009-01-27T13:54:00.006-06:00

Samantha at the Crossroads by SK Smith
Gear Towards: YA-Adult
Published By: SynergEbooks
Publication Date: August 2008
ASIN: B001ECQ2PU

It's not often that I come to a book I can't make myself get through. Unfortunately, Samantha at the Crossroads, an e-book by author SK Smith was one of those books.

Samantha at the Crossroads is described by the author as "The volatile 1960s find thirteen year old Samantha in a small town in rural Montana, groping her way into her future as America is doing likewise." Based on the description I decided to give the author's review request a go. Not ordinarily the first book I'd gravitate towards, but there's nothing like getting out of your comfort zone from time to time. I figured worst case scenario it wouldn't be my favorite book, but as it turns out I simply could not finish this book. Infact, I couldn't even making it a 1/3 of the way through the some odd 388 pages.

No disrespect to the author intended in any way, because I'm sure she put her heart and soul into this, her creation. For me though, it just wasn't working. The story wasn't gripping enough to keep me entertained, and I found myself literally zoning out while reading. I was still reading the words, but my brain had shut down by that point and wasn't processing any of it. Perhaps, entertainment value aside, I could have made it through the book if it was even well written. But again, unfortunately, I found the writing style at times to be overly wordy, sloppy, and disjointed. I guess if I had to put my finger on one thing in particular it would be the flow that I had issues with. At certain places there seemed information was included that really had no bearing whatsoever on anything in the story. It was hard for me to stay focused when I couldn't always find a common ground linking all the pieces of the story together.

I debated for a while what to do about this review because I didn't want to be unfair to the author who came to me with the review opportunity. I considered writing the author and informing her of my dilemma, and just leaving it at that. Posting no review. To simply say I couldn't write a fair review because I couldn't get in to the story wouldn't really have been fair either though, because there were aspects about the book I felt strongly about. Yet I still wanted to be certain I wasn't overanalyzing in any way which would lead me to give an unfair review. I even asked my 'sister' what she thought I should do. As someone who writes herself, I knew she'd be able to give me some advice upon taking a quick look at the book herself. And after reading a few snippets, she came away with the same feeling I had about it.

As I already said, I did not complete the story. A lot of that has to do with the fact that I really did not enjoy the format, styling, or quality of the writing (as stated already). So, while I don't think I could give a fair overall rating for this book, I believe it's only fair for me to share what opinions I do have.

In my opinion, and again I truly hope the author understands I'm only one person and most certainly my opinion would not necessarily be shared by everyone else (I actually discovered a very positive review of this title here.), I think this book is rather unfinished. Not having completely read the book I can't speak on the story itself, but on the composition I can say I think there's definitely room for some serious editing.

I hope the author will understand that I do not mean to criticize or tear down her work. I only wish to impart my thoughts, since she did ask for a review. I think with a little work this could very well likely turn in to a decent book. Just at the moment I think it's coming up short a bit.

Seek and Find Bible Stories by Carl Anker Mortensen

2009-01-26T09:39:00.005-06:00

Seek and Find Bible Stories by Carl Anker Mortensen
Illustrated By: Jose Perez Montero
Geared Towards: Ages 6-9
Published By: Zonderkidz
Publication Date: October 2008
ISBN-13: 9780310717591

Parents, grandparents, educators... Do you remember Where's Waldo? the hidden picture books in which readers had to locate Waldo with his red and white stripped hat? If you have fond memories of this book line like I do, then you'll be thrilled to learn that Zonderkidz has recently released a very similar style book in which readers travel through the Old and New Testaments of the Bible searching out Mike. Mike is a young boy who enjoys his Bible stories so much that he imagines himself right into the middle of them.

Children will enjoy searching for Mike in colorful, incredibly detailed and artfully captured two page story layouts from 28 of the best Bible stories ever told. But wait, the fun doesn't stop there. For each double page layout there's also a short story blurb that ties in with the illustration, then there's a short Bible reading section so that you can relate back to the original Biblical tale, and there's also several questions that test both the reader's understanding of the Bible story and observation skills [based on the picture].

I believe parents and teachers will be very pleased with this Seek and Find book because it really does combine the best of both worlds. Through the pages of this fun book children can take an exploratory learning adventure through some of the most significant stories of the Bible. Meanwhile they'll enjoy the challenge of seeking out Mike and the other listed items. Entertaining and educational, this is a book your children can pick up over and over again. I have to say that while the ages listed on the book are 6-9yrs, I definitely think slightly younger children could do this book as well. Don't get me wrong, it's not an easy book. It's challenging, but it's so much fun. My 5 year old was able to do it, it just took her some time to look. She enjoys that though, and I think it's a great way to stimulate her cognitive skills. The fact that my daughter can read certainly didn't hurt because she was able to read for herself what she was supposed to look for. This certainly isn't a prerequisite though as a child who is unable to read but who has the skill to stay focused while searching out the hidden items could easily have an older sibling or adult read for them what they're to look for.

On a side note, we gave a copy of this book to our best friend's 6 year old for Christmas, and he too loved it.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

Kids' Tea Party Coming Up At Borders

2009-01-22T08:51:00.004-06:00

Received the e-mail about this this morning, and figured I'd share here in case anyone else was interested. Borders book store will be hosting a Kids' Tea Party at participating locations this Saturday, January 24 from 2p-4p. They'll be having stories, games, singalongs, and then a tea party to wrap things up. Even mom and dad can get in on the festivities because Border's Seattle's Best Coffee cafes will be hosting tea samplings at the same time.

I have to double check my work schedule, but I'm hoping I'm not due in until later in the afternoon so that I can take my girls to this. I always miss the great parties they have for kids, and I'm thinking this one in particular would be really fun. If you're interested in attending, check with your local Borders now to see if they'll be participating!

Store Locator: http://www.borders.com/online/store/LocatorView

Plus, check out the great Seattle's Best coupon midway down the Store Locator page. *two thumbs up*

Ralphina, the Roly-Poly by Claudia Chandler

2009-01-18T17:28:00.005-06:00

Ralphina, the Roly-Poly by Claudia Chandler

Geared Towards: Newborn thru Age 8

Published By: Leathers Publishing

Publication Date: January 2008

ISBN-13: 978-1585974627

If you have or know of a child as fascinated by roly-poly bugs as my 5 year old daughter is, then this is the book for you. Written and illustrated by Claudia Chandler, passionate gardner and educator, this is a story about a lonely little roly-poly named Ralphina.

Ralphina is a happy bug, but what would make her even happier would be a friend. She knows there's a little boy that lives in the house across the garden, and Ralphina thinks it would just be the greatest if she could get that little boy to play with her. The trouble is, Ralphina is very tiny. How ever will she manage to gain the boy's attention, let alone get him to play with her?

Pick up your copy today to see what lengths she'll go to to find a new friend to play with. And while you're at it I bet you'll learn a fact or two you didn't already know about roly-polies. Like, for instance, did you know that a roly-poly breathes through gills? I certainly didn't!

Ralphina, the Roly-Poly is a brightly illustrated, book that will not only teach readers some fun facts about roly-polies, but will also teach them to be creative, to problem solve, to pay attention to the world around them, and to never ever discount that friends come in all shapes and sizes.

A beautiful story told through the eyes of a seemingly insignificant little creature, this is a book that will inspire you to look at nature and friendships through brand new eyes.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

A Day With My Dad & A Day With My Dad At the Beach by Lance Waite

2009-01-14T11:46:00.013-06:00

AUTHOR BIO

Lance Waite is the author of both A Day with My Dad and A Day with My Dad at the Beach . From the day his first daughter was born, Lance knew his life would change. The first six months he was amazed and in awe of this tiny new person—her little foot fit perfectly in his hand. The greatest pleasure of his life has been caring for his two daughters, teaching them, and being a friend to them as they’ve grown older. Watching them become young adults, marry, and create families of their own will be difficult—but oh so rewarding!

He hopes these stories will remind them of how much they are loved, as they grow older and find the happiness that all parents dream of. Lance’s family has inspired him to create fun and interesting stories that can be enjoyed by parents and kids alike, and encourage families to seek out their own adventures together.

Lance and his family live in San Diego, California.

ILLUSTRATOR BIO

Manuela Pentangelo lives in Busnago, Italy, near Milan, with her flowers, family and friends. She was born in Holland, but has lived all of her life in Italy. A student of architectural design, Manuela discovered that her dreams and goals lay elsewhere. She likes to say that she was born with a pencil in her hand, and she has happily realized that her path is to illustrate for children. Manuela often visits London, where she likes to sketch at the British Museum, and likes travelling to different places to find inspiration.

She is a member of the SCBWI.

A Note From the Author-

What Sets "A Day With My Dad" and "A Day With My Dad at the Beach" Apart?

1.The key to builiding great father daughter relationships is spending time togther and taking the time to listen. These books offers a unique approach to setting up the time and space for your kids to talk to you about anything.

2. So few books focus on the extraordinary relationship of fathers and daughters, especially at this young age. These books are a testament to the love of one such father and daughter.

3. Forget watching TV all day, these books encourages dads to get up and get their kids into the great outdoors!

A Day With My Dad by Lance Waite
Illustrated By: Manuela Pentangelo
Geared Towards: Ages 2-6
Published By: Parents Publishing Group
Publication Date: January 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1-60131-015-6

If you're a dad looking for a book to read to your little girl, or maybe a little girl looking for a book to read with your dad then look no further. A Day With My Dad is a wonderful choice. Join the author, Lance Waite, as he shares none other than a reminscient memory of a perfect dad and daughter day.

Take a trip down memory lane with Waite as he tells the story of spending a day away in the mountains with his daughter. Hiking, flying a kite, picnicing, and even taking a nap in the shade of a tree. These, and more, are things that take place on this duo's special day long nature adventure. There's nothing abnormally exciting about anything the pair does, but the excitement and joy of it all falls in the fact that they do it together.

Readers (grown ups too) will smile as they too will undoubtedly recall similar memories shared with their own fathers and/or daughters (even sons). And should no memories be there to draw on, then what better time than now to let this book serve as inspiration to get up and do something together. Our children are only young once, and they grow up so fast. Don't let too much time pass without making a point to share special moments like the ones that Lance and his daughter enjoyed.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts

A Day With My Dad At the Beach by Lance Waite
Illustrated By: Manuela Pentangelo
Geared Towards: Ages 2-6
Published By: Parents Publishing Group
Publication Date: June 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1-60131-016-3

Commemorizing one of his favorite afternoon adventures with his youngest daughter, Lance Waite, has released yet another fabulous book. Meeting her at the bus stop after school, dad and daughter go on a tandem bike ride to, you guessed it, the beach. There they enjoy racing in the surf, searching for sea shells, building sand castles, and simply spending quality time together.

Tiring of the sand and water, the pair decides to walk down the beach to the pier. Their day is far from being over. On the pier they discover loads of fun to be had in the way of tasty burgers, ferris wheels, and spinning tea cups. But like all good things, their day frolicking at the water's edge must come to an end.

Later that night, this devoted dad reads his daughter a bedtime story as she, bathed and snuggled up warm in her bed, falls peacefully to sleep.

If you have heartstrings I guarantee you this sweet story will pull at them. Even more so than his first book, I totally adored this second release by Waite. As the daughter of a truly devoted dad myself, I found tears in my eyes reading this to my very own youngest daughter. My dad was killed when I was 14. I'm going to be 28 in a couple of months, yet never a day passes when I don't think of the man who meant so much to me growing up. The memories we formed together will last me a lifetime. So, even though it breaks my heart to know I'll never experience those joys with him again, it's books like this that make me realize how special those years I had him in my life really were. My husband is an incredible father to both of our little girls, and I hope that one day when they're grown they'll be able to share their own special memories with their dad like Lance has done here with his daughters. And even more so, I hope that others will continue to find inspiration in Waite's books. Don't wait (no pun intended) any longer to make those special memories with the ones you love. You never know how much time you'll have to make them.

OUR RATING: 5 hearts (and a few tears)

BROWSE INSIDE: Splat the Cat & Love, Splat by Rob Scotton

2009-01-14T09:02:00.014-06:00

My girls and are a big fans of Rob Scotton's Russell the Sheep series, so I'm not sure how I missed that he had a Splat the Cat series out there. I only just a few minutes ago discovered it online, but I'm in love! I can guarantee there will be a review of both of these coming at some point in the near future. Cause I'll either be buying these ones or checking them out from the library. They both look way too cute to pass up!

Want to see what I mean? Just click the link below to use the awesome Browse Inside feature hosted by Harper Collins. You can't read the whole books; however, these previews give you a great sampling. I'm thoroughly head over heals for the illustrations, and the storyline, in Splat the Cat, sounds like something I could have written about my own daughter. Though, I'd like to point out, that she is not a cat. ;P

The Moon Shines Down by Margaret Wise Brown

2009-01-12T22:34:00.007-06:00

The Moon Shines Down by Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated By: Linda Bleck
Geared Towards: Ages 4-8
Published By: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: November 2008
ISBN-13: 978-1400312993

The Story Behind the Lost Manuscript...

The Moon Shines Down
from author MARGARET WISE BROWN,
the Author of Goodnight Moon

The Moon Shines Down is being published for the first time fifty-six years after the death of the beloved children's author Margaret Wise Brown.

Amazingly, this unpublished manuscript lay forgotten in a cedar trunk in a Vermont barn. When it wsa discovered, the onionskin paper had yellowed and the paperclips that held the pages together had rusted.

Based on the New England sampler prayer, "God Bless the Moon and God Bless Me," this soon-to-be classic is a prayer for God's blessing on the all the world's children.

However, the manuscript was incomplete, too short for a standard size picture book. Children's book publisher, Laura Minchew, a longtime fan of Brown, took on the challenge to complete the work. Laura was able to match Margaret Wise Brown's writing style, capturing Brown's unique rhythms and rhyme schemes.

The wonder result you hold in your hands introduces a timeless Margaret Wise Brown book to delight a new generation of children the world over.

It's an honor to have been given the opportunity to review this book. As a HUGE fan of Brown's Goodnight Moon, I was really excited to see what Brown had instore for her readers with this newly discovered book. Though initially it started off really strong for me, it felt like with the progression of the book (and I'm assuming where Brown's portion left off and Michew began filling in) it got weaker. The story itself was still fairly consistant, but the rhyming and rhythm seemed to come up short.

Overall I found the story to be quite a pleasant read; opening up the discussion floor to discuss even simple prayers with your child. It was also fun to see so many different regions and countries featured. What a great way to introduce a child to other cultures, even if, albeit, in a very minute fashion. This would be the perfect book for reading at any time of day. If you asked me, I'd say that right before bedtime seems to be the most ideal opportunity to curl up with this one. Your children can relax with the sing song stanzas, enjoy the bright and bold illustrations that accompany them, and then you can use it as a jumping board to head right in to bedtime prayers.

Not my favorite book by Margaret Wise Brown. A good one though, certainly worth having been brought to life. And, please don't think that I'm trashing Michew when I say that I think the later half of the book was less than perfect. I do think that it didn't quite make it when compared to Browns' earlier portions, yet let's be honest. Can you imagine how hard it must be to try and complete someone else's manuscript? Then add to that the pressure of said manuscript belonging to someone so talented, amazing, and widely popular as Brown. No, Michew can't be faulted. She's not Brown, but she never claimed to be. Her attempt to complete this manuscript was a huge task, and I think that she did a pretty good job, all thing considered.

OUR RATING: 4 hearts

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