Book Review: The Secret Kingdom by Michele Bledsoe, Richard Bledsoe

The Secret Kingdom is a combination of images and poetry celebrating the world of dreams in picturebook format by Michele Bledsoe and Richard Bledsoe.  Michele Bledsoe has been exhibiting her paintings and drawings in art galleries for almost 20 years. Inspired by the beautifully illustrated children’s books she grew up with, Michele started creating art when she was a child—and never stopped. With The Secret Kingdom, Michele Bledsoe hopes to inspire a new generation of artists to share her lifetime love of creating pictures. Art is for everyone, and The Secret Kingdom is a place that welcomes children of all ages.

The Secret Kingdom is less of a bedtime story, as it is marketed, and more of a book with the ability to inspire the interested, or either bore or frighten the uninterested. I enjoyed the flow of the poetry, and the related images were interesting and unique. Not a story or narrative, rather a book to display artwork with matching poetry that focuses on the power of dreams, art, and words.

I do no think this is a book for the typical picturebook, or even older picturebook crowd. The Secret Kingdom is a book best suited for those already with an interested in creating art, poetry, any kind or creative endeavor used to capture dreams and share them with others. From the descriptions I read, I expected more of a story or letter to young artists than I found in the pages, but it might find a special place in the collections of artists of all ages.

Book Review: O'Shae the Octopus by Brandee Buble, Eliska Liska

O'Shae the Octopus is a picturebook written by Brandee Buble and illustrated by Eliska Liska.
O'Shae is an octopus that is typically happy. He is a little diffrerent, having ten arms instead of eight, but with a supportive family and a good friend he loves what his differences let him do for others. When a couple of bullies come on the scene they try to ruin O'Shae's fun.  But, he moves on and creates an even better way to spend his day of fun.

O'Shae the Octopus features bright full page illustrations with rhyming couplets. The story has a nice flow to it. The illustrations are well paired with the words but the quality was a little inconsistent. Sometimes there were perfect, bright and bold, but others they seemed a little less on. I am hoping this is because I was looking at a digital galley rather than the final copy and I giving them the benefit of the doubt that the pictures will all be  of consistent quality in the print version. I liked the message of the story, and the consistent good nature of O'Shae. It did seem a bit heavy handed at times, but I think it will play better with the intended audience than with this adult.

I would recommend O'Shae the Octopus for classrooms, storytimes, and home reading particularly when starting discussions about bullying, individual differences, and related topics. The rhyming couplets flow nicely for reading aloud and the  bright colors will show well while sharing the book.

About the Author:

Brandee Buble grew up in Burnaby, BC, with her big brother Michael and little sister Crystal. Growing up as the daughter of a fisherman, Brandee spent many summers aboard her father's boat, where she had plenty of time to let her imagination run wild about all the creatures that surrounded her. Brandee taught children with special needs for eight great years and that's where her stories were born. She loved writing fun stories to keep her students engaged, often communicating with them through rhyme. Now married to her high school sweetheart, Brandee is a stay-at-home mom to her two awesome kids, O'Shae and Jayde. She is crazy about her family... in fact her sister Crystal is her next door neighbour! She still absolutely loves the ocean and can be found most sunny days on her boat with her family and friends.

Eliska Liska is a world-travelling freelance artist currently based in Victoria, BC. She has a master's degree in Contemporary Art and New Media from Ostrava University, Czech Republic. Her book Suzie’s Sourdough Circus was published in 2011 and she was the 2013 Summer Reading Club artist for BC.

Early Book Review: Sleep Tight, Anna Banana! by Dominique Roques, Alexis Dormal

Sleep Tight, Anna Banana! is a picturebook written by Dominique Roques and illustrated by Alexis Dormal. It is currently scheduled for release on June 17 2014. Anna Banana can't settle down and go to sleep, the book she is reading is just too good to put down. Her stuffed animal friends are tired and just want to sleep, encouraging her to do the same. However Anna makes them suffer through delay after delay and excuse after excuse. Finally Anna Banana is sleepy, but now her stuffed friends are not. Anna Banana gets a taste of her own medicine.

Sleep Tight, Anna Banana! is a cute story that can foster a love of reading and open up discussions about being courteous to others and a thoughtful friend. I liked that while Anna was not ready to sleep, she was reading rather than watching television or fooling around. She really gets into her book, and is enjoying her reading, not just killing time so that she does not have to fall asleep. She also uses her imagination, and is aware that she is not being the best of friends to her stuffed friends- whom she gives the full personality of people. I love that she knows this and even turns the tables on herself when she is finally ready to close her eyes and fall asleep.

I would highly recommend Sleep Tight, Anna Banana! for bedtime and storytime reading. It works as a one on one reading or in a larger group. I think the issues of bedtime, being considerate to others, the use of imagination, and a love of reading can all be expanded on in family or classroom discussions after enjoying the story together.

Early Book Review: Quinny & Hopper by Adriana Brad Schanen, Greg Swearingen

Quinny & Hopper by is a children's chapter book written by Adriana Brad Schanen and illustrated by Greg Swearingen. The book is currently scheduled for release on June 10 2014. This is a book about to very different kids finding a the best kind of friendship. Quinny has just moved from New York City to a big farmhouse in a tiny town. It is there that see meet Hopper, a crazy chicken, and a grumpy older neighbor. Quinny has a lot to say and never seems to stop moving while Hopper gets to the point and proceeds with caution. Quinny has some very big ideas, while
Hopper comes up with smart solutions. The pair could not be more different, but together they can do anything. Can Quinny and Hopper stick together in the face of social pressures at school and the hunt for a crazed chicken?

Quinny & Hopper is a fun and heart warming tale about children finding their best friends, and the best in themselves. In the summer before third grade Quinny, and big hair, smiles, and ideas finds herself in a tiny town with nothing familiar but her family, which includes two little sisters with less than sanitary habits. Hopper spends his days trying to avoid his older brothers and building bone models. They do not seem like a perfect pair, but like most children they will surprise you. Their well fleshed out characters struggle with themselves and expectations others have of them and the world in general, while still making the reader chuckle. I think children and adults can find something to relate to and enjoy in this book.

I recommend Quinny & Hopper to early chapter book readers, families to share, and library collections. There is a lesson in the story about being true to yourself and your friends, but it is not a lesson that comes off as preachy. Rather, young readers just might come away from this book with a new appreciation for the 'different' kids and wonder if they could be just as great of a friend as Quinny or Hopper.

Book Review: Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone! by Mary Amato, Ward Jenkins

Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone! is the second book in the Good Crooks children's series written by Mary Amato with illustrations by Ward Jenkins.  If you have not read the first book in this early chapter book series then you need to know that Billy and Jillian crook are twins that despite their parent's efforts to raise them as crooks, really want to do good deeds. So the pair do their best to do good deeds without their parents noticing. In Dog Gone! the do-gooders are trying to raise money to give to the local dog shelter and somehow end up inspiring their parents to steal a dog. the dog in question turns out to be a Hollywood star with a remarkable talent for playing dead and no interest in helping the twins return her to her owners.

I got a kick out of Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone!, and the first book in the series. Billy and Jillian are fun characters that are as different from each other as they are from their parents. I really like that Jillian is a technology genius, and that her inventions are generally what allow the twins to save the day. It is good to see a girl in that position, rather that just being a know it all. Billy is still a bit flighty and silly, but I find that to be part of the series' charm.

Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone! is a book that I think readers making the transition into chapter books would really enjoy. There is adventure, some suspense, some silliness, and even some more serious moments. I really liked that underneath everything, the books are really about being true to yourself and doing good however you can.

Early Book Review: If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur by Linda Bailey, Colin Jack

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Colin Jack is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 13 2014. This quirky picturebook offers young readers ideas for what they might do with a dinosaur if they happened to have one laying around. Suggested uses include a can opener, nutcracker, a fine umbrella, a kite, and a dandy pillow. Not to mention a their use as a reliable burglar alarm and the perfect excuse to forget your homework. This  exploration of the possible domestic uses of dinosaurs, and the things they are not good for at all, will bring on the giggles and inspire imaginations.

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur is a fun look at dinosaurs and the imagination. The images and ideas about how useful, or not useful, a dinosaur might be in specific situations is very well done. I think readers of all ages will find some fun here, and perhaps be inspired to consider scenarios of their own. In fact, the final pages do a good job of continuing the flow of ideas and thoughts. I really enjoyed the story and think that most readers will agree.

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur is a well done picturebook that is well suited to sharing in a storytime setting or one on one. older readers will enjoy exploring the book on their own as well.

Early Book Review: Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway is an early reader book that us currently scheduled for release on May 27 2014. Pigsticks is the last in a noble line of explorers, and he is determined to follow in his forepigs’ footsteps. however, he needs an assistant to do the heavy lifting. His help-wanted ad draws a motley crew of candidates, so he chooses a hapless delivery hamster named Harold. The unlikely pair set off from Tuptown with plenty of tea cakes in tow, Pigsticks is breathless with excitement while Harold is struggling for breath under all the gear. They take long trek through jungles, over deserts, and up a giant ice-topped mountain. When the last crumb of cake is stolen by a herd of thieving goats and their goal is nowhere in sight the doubt whether they will ever discover the Ends of the Earth?

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey is a charming tale that will make newly independent readers and those that need a wee bit of help smile. The tale has everything young readers might want; cute animals, adventure, humor, and some daring do. I loved that the path taken by Harold and Pigsticks mirrors the journeys many imaginative youngsters might take in their own backyard. I love the twist that brings them home and allows for the opportunity of further adventures. I think my two imagination fueled adventure seekers will adore this book, if I can let go of it long enough for them to enjoy it.

I would recommend Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey to readers that are just starting out with chapter books and to reluctant readers that think they cannot handle, or would not enjoy, reading a chapter book. The story is engaging and fun, while encouraging readers to go out and use their imaginations and have adventures of their own.

Book Review: Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch by Patricia Newman, Annie Crawley

Plastic, Ahoy!: Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch by Patricia Newman, with photography by Annie Crawley, is a children's non fiction book about a scientific expedition known as SEAPLEX. A team of scientists set out to study a massive accumulation of plastic in the Pacific Ocean known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. They have a lot of questions about the plastic. How does it affect ocean life? Is it dangerous? And exactly how much is out there? The team of researchers use the scientific method to conduct their investigation and their adventures introduce readers to the basics of ocean science and the hazards of plastics.

Plastic, Ahoy! is a narrative nonfiction book for children, that adults and teens can certainly get a lot out of reading as well. The book details the lives and discoveries of researchers for nearly three weeks at sea. They gathered bits of plastic and ocean organisms and studied the samples, which helped them learn more about the effects of plastic in the ocean and sometimes raised even more troubling questions. Readers follow along on the expedition to find out how scientists studied the Garbage Patch, and what discoveries they made. The photography brings the reader into the adventure and makes them see that everything on the pages is real, not just a story to caution them about recycling and litter.

Plastic, Ahoy! does not avoid using some complex language and ideas, but does includes a glossary, bibliography, and suggestions for further reading. It would be appropriate for older elementary school readers and older, including adults. I liked that there was no talking down to the intended audience, instead offering to increase their knowledge base and understanding.  I believe that the book would be a good classroom or homeschooling tool for fostering discussions about the ocean, Earth Day, recycling, ecosystems, and many more science topics.

Early Book Review: If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems by Brian P. Cleary, Andy Rowland

If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by Andy Rowland, is a book that explains and celebrates two types of ancient Japanese poetry: haiku and lanterns. It is currently schedule for release on May 1 2014. There are short introductions with an outline of the basic rules of each form followed by a series of poems in explained format. The poems range from silly to sweet, with lighthearted illustrations adding to the books appeal.

If it Rains Pancakes is a wonderful way to explore poetry with children, or for yourself. I loved getting a better understanding of the haiku, and seeing lanterns for the first time. The short non-rhyming poems are unique in style and take some getting used to, but can be great fun to work with. I enjoyed the range of silly, warm hearted, and serious subject matters- showing that the form of poetry is versatile even in its  strict structure. The illustration do a nice job of illustrating the poems and bring the subject home.

I would recommend If it Rains Pancakes for classroom, homeschooling, and pure enjoyment. It can be used as a great tool to help explain these particular forms of poetry, and to foster enjoyment in poetry in general. the illustrations and poems make it well worth perusing for its own sake.

Book Review: 100 Hungry Monkeys! by Masayuki Sebe

100 Hungry Monkeys! by Masayuki Sebe is a picturebook that offers numbers, counting, and more. One hundred monkeys are hunting for food, but something else is hungry, too! Can the monkeys find their food without becoming lunch? Additional seek and find activities are on each page to encourage readers to slow down and study the whole picture, not just the words.

100 Hungry Monkeys! is a colorful and interactive book that could capture the attention of most readers for far longer than it would take to merely read the text. The story itself is cute and well done. 100 monkeys are hungry and search for food, find food as well as someone else that is big and hungry, a fun twist for the ending. However, it is hidden joys in each of the 100 pages that really sold this book for me. Some of the monkeys on each page always have something to say, and there are seek and find activities on each page, like finding a certain number of monkeys with orange hats. Once the main story is over there are further seek and find clues for readers to go back and find through out the book. My son is a big fan of this type of activity, and the book is a big hit with him.

I highly recommend 100 Hungry Monkeys! for readers that enjoy interactive books, and books that you can find something new in every time you pick it up. The story and illustrations are bright, fun, and colorful and can capture the interest and imagination of even the most reluctant readers.

Early Book Review: The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Big Birthday Bash by Frank Cammuso

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Big Birthday Bash is the second graphic novel in The Misadventures of Salem Hyde series by Frank Cammuso. It is currently scheduled for release on May 20 2014.  While I enjoyed the first book in the series, which sets up the characters, you can enjoy the second book without having read the first. Young witch Salem Hyde is stubborn, impulsive, and loves flying. Her cat and magic tutor Whammy is nervous and much more careful. In this book, Salem is invited to a birthday party, and she wants to make sure everything goes perfectly. But from the invitations to the presents, party games, and spells gone awry, nothing happens exactly the way it should, and she’ll need Whammy’s help to sort it all out.

Big Birthday Bash is a wonderful follow up to the first book, Spelling Trouble. Salem is just as good-natured and brimming with good intent, and just as likely to have things go a little awry. The relationship between Salem and Whammy is solid and their give it take is well done. I also like the use of the classmates and innocent naivete of Salem and her friend. The artwork is a perfect match to the story, and gives the characters great expression and life.

I would recommend Big Birthday Bash and the prior volume to young readers that enjoy graphic novels with a character they can both relate to and imagine trading places with in order to enjoy the benefits of magic and a talking cat companion. I look forward to seeing what kind of misadventures Miss Hyde encounter next.

Book Review: Good Crooks Book One: Missing Monkey! (Good Crooks #1) by Mary Amato, Ward Jenkins

Good Crooks Book One: Missing Monkey! is the first book in the Good Crooks series written by Mary Amato and illustrated by Ward Jenkins. This early chapter book is about Billy and Jillian Crook. These twins are tired of having to wear disguises every time they leave the house and helping their parents lead a life of crime. These feisty youngsters want to do some good deeds, but have to be even sneakier while doing good than while breaking the law. When their parents steal a monkey to help them steal, the twins rush into action. Not only do they learn just how much a monkey can do in eleven minutes, they also learn what it feels like to do good.

Missing Monkey! is a fun and fast paced story that will capture the attention quickly. Billy and Jillian are well done characters, each with a very distinct personality. I loved some of Billy's asides and lists that more often than not made me laugh. The interaction between the tech genius Jillian, impulsive Billy, and their parents are highly entertaining. Adding and intelligent monkey to the mix just makes everything that much more entertaining. I think the strive to do a good deed in secret, and the humor ingrained in the entire book, make for a combination that will entertain most readers.

I recommend Missing Monkey for readers just making the transition to chapter books, and for those that like the silly humor so often involved in a story involving hum,ans and monkeys. The story is a fun read, with humor and a good lesson about not having to be what others expect you to be firmly woven into the book. I look forward to reading the second book in the series, Dog Gone!, which is waiting for my attention on my Kindle.

Blog Tour Review: Wonder Light (Unicorns of the Mist #1) by R.R. Russell

Wonder Light is the first book in the middle grade series, Unicorns of the Mist, by R.R. Russell. Twig is resigned to living on a pony farm for troubled girls, despite the spooky stories she has read about the island. Soon Twig discovers someone that needs her, mysterious filly that has claimed her as her own. Then there is the mysterious of the wild boy in the misty woods and the terrifying screams from something that is not quite a horse. Twig discovers that the island's secret is the last free unicorn herd, but not all unicorns are good.

Wonder Light is a fantastic series starter. The world and character building are very well done, with little bits of Twig slowly being revealed to the reader. I found her personality and trials to be touching and something most middle grade and even older readers can relate to. I particularly liked that even with the fantastic elements, the real life troubles of Twig are not simply swept under the carpet- instead the two come together in order to help her come to terms with her life and the world in general. Ben is a complicated character, with many mysteries that still need to be revealed but still makes the reader feel for him and root for him. The other characters were less developed, but they did not feel neglected, rather I felt like I knew what I needed to in order to keep the story and personal connections intact but without a massive information dump that might overwhelm the heart of the story.

I highly recommend Wonder Light to readers that enjoy coming of age stories, mystery, adventure, and fantasy. There is a good balance of emotional and physical struggles to keep most readers turning pages and eager to see what happens next. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

Writing as R.R. Russell for kids and R.H. Russell for teens and adults. She grew up traveling the world as an army brat and now travels the country as a coach with a non-profit judo club. She loves to read and draw, and like Twig, once spent a lot of time sketching unicorns. Visit her at rrrussellauthor.com.

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Book Review: Red Hot Dragon (Dragon Heat #2) by Lolita Lopez

Red Hot Dragon is the second novella in the Dragon Heat series by Lolita Lopez. In this installment we see Griffin Cadogan is shocked to see Avani Monroe, sworn enemy of his dragon family, walk into his gym. With his mating phase soon approaching, Griffin is curious as to why she has to come enemy territory knowing the risks. Not only does she surprise Griffin and his cousin, Mad, by coming to enemy territory, but what she wants is borderline insane. She wants Griffin to help her have a baby.

Red Hot Dragon is a novella with plenty of steamy sex scenes, but very little character and greater plot development for the larger story arc. Griffin is a mega alpha male, that is entering his mating phase and while more than willing to make a baby, is not willing to walk away from any child that might result. Avani is the last of her line, and desperate to be everything to a child that her parents were not. the pair start off all about the sex, but almost instantly feel more for each other. The hunters play their part, and there is a tantalizing glimpse at who best be the staring couple of the next book. when I finished the book I was more interested in the characters for the next book, than in Griffin and Avani.

If you are looking for a short read with lots of sex, then Red Hot Dragon is for you. If you expect a little more character and plot development, yes it can be done in a novella, then you might be disappointed with this offering. it was not a bad read, it just did not live up to my expectations. that being said, I do think I will read the next book, if only because I have had my interest peaked in the characters and due to the length of the stories I will not be sacrificing much of my time if it does disappoint.

Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Rose and the Lost Princess by Holly Webb

Rose and the Lost Princess is the second book in a children's series by Holly Webb. The first book was Rose, and while I did not read the first book I feel like I was able to catch up and enjoy this book even while missing some of the back story.  Rose can’t believe how much her life has changed. She was a poor orphan, and has become a housemaid and apprentice to the King’s chief magician! But when a bizarre cold covers the country and the country’s beloved Princess vanishes, everything changes. Rumors about dark magic fly and fear of all magic, as well as those who use it, begins to rise. Rose must solve the mysteries and find the princess before it is too late.

Rose and the Lost Princess is a fantasy novel for middle grade readers, and while it holds o many of the standard conventions of the genre, it is well written with solid characters and a good story. Rose is an orphan with a special affinity for magic, and while that might sound a little too familiar she wants to be independent and work for her own future rather than relying on others or good luck. I think her intelligence and work ethic make Rose a strong role model to all readers. I think the inclusion of the fear of just about everyone towards magic, and things they do not understand in general, also speaks to all readers and makes the story stand out. The people being mean and doing bad things, aside from the larger plot that includes kidnapping the princess, are not characterize as bad people, just scared. I think that distinction is important for everyone to be able to understand and see in the real world, since it is something that still happens every day.

I think Rose and the Lost Princess is a smart and enjoyable read for the middle grade set. The characters and world are very well done, and while the set up is a bit familiar, the execution and quality of the writing make that familiarity unimportant. In fact, because of that familiarity settling into the story felt like putting on my favorite cozy sweatshirt and finding it to be even better than I remembered.

 
Holly Webb is the author of Dog Magic, Cat Magic, and Lost in the Snow. She has always loved animals and owns two very spoiled cats. They haven't said a word to her yet, but she's always listening, just in case! She lives in England.

Now for the giveaway! Do you want a copy of this book for yourself, a great child in your life, your school or local library, or all of the above? Well, one lucky winner (U.S. and Canada only- Sorry!) will have a copy mailed to them directly from the publisher! Just enter below via Rafflecopter.

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Early Book Review: Forged: The World of Nightwalkers by Jacquelyn Frank

Forged: The World of Nightwalkers by Jacquelyn Frank is the most recent entry in the World of the Nightwalker series. It is currently scheduled for publication on April 29, 2014.  The main characters in this book have not been major players in previous books, so you can start off here and not be too far behind in character development, however there might be a steep learning curve with the world building. Thankfully the series is really good, so it will be no hardship to catch up.

When Katrina Haynes finds an injured man lying in the snow she fears he is at death’s door. he has an irresistible Scottish brogue and a strange ability to harden his chiseled body like a statue. That huge man is Ahnvil, a Gargoyle who must safeguard the Nightwalker to whom he’s sworn fealty. While Kat nurses him back to health, he is possessed with a fierce impulse to protect her as well. Kat has placed herself in the middle of a supernatural war by saving Ahnvil and exposed herself to a dark and dangerous world.

Forged is a great addition to the larger storyline of the World of the Nightwalkers series. I enjoyed the amount of information and movement that this book added to the story arch, and am very interested to see the confrontation that the series is leading us to. I did like the characters of Kat and Ahnvil. I found Kat to be strong and interesting and Ahnvil to be more complicated that he seemed to consider himself. I was a little annoyed with the instant attraction and the tossing out of common sense that occasionally occurred. however, to keep everything moving I suppose it was necessary to a degree, and the character's seem to know when they were crossing those lines and acknowledged it. I think I had more interest in the action that moved the story arch along than I had in the romance, mainly because I knew they would figure it out somehow. I did enjoy the little twist to Kat's character, but have to say that I called it to some degree as soon as one fact about her was shared with Ahnvil. But it was still a fun read.

I enjoyed Forged, and would recommend it to all fans of the World of the Nightwalkers series and Frank in general. I do not recommend starting the series here, although you could easily read it for the romance aspect without missing out on much. I think the first three books in the series (Forbidden, Forever, and Forsaken) are a little better and do the world building necessary to get the bigger picture.

Book Review: Pig and Small by Alex Latimer

Pig and Small by Alex Latimer is a picturebook about how two very different people can look past differences and become great friends. Pig thinks he is sick, he keeps hearing a squeak from his snout and cannot figure out just what is going out. Soon he discovers that he is not sick, the squeak is coming from a little bug that wants to be his friend. The pair try out a series of their favorite activities and find that their sizes make some games hard to play together. However, with a little persistence the pair discover that they have quite a bit in common and become the best of friends.

Pig and Small is a fun picturebook that offers laughs as well as a couple good lessons. Some of the activities, like hide and seek or chess, that Pig and Small attempt to play together are obviously not going to work and are giggle worth via the text and illustrations used to describe the level of failure there. However, there are two lessons here that I think are important for us to teach our kids, and to be reminded of ourselves. The first is the most obvious lesson, that the physical aspects of others is not what makes them friend worthy, rather it is personality and interests that connect people. Secondly, I think the story offers up the idea that not all friendships are instant fits, like all great relationships it might take a little bit of effort to come together, but it will be worth it when you find that connection. I love it!

I highly recommend Pig and Small, not just because of the lessons. The word choices and illustrations are charming and well-paired. I simply enjoyed the read and only considered the depth of the lessons now that I look back and try to put my enjoyment of the book into words.

Early Book Review: Even Monsters by A.J. Smith

Even Monsters by A.J. Smith is a picturebook all about monsters that is currently scheduled for release on April 04 2014. Did you know that while monsters roar, growl, and moan they also have to eat, get ready for bed, and are sometimes a little afraid of the dark? Even the scariest monster out there is not that different from anyone looking at or reading Even Monsters.

Even Monsters sets out to capture the attention of the monster loving youngsters in your house. Monsters might growl and make scary noises, like my son when he gets out of bed in the morning, but they also need to brush their teeth, refrain from playing from their food, and go to bed. Monsters just might also be scared of the dark, or miss their moms, just like everyone else. I thought the book did a nice job of connecting the monsters that some kids love, some fear, and some are obsessed with to their own actions. This makes monsters less scary, more silly, and our children's fears a little less powerful. My only problem with the book was some page formatting difficulties that my reading a little bit challenging, but I am confident that the issues have been resolved and they were likely because of the e-galley format that I requested and received via NetGalley.

I would recommend Even Monsters to parents that have a monster fan in their house that needs a little help with fear of the dark or getting their daily tasks done. I think young readers with a little fear of monsters might also get something out of the book since it makes the monsters a little more human, and a lot less threatening, to active imaginations.

Early Book Review: Don't Dangle Your Participle by Vanita Oelschlager

Don't Dangle Your Participle is a children's non fiction book by Vanita Oelschlager which is scheduled for release on May 1 2014. The book features a clever combination of pictures and words that demonstrate exactly what a dangling participle is all about. Young readers are shown an incorrect sentence with a dangling participle and then shown how to make the sentence correct. All of this is done in a way that is fun, interesting, and easy to understand. Making grammar fun is not always an easy task, but this book make understanding and correcting participle misuse understandable and enjoyable.

Not many young readers are clamoring to read about grammar, but teachers and parents might be looking for some tools to help explain some of the more difficult grammatical concepts. Don't Dangle Your Participle is a book that might be helpful in that type of situation. It could be used in a classroom, homeschooling, tutoring, or any other educational setting. The best part about the book is not even the ease of which it can be understood, but rather that the ideas are described in a humorous way. This means that less enthusiastic readers will be distracted by the fun, and learn despite any hesitation that might otherwise have had. The illustrations and sentences use are highly entertaining and will hold the interest of a wide range of readers. Anyone old enough to be dealing with participles and being held accountable for their use, will enjoy the read while they learn.

I would highly recommend Don't Dangle Your Participle for a library collection, classroom, homeschooling library, tutoring, or any other educational setting. The combination of illustrations and slightly silly sentences explain the concept and can help all readers and writers understand the concept of participles.

Book Review: Two Parrots by Rumi, Rashin

Two Parrots is a classic tale from Rumi and illustrated by Rashin.  A plucky parrot living in the home of a wealthy merchant appears to have everything: the love of his owner, the best food, and a golden cage. But, despite all this, the parrot is sad. The merchant will do anything to make his parrot happy! But will he be willing to set his beloved pet free?

Two Parrots is a classic tale that many of us have heard in some form. A bird lives in a gilded cage and is given everything he could possibly need, but is unhappy because despite everything he is still captive. Using his wit the parrot tricks the merchant into setting him free, which in turn makes the merchant sad. It is only in the return of the parrot and conversation between the pair that the realization that captivity and love do not survive together. Freedom is a need, and in giving that the merchant was able to gain a true friendship with the parrot. The bright, colorful illustrations really bring the story a fresh feel and new life. A simple story that can be widely enjoyed.

I would recommend Two Parrots for readers that enjoy seeing folklore and its re-tellings from around the world. The artwork by Rashin matches the story and will interest readers of all ages.