Book Review: Don't Call Me Christina Kringle by Chris Grabenstein

Don't Call Me Christina Kringle by Chris Grabenstein is a children's chapter book. Ten-year-old Christina Lucci does not like Christmas. She has a good reason, her mother died during her Christmas Day birth, and just last year her firefighter father died on the job. While her father had always loved Christmas, and her grandfather still does, she just cannot get into the holiday spirit.  For Christina, no Christmas will ever be merry again. This year her grandfather’s shoe repair shop is failing and bills keep piling up. The bank is ready to seize the shop. What Christina needs is a Christmas miracle which just might come in the form of brownies. I'm not talking dessert here, but rather the helpful little creatures that feel the need to finish takes people leave undone. Christina and the brownies help each other in a number of unexpected ways, and their friendship might just turn Christina’s whole life around—and maybe even get her back in the Christmas spirit.

The book description does not do Don't Call Me Christina Kringle justice. Christina is a smart, loyal girl that has faced more tragedy in her young life than some adults. However, her and her grandfather still manage to keep moving forward and living life. I really liked bother characters, they were solid but fun. The brownies face their own trials, all tied up with a greedy man that imports them and sells them to shop owners for slave labor. The two storyline come together perfectly and offer adventure, mystery, and some serious fun. There are great messages about hope, greed, and the wonder of giving through out the story. The story offers a solid resolution, but leaves a little room open for a sequel featuring either Christina or brownies.

I really enjoyed Don't Call Me Christina Kringle and would recommend it to readers around nine and older. There are great messages in the story, which do not feel forced like can happen in some stories. There is magic, adventure, a bit of mystery and danger, as well as a wonderful happy ending.

Early Book Review: Endangered and Extinct Mammals by Jennifer Boothroyd

Endangered and Extinct Mammals is an easy non fiction book by Jennifer Boothroyd which is scheduled for release on February 1 2014. This book offers bright colors, large pictures, and fairly simple text about what mammals are, about some that are currently endangered, and some that are extinct and exactly what those terms mean. The book offers some reasons for why these animals are in trouble or have already died at, as well as some things children can do to help.

Endangered and Extinct Mammals is a book for children in kindergarten through maybe second grade and might be a good addition to common core classroom lessons. The book offers some solid definitions and explanations, but I found that there was occasionally some confusing word choices, and moments when more resent information could have been included. For instance, the majority of the extinct animals (aside from the Japanese Sea Otter) have been extinct for a very long time, there must be more resent examples than saber tooth cats and a marine mammal that has been gone since the 1700's. Speaking of that sea cow, I think that example in particular can be confusing since many people call manatees 'sea cow' and they are not extinct as far as this librarian knows. The bright colors and pictures might help capture the attention of more reluctant readers. Also, at the end of the book there is a decent glossary, suggestions for further reading, and some great suggestions for kids to help be part of a solution.

I would recommend Endangered and Extinct Mammals to classrooms that need to reach a certain number of non fiction books to meet the common core standards, and are looking one more book on mammals or endangered animals. However, I have to admit that I think there are books out there that do a better job with this subject for this age group. It was not wrong, it was not bad, it just could have been better.

Early Book Review: The Raider (Highland Guard, #8) by Monica McCarty

The Raider is the 8th book in the Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty. It is currently scheduled for release on February 25 2014. You do not need to read these books in order, they each do well as stand alones. Robert “Raider” Boyd is one of the most formidable warriors, a patriot and enforcer of Bruce's Guard. However, his well founded hatred of the English drives him but the possibility of vengeance is bittersweet when his enemy’s sister falls into his hands. Attraction and a encounter in the past have Robbie fighting temptation, a battle he badly wants to lose. Lady Rosalin Clifford barely recognizes the rebel prisoner she saved from execution six years ago. Rosalin believes she betrayed her brother when she helped this dangerous man escape in the name of fairness and justice. Now her reckless act seems to have come back to haunt her. But she can’t deny her attraction to the warrior, or deny the passion that turns sworn enemies into lovers. Can they find away to come together, or will vengeance destroy them both?

The Raider delivers exactly what a fan of the Highland Guard series might expect. Rosalin is a smart, caring woman with an independent streak. Robby is a wounded hero with fierce fighting skills, an ax to grind, and some serious moral codes that he struggles to maintain in the search for vengeance. Of course the two are attracted to each other, meet some crazy obstacles along the way, and find a happy ever after despite it all. I like that all of McCarty's characters are strong, intelligent, and strong-willed. Heroes and villains alike are fully formed characters with good and bad sides to their personality. Nothing is black and white, and amid extremely trying times love and hope can be found. I like that nothing (including the main characters) is perfect, and yet somehow things come together amid chaos.

I would recommend The Raider to those that have been following the Highland Guard series, as well as to readers that enjoy powerful characters in a tough setting. I think readers new to the series can fully enjoy the characters and the romance, but readers that have a understanding of the larger story arch and how the Highland Guard work, as well as past history related plot points, will get much more out of the story. The series has started to lose some of its shine, but it is still a fun weekend or winter night read.

It's Multicultural Children’s Book Day!

Happy Multicultural Children’s Book Day!
Celebrating Diversity in Children’s Literature 

Children’s reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom teamed up to create an ambitious (and much needed) national event.  On January 27th, Jump into a Book and Pragmatic Mom will be presenting the first ever Multicultural Children’s Book Day as a way of celebrating diversity in children’s books.For more information on the day please explore the website for the day here.

For my part in this wonderful event I offer my review of Diego's Dragon, Book One: Spirits of the Sun by Kevin Gerard and Jennifer Fong, which I received from Crying Cougar Press.
The book is an urban fantasy for middle grade and young adult readers written by Kevin Gerard and illustrated by Jennifer Fong. Eleven-year-old Diego Ramirez wins a district-wide writing contest for sixth graders. When an author visits his school to award his prize, Diego Ramirez has no idea how much his life is about to change. Author Nathan Sullivan visits his school and hands Diego his prize; a handsome, glistening black dragon statue, and shakes his hand and leaves him to his friends. After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends and some unusual happenings, Diego gives the name to his new dragon. He did not know just how fitting the name was. Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun. Nathan Sullivan is the earth's connection to the mysterious creatures and it was his task to find Magnifico's guide. As Magnifico comes to life he becomes quite mischievous, playing tricks on Diego to embarrass him while helping him discover his destiny. In a climactic journey, Diego frees his people and suffers a terrible loss by guiding Magnifico to their goal.
See my full review of the book here.

The hosts and co-creators of Multicultural Children’s Book Day.

Valarie Budayr of Jump Into a Book is a best-selling children’s author of The Fox Diaries: The Year the Foxes Came to our Garden and The Ultimate Guide To Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. She is passionate about making kid’s books come alive and is proud to be a play and reading advocate. Valarie’s mission is to inspire children,families, and communities, to experience and create our world together while having fun.


Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom is a Harvard grad with a love  of children’s books (picture books through YA) and sneaking in teachable moments in art, science, math, foreign language and language arts. Mia is passionate about getting kids excited about reading and helping parents ensure that their child is successful at school.


Our Wonderful Sponsors!
Wisdom Tales Press:
Wisdom Tales Press is a children’s book imprint of World Wisdom for the purpose of sharing the wisdom and beauty of cultures around the world with young readers and their families. Visit Wisdom Tales Books.





Chronicle Books:
One of the most admired and respected publishing companies in the U.S., Chronicle Books was founded in 1967 and over the years has developed a reputation for award-winning, innovative books. Recognized as one of the 50 best small companies to work for in the U.S. (and the only independent publisher to receive this award), the company continues to challenge conventional publishing wisdom, setting trends in both subject and format, maintaining a list that includes illustrated titles in design, art, architecture, photography, food, lifestyle and pop culture, as well as much-admired books for children and ancillary products through its gift division. Chronicle Books’ objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that’s instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. For more information about Chronicle Books, visit www.chroniclekids.com


Lee & Low Books:
An award-winning children’s book publisher focusing on diversity. Our books are about everyone, for everyone. LEE & LOW BOOKS is a children’s book publisher focusing on diversity. Our award-winning multicultural books are about everyone, for everyone. Our goal is to meet the need for stories that all children can identify with and enjoy. We publish picture books, middle grade, and YA titles, including bilingual books under our CBP imprint and science fiction and fantasy under our Tu Books imprint.

Author Susan Fayad
Susan Daniel Fayad, author of My Grandfather’s Masbaha was written as a tribute to her father to honor him in the eyes of her children. Fayad wrote the book to highlight Lebanese culture while emphasizing a universal theme of appreciation and counting your blessings. You can connect with Susan on Twitter (@grandadmasbaha ) or Facebook.

Book Review: The Little Vampire Moves In by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg

The Little Vampire Moves In is the second book in the Little Vampire series by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg. I did not read the first book in the series, which might have helped me know about each of the characters and the particulars of this world, but I do not think it had much of an effect of my read. Rudolph, the little vampire, has been banished from his family’s vault because of his friendship with humans. He is now living in the basement of Tony’s apartment house. Tony is afraid that his parents will find out. While Rudolph is being very unhelpful, the scent of vampire seems to be growing and a neighbor complains about the smell.

The Little Vampire Moves In is a neat little story about a normal boy, Tony, and his not so great friend, the vampire Rudolph. Tony is a bit of a loner, and likes his monster movies. But, for the most part he is a typical boy.  Randolph is a vampire, more than a bit self centered, and smells. Yes, apparently vampires literally stink, and seem to be proud of it. Randolph's younger sister is a much more sympathetic character, as she tries to resolve everything and keep the peace. I liked the moments when Tony is introduced to more of Rudolph's home life and the vampire lifestyle, especially a couple action scenes.

I was left feeling a bit luke-warm about The Little Vampire Moves In. I think the series has a certain charm, and might appeal to young readers that are monster obsessed, but it is not a series that I would go out of my way to find or recommend. Although, I have a niece that has a particular love for Germanic authors, and she might get a kick out of trying to read this series in the original German.

The series was originally written in German and translated to English. At this point there are a total of twenty books in the series, and while the first was made into a film at one point, not all have been translated into English, yet.

Book Review: Diego's Dragon, Book One: Spirits of the Sun by Kevin Gerard and Jennifer Fong

I am glad to be able to post this review thanks to Crying Cougar Press and in conjunction with  Multicultural Children's Book Day!

Children’s reading and play advocates Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom teamed up to create an ambitious (and much needed) national event. On January 27th, Jump into a Book and Pragmatic Mom will be presenting the first ever Multicultural Children’s Book Day as a way of celebrating diversity in children’s books.For more information on the day please explore the website for the day here.

Diego's Dragon, Book One: Spirits of the Sun is an urban fantasy for middle grade and young adult readers written by Kevin Gerard and illustrated by Jennifer Fong. Eleven-year-old Diego Ramirez wins a district-wide writing contest for sixth graders. When an author visits his school to award his prize, Diego Ramirez has no idea how much his life is about to change. Author Nathan Sullivan visits his school and hands Diego his prize; a black dragon statue, shakes his hand and leaves him to his friends. After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends, Diego gives the name to his new dragon. He did not know just how fitting the name was. Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun. Nathan Sullivan is the earth's connection to the mysterious creatures and it was his task to find Magnifico's guide. As Magnifico comes to life he plays tricks on Diego to embarrass him while helping him discover his destiny. In a climactic journey, Diego frees his people and suffers a terrible loss by guiding Magnifico to their goal.

Diego's Dragon has a great concept, and for the most part a great execution. Diego is a great character and very true to life. He has the problems of all twelve-year-olds, looking to find his place at home and in school as he faces an age of transition. He has a brother facing difficulties, but supportive parents, and a loving extended family. His friends and the girl he has a crush on play their parts perfectly, but they never seem to be stock characters. I particularly like that the climax of the story does not play out the way I expected, which is always a nice surprise.  I only had a couple small things that cause me not to give this book a full five stars. The first few scenes jumped around in time order a little, I understand the reasons or doing this and sometimes it works, but for some reason I just did not like it here.

My only other distraction while reading has to do with one of the major things I loved about the book. It was wonderful seeing a Latino main character, which is shockingly uncommon in fantasy literature even today. I know a bit of conversational Spanish, mainly from life experience and children's television, however I am far from fluent. I also have a bit of Italian and tons of Latin under my belt, and for the most part I knew the words, particularly from context- but every so often I did not know what a word meant. Thankfully this never happened when the exact translation was plot important, but I was occasionally distracted by my own lacking. It just encouraged me to do a little more work on my language skills, because I definitely want to read the next two books in the series.

I would recommend Diego's Dragon to every reader that likes fantasy, adventure, coming of age stories, and dragons. Do not be discouraged by my language barrier- even with my fallibilities I highly enjoyed the story and do not think I missed anything important. The story is exciting and something new and different that will appeal to many readers. Reluctant readers and avid fantasy readers alike should be able to enjoy the story.

Just

For more information on the series check out the website: http://www.diegosdragon.com/

MCCBD Sponsors!

Wisdom Tales Press:

Wisdom Tales Press is a children’s book imprint of World Wisdom for the purpose of sharing the wisdom and beauty of cultures around the world with young readers and their families. Visit Wisdom Tales Books.

Chronicle Books:

One of the most admired and respected publishing companies in the U.S., Chronicle Books was founded in 1967 and over the years has developed a reputation for award-winning, innovative books. Recognized as one of the 50 best small companies to work for in the U.S.  (and the only independent publisher to receive this award), the company continues to challenge conventional publishing wisdom, setting trends in both subject and format, maintaining a list that includes illustrated titles in design, art, architecture, photography, food, lifestyle and pop culture, as well as much-admired books for children and ancillary products through its gift division. Chronicle Books’ objective is to create and distribute exceptional publishing that’s instantly recognizable for its spirit, creativity, and value. For more information about Chronicle Books, visit www.chroniclekids.com

Lee & Low Books:

An award-winning children’s book publisher focusing on diversity. Our books are about everyone, for everyone. LEE & LOW BOOKS is a children’s book publisher focusing on diversity. Our award-winning multicultural books are about everyone, for everyone. Our goal is to meet the need for stories that all children can identify with and enjoy. We publish picture books, middle grade, and YA titles, including bilingual books under our CBP imprint and science fiction and fantasy under our Tu Books imprint.

Author Susan Fayad
Susan Daniel Fayad, author of My Grandfather’s Masbaha was written as a tribute to her father to honor him in the eyes of her children. Fayad wrote the book to highlight Lebanese culture while emphasizing a universal theme of appreciation and counting your blessings. You can connect with Susan on Twitter (@grandadmasbaha ) or Facebook.

Book Review: A Grimm Legacy (Grimm Tales #1) by Janna Jennings

A Grimm Legacy (Grimm Tales #1)  by Janna Jennings is a book that takes fairy tales, including so that are not incredibly well known, and adds a special twist, combining the timeless quality of old folktales with the challenges of the modern world. The woods of Elorium appear normal to Andi Grace. At least they might seem normal if she had not been somewhere else mere moments earlier, birds are talking, and elves are answering doors. Andi and three other teens have been pulled out of the world and are the reluctant guests of the perplexing millionaire, Mr. Jackson, a stranger keeping secrets while saying he will help them get home. Unexpected family connections to this fairy tale land have the group relying on each other as they dodge evil fairies and battle giants. Faced with characters short on whimsy and bent towards treachery, Andi, Quinn, Fredrick and Dylan are forced into fairy tale roles to find the way home. But in Elorium, happily ever after is never guaranteed.

A Grimm Legacy is the start of a series that holds great promise. Andi, Quinn, Fredrick and Dylan are fairly normal teens that are yanked out of their very different lives and end up in Elorium, a world where all the fairy and folk tales live. There are fairies, elves, witches, princes, queens, and all those characters that make the stories timeless. Each of the teens have their own unique skill set, which aids them along their way. The questions underlying the whole story is why are they there, who is pulling the strings, and how can they get home. I enjoyed the interplay between the characters, and while there was a hint at romance and resulting conflict ahead, I was glad to see that the action and fairy tale conflict was a much bigger part of the story than anything to do with romance. I do not want to get too detailed about the kid's gifts or the stories that they find themselves in, because that discover is part of the fun. Just enjoy the read and remember that the stories we know are not the whole story.

I would recommend A Grimm Legacy older middle grade readers, young adults, and adults that enjoy seeing new takes on folk and fairy tales. There is also mystery, adventure, and a bit of self discovery in the story. Despite this being the start of a series, I will say that enough of the questions are answered to give readers a happy feeling of resolution, but there are still enough larger questions in my mind to make me eager to read the second installment (which is already on my Kindle and waiting for me).

Early Book Review: The Sheep That No One Could Find by Anthony DeStefano, Richard Cowdrey

The Sheep That No One Could Find is a picturebook written by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey. This picturebook is based on the parable of the lost sheep and is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2014. This take on the old story offers more adventure than you might expect, and is best suited for children three years old and up. Richard Cowdrey's bright illustrations bring the tale of repentance and forgiveness is brought to life.

The Sheep That No One Could Find is a well illustrated story that follows one adventurous lamb that is eager to see the world well beyond his shepherd's pastures. During his big adventure the little lamb faces a hungry wolf, angry lion. and lying snake but in the end is saved by his dedicated shepherd. The story is an adventurous version of the parable, told from lost lamb's point of view. Young readers (or listeners) are likely to see a bit of their own desire to explore in the story, and the knowledge that the good shepherd will always come for them. While this is obviously a religious book, I think parents of a more secular bent can share this book with their children as well, noting that they will always love and care for their children just as the shepherd does.

The Sheep That No One Could Find is a good Christian picturebook that would be well suited for home and church libraries. I think the story will warm the hearts on many households, but the scripture based message is very much a part of the story, since it is a parable retelling, so those that are not of the Christian faith might find the message a bit over bearing. However, like most well done stories about love and hope, a heartfelt discussion about how much a parent loves a child could easily make this book more universal.

Book Review: Let's Get Cracking! (Kung Pow Chicken, #1) by Cyndi Marko

Let's Get Cracking! (Kung Pow Chicken, #1) by Cyndi Marko is a cute transitional chapter book about second grader Gordon Blue who is transformed into Kung Pow Chicken, an avian superhero who fights crime in the city of Fowladelphia. Gordon's birdy senses lead him to a festival. Suddenly, POOF! Feathers fill the air and shivering naked chickens are everywhere. Why have all these chickens lost their feathers? Forced to wear wooly sweaters, the city itches for a hero. Kung Pow Chicken hops into his Beakmobile to save the day!

Let's Get Cracking! is a cute story from Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. It is not quite a graphic novel, but is highly visual  with easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots. Gordon is a normal kid, er chicken, that gets super powers through an accident in his uncle's lab. With his similarly transformed baby brother by his side he faces the fairly normal trials of a second grader (like school and family) as well as figuring out his powers and  how he wants to use them. The story is fun, fast, and will capture the imagination of many a new reader.

I would recommend Let's Get Cracking! for readers that are ready to make the transition to chapter books but need a bit of encouragement (like my son). The story is exciting and a little silly, which will entertain even more advanced readers, but will help newly independent readers continue expanding their vocabulary and reading confidence.

Early Book Review: Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl

Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl is a board book currently scheduled or release on February 1 2014. The cute Little Monkey is having a rough day. After he melts down he takes some time to calm down before being ready to move on and have fun.

Little Monkey Calms Down is a sweet little board book that will entertain while offering parents and the youngest book lovers tools to use when a bad day is upon them. The story offers reasonable coping tools for even the youngest children, such as cuddling, deep breaths, and singing softly to sooth themselves. Sometimes even parents need to be reminded of these coping skills for ourselves, and the book can start a great dialog about what might help each individual child or adult calm themselves down when things are going wrong or are out of our control.

I would recommend Little Monkey Calms Down for young readers and their caregivers. I think the tools embedded in the story might be particularly useful for a family that is working with one or more children on controlling and understand their emotions. I know I would have used this book with my children if it was around when they were young enough not to turn their noses up at board books.