Great reading and my all time favorites!
My Reviews...
Ten Terrific Monsters: A Hidden Item Book
By Chris Mason
Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil
I'm a real fan of hidden object puzzles, games, and books, and this one challenged me a bit. Willie the Wolf is an adorable out of work monster waiting in the unemployment line with nine of his spooky buddies. The book captures a day in the life of, or at least a glimpse into the activity of each of his friends. Tucked into each scene is a fun list of random items to uncover. This is a great and entertaining way to develop an astute awareness of our general surroundings by training the eye and mind to peruse together and focus on details with ease.
By Chris Mason
Reviewer: Darleen Wohlfeil
I'm a real fan of hidden object puzzles, games, and books, and this one challenged me a bit. Willie the Wolf is an adorable out of work monster waiting in the unemployment line with nine of his spooky buddies. The book captures a day in the life of, or at least a glimpse into the activity of each of his friends. Tucked into each scene is a fun list of random items to uncover. This is a great and entertaining way to develop an astute awareness of our general surroundings by training the eye and mind to peruse together and focus on details with ease.
King's Dream: A Fairy Tale
By Harris Tobias
Illustrations by Cathy-Reene
The book itself is as rich in beauty as it is in its content. The colors and illustrations evoke excitement, and quicken interest to follow its lead. The depths and layers of life unfold as we contemplate the king's selfish pursuits. A heart driven by satisfaction and want becomes closed and insensitive. Spoiled by desire life becomes a menagerie of conquests, losing the very intent of its beginning. Light flickers in the dimness and births hope in the form of a dream. Can his newest quest bring him back to his truest desire? Can it be attained in the works and pursuits of others? Or must he find it in the kindness of his own actions? There is so much life to glean from this story, rich truths that pave solid paths to lasting satisfaction.
By Harris Tobias
Illustrations by Cathy-Reene
The book itself is as rich in beauty as it is in its content. The colors and illustrations evoke excitement, and quicken interest to follow its lead. The depths and layers of life unfold as we contemplate the king's selfish pursuits. A heart driven by satisfaction and want becomes closed and insensitive. Spoiled by desire life becomes a menagerie of conquests, losing the very intent of its beginning. Light flickers in the dimness and births hope in the form of a dream. Can his newest quest bring him back to his truest desire? Can it be attained in the works and pursuits of others? Or must he find it in the kindness of his own actions? There is so much life to glean from this story, rich truths that pave solid paths to lasting satisfaction.
BIG FAT COUNTING BOOK
By Harris Tobias
Illustrated by Brianne Burnell
This light hearted counting book rolls off the tongue with giggles and delight. It's fun repetitive rhythm, and the adorable illustrations will surely help children enjoy learning. The soft color palette adds a warmth and friendliness to the reading that will overcome any reluctance to grasp and repeat the numbers with enthusiasm.
By Harris Tobias
Illustrated by Brianne Burnell
This light hearted counting book rolls off the tongue with giggles and delight. It's fun repetitive rhythm, and the adorable illustrations will surely help children enjoy learning. The soft color palette adds a warmth and friendliness to the reading that will overcome any reluctance to grasp and repeat the numbers with enthusiasm.
YA Reading
The Brink of Dawn is a well paced step that keeps you in stride with its characters to the very end. Five teenagers, 2 girls and 3 boys, find themselves drawn into dangers that press them beyond natural ability and into their destiny. Each one is chosen. Each one is equipped with special abilities, and each one is driven for a purpose. Much rides, not on the abilities they've been given, but on their ability to control their gifts, and find a unity amongst themselves that will strengthen their powers and grant them the victory they need. Each character's personality carries their weight throughout the storyline, merging, maturing, and delighting you with their wit and fortitude. The writing is crisp and clever and keeps the reader engaged at all times.
The Brink of Dawn is a well paced step that keeps you in stride with its characters to the very end. Five teenagers, 2 girls and 3 boys, find themselves drawn into dangers that press them beyond natural ability and into their destiny. Each one is chosen. Each one is equipped with special abilities, and each one is driven for a purpose. Much rides, not on the abilities they've been given, but on their ability to control their gifts, and find a unity amongst themselves that will strengthen their powers and grant them the victory they need. Each character's personality carries their weight throughout the storyline, merging, maturing, and delighting you with their wit and fortitude. The writing is crisp and clever and keeps the reader engaged at all times.
Magelica, with her tiny wings and long green hair, is a mystery to herself. She was found 12 years ago by gatherers in the fields, wrapped in a beautiful sapphire egg. The egg cracked revealing a very magical child. Knowing they were not suited to raise such a special one, they took her to one who could, to one Magelica has come to dearly love. Yet, at times she finds herself full of questions, full of wonder. Sometimes we may find ourselves wondering, who am I, and why am I here? It's not bad to wonder, nor even question. It's not where we come from, or even who we are with that sets our value or purpose. It's who we are on the inside. Magelica discovers she has something special inside of her, and if she allows it to lead her, she just may find the answers to her yearning questions. I found this to be a cute story of self discovery.
In our second encounter with Magelica her gift leads her back to the Isle of Dreams to help rescue Prince William. Her magic carries her ever closer to her hearts desire. The story promotes a sense of community, and the importance to connection. We feel the unity and love that pulls together for a common cause, and a true feeling of belonging.
YA Reading
The Contaminants has a great storyline, and holds your interest throughout its fast pace page turning. Centered in a dark hour for humanity, survival brings us face to face with issues that tear at its very fiber. What price are we willing to pay for it? Eugenics is introduced, a holocaust of worst proportions is planned. Loves and loyalties are tested. Madness presses against reason, and trust can be found in unlikely places. The exemplar of our story is not found in the genius of men or the wonder of technology, but in the hearts of our youth. In the love and determination that fights with tenacity to protect. The story rings through you with one solid note, but on so many levels...survival!
The Contaminants has a great storyline, and holds your interest throughout its fast pace page turning. Centered in a dark hour for humanity, survival brings us face to face with issues that tear at its very fiber. What price are we willing to pay for it? Eugenics is introduced, a holocaust of worst proportions is planned. Loves and loyalties are tested. Madness presses against reason, and trust can be found in unlikely places. The exemplar of our story is not found in the genius of men or the wonder of technology, but in the hearts of our youth. In the love and determination that fights with tenacity to protect. The story rings through you with one solid note, but on so many levels...survival!
The Ifs Return, by J. D. Pooker, is the second book in the tale of two brothers who are suddenly awakened to the mystery of another world coexisting in their local park. Landon and Broden, discover sibling rivalry is common even in a world of six inch people, and find themselves caught up in a battle beyond their imagination. If they are to help their newly found friends and survive, they must learn to work together.
I enjoyed the creativity of this story. The easy style of the author makes the unbelievable real enough to pull you into the very heart of the battle. Not just once, but twice. Book 2 picks up with ease where one leaves off, and you are again engaged in the perils of the 'If' community.
The story give us the opportunity to examine choice, face selfishness, and make sacrifices. I especially liked that the parents are strong allies, trustworthy to the cause, and a strength to the boys throughout the storyline. Personally, I love adventure and imagination. I enjoy seeing children fight for a cause and not a death count. To see them learn of ways outside their norm, and come to respect them. Poker has given us much to experience in our time spent with the brothers of both worlds. It's definitely worth reading!
I enjoyed the creativity of this story. The easy style of the author makes the unbelievable real enough to pull you into the very heart of the battle. Not just once, but twice. Book 2 picks up with ease where one leaves off, and you are again engaged in the perils of the 'If' community.
The story give us the opportunity to examine choice, face selfishness, and make sacrifices. I especially liked that the parents are strong allies, trustworthy to the cause, and a strength to the boys throughout the storyline. Personally, I love adventure and imagination. I enjoy seeing children fight for a cause and not a death count. To see them learn of ways outside their norm, and come to respect them. Poker has given us much to experience in our time spent with the brothers of both worlds. It's definitely worth reading!
Dewi and the Seeds of Doom, by Maggie Lyons, is a cute right of passage story of a young dragon and his odd but faithful friends.
Suddenly, circumstances plop upon his head, (quite literally), bringing an awareness of a much bigger world beyond his small existence, and stirs his desire to follow in the good deeds of a Welsh Dragon. A dastardly plot is discovered, and Dewi and his friend set out to rescue the unsuspecting from harm. It's an awaking of childhood that brings the reality that though we are young, we can hold an active part in the larger framework of community, and even save the day!
Suddenly, circumstances plop upon his head, (quite literally), bringing an awareness of a much bigger world beyond his small existence, and stirs his desire to follow in the good deeds of a Welsh Dragon. A dastardly plot is discovered, and Dewi and his friend set out to rescue the unsuspecting from harm. It's an awaking of childhood that brings the reality that though we are young, we can hold an active part in the larger framework of community, and even save the day!
Simply Delightful!!!
Piñata, written by Ken Locsmandi and Sebastian A. Jones is simply heartfelt and captivating!
It's easy to read dialogue, and endearing illustrations by Tomo are a winning combination. The colorful cast of characters, and the unique credits cataloging the candy thieves, offers truly a charmed experience for child and adult alike. It is written with warmth, love, appreciation, and filled with childhood delight.
AND...it leaves you with a lasting kiss, the opportunity to create your own wonder and joy. Step by step instructions allow you to bring the story to life in your very own little hands. Abuelo's love for his craft will fill your heart and inspire your hands to bring lasting memories of childhood imagination. This is truly a delightful read, and a heart warming experience. What more can we hope for in the introduction of literature to the hearts and minds of our children? If a story captures the imagination of a child, we have a reader for life! I hope this book finds itself on many 'must read' lists. Hats off, Locsmandi, Jones, and Tomo!
Piñata, written by Ken Locsmandi and Sebastian A. Jones is simply heartfelt and captivating!
It's easy to read dialogue, and endearing illustrations by Tomo are a winning combination. The colorful cast of characters, and the unique credits cataloging the candy thieves, offers truly a charmed experience for child and adult alike. It is written with warmth, love, appreciation, and filled with childhood delight.
AND...it leaves you with a lasting kiss, the opportunity to create your own wonder and joy. Step by step instructions allow you to bring the story to life in your very own little hands. Abuelo's love for his craft will fill your heart and inspire your hands to bring lasting memories of childhood imagination. This is truly a delightful read, and a heart warming experience. What more can we hope for in the introduction of literature to the hearts and minds of our children? If a story captures the imagination of a child, we have a reader for life! I hope this book finds itself on many 'must read' lists. Hats off, Locsmandi, Jones, and Tomo!
Sweet T and the North Wind, is a simple tale of the hidden magic imagination offers to those willing to follow. The cold winter's weather has taken Tara hostage, keeping her housebound and away from riding her new shiny scooter. Both confined to boredom, they still manage to find adventure in the warmth and love of memories. Sweet T, as Tara is fondly called, learns the limitless wonder quiet moments can offer, as she lets imagination whisk to sunny days and happy thoughts.
The author has added additional interaction in the back of the book to reinforce the story. As a storyteller, I appreciated this. The storytime circle always included an active engagement with their memory. I always found it refreshing to see the depths and directions one story can take.
The author has added additional interaction in the back of the book to reinforce the story. As a storyteller, I appreciated this. The storytime circle always included an active engagement with their memory. I always found it refreshing to see the depths and directions one story can take.
WhipEye, is a well written, fast paced adventure, with a bit of thriller woven in. At times I wheezed, (bent over with hands on knees) right along with Samantha Green. She is a young girl with a wounded, yet honest heart. Sometimes children are more adept at accurately assaying a situation because they have not as yet filled their intellectual luggage with the narrow mind sets, and personal agendas that will assault them as they grow. Children are open to possibility, and hopeful for the impossible. Samantha and Jake, both lovable characters, that steal your affections with their unique personalities, are just such children. However, they are pressed in measure, faced with collections and options that test their hearts and integrity. There is much to be harvested from this story as the author offers multiple avenues for an interested reader to travel along. Guilt, coping skills, friendship and loyalty, to name a few. They flow easily along the main current of the story line without bumping or fighting for place. Treasures tucked here and there along the way, that may or may not be discovered. Thereby leaving the depth of the story to the depth of its reader. I, as a grandmother, found hidden gems even as the torrent swept me off my feet carrying me to dark places I may not want to go. Fear, compulsion, and tenacity make frequent appearances throughout the pages, and even a close brush with despair.
WhipEye is well written in the first person, with the capacity to catch you up in its rapid sequence of events. It is well thought out in its plot, but left me a little fuzzy on its intent. When the last page was turned, when the adventure folded between the closed covers, what was I left with? What was the moral of the story? I'm not quite sure. Maybe it's different for every reader, with no one conclusion. I sat quiet, the book in my lap laid still for the first time since I picked it up. For me, I guess it said we may all be faced with hard choices. Some may have to decide, is doing what's right worth it, even if it appears it can't win? The heroes of this story thought so. They were willing to give their lives for it. Live or die, win or fail, all faded and they knew they stood for right!
WhipEye is well written in the first person, with the capacity to catch you up in its rapid sequence of events. It is well thought out in its plot, but left me a little fuzzy on its intent. When the last page was turned, when the adventure folded between the closed covers, what was I left with? What was the moral of the story? I'm not quite sure. Maybe it's different for every reader, with no one conclusion. I sat quiet, the book in my lap laid still for the first time since I picked it up. For me, I guess it said we may all be faced with hard choices. Some may have to decide, is doing what's right worth it, even if it appears it can't win? The heroes of this story thought so. They were willing to give their lives for it. Live or die, win or fail, all faded and they knew they stood for right!
The Ifs
I received a free copy of this book for a review. It is my pleasure to do so. We all want the best for our children, and it is good to have places we can look for help in making those choices.
I love the cover! It captures my interest first through the eye, and continues to take hostage the mind.This is a delightful story of imagination! Sibling rivalry crosses barriers between known and unknown worlds that coexist in the local park of Anytown, USA. Young readers will find adventure and maybe a new perspective in this story.
Being a grandmother of adult and small children, I was pleased to see this issue taken up. Sibling rivalry is often mistaken as an acceptable behavior among children, much like peer pressure is considered part of growing up. However, they often carry lasting effects, and birth even greater evils of childhood such as bullying. Many of us as parents and grandparents, have seen and even incurred such damages. Growing up is tough business, and often our children wage these wars alone. I give a thumbs up to authors who take to heart these issues and open delightful ways for children to draw strength and insight into thier own battles.
Life is a community, and literature is a link of hearts and minds that intwine throughout it.
I received a free copy of this book for a review. It is my pleasure to do so. We all want the best for our children, and it is good to have places we can look for help in making those choices.
I love the cover! It captures my interest first through the eye, and continues to take hostage the mind.This is a delightful story of imagination! Sibling rivalry crosses barriers between known and unknown worlds that coexist in the local park of Anytown, USA. Young readers will find adventure and maybe a new perspective in this story.
Being a grandmother of adult and small children, I was pleased to see this issue taken up. Sibling rivalry is often mistaken as an acceptable behavior among children, much like peer pressure is considered part of growing up. However, they often carry lasting effects, and birth even greater evils of childhood such as bullying. Many of us as parents and grandparents, have seen and even incurred such damages. Growing up is tough business, and often our children wage these wars alone. I give a thumbs up to authors who take to heart these issues and open delightful ways for children to draw strength and insight into thier own battles.
Life is a community, and literature is a link of hearts and minds that intwine throughout it.
I Love You Stinky Face
This is a great book!
My granddaughter would wait with excitement for her part of the reading, (but Mama, but Mama), and with each opportunity the drama would build. It was a line that stayed with us long after the book rested on the shelf.
To me it's a great thing when the child wants to hear it again, and even greater when they bring it up in non-reading moments. Then you know, that's a good book!
Stone Soup
A clever young man tricks an old woman into believing that soup can be made from a stone. As the pot of water boils with the stone in it, he urges her to add more and more ingredients until the soup is a feast "fit for a king".
Another old favorite of mine. The kids giggle with each addition, and echo the phrase, Stone Soup! It makes for a fun reading time.
A clever young man tricks an old woman into believing that soup can be made from a stone. As the pot of water boils with the stone in it, he urges her to add more and more ingredients until the soup is a feast "fit for a king".
Another old favorite of mine. The kids giggle with each addition, and echo the phrase, Stone Soup! It makes for a fun reading time.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
In this imaginative adventure from Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary, a young mouse named Ralph is thrown into a world of excitement when a boy and his shiny toy motorcycle check into the Mountain View Inn.
I loved this book! Ralph is big hearted and personable. I've read this book to many children, and it captures their delight every time.
In this imaginative adventure from Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary, a young mouse named Ralph is thrown into a world of excitement when a boy and his shiny toy motorcycle check into the Mountain View Inn.
I loved this book! Ralph is big hearted and personable. I've read this book to many children, and it captures their delight every time.
Sky Castle.
In this magical book, three little fairies help our imaginations soar as we build a dream castle in the sky. Sandra Hanken's poetic vision and Jody Bergsma's vivid illustrations create a majestic kingdom where all creatures are welcome. Intriguing Celtic borders twist through each page, adding special touches of mystery and creation. Once it's complete, the entire castle slides down to the Earth "on moonbeams and music and prayers."
This was the most favored book of my granddaughter's childhood. It was her cherished bedtime experience with Gram. We would read the book, and then she would build her own castle in the sky. Each night she drifted into sleep building a new room. I was amazed at the creativity that flowed as she built, decorated, and enjoyed her very own sky castle. I would write her new addition in the back of the book. Once, when we were out rummaging through antique stores, I heard a delighted squeal in the background. There she stood clutching an old, small, key. Her pleading eyes beg, "Can I have it Gram, it's perfect for my castle!" We took it home, and strung it on a silky pink ribbon and she laid it in her book with great pride. We eventually needed to get a new copy of the book, but it still sits on my shelf, draped with its key. She is a woman now, but we still share tender moments and magical memories like laurels draped about the book.
In this magical book, three little fairies help our imaginations soar as we build a dream castle in the sky. Sandra Hanken's poetic vision and Jody Bergsma's vivid illustrations create a majestic kingdom where all creatures are welcome. Intriguing Celtic borders twist through each page, adding special touches of mystery and creation. Once it's complete, the entire castle slides down to the Earth "on moonbeams and music and prayers."
This was the most favored book of my granddaughter's childhood. It was her cherished bedtime experience with Gram. We would read the book, and then she would build her own castle in the sky. Each night she drifted into sleep building a new room. I was amazed at the creativity that flowed as she built, decorated, and enjoyed her very own sky castle. I would write her new addition in the back of the book. Once, when we were out rummaging through antique stores, I heard a delighted squeal in the background. There she stood clutching an old, small, key. Her pleading eyes beg, "Can I have it Gram, it's perfect for my castle!" We took it home, and strung it on a silky pink ribbon and she laid it in her book with great pride. We eventually needed to get a new copy of the book, but it still sits on my shelf, draped with its key. She is a woman now, but we still share tender moments and magical memories like laurels draped about the book.
A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon, is a delightful tale of an age old concern, the dreaded disease of Peer Pressure. (Did the lights just flicker, and an eerie echo rise over those words...Peer Pressure? Hum, must be old symptoms stirring from a younger me.) It's an ancient sickness that has claimed many down through the pages of history.
David Shannon brings it right home to our precious Camilla Cream. His wonderful illustrations bring a colorful imagination to round out this mysterious plight in vivid and comical images.
Camilla is faced with a secrete, and a longing desire to fit in. Through a wild ride of poking and prodding from mainstream science, and the cruel jesting from the very ones she wants so to please, she comes to the brink of losing her very self. In this laugh out loud adventure children are able to see the risky patterns of trying to fit the whims of others. Poor Camilla became stripes and stars, branches and feathers, until finally she has lost all self and becomes blinking eyes in the wall. All hope for Camilla's recovery seems lost, until a wise old woman who knew Camilla's secret is able to save the day. Truth is often a hard pill to swallow, but it has the healing power to cure just about anything...even a Bad Case of Stripes!
I personally like this story because it brings adults face to face with the world in which their children live. As we age and the burden of more pressing things weigh on our shoulders, we forget what it was like to evolve into who we now are, and often our children struggle alone with the dreaded symptoms of Peer Pressure. (There goes those lights...did anybody else see that?)
David Shannon brings it right home to our precious Camilla Cream. His wonderful illustrations bring a colorful imagination to round out this mysterious plight in vivid and comical images.
Camilla is faced with a secrete, and a longing desire to fit in. Through a wild ride of poking and prodding from mainstream science, and the cruel jesting from the very ones she wants so to please, she comes to the brink of losing her very self. In this laugh out loud adventure children are able to see the risky patterns of trying to fit the whims of others. Poor Camilla became stripes and stars, branches and feathers, until finally she has lost all self and becomes blinking eyes in the wall. All hope for Camilla's recovery seems lost, until a wise old woman who knew Camilla's secret is able to save the day. Truth is often a hard pill to swallow, but it has the healing power to cure just about anything...even a Bad Case of Stripes!
I personally like this story because it brings adults face to face with the world in which their children live. As we age and the burden of more pressing things weigh on our shoulders, we forget what it was like to evolve into who we now are, and often our children struggle alone with the dreaded symptoms of Peer Pressure. (There goes those lights...did anybody else see that?)
Seems some out there can identify!
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