The Cave Monster - A Review

When Lima Bear's cousin, L.Joe Bean, is captured by the cave monster the gang jumps into action.  Whistle-Toe the rabbit brings his canteen, Lima Bear brings two swords (his own and L.Joe Bean's), Maskamal the raccoon brings his bow and arrow and a red flag to wave at the monster.

The plan is formed and soon the gang sets out to rescue their friend, but will it work?  Find out in, The Cave Monster by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck.

Once again the Weck father/son team brings a humorous tale of friendship, courage and just plain fun.  Your kids will love the kooky plan the critters come up with to capture the cave monster.  The illustrations by Len DiSalvo are beautiful and so full of details you want to just spend time looking around the pages.  In addition, there's extended learning and extra activities at the end of the story to fully engage your children.

This is a delightful, wonderful book.  The Wecks and DiSalvo have done it again.  They're the perfect combo - like PB&J!

To learn more about The Cave Monster please visit Lima Bear Press or stop by Barnes & Noble and Amazon online.

How Back-Back Got His Name - A Review

It's a real "EEE-mergency"!  Plumpton the opossum has lost his back!  Well...it's still there, it's just invisible.  Come join the adventure as the forest friends, Lima Bear (tiny green lima bean-shaped bear), Maskamal the raccoon and Whistle-Toe the rabbit, all try to help solve this strange mystery.

How Back-Back Got His Name by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck is a delightful and humorous book that will engage your children for hours.  The team of crusaders go from one EEE-mergency to another as they search for Plumpton's disappearing back.

The illustrations by Len DiSalvo are a perfect accompaniment to this story.  The pictures are rich in detail and really draws your attention around the page.  I love the expressions on the animals faces - so fun!  In addition at the back of the book there is an extended learning page with before, during and after learning prompts as well activites you can do with your children.

How Back-Back Got His Name is available in hardcover.  For more information on this book and other Lima Bear stories check out Lima Bear Press.  Book is also available at Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

The Megasaurus

Oh no there's a monster in Beandom!  What will King Limalot do to protect all the tiny, bean-shaped bears?  Find out in The Megasaurus by Thomas and Peter Weck. 

The bears are terrified when they learn of a huge beast that, "made the earth tremble with each pounding step, and the trees sway when it roared..."  So King Limalot calls in his advisors - three wise old owls. However when each fail to rid the land of the Megasaurus (and get themselves eaten in the process) the King is finally left to take the advice of small L. Joe Bean, a servant's son.        

This book is cleverly written and funny to boot.  The illustrations by Len Disalvo are wonderfully done with much detail that brings this imaginary kingdom to life.  I could see the bears of Beandom being brought to the big screen and having their own toys!

In addition, at the end of the book you can engage your child with;

• before reading questions
• during reading questions
• after reading questions
• make a monster mask
• count and measure 300 paces
• dialogue
• word sort

The Megasaurus is the first book in this series and is a must have for any child's collection. Check out Lima Bear Press at; http://limabearpress.com/ or grab a copy at Amazon

Forbidden Creatures by Peter Laufer

I think every animal lover has at one time or another wondered what it would be like to own an exotic pet – I know I have. But do we ever stop to think of the consequences to the animal? Do we truly believe that we can love it enough to make up for placing it out of its natural element?

Forbidden Creatures by Investigative Journalist Peter Laufer is a hard look at the underworld of international animal smuggling. In this book Laufer exposes the dangerous world of exotics living in domesticated environments, not only to the animal, but to the owner as well – Travis the chimp made headlines when he brutally attacked his owner.

Laufer also addresses the issues of why people are drawn to exotic animal ownership. Is it ego? Money (10 to 20 billion annually, second only to illegal drug trafficking) or purely out of love? Forbidden Creatures - Inside the World of Animal Smuggling and Exotic Pets uncovers what is being smuggled, from where and why, who is doing the smuggling, and who is doing the buying? As well as what is being done to stop the illegal trading? And what does the future holds for these endangered animals?

Forbidden Creatures is a fascinating look not only at animal behaviour, but also of the people who own them. Check it out at your local book store or on Amazon.com