The Christmas Pups - a Review

Ruff, Tuff and Penny, three delightful puppies are abandoned on the side of the road and later picked up and brought to a shelter.  The pups are scared and tired, but soon meet an older dog named Brownie.  Brownie explains to them about Christmas...

"Christmas is ginger cookies under the table,

red glittery balls you're not suppose to play with,

and a stocking with your name on it..." 

Ruff and Tuff want a family all of their own, but more so, they want Penny to be chosen.  Will Ruff and Tuff's plan work?  Will Penny be in a home for Christmas? Find out in The Christmas Pups by Teresa Bateman.

This book is an endearing and a wonderful read, sending a subtle message about the indifference of mankind.  The ending is a happy one and will soon become a Christmas favorite.

The illustrations by John Kanzler are absolutely gorgeous.  The pups almost jump off the page!

For more information on, The Christmas Pups check out Albert Whitman & Company at; http://www.albertwhitman.com/

Two Foals, A Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry on Top!

Madison loves to spend every summer with her grandparents on their farm.  In the morning Madison would look out upon the horse pasture and count all the horses - just as Grandpa had taught her - but wait, instead of ten horses, she counts twelve!  Mama horse had two foals during the night, but Madison is shocked to see one is covered in spots.  Is he sick?  Madison charges outside and soon learns the mystery behind the spotted foal.

Two Foals, A Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry on Top! by Brittany Bevis is a delightful and charming story.  Grandpa's answer to the spotted foal will leave you feeling wonderfully satisfied - just like a big bowl of ice cream with sprinkles and a cherry on top - but you'll have to read the book to find out Grandpa's meaningful explanation.

The illustrations by Pam Talley incorporate soft hues and playful action with some humour thrown in to boot.  I love her picture with the horses on the table with a big bowl of delicious ice cream.  So clever!

Two Foals, A Dash of Sprinkles and a Cherry on Top! is due to be officially released on November 30, but you can pre-order here.

Check out all of Caballo Press books by visiting their web site at; http://www.caballopress.com/

Don't miss out on this very special book, order today to be on in time for Christmas.

Pinata - A Review

Jorge the Pinata maker is a fabulous artist - "Twelve circles to the left and three to the right.  A dash of hope and a sprinkle of light..."

His newest creation is about to be brought to life.  Set high upon the shelf with Miguel the Monkey and Cynthia the dog, Pancho the pig is finally finished.  He's still a bit shy and not quite understanding what has happened, but soon the duo explain to him what being a Pinata is all about - being lifted up high at the fiesta and admired by all.  However, when Duck comes back torn in two the trio soon learn the real horror behind the Pinata.

Pinata by Ken Locsmandi and Sebastian A. Jones is a fun, humorous and endearing tale.  It's filled with surprises that not only have you cheering for the "doomed" pig, but also have you wanting him to fulfill his intended purpose. 

The illustrations by Tomo are second to none - pay attention to the little mice on each page as they are funny and so entertaining - Tomo has also captured each character's facial expressions which really sets the tone for all the adventure.

In addition to one of the best children's books to hit the market, Pinata also includes instructions to make your own pig Pinata and also a bio on each "helpful" candy thieving mouse - my favourite is Yosh the charmer, dreamer and wishful thinker - so clever!

If you haven't experienced Pinata for yourself you need to grab a copy today - this would make a great Christmas present - Pinata needs to be in your library and is sure to become a nightly read.  If this isn't enough to convince you, 10 percent of all proceeds from Pinata goes to Kids Need to Read.

I LOVED this book and am definitely going to make my own pig Pinata.  Thanks Stranger Kids!

Check out Pinata at; http://www.strangerkids.com/pinata/ and all of Stranger Kids books at; http://www.strangerkids.com/

Dragonella - A Review

When Claire travels with the flying Sky Dragons she is magically transformed into an older version of herself.  Her mission?  To give Wisdom Pearls to all the children in different lands - with this pearl they will understand their words and actions have an effect.

Dragonella by Janai Lowenstein is a magical journey that entertains little ones and throws a subtle lesson in as well.  As Dragonella visits exotic, make-believe lands (I really liked the ice cream children) she spreads her love and kindness, helping all the different children realize being happy and sharing is so much better than being rude.

The illustrations by Du Ling brings Dragonella and her dragon friends to life.  The magical lands are inviting and playful, drawing your child into the story.

For more information on this book and other helpful suggestions, please visit Janai Lowenstein's web site at; http://www.childstress.org/

Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden - A Review

They are one of the cutest and friendliest of all wild rodents - the chipmunk.  If your child has never had the pleasure of observing one of these playful and curious animals then, Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden, by Kathy M. Miller is a must have.

Bring your child on a wonderful adventure with Chippy and Mama Lily's babies (Rachel, Rosalie, Roosevelt and Benjamin) as they emerge from their burrow to discover the big world in their garden home.

Miller's not only spun a delightful story that will please child and adult alike, but her photographs of Chippy's family are fabulous - she has caught action shots of chipmunks playing and exploring that would rival any National Geographic!

In addition, Miller also weaves facts about all of Chippy's garden friends and foes throughout and at the back of the book.

Babies in the Garden is pure delight!

Chippy Chipmunk Babies in the Garden is the second in the series with Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden being the first.

Check out both books and other neat stuff at; http://www.chippychipmunk.com/.
Books are also available at Amazon  and Barnes & Noble

About the Author;

Kathy Miller is a teacher, professional cellist, award-winning nature photographer, and writer. Her first book, Chippy Chipmunk Parties in the Garden has won 15 national awards, including Learning® Magazine's 2011 Teacher's Choice Award for Children's Books and the 2010 Benjamin Franklin / Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book.

Dance, Y'all, Dance - A Review

When the folks of a small town meet at the dance hall, fun is sure to ensue. 

Dance, Y'all Dance by Kelly Bennett is a wonderfully fun and funny picture book.  Come spend a Saturday night at the Horseshoe where young, old, great dancers and not all take a twirl on the shiny dance floor.  This tale is written in rhyme and flows along as perfectly as the...four turns and fast hands of Pistachio.

The illustrations by Terri Murphy are a perfect accompaniment to this delightful story - they're bright, bold and tell a whole story themselves!

Check out, Dance, Y'all, Dance on Kelly Bennett's web site, Amazon or Barnes & Noble

This is a must have for any youngster's bookshelf =)

A Rainy Week

Eleven year old Ellen is excited to be visiting her favorite vacation spot, Lake Okoboji.  But when the rain starts and continues throughout the entire week, what will Ellen find to fill her time...find out in; A Rainy Week.

Eleven year old Ellen F. Frances has written and illustrated this fun picture book.  It shows kids that even though it may be raining outside, that doesn't mean the fun stops.

Check out, A Rainy Week at Ellen's web site; http://ellenkeast.com/ or on Amazon

About the Author:

Ellen Frances Keast is a full-time student with a wide array of talents. In addition to writing and illustrating A Rainy Week, the second book of her published series, Ellen has also participated and excelled in numerous speech and poetry competitions. In her spare time, Ellen enjoys playing the saxophone, gardening, and baking. The first book in the series, A Snowy Week, was written when she was in the first grade. Ellen Frances Keast currently lives in Harlan, Iowa where she is writing the next book for her series, A Sunny Week, which will be set in Hawaii. A Rainy Week by Ellen Frances Keast (published by Strategic Book Group, RPR $10) is available from the publisher’s website http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/ and Amazon www.amazon.com. Please visit the author’s website at http://www.ellenkeast.com/.

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