Esther Hershenhorn
Illustrated by Zachary Pullen
A through Z … this is the perfect writer’s alphabet book for young writers. “D is for the drafts we write” … it is the beginning, where the story just spills from inside. “E is for the page we edit” … copiously looking at what was written, and then checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. This is also the time for checking the integrity of the characters and their dialogue. “I” covers ideas … writers have lots of those, and they come from everywhere. When at a loss for ideas, brainstorming can be very helpful … and carrying a handy writer’s notebook is helpful. Writers from the past and those in the present have found the “J” for journaling to be a powerful tool to their writing life. Under "K" is where the four common styles of writing are found … descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository. From the importance of plot and the six questions to ask while writing to revision and voice, this alphabet book is full of fascinating details and helpful information to inspire young writers. Included in the book are writer’s tips and quotes from published writers. Some of the published writers include Andrew Clements, Katherine Paterson, G. K. Chesterton, Brian Jacques, Jacqueline Woodson, P. L. Travers, and Kate DiCamillo. At the end of the book, the author includes a potpourri of information that is sure to serve as further motivation for young writers.
The illustrations, described as “character-oriented”, add so much more to the text; the illustrations are detailed, colorful, larger-than life, yet, child friendly and grabbing. Between the letters “D” and “E”, a reader will find a warm close-up of Abraham Lincoln. This is an excellent book for a home library, public and school library. Let us develop this young generation of writer’s … and give each one of them a copy of this book!
BIBLIO: 2009, Sleeping Bear Press, Ages 8-11, $17.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Literature / Alphabet Book
ISBN: 978-1-58536-439-8
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 12/11/09
Friday, December 11, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Father Grumble
Adapted by John M Feierabend
Illustrated by Erik Plude
Based on a classic folksong, Father Grumble is a bearded old man, who challenged his wife that he could do more work in one day than she could in three. His wife accepted the challenge, and began doing Father Grumble’s chores one by one. First, she drove the plow and milked Tiny cow. It would be up to Father Grumble to feed the little pigs, watch the bracket hen so she didn’t lay her eggs where they couldn’t be found, and a reel of yarn must be wound. Father Grumble was expecting Tiny cow to cooperate, and when she did not, it just made his day longer, and harder. By the time his day was over, Father Grumble was more than happy to agree; his wife did more work in one day than he did in three.
This folksong is a reminder that things are not always, what they seem. The vivid illustrations bring the characters and animals to life. Beautifully painted, each page creates its own story. A fully notated version with all the words is included at the end of the book. This is a charming story for young readers who should relate to the chores that are completed at home.
BIBLIO: 2008, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 3 - 6, $16.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Music Education
ISBN: 978-1-57999-756-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
Illustrated by Erik Plude
Based on a classic folksong, Father Grumble is a bearded old man, who challenged his wife that he could do more work in one day than she could in three. His wife accepted the challenge, and began doing Father Grumble’s chores one by one. First, she drove the plow and milked Tiny cow. It would be up to Father Grumble to feed the little pigs, watch the bracket hen so she didn’t lay her eggs where they couldn’t be found, and a reel of yarn must be wound. Father Grumble was expecting Tiny cow to cooperate, and when she did not, it just made his day longer, and harder. By the time his day was over, Father Grumble was more than happy to agree; his wife did more work in one day than he did in three.
This folksong is a reminder that things are not always, what they seem. The vivid illustrations bring the characters and animals to life. Beautifully painted, each page creates its own story. A fully notated version with all the words is included at the end of the book. This is a charming story for young readers who should relate to the chores that are completed at home.
BIBLIO: 2008, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 3 - 6, $16.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Music Education
ISBN: 978-1-57999-756-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
My Aunt Came Back
Adapted by John M Feierabend
Illustrated by Melanie Champagne
This story is based on a classic folksong, “My Aunt Came Back”, written in 1704, with a new melody in 1751. The story begins with a group of ants at an anthill, and continues with an ant at different locations. Timbuktu shows a camel and a wooden shoe, and an ant carrying the wooden shoe. On the following page, the Aunt goes to Old Japan and then brings back a waving fan. Each page after an Aunt goes to a different location, and brings back a different item.
The illustrations are soft color, highly detailed, and enlarged to encompass the full page; also, showing how one ant can carry multiple times its own weight. Included within the book is a link to a free download of an mp3 recording of this folksong. It is Mr. Feierabend’s lifelong goal to preserve American musical heritage for future generations. A fully notated version with all the words is included at the end of the book. I respect Mr. Feierabend’s dedication to the preservation of American folksongs; however, I feel this is a very limited market.
BIBLIO: 2008, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 3 - 6, $16.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Music Education
ISBN: 978-1-57999-680-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
Illustrated by Melanie Champagne
This story is based on a classic folksong, “My Aunt Came Back”, written in 1704, with a new melody in 1751. The story begins with a group of ants at an anthill, and continues with an ant at different locations. Timbuktu shows a camel and a wooden shoe, and an ant carrying the wooden shoe. On the following page, the Aunt goes to Old Japan and then brings back a waving fan. Each page after an Aunt goes to a different location, and brings back a different item.
The illustrations are soft color, highly detailed, and enlarged to encompass the full page; also, showing how one ant can carry multiple times its own weight. Included within the book is a link to a free download of an mp3 recording of this folksong. It is Mr. Feierabend’s lifelong goal to preserve American musical heritage for future generations. A fully notated version with all the words is included at the end of the book. I respect Mr. Feierabend’s dedication to the preservation of American folksongs; however, I feel this is a very limited market.
BIBLIO: 2008, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 3 - 6, $16.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Music Education
ISBN: 978-1-57999-680-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
The Contest
Caroline Stellings
Rosy Taylor was almost twelve years old, and her favorite book ever was Anne of Green Gables. Her problem was she came from a poor family that did not have the money for books, so Rosy’s only copy was very used and missing a full 37 pages. There was a solution to her dilemma, however. There was soon going to be a contest, the Anne of Green Gables Look Alike Contest, and the first prize was a boxed set of all eight books in the Anne series by L.M. Montgomery and a sterling silver trophy. The contest would be a challenge for Rosy because her family did not have the resources to help with the required costume, nor a vehicle to get to the neighboring town where the contest was to be held. There was one other issue for Rosy; she was half Mohawk. Fortunately, for Rosy, she was a very determined young girl and she was not one to give up easily. Other obstacles did come her way; another young girl who was the spitting image of Anne of Green Gables was also competing in the contest, Rosy had a serious asthma attack that landed her in the hospital for a week just before the contest, and the vehicle taking Rosy and her family to the contest had a serious breakdown. Yet, Rosy was seriously determined. With an unbreakable spirit, Rosy persevered and was one of five girls standing on the stage, who would win, and what lessons would Rosy learn?
This is a great story of a young girl’s determination and spirit. The fact that Rosy was half Mohawk and came from a poor family should be an inspiration to any reader. I found this to be a fast read and should be in any library, personal, public or school.
BIBLIO: 2009, 7th Generation / Book Publishing Co., Ages 9 - 13, $9.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-9779183-5-5
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
Rosy Taylor was almost twelve years old, and her favorite book ever was Anne of Green Gables. Her problem was she came from a poor family that did not have the money for books, so Rosy’s only copy was very used and missing a full 37 pages. There was a solution to her dilemma, however. There was soon going to be a contest, the Anne of Green Gables Look Alike Contest, and the first prize was a boxed set of all eight books in the Anne series by L.M. Montgomery and a sterling silver trophy. The contest would be a challenge for Rosy because her family did not have the resources to help with the required costume, nor a vehicle to get to the neighboring town where the contest was to be held. There was one other issue for Rosy; she was half Mohawk. Fortunately, for Rosy, she was a very determined young girl and she was not one to give up easily. Other obstacles did come her way; another young girl who was the spitting image of Anne of Green Gables was also competing in the contest, Rosy had a serious asthma attack that landed her in the hospital for a week just before the contest, and the vehicle taking Rosy and her family to the contest had a serious breakdown. Yet, Rosy was seriously determined. With an unbreakable spirit, Rosy persevered and was one of five girls standing on the stage, who would win, and what lessons would Rosy learn?
This is a great story of a young girl’s determination and spirit. The fact that Rosy was half Mohawk and came from a poor family should be an inspiration to any reader. I found this to be a fast read and should be in any library, personal, public or school.
BIBLIO: 2009, 7th Generation / Book Publishing Co., Ages 9 - 13, $9.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-9779183-5-5
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
Gwen
Carolyn Pogue
London, England, 1895, Gwen Peters turned eleven years old. It was a difficult day for Gwen. Her dad had been very sick all day, until he finally passed away, leaving her an orphan. Before he died, he gave Gwen a book, White Wampum by Pauline Johnson, a Canadian Indian Princess. A neighbor, Mrs. Bostwick took control of the situation and called the doctor, and finally called Dr. Peters of the Girls Home. Since Gwen had no family to go to, the Girls Home was her best opportunity, and Gwen knew it. Within one day, her whole life had changed. The Girls Home was an organization, that after at least a year of training, young orphan girls go into service to gentlemen and ladies in England, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Gwen lived in a cottage with twenty other young girls; there were four bedrooms, and five girls to each bedroom. Their house matron believed, “the devil finds work for idle hands”, so between chores and lessons they were kept busy from 6.30 in the morning until after cleaning up from supper. A year later, girls were given the opportunity to volunteer to sail to Canada … Gwen was the first girl to raise her hand, and within minutes fifty girls had volunteered to change their lives forever. Gwen’s future was set, yet she had no idea of the adventures and hardships that were before her. Gwen’s life would come full circle, and know Canada was her future.
This story of Gwen is based on a true story. As a piece of historical fiction written for the young adult market, I found this novel very interesting. It covered a subject, Home Child, I was not familiar with, and therefore, was not only an engaging read, but educational.
BIBLIO: 2009, Sumach Press, Ages 10 +, $12.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Young Adult Novel / Historical Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-894549-80-6
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
London, England, 1895, Gwen Peters turned eleven years old. It was a difficult day for Gwen. Her dad had been very sick all day, until he finally passed away, leaving her an orphan. Before he died, he gave Gwen a book, White Wampum by Pauline Johnson, a Canadian Indian Princess. A neighbor, Mrs. Bostwick took control of the situation and called the doctor, and finally called Dr. Peters of the Girls Home. Since Gwen had no family to go to, the Girls Home was her best opportunity, and Gwen knew it. Within one day, her whole life had changed. The Girls Home was an organization, that after at least a year of training, young orphan girls go into service to gentlemen and ladies in England, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Gwen lived in a cottage with twenty other young girls; there were four bedrooms, and five girls to each bedroom. Their house matron believed, “the devil finds work for idle hands”, so between chores and lessons they were kept busy from 6.30 in the morning until after cleaning up from supper. A year later, girls were given the opportunity to volunteer to sail to Canada … Gwen was the first girl to raise her hand, and within minutes fifty girls had volunteered to change their lives forever. Gwen’s future was set, yet she had no idea of the adventures and hardships that were before her. Gwen’s life would come full circle, and know Canada was her future.
This story of Gwen is based on a true story. As a piece of historical fiction written for the young adult market, I found this novel very interesting. It covered a subject, Home Child, I was not familiar with, and therefore, was not only an engaging read, but educational.
BIBLIO: 2009, Sumach Press, Ages 10 +, $12.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Young Adult Novel / Historical Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-894549-80-6
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
The Knitting of Elizabeth Amelia
Patricia Lee Gauch
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Elizabeth Amelia’s mother wanted a baby to cuddle and love, and not having one, she went to the attic and found some special wool in a trunk and knitted a beautiful baby. She was so soft even the cat liked to sleep with Elizabeth Amelia at night. Her mother would hum to her, and bounce her, and when she took her out, others wanted to hold Elizabeth Amelia she was so soft and cuddly. Eventually she grew old enough to attend school and went to the dances. Because Elizabeth Amelia was so soft and had so much bounce, the boys at school would line up just to be able to dance with her. Then she met James Elmer, and they loved to dance together and take walks in the woodsy woods. The best part was James Elmer loved wool, and he loved Elizabeth Amelia. She created the woolliest home in town with wool rugs, lamps, and doors. The only thing missing was children and since Elizabeth Amelia loved wool, she searched for the perfect wool to knit a sweet baby. Using a loose strand from her own left foot, Elizabeth Amelia knitted a baby girl and named her True. Then she knitted a baby boy, and named him Bounce. Then she knitted a set of twins, January and February. All the wool came from her legs, so she could not leave her rocking chair. Her husband, James Elmer loved her so much; he had to find more wool so Elizabeth Amelia would be back to her bouncy self.
Painted in transparent watercolor, the illustrations are bright and very colorful, sure to catch the eye of young children. This is an imaginative story of how a mother’s longing for children was creatively solved. Young children should be entertained by the idea of a family of knitted children and the very colorful illustrations.
BIBLIO: 2009, Henry Holt and Co., Ages 4 - 8, $16.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-8050-6535-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Elizabeth Amelia’s mother wanted a baby to cuddle and love, and not having one, she went to the attic and found some special wool in a trunk and knitted a beautiful baby. She was so soft even the cat liked to sleep with Elizabeth Amelia at night. Her mother would hum to her, and bounce her, and when she took her out, others wanted to hold Elizabeth Amelia she was so soft and cuddly. Eventually she grew old enough to attend school and went to the dances. Because Elizabeth Amelia was so soft and had so much bounce, the boys at school would line up just to be able to dance with her. Then she met James Elmer, and they loved to dance together and take walks in the woodsy woods. The best part was James Elmer loved wool, and he loved Elizabeth Amelia. She created the woolliest home in town with wool rugs, lamps, and doors. The only thing missing was children and since Elizabeth Amelia loved wool, she searched for the perfect wool to knit a sweet baby. Using a loose strand from her own left foot, Elizabeth Amelia knitted a baby girl and named her True. Then she knitted a baby boy, and named him Bounce. Then she knitted a set of twins, January and February. All the wool came from her legs, so she could not leave her rocking chair. Her husband, James Elmer loved her so much; he had to find more wool so Elizabeth Amelia would be back to her bouncy self.
Painted in transparent watercolor, the illustrations are bright and very colorful, sure to catch the eye of young children. This is an imaginative story of how a mother’s longing for children was creatively solved. Young children should be entertained by the idea of a family of knitted children and the very colorful illustrations.
BIBLIO: 2009, Henry Holt and Co., Ages 4 - 8, $16.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-8050-6535-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Zero is the Leaves on the Tree
Betsy Franco
Illustrated by Shino Arihara
Counting from one to ten is a concept easily taught to children because they can handle the items to count: balls, pencils, marbles, and many other things. However, the concept of counting zero is not so easily taught. How do children touch a zero? This book shows children how to tactically understand what a zero is through simple shapes, objects and seasonal events. A few of the examples used are, when the snow has turned to slush and sleds cannot slide, the shape of an egg is a zero, or an empty ball bin on the recess playground. The sound snowflakes make when landing on mittens is a zero, an oak tree with no leaves in the cold of winter, and my favorite, the sound of stars filling the night sky. Even young children will be able to grasp the concept of zero with this easy to read and easy to understand this transferable skill.
The soft, colorful illustrations tell a second story to the author’s tale, and are fundamental to the children’s enjoyment.
BIBLIO: 2009, Tricycle Press, Ages 3 - 5, $15.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-58246-249-3
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Illustrated by Shino Arihara
Counting from one to ten is a concept easily taught to children because they can handle the items to count: balls, pencils, marbles, and many other things. However, the concept of counting zero is not so easily taught. How do children touch a zero? This book shows children how to tactically understand what a zero is through simple shapes, objects and seasonal events. A few of the examples used are, when the snow has turned to slush and sleds cannot slide, the shape of an egg is a zero, or an empty ball bin on the recess playground. The sound snowflakes make when landing on mittens is a zero, an oak tree with no leaves in the cold of winter, and my favorite, the sound of stars filling the night sky. Even young children will be able to grasp the concept of zero with this easy to read and easy to understand this transferable skill.
The soft, colorful illustrations tell a second story to the author’s tale, and are fundamental to the children’s enjoyment.
BIBLIO: 2009, Tricycle Press, Ages 3 - 5, $15.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-58246-249-3
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Monday, September 28, 2009
Bears on Chairs
Shirley Parenteau
Illustrated by David Walker
Sometimes sharing is not so easy to do. Four small bears, Calico, Fuzzy, Yellow, and Floppy, each have their own small chair. These chairs were made for small bears not for big bears. Which was just fine … until Big Brown Bear came along, who also wanted to sit on a small bear chair. The small bears tried to share a small chair with Big Brown Bear, but there just was not enough room for both of them. Big Brown Bear was so sad. He just wanted to sit on a chair too, but one small chair was not big enough for him. The four small bears got together and had a great idea – one that would make Big Brown Bear happy. Their idea was not just about making Big Brown Bear happy, but all five of the bears were happy, and the all learned a lesson in sharing.
This charming book with sweet pastel acrylic illustrations tells a wonderful story of sharing on a level that even preschool children will understand.
BIBLIO: 2009, Candlewick Press, Ages 3 - 5, $15.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3588-6
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Illustrated by David Walker
Sometimes sharing is not so easy to do. Four small bears, Calico, Fuzzy, Yellow, and Floppy, each have their own small chair. These chairs were made for small bears not for big bears. Which was just fine … until Big Brown Bear came along, who also wanted to sit on a small bear chair. The small bears tried to share a small chair with Big Brown Bear, but there just was not enough room for both of them. Big Brown Bear was so sad. He just wanted to sit on a chair too, but one small chair was not big enough for him. The four small bears got together and had a great idea – one that would make Big Brown Bear happy. Their idea was not just about making Big Brown Bear happy, but all five of the bears were happy, and the all learned a lesson in sharing.
This charming book with sweet pastel acrylic illustrations tells a wonderful story of sharing on a level that even preschool children will understand.
BIBLIO: 2009, Candlewick Press, Ages 3 - 5, $15.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3588-6
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Ned’s New Home
Kevin Tseng
Apples and apple pies … Ned just loved both. That was until his apple home began to rot and drip apple juice. Finally, Ned had to find a new home, but it wasn’t quite that easy. First Ned tried a pear, but it kept wobbling away. Next, Ned tried a watermelon, but it was too big. When Ned tried the blueberries, they just kept rolling away. The lemon was too sour, and Ned got lost in the green of the kiwi. Finally, Ned found a bunch of juicy red cherries. Each fruit Ned tried just wasn’t the same as the apple he used to live in. He was not ready for the big adventure that would lead to his new home, but he didn’t give up. Ned’s friends would enjoy his new home almost as much as he did.
The colorful watercolor illustrations bring the text to life and small children will delight in the simple story about a worm!
BIBLIO: 2009, Tricycle Press, Ages 3 - 5, $14.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-582-46297-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Apples and apple pies … Ned just loved both. That was until his apple home began to rot and drip apple juice. Finally, Ned had to find a new home, but it wasn’t quite that easy. First Ned tried a pear, but it kept wobbling away. Next, Ned tried a watermelon, but it was too big. When Ned tried the blueberries, they just kept rolling away. The lemon was too sour, and Ned got lost in the green of the kiwi. Finally, Ned found a bunch of juicy red cherries. Each fruit Ned tried just wasn’t the same as the apple he used to live in. He was not ready for the big adventure that would lead to his new home, but he didn’t give up. Ned’s friends would enjoy his new home almost as much as he did.
The colorful watercolor illustrations bring the text to life and small children will delight in the simple story about a worm!
BIBLIO: 2009, Tricycle Press, Ages 3 - 5, $14.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-1-582-46297-4
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Who Would Like a Christmas Tree?
Ellen Bryan Obed
Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Life on a Christmas tree farm is busy year round and it’s not just the farmer who has things to do. January through December the wildlife is depending on the tree farm for food and shelter. From the black-capped chickadees who count on the Christmas trees for three meals a day, to the field mice who never hibernates and nibbles the bark under the snow safe from predators. The white-tailed deer that snacks early in the morning and late in the day, and the robins that sit atop the Christmas trees and sings as the sun comes up and down each day, the tree farm is bustling with life well beyond the farmer and her family. Wild turkeys, wild flowers, monarch butterflies, and even garden spiders depend on the Christmas tree farm to be fed and protected, during the year. But what keeps the Christmas tree farm going? Each December families go to the plantation to choose their special Christmas tree. The farmer provides hot cider and spicy Christmas cookies for each family.
This book is a great reminder to every one of the practical resources that trees provide to wildlife. At the end of the book there is a description of how the farmer takes care of her Christmas tree farm. Educationally speaking, this book earns an “A”. While the colorful watercolor and ink illustrations complete the text, making it a more than a non-fiction piece, but a story-telling gem.
BIBLIO: 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 4 - 8, $16.00
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Non-Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-547-04625-9
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Illustrated by Anne Hunter
Life on a Christmas tree farm is busy year round and it’s not just the farmer who has things to do. January through December the wildlife is depending on the tree farm for food and shelter. From the black-capped chickadees who count on the Christmas trees for three meals a day, to the field mice who never hibernates and nibbles the bark under the snow safe from predators. The white-tailed deer that snacks early in the morning and late in the day, and the robins that sit atop the Christmas trees and sings as the sun comes up and down each day, the tree farm is bustling with life well beyond the farmer and her family. Wild turkeys, wild flowers, monarch butterflies, and even garden spiders depend on the Christmas tree farm to be fed and protected, during the year. But what keeps the Christmas tree farm going? Each December families go to the plantation to choose their special Christmas tree. The farmer provides hot cider and spicy Christmas cookies for each family.
This book is a great reminder to every one of the practical resources that trees provide to wildlife. At the end of the book there is a description of how the farmer takes care of her Christmas tree farm. Educationally speaking, this book earns an “A”. While the colorful watercolor and ink illustrations complete the text, making it a more than a non-fiction piece, but a story-telling gem.
BIBLIO: 2009, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Ages 4 - 8, $16.00
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Non-Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-547-04625-9
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/27/09
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Elly – My True Story of the Holocaust
Elly Berkovits Gross
Before the Germans came, her father worked hard and her mother was a homemaker. Elly was an only child for ten year’s until her baby brother Adalbert was born. She took great joy in taking care of him, taking him to pick wild strawberries, blackberries, and wildflowers for their mother. Their parents had great dreams for their son … until the spring when the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia. Life changed dramatically for Elly and her family. Adolf Hitler with his slogan, “Kill the Jews”, spread across one country to another and her family sustained one hardship after another. First her father was forced into hard labor, where he eventually died, then Elly, her mother and young brother were shipped away on cattle cars. As a child, Elly had blond hair, and blue eyes, like her fraternal Grandmother, perhaps that is why she survived the Holocaust – she looked more German than Jewish. Her childhood quickly ended. Although she got a taste of the Jewish discrimination while still living in her hometown of Simleu Silvaniei, Romania, a city in the valley by Meses Mountains. Elly’s nightmare was Auschwitz-II/Birkenau concentration camp in Poland and she never saw her mother or brother again. At the age of 15 she learned to survive horrific conditions that took it’s toll on her emotionally, physically, and personally. She persevered and one long torturous year later, the Allies and American forces freed the survivors of the concentration death camps. Elly’s story is compelling and a must read. From her childhood to loosing her parents and brother, to meeting Dr. Mengele, to meeting her husband, Elly’s story is one of suffering, survival, and finally joy.
This book is written to everyone, chapters are short, poetry is included, and anyone who doubts the reality of the Holocaust will become a believer after reading Elly’s book. About half way through are photographs of family, and concentration camps. It is a must read.
BIBLIO: 2009, Scholastic Inc., Ages 11 Up, $14.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Non-Fiction/Memoir
ISBN: 978-0-545-07494-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/5/09
Before the Germans came, her father worked hard and her mother was a homemaker. Elly was an only child for ten year’s until her baby brother Adalbert was born. She took great joy in taking care of him, taking him to pick wild strawberries, blackberries, and wildflowers for their mother. Their parents had great dreams for their son … until the spring when the Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia. Life changed dramatically for Elly and her family. Adolf Hitler with his slogan, “Kill the Jews”, spread across one country to another and her family sustained one hardship after another. First her father was forced into hard labor, where he eventually died, then Elly, her mother and young brother were shipped away on cattle cars. As a child, Elly had blond hair, and blue eyes, like her fraternal Grandmother, perhaps that is why she survived the Holocaust – she looked more German than Jewish. Her childhood quickly ended. Although she got a taste of the Jewish discrimination while still living in her hometown of Simleu Silvaniei, Romania, a city in the valley by Meses Mountains. Elly’s nightmare was Auschwitz-II/Birkenau concentration camp in Poland and she never saw her mother or brother again. At the age of 15 she learned to survive horrific conditions that took it’s toll on her emotionally, physically, and personally. She persevered and one long torturous year later, the Allies and American forces freed the survivors of the concentration death camps. Elly’s story is compelling and a must read. From her childhood to loosing her parents and brother, to meeting Dr. Mengele, to meeting her husband, Elly’s story is one of suffering, survival, and finally joy.
This book is written to everyone, chapters are short, poetry is included, and anyone who doubts the reality of the Holocaust will become a believer after reading Elly’s book. About half way through are photographs of family, and concentration camps. It is a must read.
BIBLIO: 2009, Scholastic Inc., Ages 11 Up, $14.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Non-Fiction/Memoir
ISBN: 978-0-545-07494-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/5/09
God Found Us You
Lisa Tawn Bergren
Illustrations by Laura J. Bryant
This is a story of a mother with an unfulfilled heart longing to love a child. The only way she knew to have a complete family was through prayer and faith. So she waited and believed, and seasons changed while she prayed “like crazy”, and one day, she believed God would bring a Little Fox for her to love. Finally, her prayers and dreams came true, and Little Fox die come into her life. It’s a story he loves to hear over and over … the day he came home. And so, Mama Fox explains to Little Fox how lonely she was before God brought him for her to love. She tells him how she waited and prayed for him … how he would look, and how he would smell.
This is a charming story of adoption, when faith and hope are given free reign and the timing is given to God, whose timing is always perfect. The illustrations are perfect for this book: reflecting Ms. Bryant’s talents with the detail. Adding to the frivolity of the book is the typeface used on the pages.
BIBLIO: 2009, HarperBlessings, Ages 3 - 7, $10.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-06-113176-9
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/3/09
Illustrations by Laura J. Bryant
This is a story of a mother with an unfulfilled heart longing to love a child. The only way she knew to have a complete family was through prayer and faith. So she waited and believed, and seasons changed while she prayed “like crazy”, and one day, she believed God would bring a Little Fox for her to love. Finally, her prayers and dreams came true, and Little Fox die come into her life. It’s a story he loves to hear over and over … the day he came home. And so, Mama Fox explains to Little Fox how lonely she was before God brought him for her to love. She tells him how she waited and prayed for him … how he would look, and how he would smell.
This is a charming story of adoption, when faith and hope are given free reign and the timing is given to God, whose timing is always perfect. The illustrations are perfect for this book: reflecting Ms. Bryant’s talents with the detail. Adding to the frivolity of the book is the typeface used on the pages.
BIBLIO: 2009, HarperBlessings, Ages 3 - 7, $10.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-06-113176-9
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/3/09
Meet My Neighbor, the Artist
Marc Crabtree
David Scott is a neighbor artist who works with paints and pencils. Mr. Scott introduces his wife and baby son and then shows steps he takes in painting his pictures. Paints must be placed on a glass palette and some mixed to create other colors. He has been painting a picture of a house, which he paints with his son on his lap. Paintings of ducks, a starling, and a bald eagle shows another side to Mr. Scott’s talent. Using pencils in drawings, he starts with very sharp pencils and a magnifying glass to get the details correct. When his projects are completed, he takes his pictures to a framer who then hangs them on a wall so Mr. Scott can see them before taking them to the gallery. At the gallery potential buyers can then view the pictures and purchase them.
Mr. Crabtree has included a picture glossary at the back of the book to help the reader understand included terms. The photographs were taken by the author and are colorful and help tell the story of the artist, Mr. Scott.
BIBLIO: 2009, Crabtree Publishing Co., Ages 4-6, $6.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Literature
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4579-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/19/09
David Scott is a neighbor artist who works with paints and pencils. Mr. Scott introduces his wife and baby son and then shows steps he takes in painting his pictures. Paints must be placed on a glass palette and some mixed to create other colors. He has been painting a picture of a house, which he paints with his son on his lap. Paintings of ducks, a starling, and a bald eagle shows another side to Mr. Scott’s talent. Using pencils in drawings, he starts with very sharp pencils and a magnifying glass to get the details correct. When his projects are completed, he takes his pictures to a framer who then hangs them on a wall so Mr. Scott can see them before taking them to the gallery. At the gallery potential buyers can then view the pictures and purchase them.
Mr. Crabtree has included a picture glossary at the back of the book to help the reader understand included terms. The photographs were taken by the author and are colorful and help tell the story of the artist, Mr. Scott.
BIBLIO: 2009, Crabtree Publishing Co., Ages 4-6, $6.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Literature
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4579-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 8/19/09
Peace Comes to Ajani
Keith Kelly
The effects of war have made an impact on Ajani and his family when his dad was killed in action. The repercussions seem to be insurmountable for Ajani, both at home and at school. Ajani developed a problem with anger that created a rift between him and his friends. Then a new student in Ajani’s school seemed to be getting along better with his friends than Ajani did. While Ajani tried to deal with his grief, his anger consumed all of his relationships … family, friends, and school. Through a series of unfortunate events, Ajani was given an opportunity to learn to deal with his grief. Finally, in an attempt to help Ajani manage his anger, his mother arranged an after school job for him. What should have been a positive example for Ajani, just created more tension, yet lead to a better life lesson in the end. Ajani not only finally found the peace he struggled for, but a richer life than he expected.
This is a wonderful story of redemption from tragedy and so timely given the status of our country’s armed forces. The illustrations provided by Mr. Kelly are colorful and dramatic adding the necessary touch.
BIBLIO: 2009, Carolina Wren Press, Ages 10-14, $9.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-932112-59-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/3/09
The effects of war have made an impact on Ajani and his family when his dad was killed in action. The repercussions seem to be insurmountable for Ajani, both at home and at school. Ajani developed a problem with anger that created a rift between him and his friends. Then a new student in Ajani’s school seemed to be getting along better with his friends than Ajani did. While Ajani tried to deal with his grief, his anger consumed all of his relationships … family, friends, and school. Through a series of unfortunate events, Ajani was given an opportunity to learn to deal with his grief. Finally, in an attempt to help Ajani manage his anger, his mother arranged an after school job for him. What should have been a positive example for Ajani, just created more tension, yet lead to a better life lesson in the end. Ajani not only finally found the peace he struggled for, but a richer life than he expected.
This is a wonderful story of redemption from tragedy and so timely given the status of our country’s armed forces. The illustrations provided by Mr. Kelly are colorful and dramatic adding the necessary touch.
BIBLIO: 2009, Carolina Wren Press, Ages 10-14, $9.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-932112-59-0
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/3/09
Reflections of Me – Girls and Body Image
Kris Hirschmann
In today’s society, body image has become a billion-dollar business. The media along with celebrity influence has produced an unrealistic expectation not just for women, but also for preteen and teen girls. The five chapters of “Reflections of Me – Girls and Body Image”, speaks frankly to young girls encouraging them to recognize the uniqueness of each one of them through personality, talents, strengths, and gifts. Girls are encouraged to develop hobbies and interests. Then to recognize the changes of their bodies through the normal developmental changes their bodies go through. Additionally, the young teen girls are advised to avoid dieting, but rather to eat healthy meals, get plenty of exercise, sleep well, improve their posture and practice good hygiene. The girls can also learn to dress appropriately while still reflecting their own style. To build a sense of self-esteem, the author recommends volunteering and becoming involved in sports. The author secured the advice of Dr. Woods of the Dept. of Psychology of Saddleback College, CA. Included in the book is a quiz to reinforce the knowledge learned, a glossary of the terms used, and additional pages where the reader can access resources regarding the information presented in the book.
This is a very well presented book of issues young teen and teenage girls will have to deal with. The language is up-to-date and celebrity personalities used as examples are current and positive.
BIBLIO: 2009, Compass Point Books, Ages 11-16, $27.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Non-Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4132-3
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/3/09
In today’s society, body image has become a billion-dollar business. The media along with celebrity influence has produced an unrealistic expectation not just for women, but also for preteen and teen girls. The five chapters of “Reflections of Me – Girls and Body Image”, speaks frankly to young girls encouraging them to recognize the uniqueness of each one of them through personality, talents, strengths, and gifts. Girls are encouraged to develop hobbies and interests. Then to recognize the changes of their bodies through the normal developmental changes their bodies go through. Additionally, the young teen girls are advised to avoid dieting, but rather to eat healthy meals, get plenty of exercise, sleep well, improve their posture and practice good hygiene. The girls can also learn to dress appropriately while still reflecting their own style. To build a sense of self-esteem, the author recommends volunteering and becoming involved in sports. The author secured the advice of Dr. Woods of the Dept. of Psychology of Saddleback College, CA. Included in the book is a quiz to reinforce the knowledge learned, a glossary of the terms used, and additional pages where the reader can access resources regarding the information presented in the book.
This is a very well presented book of issues young teen and teenage girls will have to deal with. The language is up-to-date and celebrity personalities used as examples are current and positive.
BIBLIO: 2009, Compass Point Books, Ages 11-16, $27.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Non-Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-7565-4132-3
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 9/3/09
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