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Book review by Lisa Barker, http://www.jellymom-bookreviews.blogspot.com
Monday, July 06, 2009
Too Too many Tutus (Ages 4 - 8)
* * * Too Too Many tutus Author: Suzanne Davis Marion Illustrator: Marj Hales Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (February 24, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1439218471 ISBN-13: 978-1439218471
Book description: Christina has a problem. Her ballet class is coming up, and she must decide which one of her many tutus to wear. She lays them all carefully on her bed to help her decide. The decision is difficult, because the colors are each so vibrant and lovely. She imagines herself inspired to dance in a unique and special way in each tutu, with each color evoking its own particular imagery. In her blue tutu she could dance by the sea, with the birds and fishes joining in. In her green tutu she could do a forest dance among the trees, and in the meadows. Her orange tutu creates images of a joyous dance in the firelight at sunset. There are other colors too, each suggesting its own special mood. At last she receives some wise counsel in solving her dilemma, and helping her to make the correct choice.
Book review: Wonderful! Colorful, vibrant and imaginative. Your young reader (daughter, most definitely) will love the many colors and feelings the story evokes as she imagines with Christina what it would be like to wear each tutu. I loved the watercolor illustrations. The story and pictures are a great marriage for this book. Loved it.
* * * Famous Figures of Ancient Times Author: Cathy Diez-Luckie Paperback: 96 pages Publisher: Figures In Motion; First Edition edition (April 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0981856608 ISBN-13: 978-0981856605
Book description: Make Your Own Action Figures From Ancient History! Make history come alive in Ancient Egypt, Greece, China, Rome, and Jerusalem! Cut-and-color or pre-coloered action figures really move ans you play out the lives of Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, King David, Jesus, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, Hannibal (and his elephant!) and other - or make up your own stories about these powerful men whose fame has lasted for thousands of years. Yes, they really move! Move their arms and legs, use their swords and shields, and act out their stories at home or at school - over and over again. History has never been so much fun! Emperors! Conquerors! Philosophers! These 20 people shaped history - and our world today. Yes, you can also read about their amazing lives, right in this book. Attention Teachers and Parents: use this book to reinforce the wonder of history and to support any ancient history curriculum through hands-on activities. Note: Your child will need a hole punch and inexpensive fasteners (available at stationary or craft stores-please see resources page).
Book review: What an awesome hands on approach to ancient history! Definitely worth purchasing for your homeschool library because you can make history lessons come alive through the use of 'paper dolls.' Helps kids visualize and relate to history. High quality cut-outs in color or black and white for photo-copying.
* * Houdini's Gift Author: Jeanne Gehret, M.A. Illustrator: Michael LaDuca Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Verbal Images Press (September 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0982198221 ISBN-13: 978-0982198223
Book description: Revisiting well-loved characters from a past adventure, this picture book presents animal-loving Ben with the challenge of having another pet after losing his pet hamster. Knowing that Ben is not ready to care for a new pet, his parents help him develop responsibility and readiness by using a reward chart. Young readers will enjoy sharing the secret that Mom keeps from Ben through the whole process of selecting and preparing for the new pet. The advice within the story shows how families living with ADHD or learning disabilities will gain solace by fine-tuning desired behaviors through setting and pursuing goals.
Book review: A great companion to Eagle Eyes. Having a character that the ADHD child can relate to and look up to is wonderful. Having a series of books with the same character is even better! Jeanne Gehret's books are sure to encourage ADHD kiddos as they work with therapists, teachers and their family members to master new skills and tactics that will help them live well.
* * * The Don't-give-up Kid Author: Jeanne Gehret, M.A. Illustrator: Michael LaDuca Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Verbal Images Press (September 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0982198205 ISBN-13: 978-0982198209
Book description: This revised edition about Alex, a child with learning disabilities, has been updated with completely new illustrations and reflects the use of the latest tactile techniques used in schools. In this story, Alex is inventing a cookie snatcher, but his lack of reading skills and impatience means that he needs extra help. There are new discussion starters for parents and professionals, and positive solutions are presented to help build a positive image for the learning-disabled child.
Book review: If you have a child with dyslexia, this book will be a winner showing that there are different ways of learning while encouraging your kiddo to never give up. What I really like about Jeanne Gehret's books is that they don't speak down to the child. The characters express their frustration and experience with their disabilities and then find good resolutions and a sense of accomplishment along with a boost to self-confidence and self-esteem, something a learning disability can rob you of before you get good help.
Book description: Revised with new illustrations, this tale begins with the hero’s fascination with nature, then shows how ADHD negatively affects his family dynamics, schoolwork, and self-esteem. The hallmarks of ADHD—impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity, as well as difficulty sleeping—are clearly shown in this story. Newer updates of the treatment process are provided, including relaxation techniques, medication, and an entire song that a child can sing to help them gather school materials before leaving home. Discussion starters to help parents and professionals expand on the meaning of the book are included for use with individuals or groups of children.
Book review: What a great book! The updates really hit home helping the ADHD reader identify with the character and come up with solutions as well as the opportunity to feel really good about himself. I really like that the story emphasizes the good things about ADHD that, when combined with good medicine and therapy, can be real assets.
* * * The Forever Dog Author: Bill Cochran Illustrator: Dan Andreasen Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: HarperCollins (April 3, 2007) Language: English ISBN-10: 0060539399 ISBN-13: 978-0060539399
Book description: No one knows exactly what kind of dog Corky is, but if you ask his owner, Mike, the answer is simple: "He's my dog."
Mike and Corky are best friends; they do everything together. In fact they even make a plan. Mike tells Corky that they will always do everything together—forever. It is their Forever Plan.
And it works well. From one year to the next Corky is right there with Mike. Until one day, when Mike comes home from school and Corky isn't there . . .
Book Review: I may be biased because our beloved dog just passed away, but I think Bill Cochran nailed it with this all too familiar topic. A great read for your kiddo especially after the loss of a pet. No sugar-coating, yet Cochran helps little ones face and cope with death and loss especially the loss of a furry best friend. And you just can't help but fall in love with Corky, thanks to the wonderful work of illustrator Dan Andreasen who guides the reader through joy, love, loss and peace.
My Parents Are Divorced, My Elbows Have Nicknames... (Ages 4-8)
* * My Parents Are Divorced, My Elbows Have Nicknames, and Other Facts About Me Author: Bill Cochran Illustrator: Steve Bjorkman Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (June 9, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0060539429 ISBN-13: 978-0060539429
Book description: Ted's parents are divorced, but that's just one fact about him. The fact that he has named his elbows Clyde and Carl? Or that Ted walks around with soap in his hair and likes to squawk like a chicken on the phone? Now, that's definitely weird.
As shown in this lighthearted yet heartfelt account, life with divorced parents isn't always easy, but above all Ted knows he's loved—and there's nothing weird about that at all.
Book review: The only thing keeping me from giving this book three stars is the fact that circumstances surrounding divorce are different for every family and this book may or may not be an appropriate fit for your kiddo. That said, Bill Cochran does an outstanding job tackling the weirdness of divorce with a spunky character that feels good about himself even though divorce hurts, stinks and he has no control over that. A good book to help your kiddo search out his feelings about divorce, stepparents and readjustment while reinforcing just how much all his parents love him.
* * * Hook Author/Illustrator: Ed Young Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (April 28, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1596433639 ISBN-13: 978-1596433632
Book description: A young eagle learns to soar in Caldecott-winner Ed Young's newest work. With beautiful, sweeping artwork and spare, lyrical text, Ed Young tells the story of a boy who finds an egg and gives it to a flock of chickens. When the egg hatches not a chick but an eaglet, the hens, the roosters, and the boy all band together to help the young bird fly. In this lovely story about friendship and dedication, the eaglet perseveres and leaves behind the dusty earth for endless pastel skies.
Book review: Is there anything Ed Young can't illustrate? I know my kiddo and I are in for a great treat when I see his name on the cover. Tender, touching, triumphant. You and your little one will root for Hook as he grows and develops into the noble bird he was created to be..."for he wasn't meant for earth."
* * * Tsunami! Author: Kimiko Kajikawa Illustrator: Ed Young Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Philomel (February 5, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 0399250069 ISBN-13: 978-0399250064
Book description:Tsunami! tells the story of an old farmer in Japan who saves an entire village from destruction by a tsunami.
Book review: A touching and true story with unbelievable illustrations by Ed Young using cut and torn paper. Teaches children about sacrificial love of neighbor without getting in the way of the story - pensive, suspenseful, heart-warming. Very well done.
* * * If America Were a Village Author: David J. Smith Illustrator: Shelagh Armstrong Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1554533449 ISBN-13: 978-1554533442
Product description: America, with all its diversity, is not easily defined. David J. Smith's If America Were a Village takes a snapshot - past, present and future - to help define America for children. Using the same successful metaphor of the international bestseller If the World Were a Village, the book shrinks down America to a village of 100. The metaphor helps children easily understand American ethnic origins, religions, family profiles, occupations, wealth, belongings and more. Shelagh Armstrong's expansive illustrations imagine America as a classic, vibrant small town. Who are the people living in this vast and varied nation? Where did they come from? What are they like today? How do they compare with people in other countries? The book's simple statistical analysis provides a new way of learning about where people live in America, the state of their health, the shapes and sizes of families, what they use and more - forming a concise picture of a country. If America Were a Village is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.
Book review: A great book that should be in every classroom. Smith and Armstrong help kids (and adults) clarify who makes up this great country, where we all came from and how we live. Discover these and other fascinating statistics that we can use to compare America with the rest of the world. Definitely gives a global perspective and is the perfect companion to If The World Were a Village.
* * * Too Too Many tutus
