Book Review: Frankie, The Walk 'n Roll Dog by Barbara Gail Techel

Title: Frankie, The Walk 'n Roll Dog
Author: Barbara Gail Techel
Illustrator: Victoria Kay Lieffring
Publisher: Joyful Paw Prints
Released: January 11, 2008
Website: http://joyfulpaws.com/

Book Summary:
A true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom-fitted for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible. Frankie will leave an everlasting and loving paw print on your heart. A book for all ages to teach overcoming challenges and also compassion for the physically challenged.





This book is sure to be a hit with dog lovers.  A story of hope and inspiration that shows the love, care and dedication of Frankie's family.  My 6 year old daughter was fascinated by this book and we both learned something new.  We ended up going online to look at pictures of dogs who use the doggie equivalent of wheelchairs to get around.

The illustrations of the dog were well done but some of the other illustrations, especially those of people, were not my favorite.  There was a lot of text on the pages making it a longer read aloud and a couple times my daughter was ready for the page to be turned before I was done reading.

An interesting story about overcoming challenges and not giving up.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source: From Author

Book Review: The Snowman's Revenge by Mark Smythe

Title: The Snowman's Revenge
Author: Mark Smythe
Illustrator: Mike Motz
Publisher: Mark Smythe
Released: May 9, 2009
Website: http://thesnowmansrevenge.com/

Book Summary:

A snowman left out in the cold by himself is out for revenge, especially after he sees kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies, and drinking hot chocolate. This delightful story flows with rhymed verse, and is beautifully illustrated.

I really didn't know what to think of this book so I decide to it aloud to all 5 of my kids ages 6-17 to get their reaction. My older kids were disappointment with the ending. The snowman doesn't actually get revenge and they thought he should have been able to scare the children. If  a snow man is able to come to life then certainly he should be able to do more than just melt when he gets in a warm house. My youngest said she wouldn't want to read it all the time and that it was ok and she liked it.

This is a rhyming story but I didn't feel the text flowed as smoothly as it could have. There were a few times the verses just didn't flow of my tongue. I liked the illustrations although a couple of them are a little scary looking.

So not a favorite of mine but one I wouldn't complain about if asked by my daughter to read again.

Rating: 3 Stars - Worth Reading

Source: From Author

Book Review: Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs by Willy Claflin

Title: Rapunzel and the Seven Dwarfs: A Maynard Moose Tale
Author: by Willy Claflin
Illustrator: James Stimson
Publisher: August House Publishers
Released: April 16, 2011
Website: http://www.willyclaflin.com

Book Summary:

From the award winning creative team who brought you The Uglified Ducky, a Texas Bluebonnet Master Reading List Finalist, comes the latest fractured fairy tale from Maynard Moose. You may think you know the story of Rapunzel, or the Seven Dwarfs, but think again. In the capable hands of his narrator Maynard Moose, storytellerWilly Claflin takes us on a wacky journey where family becomes fambly and extremely becomes distremely. (English teachers take heart; a Moose-English glossary is included.)

This book was funny. My six year old daughter loved it and I think it will likely be a hit with my 10 year old son as well. It's a fractured fairy tale complete with a bald Rapunzel, 9 dwarfs and a 512 lb. prince. It's pointless, told with poorly written grammar & made up words and has no moral to the story. It's just humourous, silly story.

If I had to actually read this book I wouldn't have loved it nearly as much as I did. Thankfully it comes with a Audio CD where the author reads it to us in his moose voice making it a very entertaining read.

4 Stars - Great Book

Source: Publisher

Picture Book Review: There's Just Something About A Boy by Jenny Lee Sulpizio

Title: There's Just Something About A Boy
Author: Jenny Lee Sulpizio
Illustrator: Peg Lozier
Publisher: Ajoyin Publishing
Released: September 23, 2011
Website: http://www.jennysulpizio.com/

Book Summary:

There's Just Something About a Boy is a children's keepsake picture book celebrating the special bond between a mother and her newborn son by depicting the love, laughter, and unparalleled adventure that will surely come from raising a little boy.

This is another wonderful book by Author Jenny Lee Sulpizio. I had the priveledge of reviewing her first book Mommy Whispers last year and was thrilled to receive a review copy of her newest book There's Just Something About a Boy.

Jenny's latest book captures the joy of raising a son.  This book is a treasure that would be the perfect gift for a mother of a newborn baby boy.  It would also a make great book to read aloud to preschool and primary aged sons or as a gift to let a son know how much your cherish him.

Having just taught my oldest son to drive I can relate to the page on teaching a teen to drive.  Before I know it all three of my boys will be grown and gone but in my heart they will always my special gifts from God.  This touching, heartfelt book leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Rating: 5 Stars - Loved it!

Source: From Author for Review

Picture Book Review: Gary's Gray World by Ryan J. Cunningham

Title: Gary's Gray World
Author: Ryan J. Cunningham
Illustrator: Chrissy Fanslau
Publisher: Plain & Simple Books
Released: July 30, 2011
Website: http://imagination-inspiration.webs.com/
http://plainandsimplebooks.webs.com/


Book Summary:

When Gary's father is too busy to play, a scary moment at the baseball field brings his dad rushing to the park to rescue him. But instead the two discover that making time for each other is the most important thing in a father and son relationship.

Gary's Gray World is a picture book that reminds us what is really important in life - spending time with family. Gary's dad is too busy with work and misses the annual father and son baseball game leaving Gary feeling disappointed and ultimately alone. A misunderstanding brings Gary's dad rushing to the ball field where he realizes spending time with Gary is the most important thing.

This book has a cut & pasted feel to it. Pictures on one page, writing on another. One of the pictures is grainy making it look like a smaller image was enlarged too much. Several times the same image is used more than once and has just been cropped.

Rating: 3 Stars - Worth reading if you have the time

Source: Another book that showed up in my mailbox, I'm assuming from the author or publisher.

Picture Book Review: Sardoodledom: A Spelling Bee Tale by Krishna Dalal

Title: Sardoodledom: A Spelling Bee Tale
Author: Krishna Dalal
Illustrator: Jessica Warrick
Publisher: One World Publishing
Release Date: September 11, 2011
Website: One World Publishing

Book Summary:

Join Chloe, Ryan, Juan, and Hannah as they spell their way through the 9th Annual Jefferson Elementary School spelling bee. Whether it's playing with rhyme, telling knock knock jokes, or tackling homophones, these spellers will keep you in splits. And will one lucky charm prove to be unlucky? This dramatic spelling bee can only be summed up by Chloe's favorite word: sardoodledom.

I learned a new word today: Sardoodledom. I didn't even know it was a real word prior to reading this book. Sardoodledom = overly dramatic, almost unbelievable.

In Sardoodledom 4 students with very different personalities compete in the second grade spelling bee. One child loves spelling big words, another loves rhyming, the third loves to tell jokes and the fourth is terrified of homophones. Along the way we also learn of palindromes and oxymorons until the adventure ends as one great big Sardoodledom.

A cute book with many possibilities for use in a teaching setting.

Here's my own lame attempt at a knock, knock joke:

"Knock Knock"
Who's There?
"Dewey?"
Dewey Who?
"Dewey need to read this book?"
Most definitely!

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source:  I'm assuming from the author or publisher - it just showed up in my mailbox.

Book Review: What Are You Thinking by Valerie Ackley

Title: What Are You Thinking?
Author: Valerie Ackley
Publisher: Brigham Distributing
Release Date: August 2, 2010

Our thoughts, be it positive or negative, determine who we are and what we become. That is why helping our children understand the power of thoughts from an early age is essential.
Studies show that children with negative thoughts are more likely to give up; they lack confidence and motivation. On the other hand, children who think positively take on their life, they overcome challenges, they are more enthusiastic, and driven. Author, Valerie Ackley, illustrates the power of our thoughts in the award winning book, What Are You Thinking? This book introduces children to the Law of Attraction. Beautifully illustrated with fun characters and humorous situations, this amazing creation teaches the power of the mind and the importance of wisely selecting our dominant thoughts.
“What Are You Thinking?” will inspire creativity, confidence, goal setting, gratitude, and HOW to turn a bad day around! Parents can use this book as a spring board to discuss healthy vs. unhealthy “thinking habits” with their children.

What are you thinking is a great way to introduce the idea of The Law of Attraction to children.  Having positive thoughts and focusing on the good will bring happiness and joy in life.  I'm one who has always had a "Pollyanna" outlook - If you look for the good you will find it so I appreciate the message this book has.  I choose to view life through rose colored glasses.

The pictures are bright, bold and busy.  There is a lot going on in the pages of this book.  My daughter sat and listened as I read this and seemed to grasp the concepts being taught.

Source: From author via Mediaguests.net

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book




You can read more about Valerie Ackley and her book, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? by visiting her website at www.whatareyouthinkingbook.com.



For all the tour stops please visit: http://mediaguests.net/online-tours/what-are-you-thinking/

Brave Rooney by Gerry Renert

Brave Rooney by Gerry Renert

Ordinary boy Rooney shows up at Captain Majestic Memorial School, an elementary school for superheroes. Through the story, he shows all his superhero classmates what it means to be truly brave. Story is meant to build the player's self-esteem.
Features: Over 50 interactive features and animations, 23 pages of illustrations, narrated by author Gerry Renert (three-time Emmy-nominated kids' TV writer), highlighted reading text, Read to Me or I Can Read options, visual page index.

I'm slowly working my way into the world of technology. I now have a Kindle & just got my daughter a Nook. I thought I was keeping up fairly well but apparently not... Today I was introduced to digital interactive books that come as apps for the iphone or ipad. I'm still behind the times... I don't own an iphone just my ancient dated cell phone so I reviewed a pdf version of this book and viewed the you tube video to see how the app works. Pretty cool. I know my kindergartner would love this book.

As a story this books works. Even without the digital interactive features this made an entertaining read, one that I would read over and over to my children.  So for those of you who have small children and an iPhone or iPad these new interactive digital books may be something worth looking into.

Currently the only way to get this book is through iTunes.

.

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: PDF review copy from author

Book Review: Gabby God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh

Gabby, God's Little Angel

This first book in a delightful new series offers a comforting message for young readers-God loves you very much and is always watching over you!
What little girl wouldn't love her very own guardian angel? Parents and children alike will be won over by this humorous tale of Gabby, a guardian angel in training who has much to learn about taking care of God's little ones. Her new assignment is to protect a young girl named Sophie, but Gabby soon realizes that watching after Sophie is a bigger challenge than she had expected! After a close call while riding her pony, Sophie learns what the Bible says about guardian angels: "He will put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go" (Psalm 91:11 ICB).

I'm one who believes the message of this book - that God is watching over us and angels are all around us helping and protecting us.  I really enjoyed this cute story of Gabby, a guardian angel in training.  Gabby herself is a little clumsy and has a lot to learn about being a guardian angel.  She is assigned to watch over Sophie and finds they have a lot in common.  But being a guardian angel isn't as simple as it seems.

The pictures in this book are adorable and the story was humorous and flowed well making it a great read aloud for a child ages 4+.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Blog Tour

Gabby God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh was released September 20, 2011 by Thomas Nelson.

Book Review - Author Interview & Ebook Giveaway - First Spring by Margaret Rose

Welcome to Author Margaret Rose!

Bio:

I'm married and have two children who keep us very busy. I think my car keys are permanently attached to my hand!

I've been professional writer for a really long time and became a published author in 2009.

Interview:

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose? 
James Scott, President Bill Clinton, Tiger Woods, Barbra Walters, Hillary Clinton


If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I'd like to be able to fly.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
Pope John Paul II

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? 
I love crispy hash browns with eggs over hard. If that isn't available, Belgian waffles with toasted pecans are a close second.

Night owl, or early bird? 
Early bird, except on the days I have to get up, then I could sleep 'til noon. LOL

One food you would never eat? 
Snake. Anything snake-related makes me shudder. I've already eaten quite a few things I never thought I would, but none of them gave me the willies the way snake does.

Pet Peeves? 
People who don't think for themselves. Elbow grease isn't just for elbows, you know.

Skittles or M&Ms?
Peanut butter M&Ms to be precise.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 
It'll melt your heart on a trip down memory lane.

Any other books in the works? 
I'm writing a beautiful, romantic ghost story and then I'm starting a young adult piece about living your dream.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I'm hardwired to write. If I'm not writing, I'm thinking about writing. I work as a writer and I write novels in my spare time.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors? 
Take the time to learn the craft of writing. There's nothing worse than having your manuscript rejected because technically you aren't a capable writer. Seek beta readers and others who know the craft instead of family and friends who love you and everything you write.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters? 
I'm the mom in First Spring. This story is about me and my youngest son.

Favorite Food? 
Frosting with a side order of cake. LOL

How do you react to a bad review? 
I say thank you and move on. They hurt, but no author should risk their reputation by getting into a public battle with a reviewer. This business is very subjective and well connected. Bad behavior gets around quickly.

If you were a bird, which one would you be? 
A black capped chickadee.

What's your favorite season/weather?
Autumn. I love the colors, the anticipation of the back-to-back holidays, and the cooler temperatures.

Who or what inspired you to become an author? 
Unemployment. Sounds sad, but I suddenly had time on my hands—lots of it. I've been a professional writer for over 25 years, but I've only written fiction for about four. Almost everything I'd previously written was advertising or business-to-business and it was very, very short. The idea of writing a book scared me. It's very complicated work. Readers don't realize all the insanity involved with writing fiction.

First Spring by Margaret Rose

A green carpet lays where snow once did. Springtime flowers and crawly bugs confuse and delight baby as he explores Mother Nature with Momma for the first time in this delightful nursery rhyme.

REVIEW:
First spring is a rhyming story of a young toddler experiencing the wonders of spring for the first time.  The young boy discovers green grass, flowers, bugs, the warmth of the sun, the sound of birds and bubbles blown by his mother.  This book aimed at small children makes a great read aloud.

Rating: 4 Stars


Source: From Author for Review




EBook Giveaway:
1 pdf copy of First Spring
Open to anyone
Ends 10/4/11
To enter just leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you if you win.  For an extra entry (+1) follow Margaret's blog: http://www.margaretrosewrites.blogspot.com/

Blog Tour: Book Review - Stanley Seagull by Cathy Mazur

Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Stanley Seagull is a children's picture book that could be used to teach several concepts. Filled with colorful illustrations, this book could be a springboard for a discussion on listening, conservation, healthy eating, consequences or not giving up.  Most of us can probably easily relate to Stanley's predicament and have likewise found ourselves in a bad situation because we didn't listen or pay attention to what was going on around us.  Hopefully like Stanley we don't give up but instead keep searching until we find our way out.

Rating: 3.5 Stars - Good Book

Source: From Publisher for Review

Stanley Seagull web site:
http://www.StanleySeagull.com

Stanley Seagull YouTube video book trailer:


Stanely Seagull was released on June 27, 2011 by TB Press.

Book Review: Ruby, Violet, Lime by Jane Brocket

Ruby flowers, violet quilts, lime frosting--colors are all around us. How many colors can you find in the pages of this book?

I adore the beautiful, vivid, bright pictures in Jane Brocket's newest book Ruby, Violet, Lime: Looking for Color.

This book would make a great read aloud for preschool children and would help teach the concepts of the color wheel to elementary aged children.  Primary colors, secondary colors, black, white, brown, gray, pink, silver and gold are all featured with amazing color photographs.

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Netgalley

Ruby, Lime, Violet: Looking for Color by Jane Brocket was released on September 1, 2011 by Millbrook Pr.

Book Review: The Vole Brothers by Roslyn Schwartz

From the creator of the beloved Mole Sisters comes an irresistible tale about two ravenous rodents, wanted for snacking on too many strawberries, daisies, tulips, and other vegetation. And after these rodents chomp and chew all the plants they can find around their home — a drainpipe in an urban alley — they’re still hungry! So hungry, in fact, they could even eat a cat!
Using an imaginative paper bag disguise and a natural talent for tunneling, this mischievous pair sets off in pursuit of a feline-sized feast — and finds a slice of pepperoni pizza. But the vagrant voles are left empty-handed — and empty-tummied — when a greedy crow and an army of ants invade their picnic.
Chock full of silly antics and suspense, young children will root for these insatiable characters as they continue on their quest for food. And readers will celebrate along with them when the Vole Brothers’ perseverance pays off when they are tossed into a garden full of luscious strawberries — a very happy ending if you’re a hungry vole!

The Vole Brothers is a zany book my daughter and I enjoyed. I've not read the author's other series The Mole Sisters but will look for them the next time we are at the library.

The book summary has way more text than the actual book.  There are just a few words on each page making it a great read for preschool aged children.  Expressive illustrations bring the story to life.

Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Source: From Publisher for Review

The Vole Brothers by Roslyn Schwartz was released by Owl Kids on August 30, 2011.

Book Review: Honestly Red Riding Hood Was Rotten by Tricia Speed Shaskan

OF COURSE you think I did a horrible thing by eating Little Red Riding Hood and her granny. You don't know the other side of the story. Well, let me tell you...

The Big Bad Wolf is trying so hard to be good.  He is after all a vegetarian and tries hard to resist meat.  He much prefers apples but when red riding hood shows up looking as plump and juicy as a big red apple what is a hungry wolf to do?

I enjoy fairy tale retelling and although this wasn't my favorite it was a fun read.  The pictures are adorable.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Honestly Red Riding Hood Was Rotten by Tricia Speed Shaskan was released on August 1, 2011 by Picture Window Books

Book Review: Witches by Cheryl Christian

Little witches abound in this rollicking, rhyming adventure that features all of the fun, fantasy, and treats—but none of the tricks— of a Halloween night to remember! Whimsical, colorful illustrations overflow with charming details that will engage young readers to read the book again and again to discover all its charms! Ages 2-5

Halloween is still 2 1/2 months away but I couldn't resist reviewing this whimsical Halloween book. I'm not a huge fan of Halloween itself (candy & costumes just aren't my thing) but I love Halloween pictures books!

Witches is a short book with rhyming text making it a quick fun read. I love the illustrations. Perfect for preschool aged children.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Witches by Cheryl Christian will be released on August 15, 2011 by Star Bright Books.

Book Review: The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette

What better way to celebrate the wonderful world of nature all around us than a hunt for local fairies? Children learn to spot the tell-tale signs of fairies in residence in this delightful mix of photos and illustrations. Then children can take their tracking skills outside to discover the magic in their own backyard. A perfect book for spring or summer!

My daughter loves fairies so this was a book perfect for her.  Real photographs have illustrations of fairies added to them.  The fairies were playing hide and seek, sleeping, making treats and riding on the back of a chipmunk.  By far our favorite pictures were those that had the chipmunk in them.

This is a great book for any fairy loving young girl who has a great imagination.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Netgalley

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette was released by Tanglewood Press on April 16,2009.

Book Review: Wild Rose's Weaving by Ginger Churchill

Rose’s grandmother wants to teach Rose how to weave, but Rose is enjoying the beautiful day outside far too much to come in and learn. It is not until Grandma shows Rose how she has woven the elements of nature into her rug, that Rose wants to create a rug of her own. But now Grandma has spied a rainbow. Hand in hand, she and Rose head outside, and the next day, that rainbow reappears in Rosie's own rug.

Just as the grandmother teaches Rose to weave the beauty of nature into her rugs, so the author weaves into this story the themes of creativity, the interplay of art and life, and the important gifts that are handed down through generations of women.

I downloaded this picture book to my Kindle to see what it would be like to read a picture book. My 5 year old thought it was fun for me to read to her from the Kindle.  I then downloaded it to Adobe to see what the pictures looked like in color.  I would highly recommend this book be read on something other than a small black and white screen so the beautiful pictures can be enjoyed.

At first this book reminded me of The Little Red Hen - the grandma was working while the granddaughter played instead of learning to weave. When the granddaughter sees the beautiful rug her grandmother made she decides it's time for her to learn.

This is a great book about passing skills from one generation to another and enjoying the beauty of life.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Wild Rose's Weaving will be released by Tanglewood Press on October 18, 2011.

Book Review: Fall Mixed Up By Bob Raczka

"Every Septober,
Every Octember,
Fall fills my senses
with scenes to remember."

"Bears gather nuts.
Geese hibernate.
Squirrels fly south
in big figure eights."

Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?

This book was right up my alley. Sometimes when I read a book I'll intentionally say something wrong to see if my kids can catch the mistake. I do this often especially when it is a book we've read multiple times. My kids love it and sometime ask me to read the book the wrong way.

In this book the pictures & words are full of mistakes. My daughter had a great time finding things that were wrong in the book.

I loved the illustrations and had fun reading it to my daughter. A great addition to a home or school library to celebrate the arrival of fall.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka is scheduled to be released by Carolrhoda Books on September 1, 2011.

Book Review: The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa. Suggested age for readers: 8-12

The Golden Pathway is a well done book that would make a great addition to a classroom or home-school library or to be used by any parent who wants to help teach their child about compassion, prejudice and right verses wrong.

Slavery is not an enjoyable subject to read about but this book shows that one person can make a difference by choosing to help instead of turning a blind eye. The lesson of this book can easily be applies to situations facing our children today where it takes courage to help others who are struggling or suffering.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author For Review

Book Review: Mommy Whispers by Jenny Lee Sulpizio

Mommy Whispers is a keepsake children's book that depicts the special relationship between a mother and her daughter through each stage of their lives and ultimately, the power of prayer and faith in God through it all.

Like Robert Munsch's book I'll Love You Forever this book brought tears to my eyes. And like that book Mommy Whispers is a picture book that is likely to be appreciated by a parent more than by the child.

Perhaps it is just the stage I am at in life with my own mother having passed away and my children growing up so quickly right before my eyes. Mommy Whispers made me remember to stop and appreciate the gift that my children truly are.

At each stage of her daughter's life a loving mother whispers "You are God's gift to me, forever you will be". This is a beautifully done picture book that would make a great book to share with your mother or daughter.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review