Tuesday, December 8, 2009

For Faithful Friends by Marilyn E. Randall




For Faithful Friends by Marilyn E. Randall

For Faithful Friends is all about overcoming our fears and empowering ourselves with faith. As in this case, we often overcome our own shortfalls by putting others ahead of ourselves. Once the turtle learned that his friend was in danger, he set aside his own fears to save him, thus saving the mouse's life and himself from a lonely fate as well. I hope each and every child will learn the value of faith and compassion from this story. We all need a Faithful Friend to rely on as we go through this life.


This is a delightful children book which teaches children about faith and teaches children to see things in a positive way. The illustrations are beautiful. I love that the paragraphs are written in little poems which are easy to read for young readers. My granddaughter is delighted with this book.

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lulu.com (October 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0557100410
ISBN-13: 978-0557100415

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

STOP IT by Sally O. Lee

STOP IT by Sally O. Lee

George is a bully. He likes to bully his sister, Anabel and her cat, Lulubell. This does not make Anabel very happy. She learns how to stand up for herself. It is a story aout fairness,m gentility and courage.


This is a simple, cute, well written children book with great illustrations. This story teaches children how bad it is to bully someone. I would recommend this book for children under the age of 5 years.


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (October 26, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439261148
ISBN-13: 978-1439261149

Monday, November 9, 2009

Jack's Dreams Come To Life





Jack’s Dreams Come To Life by Sara Jackson

A dog named Jack, lives with his other animal friends on a ranch. After seeing what mischief he can get himself into, and not finding any, he falls asleep. He dreams of being chased by a giant squirrel. When he falls down a hole, he lands in his toy box, on top of his favorite squeak toys. While playing with the cow, the others (horses, pigs, and ducks) start to grow and move around. Soon all the squeak toys circle Jack and he must find a way out. When he sees an opening, a large duck blocks his path. Jack and the duck try to out bark and out quack each other. Pretty soon Jack sees an opening and makes a run for it. As he does, all the squeak toys vanish in a puff of smoke and a cow sneezing on him awakens Jack. Thinking the cow is his squeak toy, Jack runs inside the house and looks inside his toy box to see if all the squeak toys are there.

Great children story. A puppy named Jack falls asleep and dreams that all his toys come alive. My granddaughter really enjoyed this story.
The illustrations are wonderful and the story is well written. I would put the reading level a little lower at age group 4-7.


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (July 28, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143924281X
ISBN-13: 978-1439242810

Friday, October 23, 2009

Messy Tessy



Messy Tessy by Leah Orr

While babysitter Aunt Fran is asleep, Messy Tessy finds humorous and amusing ways to entertain herself. With ever turn of the page enjoy the mischief that unfolds.

This is a well written children book. It is a cute story, written in simple words a first grader should be able to read.
Tessy is getting in all kinds of trouble while her aunt who is babysitting her is taking a nap. I enjoyed the rhyming sentences and the nice colorful illustrations.
My granddaughter loved this book and all the mischief Tessy got into. She is in first grade and had no trouble reading it.
This is a great book for all little girls.
 
About the Author:
Leah Orr resides in Weston, Florida with her husband and three daughters. Leah has written 3 books. Messy Tessy is the most recent, released in the Fall of 2009.
Upon learning that her daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (while still in the womb) Orr knew she wanted to do something special. With some input from her mother and three daughters, it was decided that she'd write books to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation.
Orr donates the proceeds from her books to the CF Foundation. Writing the books was her way of helping the charity and giving back at the same time. The Orr family has raised more than $400,000 over the past 7 years for the CF Foundation. Her mother, Josephine Lepore, is the master illustrator of the books.
Leah has recently been featured on ABC's Health Watch, NBC Today South Florida, CBS South Florida, CBS This Morning Virginia, NBC the 10! Show Philadelphia, and National Syndicated, "The Daily Buzz".
Leah has been featured in Publications such as: Forbes Magazine, Medical News Today, The Miami Herald, The Sun-Sentinel, University of Miami Communique Magazine, South Florida Hospital News, City and Shore Magazine, South Florida

Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (August 18, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1438993986
ISBN-13: 978-1438993980

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Great Fairy Race



The Great Fairy Race

GET READY. GET SET. Go! A flash of light signals the start of the Great Fairy Race. The rules are simple: whoever crosses the finish line first, wins. But the fairies can’t use their own wings or legs to do it. Tink pedals one of her contraptions, Lily rides a giant snail, Fawn hops on a frog, Beck cruises on a squirrel, Fira sails on a balloon, and Rani rides Brother Dove. Who will win the Great Fairy Race? Find out in this Step 3 reader, featuring the beloved Disney Fairies.



Pub. Date: April 2008
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Format: Paperback, 48pp
Age Range: 5 to 8
Series: Step into Reading Series
ISBN-13: 9780736425247
ISBN: 0736425241

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Davey BigHead: Dream Big




Davey BigHead: Dream Big

A lighthearted romp of a children’s tale, Davey Bighead, Dream Big introduces a wildly fun and altogether fascinating character in children’s literature. Author and illustrator Peter J. Hayden creates an inspiring, lovable, and completely unforgettable kid whose name is Davey, also known as Davey Bighead. While some children have their heads in the clouds, by the title one might guess that Davey’s head is as round and big as one. Barely able to fit his noggin through a school bus door or even through the neck of his own tee shirt, Davey knows his head is larger than average. Admittedly, Davey has a head bigger than a watermelon, which his classmates poke fun at him for until they learn that when it comes to being the winning goalie on a winning soccer team, a big head comes in handy. Go Davey Bighead! Written for beginning and intermediate readers, this fable is certain to become a classic tale of embracing and celebrating individuality.


I liked this book, the illustrations were great and this story teaches children that it is okay to be different. This book has not too many pages and is easy for beginner readers to read in one sitting. My granddaughter loved this book and her and I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I would put this book at reading level 6-10 years. My granddaughter is 6 and it was very easy for her to read.

About the Author
Peter J. Hayden graduated with High Honors in Graphic Design and Marketing from Concord College in Athens, WV. He currently lives in Harrisburg, PA. This is his first in a series of books.


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (May 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439229724
ISBN-13: 978-1439229729

Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains


Queen Vernita Visits the Blue Ice Mountains

Queen Vernita continues her monthly visits with her friends at the Blue Ice Mountains. While visiting the mountains she learns about the local flora and fauna.

Excellent fun learning story for children. This book will teach children the days of the week, month of the year, and seasons of the year. It is a great learning tool. I loved all the information about the creatures and nature.
My granddaughter loves this book. She is 6 years old and did not have much problem reading this story.
I would put this book in the 6-10 year age group.



About the Author
Dawn Menge has a Masters Degree and Clear Credential in Special Education. She has worked with the severely handicapped population for twelve years. She is currently working towards her PH.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She combines her experiences within her life to create Queen Vernita’s characters and her kingdom. Queen Vernita’s visitors continues to be woven around her friends and family.


Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (May 29,2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432711695
ISBN-13: 978-1432711696