Those who adopt a dog often think of how much they have to teach their new family member, but few consider how much the animal kingdom has to teach us, even about childbirth and childrearing. As Jennifer Verdolin, author of "Raised by Animals" would tell you, they have lots and lots of good advice for … Continue reading ‘Raised by Animals: The Surprising New Science of Animal Family Dynamics’ Is a Stunningly Informative Guide to Child Rearing
Month: May 2017
‘Restart’ by Gordon Korman is fine middle grade fiction
"Restart" by Gordon Korman is typical fabulous Korman middle grade fiction wherein a boy -- usually in middle school -- goes through an experience that changes him. In "Restart" Korman's protagonist, Chase Ambrose, is a fairly dark character. The reader learns that this middle school sports prodigy, a football player who has won awards, is … Continue reading ‘Restart’ by Gordon Korman is fine middle grade fiction
‘Scar Island’ is Action-Filled Middle Grade Fiction
"Scar Island" is the third book by Dan Gemeinhart, but it follows his formula of a boy facing what appear to be insurmountable challenges. In this story, Jonathan Grisby is sent to Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys, a correctional facility built, similarly to Alcatraz, on an island in the middle of the ocean . Scar … Continue reading ‘Scar Island’ is Action-Filled Middle Grade Fiction
Horribly Abused Dog Desperately Needs Rescue with Experienced Foster
Baby has been horribly mistreated during her life. Half of her tail is missing, her eyes droop, and her coat was a terrible mess. She was found as a stray, and the months she has spent at the shelter have not been kind to her. She has withdrawn from people, and she needs a very … Continue reading Horribly Abused Dog Desperately Needs Rescue with Experienced Foster
‘The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy’ is Fabulous Fantasy Fiction for Young Adults
Rick Riordan is the master of middle grade fantasy. Series like "The Trials of Apollo" began years ago with a book called "The Lightning Thief." It spawned sequel after sequel after series after series. Now, "The Dark Prophecy" is Book Two in the newest series, "The Trials of Apollo." The plot is that Apollo really … Continue reading ‘The Trials of Apollo: The Dark Prophecy’ is Fabulous Fantasy Fiction for Young Adults
‘The Giant Jumperee’ Is a Lovely Picture Book by Julia Donaldson
"The Giant Jumperee" is written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, both ladies from Great Britain, and both ladies renowned for their body of children's books. In this story, there's a mysterious "Jumperee" in Rabbit's burrow. He tells Rabbit, "I'm the GIANT JUMPEREE and I'm scary as can be!" Rabbit is appropriately frightened. … Continue reading ‘The Giant Jumperee’ Is a Lovely Picture Book by Julia Donaldson
‘7 Ate 9’ Is Hysterical Picture Book by Tara Lazar
"7 Ate 9" is one clever picture book by Tara Lazar and illustrated by Ross MacDonald. I is not just a letter, he's a Private I, and he investigates. So when 6 burst into his office because he claimed 7 was out to get him, I got to work. To solve the mystery of the … Continue reading ‘7 Ate 9’ Is Hysterical Picture Book by Tara Lazar
‘Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?’ by Celebrated Children’s Author Liz Kessler
Children's author Liz Kessler has a new stand-alone children's novel, "Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?" and her many fans will love it. There are no mermaids, though, for those who love the "Emily Windsnap" tales, but they will still love this super-power book. In this story, Jessica, a rather ordinary girl, finds out that she … Continue reading ‘Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins?’ by Celebrated Children’s Author Liz Kessler
‘Don’t Blink!’ by Tom Booth is an Adorable Picture Book for Young Readers
In "Don't Blink!" Tom Booth takes a childhood game of staring and cleverly has the main character in the book, a cute girl with huge brown eyes (appropriate for staring), engage in a staring contest with not only many wild animals, but the reader of the book. Yes, the child to whom this book is … Continue reading ‘Don’t Blink!’ by Tom Booth is an Adorable Picture Book for Young Readers
‘This Is Really Happening: True Stories’ by Erin Chack
"This Is Really Happening" by Erin Chack reads like a humorous set of stories because that is what it is -- it's just that this funny -- and at times outrageous -- set of stories is totally true. At least to the best of Chack's memory. Chack is an editor for BuzzFeed, an online site, … Continue reading ‘This Is Really Happening: True Stories’ by Erin Chack
‘The Marriage Bureau: The True Story of How Two Matchmakers Arranged Love in Wartime London’ is sweet story
"The Marriage Bureau: The True Story of How Two Matchmakers Arranged Love in Wartime London" by Penrose Halson is an interesting story about a real agency that began matching couples in 1939. It's by turn sweet, touching, grim, and terrifying. Two young women from different social backgrounds joined forces to start something revolutionary -- a … Continue reading ‘The Marriage Bureau: The True Story of How Two Matchmakers Arranged Love in Wartime London’ is sweet story
‘BIG CAT, little cat’: A Picture Book About Sibling Love
In "BIG CAT, little cat," author/illustrator Elisha Cooper addresses two very emotional and touching subjects: sibling rivalry and the circle of life. The book celebrates companionship but also reflects the reality that all good things must come to an end. Yet the possibility of finding joy in life might very well appear at any time. … Continue reading ‘BIG CAT, little cat’: A Picture Book About Sibling Love
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