Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Chin and the Magic Stones

Author: L. J. Salazar
Reading level: Ages 7-12
Paperback: 108 pages
Publisher: iUniverse.com; 1st edition (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0595531571

Book description from back cover:

Ten-year-old Chin loves to dream about having grand adventures. But nothing much ever happens in the sleepy little city of Kirkland, Washington, so Chin usually ends up playing with his loyal dog, Eagle, and reading thrilling stories. But one afternoon, both their lives change forever.

While helping his father out in the yard, Chin discovers a shiny rock near the garden pond, and he picks it up. Once he does, Eagle begins to talk! At that moment he realizes that the stone holds magical powers. But why is it in his yard?


My Review:

This fun adventure story is a wonderful read for boys, especially. When Chin finds a magic stone and his dog, Eagle, begins to talk, he knows that things have changed in a drastic way, but how and why are the questions he begins to explore. This is a magical story that will delight ages 7-12 and hold their interest throughout the entire book. It also teaches kids to trust themselves and believe in positive results.
(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Laceyville Monkeys Say the Right Words

Author: Harriett Ruderman
Illustrations by: Beverly Luria
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Illusion Press, LLC; 1st edition (March 1, 2009)
Language: English

Book Description:
Harriett Ruderman is delighted to introduce The Laceyville Monkeys, Say the Right Words ... a new book designed to communicate to young children everywhere the power and magic inherent in speaking kindly and saying the right words. The book stars three most unusual and endearing young monkeys: Eva the ballerina, Sheva the singer, and Keva the gymnast. Say the right words and watch them perform! Their owner, Miss Hepzibah Mott, brings her beloved monkeys to Laceyville for the big talent contest. You'll meet George the Gorilla, who plays the piano, Jake the Snake who charms all with his cobra dance, Dizzy the Lizard who parades and prances, comedians Bob and the Frog and his friend Tillie the Tortoise, and silly old Granny Scott who says the 'wrong' words and is utterly embarrassed at the results. These characters and others are part of the Laceyville cast, created to entertain and amuse children with their antics and fun, while emphasizing the importance of warm caring words of encouragement and love. The Laceyville Monkeys is written in rhyme and encompasses 32 pages of vividly illustrated characters and scenery that capture the charm and essence of the story.

About the Author:

Harriett Ruderman is a communications professional who has seen the magic of what words can do in reaching goals and fulfilling dreams. Her company, Harriett Ruderman Public Relations Inc, has been saying the right words for top international clients for many years. The Lacyville Monkeys is her first children's book, dedicated to bringing the power of words of encouragement and love to children everywhere.
My Review:
In this beautifully written and illustrated children's book you will meet, with delight, Eva the ballerina, Sheva the singer, and Keva the gymnast. You will also meet their owner Miss Hepzibah Mott, along with an assorted group of other interesting characters. Miss Mott has brought her monkeys to Laceyville for a special talent contest, but will they perform? The book which is written in rhyme teaches the art of speaking kindly to family and friends. It will delight children and may even become a family favorite.
(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

How God Makes Babies / Review

Author: Jim Burns
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764202103
Ages: 6-9 years

Book Description:

Author Jim Burns believes the key to instilling in children a healthy, values-centered view of sexuality is to start the discussion early--being open and honest at every stage. The Pure Foundations series is already guiding parents of preteens and teens through potentially awkward conversations. Now two fully illustrated books--one for pre-readers and one for early readers--complete the series.
How God Makes Babies is an age-appropriate introduction to basic sexuality, helping children ages 6 to 9 understand that God created males and females differently and with a purpose, emphasizing that God is a part of each family from conception to death.

From the Back Cover:

Laying the Foundations for Healthy Sexuality An Age-Appropriate Resource for Ages 6 to 9 Children's curiosity often prompts them to ask questions you, as a parent, don't feel ready or able to answer. But it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Jim Burns, family expert and award-winning author, offers a valuable resource for those uncomfortable--even dreaded--conversations. With biblical, age-appropriate information and illustrations, How God Makes Babies introduces children ages 6 to 9 to the basics of human sexuality. Answering the question of where babies come from, it also emphasizes how children are a part of God's wonderful plan for families. Though not always easy, opening this discussion early helps you lay a solid, godly foundation in your children's lives. By reading this book together, you are giving your children the tools they will need throughout their lives to make God-honoring decisions about their bodies, their self-image, and their relationships. Don't wait until it's too late. A life of purity can begin today. Jim Burns, PhD, founded the ministry of HomeWord in 1985 to bring help and hope to struggling families. Jim hosts the radio broadcast HomeWord With Jim Burns, which is heard daily in over eight hundred communities nationwide, and speaks to thousands around the world each year. He is an award-winning author, whose books include Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality. Jim and his wife, Cathy, have three grown daughters and live in California.

My Review:

Questions about sexuality can prove embarrassing for some parents, so this is just the book to help with those intimate issues. The book is biblical based and age appropriate. Why leave your child's sex education to someone else when you can give them the information they seek through reading with them, How God Makes Babies.

(Thank you to BethanyHouse for my review copy.)

God Made Your Body / Review

Author: Jim Burns
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764202111
Ages: 3-5 years

Book Description:
Author Jim Burns believes the key to instilling in children a healthy, values-centered view of sexuality is to start the discussion early--being open and honest at every stage. The Pure Foundations series is already guiding parents of preteens and teens through potentially awkward conversations. Now two fully illustrated books--one for pre-readers and one for early readers--complete the series. God Made Your Body provides the basic foundation that God created our bodies and wants us to honor Him with our bodies. Through engaging text and eye-catching, kid-friendly illustrations, children ages 3 to 5 will learn that boys' and girls' bodies are different--and those differences mean boys and girls can grow up to become daddies and mommies.
From the Back Cover:
Laying the Foundations for Healthy Sexuality An Age-Appropriate Resource for Ages 3 to 5 Children's curiosity often prompts them to ask questions you, as a parent, don't feel ready or able to answer. But it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Jim Burns, family expert and award-winning author, offers a valuable resource for those uncomfortable--even dreaded--conversations. With biblical, age-appropriate information and illustrations, God Made Your Body introduces children ages 3 to 5 to the basic idea that God created our bodies. Addressing topics such as how boys and girls are different, it also emphasizes how each child is unique and special to God. Though not always easy, opening this discussion early helps you lay a solid, godly foundation in your children's lives. By reading this book together, you are giving your children the tools they will need throughout their lives to make God-honoring decisions about their bodies, their self-image, and their relationships. Don't wait until it's too late. A life of purity can begin today.

My Review:
This is a beautiful book that has age-appropriate information and illustrations which are biblical based. As all parents know, children start asking questions almost as soon as they can talk. God Made Your Body will give you the answers they need about their sexuality.

(Thank you to BethanyHouse for my review copy.)

Monday, October 19, 2009

JACK'S DREAMS COME TO LIFE / REVIEW

Author: Sara Jackson
Reading level: Ages 3-7
Paperback: 26 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (July 28, 2009)
ISBN-10: 143924281X


Book Description:
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.
My Review:
In my experience, all children love dog stories and this one will certainly hold their attention.
Jack is a very happy dog who loves to play and get into mischief-- until he goes to sleep under a tree and has a dream that his toys are giants that have come alive. He awakes, though, to find his small toys are still in his toy box, just as he left them.
This well-written, nicely illustrated book will delight young children.
(Thank you to the author for my complementary review copy.)

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Messy Tessy / Review

Author: Leah Orr
Illustrated by: Josephine Lepore
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (August 18, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1438993986


Book Description:

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


My Review:

Tessy is not a messy little girl--she just likes all of her toys in the same place when she goes to find them. She's a well-loved child who is very creative, although, some do call her messy.

Messy Tessy is a story all children will be able to relate with. It is told in poetic verse, in a very simple format. The illustrations are captivating.

This is book number three for Ms. Orr. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

5*****

(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)