Monday, November 15, 2010

The Lost City of Atlantis (Traveling Trunk Adventure 2)

Author: Benjamin Flinders
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 133 pages
Publisher: Flinders Press
(September 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0984395555

Book Description:

The Traveling Trunk Adventure series follows two brothers who find themselves scattered across history, from the New World to the Great Wall of China. Each chapter book includes an educational component and a daring mix of comedy, peril, and timeless values.

When brothers Ethan and Dallin are transported back to the ancient city of Atlantis, they find that Poseidon’s wrath has been kindled—something of his has been stolen and he will destroy the entire city to get it back. Together the boys seek to unravel the mystery, all while escaping from a three-headed dog and his master, outwitting a corrupt magistrate, and battling a slithering thief from the Underworld. Along the way to discovering what Poseidon seeks—as well as finding a way back home—they also make new friends and work to reunite an enslaved girl with her father.

My Review:
This second book in the Traveling Trunk Adentures series is just as exciting as the first, Pirate Treasure. 8-12 year old readers should enjoy the adventures of two brothers, Ethan and Dallin as they travel throughtout history in their magic trunk. The stories are well-written and creative. The two book series would make an excellent birthday or holiday gift.

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

Pirate Treasure (Traveling Trunk Adventure / Review

Author: Benjamin Flinders
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 111 pages
Publisher: Flinders Press
(September 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0984395547

Book Description:
The Traveling Trunk Adventure series follows two brothers who find themselves scattered across history, from the New World to the Great Wall of China. Each chapter book includes an educational component and a daring mix of comedy, peril, and timeless values.

When a cursed treasure chest transports two children, Ethan and Dallin, back in time and into the New World, they find themselves aboard not just any ordinary ship, but on a merchant vessel transformed into a renegade pirate ship that same morning. Mistaken as thieves, the brothers must use their wits and humor to navigate the dark secrets of the brig, to survive walking the plank, to learn how to talk, fight, and hurl insults like a pirate, and solve the mystery that turned Captain Black Bart into a wannabe pirate. Yet even if they can save the pirates from themselves, they still must unravel the curse that brought them there and figure out how to get back home.

My Review:
A great tale of adventure for young readers. Easy to read with nice illustrations.

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

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Yellow Hummer

Author: Ivet Graham Morgan
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 34 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (February 25, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1432747843

Book Description:
A broken Christmas, a saddened child and a heartbroken grandmother are the elements of this touching story for beginning readers which shows that people are always more important than things.

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

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Is There A Monster Over There?

Author: Sally O. Lee
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (February 13, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1450531024

Book Description:

Ms. Lee's latest book, "Is there a monster over there?" tells the story of Mabel (and her cat, Tiffany) who are afraid of monsters. Mabel thinks they are hiding under her bed or in her closet. One day, she decides to face the monster, and she learns an important lesson about overcoming fears.

My Review:
This book is about Mabel, her cat Tiffany, and Mabel's fear of monsters. It is a story that most children can identify with. I read "is there a monster over there?" to my 3 year old granddaughter, which she seemed to like, although I don't believe she fully understood it at this time. The illustrations are delightful, though, and the story is captivating.

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Make That a Table For Seven / Review

Author: Angie and Storm Davis
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (February 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1449072739


Book Description
"Make That a Table for Seven" is a story about two bears left in the woods looking for a home. Ferbie and Peppie are scared and alone and do not think anyone really wants them. One night before dinner, there is a knock at the Grizzly's door, and there stands Ferbie and his sister Peppie. The Grizzly Family is immediately drawn to these two lonely cubs and offer them their home. The Grizzly children, Zeus, Smoo, and Princess, are excited to share their family and have another brother and sister. It is a story, based on real life events, of love, rescue, and redemption from lonely places to safe places. It is about a family expanding in number and love. It is a story that challenges us all to be the hands and heart of God to children in need.

My Review:
This story of unconditional love and acceptance is well-told and highly recommended.

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

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

For Faithful Friends / Review

Author: Marilyn E. Randall
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Lulu.com (October 17, 2009)
Ages: 4-11 years
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0557100410

My Review:

Written in verse, this is the story of a turtle who is hiding because of the fear he feels inside. He is frightened of almost everything in life; scared all the time. His only friend is a little mouse who visits him everyday and gives him some wise advice that helps him find faith, meaning in life, and the courage to live fully. Well-written and beautifully illustrated by the author, this book is a must read for a timid child or anyone who enjoys a meaningful story with lots of heart.

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

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Stop It!

Author: Sally O. Lee
Paperback: 36 pages
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (October 26, 2009)
Ages: 4-7 years
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1439261148

My Review:

Stop It! is the story of Anabel and her brother, George, the bully. Every time Anabel wants to play nicely, George is there to cause a little chaos. He seems to always want to make Anabel unhappy! Something happens, though, which causes George to rethink his negative actions.

This is a short, easy to read, children's book which is well-written, and illustrated by the author. I highly recommend it for young children.


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