God Made The Dinosaurs! / Review

Author: Todd Aaron Smith
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Hardcover: 10 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
(July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736938435

Book Description:

What’s more fun than exploring the exciting land of long ago? This colorful, inviting board book shows children ages 0-3 the wonders of God’s amazing creation—the dinosaurs.  Engaging characters welcome little ones to consider all the different sizes, shapes, and habits of one of the most unique creatures to roam the earth.

This brief encounter with dandy dinosaurs is sized for curious little hands and made to endure many rounds of reading. Each turn of the page is a simple reminder to parents and kids alike that big or small, God made us all.

My thoughts:

As a grandmother I am always looking for childrens books about God. This cardboard book is perfect for my 10 month old grandson. It is very colorful with simple sentences and is small enough for little hands to hold. I also like how it introduces him to God and His creation. The illustrations are delightful, too!

(Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for my review copy.)

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell / Review

Author: Patrick McDonnell
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
(April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316045469

Book Description:

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true.

One of the world's most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.

With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall's autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young--and young at heart.

About the author:

Patrick McDonnell is the creator of the Mutts comic strip, which recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, as well as several bestselling children's books including Wag!, The Gift of Nothing, Just Like Heaven, South, Hug Time, and Art. He has been hailed as "the next Charles Schulz."

Patrick sits on the board of directors of the Humane Society of the United States, with a deep concern for the environment and animal welfore, and has won numerous awards for both Mutts and his animal welfare work. He is the co-creator of Guardians of Being with Eckhart Tolle. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, Karen, their formerly feral cat, MeeMow, and their newly adopted terrier, Amelie.

My thoughts:

Who could NOT love this children's book? It is just delightful. This lovely story of Jane Goodall as a child is filled with colorful illustrations. It is sure to melt the heart and inspire readers of all ages. I absolutely loved it and will share it with my grandchildren. 5 BIG STARS*****!!

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

Author: Grace Lin
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316038636

Book Description:

This Newbery Honor book features magic, adventure, friendship, and even a dragon who can't fly!

In the valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.

Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat, returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.

My thoughts:

I thought this would be a book for children only, but found on reviewing it that it appeals to all ages. It is beautifully written; magical; elegant; lyrical; an enjoyable read. Many are saying this will become a children's classic--I agree.

(Thank you to Hackette Book Group for my review copy.)

Smells Like Dog

Author: Suzanne Selfors
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316043977

Book Description:
Meet Homer Pudding, an ordinary farm boy who's got big dreams-to follow in the footsteps of his famous treasure-hunting uncle. But when Uncle Drake mysteriously disappears, Homer inherits two things: a lazy, droopy dog with no sense of smell, and a mystery.

Why would his uncle call this clumsy dog his "most treasured possession?" And why did he put a gold coin on the dog's collar?

And who will continue Uncle Drake's quest-to find the most coveted pirate treasure in the world?

Join Homer, his sister Gwendolyn, and Dog on an adventure that will test their wits and courage as they leave their peaceful farm and head into a world where ruthless treasure hunters hide around every corner. Where they discover that Dog has a hidden talent and that treasure might be closer than they ever imagined...

My thoughts:

Great read for boy or girl age 9 through 14.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

THE TIME-TRAVELING FASHIONISTA

Author: Bianca Turetsky
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Poppy (April 5, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316105422

Book Description:

What if a beautiful vintage dress could take you back in time?
Louise Lambert has always dreamed of movie starlets and exquisite gowns and longs for the day when she can fill the closet of her normal suburban home with stylish treasures. But when she receives a mysterious invitation to a vintage fashion sale in the mail, her once painfully average life is magically transformed into a time-travel adventure.

Suddenly onboard a luxurious cruise ship a hundred years ago, Louise relishes the glamorous life of this opulent era and slips into a life of secrets, drama, and decadence. . . .

Dreamy and imaginative, The Time-Traveling Fashionista features thirty full-color fashion illustrations to show gorgeous dresses and styles throughout history.

My Thoughts:

What young lady hasn't dreamed of living in a Cinderella world of beautiful clothes and luxury? In The Time-Traveling Fashionista dreams come true.

The star of our book, Louise Lambert, receives a mysterious invitation which propels her back into time--into a world of glamour and drama; a world in which she finds herself in the lap of luxury. How does she respond?

This is a well-written, fairy-tale story that I think every young woman will enjoy reading as much as I did. I also absolutely loved the many beautiful full-page fashion illustrations.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

Dewey the Library Cat

Author: Vicki Myron
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Reprint edition (April 12, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780316068703

Book Description:
Now everyone's favorite library cat can inspire a new audience of young readers with his story of courage and love. Like the hardcover, this paperback edition of the middle-grade adaptation of New York Times bestseller Dewey features an 8-page photo insert of the Dew!

In the tradition of Marley: A Dog Like No Other, this is the story of a cat who was more than a pet, and the amazing effect he had on the people around him. Abandoned in a library book drop slot in the dead of winter, this remarkable kitten miraculously endured the coldest night of the year. Dewey Readmore Books, as he became known, quickly embraced his home inside Spencer's public library, charming the struggling small town's library-goers, young and old. As word of Dewey's winning tail, or rather his tale, spread, the library cat gained worldwide fame as a symbol of hope and proof positive that one small cat could change a town, one reader at a time.

My Thoughts:
A kitten is dropped into a book return slot at the local library. It is found tucked into a corner, under one of the books. Scared, weak, and cold, it is nursed back to health by library friends.

This is the true story of a handsome, orange male tabby named Dewey; his love for the library and everyone around him. Everyone also loves Dewey. The story takes the reader through Dewey's life and adventures and ends with his death, which is handled in a gentle and inspirational way by the author.

I am passing this book on to my granddaughter who loves cats. I think she will love Dewey.

(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

The Duck Song / Review

Author: Bryant Oden
Illustrations: Forrest Whaley
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 31 pages
Publisher: Flinders Press;
1st edition (September 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0984395598

Book Description:

A determined duck pleads for grapes at the most unlikely of places: a lemonade stand. The story and song in this comical, musical picture book will delight both adults and children, who can play the song aloud with the touch of a button on the cover while learning important lessons about persistence and compassion. A music CD featuring 12 original children’s songs is included.

About the Author
Bryant Oden is a former child care counselor, a supervisor at a treatment center for children, and an ESL teacher at the college level. He has written more than 70 children’s songs. He lives in Boulder, Colorado. Forrest Whaley directs and animates movies, with more than 115 million views to his videos on YouTube. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

My Review:
This is a delightful children's book about a duck who loves grapes, with lots of brilliant color and nice illustrations. The volume also comes with an audio CD which includes 12 original songs. This would make a great holiday gift.

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