Edward and the Pirates Review

Edward and the Pirates
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Would a 4 year old girl who's totally into the Disney Princesses like a book about pirates? It turns out that this book is not exactly about pirates, but about a little boy and his imagination. My 4 year old niece loves the book, so don't think it's just for boys!

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Wild Things Review

Wild Things
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In WILD THINGS, protagonist Zoe no longer trusts anyone. Both her parents have now left her; her father left at an early age, and now her mother, an irresponsible mother and slob, has died. As a result of her traumatic, unbelievably self-sufficient childhood, Zoe trusts only herself.
To begin, Zoe goes to live with her uncle, Dr. Henry Royster, a surgeon. In his house she finds massive sharp metal sculptures dangling in a room, as she finds out her uncle is a famed sculptor. Though reluctant to trust Henry because everyone else in her life has failed her, Zoe finds much in common with him, especially their equally broken hearts.
All the while, Zoe meets a cast of friendly, curious characters who are loyal to Henry and begin to mend her heart, along with a wise cat and a mystical boy in the nearby forest. Zoe's curiosity, as she explores the woods, leads to adventure, heroism, and more as she unmasks the boy's identity, defiles a local lie, and more through her Wild Spirit. The tale of WILD THINGS is a wondrous page-turner.
What a phenomenal debut book by Ms. Carmichael. Throughout the story, I was stunned by the depth of the characters, and how I truly connected with many of them. My favorite part was the added perspective of the narrative of the wild cat, which adds an excellent dimension to this book. Carmichael, inspired by her actual husband, also a metal artist, skillfully weaves this story and interesting characters together to create the masterpiece that is WILD THINGS.
A must-read for all readers!
Reviewed by: Andrew S. Cohen

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Chalice Review

Chalice
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Robin McKinley debuted with a fleshed-out retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," and later followed it up with ANOTHER retelling.
And after a few books about dragons and vampires, McKinley returns to her old territory -- she spins up a vaguely medieval tale of a woodland beauty and a charred "beast" entirely out of her own imagination. McKinley's sumptuous prose and her depiction of a "living" land add an extra dimension to a straightforward little love story that drips with sweetness.
Some months ago, the decadent Master of Willowlands and his Chalice were killed in a fire. The new Chalice is Mirasol, whose duty is to fill ceremonial cups and help bind the land.
But then the late Master's little brother arrives from the priests of Fire -- charred black and no longer entirely human. Mirasol is determined to do the best job she can for the new Master, when she isn't tending a woodland cottage covered in bees. Unfortunately the land is still unsettled despite her joint efforts with the Master, especially since his strange behavior frightens his people.
In the course of her duty, Mirasol soon gets to know her new Master -- he's quiet, kind, worried about burning people, and confused by the world he had almost forgotten. But as he struggles to keep his land balanced, the Overlord begins to scheme to put a new Master in Willowlands -- one that will do whatever he wishes. With her role as Chalice and her power over bees, Mirasol must find a way to save her beloved Master...
You wouldn't think that such a slender novel could have such a richly imagined world, where metaphysical bonds link the Master and Chalice to the very land itself. Not only does Robin McKinley conjure such a world in "Chalice," but she also wrought an intricate web of politics and tradition around the ritual roles. Poor Mirasol, trying to navigate her new role.
And McKinley's prose is as sweet and thick as Mirasol's honey ("the great windows were still twilight grey..."), but filled with a slightly bittersweet feeling. And she crams the novel with rural splendour -- trees, little cottages, old dusty books -- as well as anything having to do with bees and beekeeping. When Mirasol is with her books in the woodright, McKinley's writing takes on an exquisitely mystical edge (albeit a quieter one than her Chalice duties).
But once the Overlord's little plan comes into play, McKinley also interweaves a sense of dread and foreboding, which gets worse as the story creeps toward the inevitable clash. If there's a flaw in the story, it's that the bees serve a slightly deus-ex-machinesque function for the Master.
However, the heart of this story is the growing love story between two young people who are unsure how to do their jobs, and fear that they are failing. Mirasol and the Master (whose name is only revealed late in the book) are wonderfully realistic characters, and Mirasol's stumbles and struggles make her seem like a totally realistic country girl suddenly given a great task.
"Chalice" is the sort of story that Robin McKinley has penned before, but the land-mysticism and lush prose make it entirely unique. Definitely a must-read..

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You Are Special (Max Lucado's Wemmicks) Review

You Are Special (Max Lucado's Wemmicks)
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This book shows how true freedom for us comes by not being enslaved to the opinions of others. Max Lucado tells the story to communicate to children (and most DEFINITELY to adults as well) that by taking time to experience and remember God's love for us, we can have a deep joy that isn't contingent upon whether people bestow praise (represented by gold stars) or insults (grey dots) upon us. This is a book that I think everyone should read every morning before we start our day, because this simple story illustrates a truth that is essential to our peace, yet so hard for us to keep ahold of. Thank you Max, for reminding us of our infinite and unchanging worth.

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Just the Way You Are Review

Just the Way You Are
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Hedgehog asks Lion, "Are you coming to the party tonight?" Lion answers no, he doesn't think so. "No one cares whether I come of not." Now, if he had a beautiful beak and wings like a toucan... And as the reader looks through the die cut hole in the page, they see a glimpse of just what Lion wishes for. Turn the page and see a two page spread of this magical, whimsical new animal with a little comment from Hedgehog. "That would be fun to see. But I like you just the way you are." So begins Marcus Pfister's delightful picture book, and youngsters will revel in all the fun as they watch the hedgehog turn part colorful chameleon, the toucan grow an elephant's trunk and large heavy feet, the chameleon take on long, thin stork legs, the elephant transform into a pouched, jumping kangaroo, and the kangaroo grow a beautiful lion's mane. Mr Pfister's simple, repetitive text lets little ones "help" you read, and the marvelous, charming hybrid artwork is bold, vibrant, and dazzles with creativity and imagination. Perfect for preschoolers, this little treasure of a book sends the strong message of friendship, pride, and self-respect; that you're special "just the way you are" and others admire and accept you because you're you. "It was a wonderful party filled with good times and good friends."

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Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly Review

Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly
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This is my kids all time favorite book. They ask me to read it to them over and over again. They just can't get enough of Velma Gratch. I think that we all have a little bit of Velma in us, and that is one of the things that is so applealling about it. I highly recommend it.

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IT'S HARD TO BE VELMA entering first grade. That's because everyone has marvelous memories of her two older sisters, who were practically perfect first graders, and no one even notices Velma. But all that changes on a class trip to the butterfly conservatory, a place neither of her sisters has been. When a monarch roosts on Velma's finger and won't budge for days - no one will ever forget it . . . or her!Kids will enjoy reading about everything butterflies, from migration to metamorphosis, as they follow Velma's own transformation.

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The Princess Knight Review

The Princess Knight
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You know, if American children's authors aren't careful, Cornelia Funke is going to become the number one most sought after children's author the minute J.K. Rowling finishes Harry Potter #7. She's already become the number one most sought after German children's author (a cupcake to anyone who can name me another who's as well-known in America) and she solidifies her standing every day with books like, "The Princess Knight". I admittedly was a little shocked by parents pooh-poohing the book because it begins with the death of the title character's mother. How on earth do these parents read books like, "Snow White" or "Cinderella" to their kids? Or do they just rely on Disney films instead? And what about such classic picture book titles as "Babar"? Does any and every book get thrown out if someone kicks the bucket? Whatever the case, this is a fine fine book that gives the world a strong-hearted heroine who knows what she wants and how to get it. Think of it as a kind of "Alanna" by Tamora Pierce, but for younger girls.
When King Wilfred the Worthy's three sons were born, he knew exactly how to raise them. They were taught fencing and fighting and horseplay and good manners. When his daughter Violetta was born, however, he hadn't a clue. His wife died in childbirth and rather than ask anyone else for help, Wilfred decided to raise his daughter like his sons. Of course, being a girl she was physically smaller than her brothers. Only through constant training was she able to carry her own and win their amazed respect. When her sixteenth birthday comes up, Wilfred informs his daughter that there will be a jousting tournament for her hand on that day. Apparently he hasn't completely forgotten that Vi's actually a girl. For her part, Violetta is more than a little miffed. Quoth she, "You want me to marry some dimwit in a tin suit? Just look at your own knights! They whip their horses and they can't even write their own names!". This speech doesn't go down well with daddy dearest, but on the day in question Violetta concocts a plan that not only gets her off the hook but allows her to do what she wants for the rest of her life.
I'm amused by the people that dislike this book because of the fact that Vi does indeed marry at the end. The direct quote from the book is, "And who did she marry? Well, if you must know, many years later, she married the rose gardener's son and lived happily ever after". She marries on her own terms when she wants to and who she wants to. So has the book sold out because it ends with the main character getting a man? Dude, the book would have sold out if the author had felt that the character might have wanted a man but shouldn't have one for the greater good. I'm all for books in which the female protagonists live their own lives without reliance on a male in some way. This, however, felt right and worked within the context of the story. Also, there's the fact that the book says, "if you must know", as if this was her own personal choice and not some gossip to be bandied about by loose tongues.
Admittedly, for all the fine writing, Funke's book wouldn't have been half so successful if the book hadn't sported illustrator Kerstin Meyer's pictures. Using the Bayeux Tapestry as her inspiration, the pictures here have a kind of spunk and verve that allow the whole enterprise to work smoothly. The picture of Violetta bawling out her father is worth the price of admission alone.
So, you've got a great story with delightful pictures and a wonderful message about women and their work. There's nothing cloying or cutesy in Funke's tale. Just honest-to-goodness well-written storytelling and a main character with enough verve and oomph to last four or five picture books more, should the author so deem it a good idea (hint hint). A wonderful addition to any and every library. Definitely consider reading it alongside "The Paperbag Princess".


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Ignis Review

Ignis
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"Ignis" is fabulous dragon book. The inspirational story is all the better due to the enchanting, beautifully drawn illustrations on each page. I love reading this book to my 5-year old son as much as he loves to hear it. This is a must read and must have book for all dragon lovers: both young and old. I highly recommend the purchase.

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Natural Abundance: Ralph Waldo Emerson's Guide to Prosperity (Library of Hidden Knowledge) Review

Natural Abundance: Ralph Waldo Emerson's Guide to Prosperity (Library of Hidden Knowledge)
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I haven't read Ralph Waldo Emerson since high school and, at the time, I probably thought it was a bit of sadism on the part of my teachers. I mean, really... one sentence would run on for half a page! Revisiting his prose now, with greater chronological, spiritual and linguistic maturity, I found his writing a source of pure delight. In this selection of essays, Emerson interweaves a tapestry of flowing verbal imagery with uplifting visions of the human soul and pragmatic advice for the development of the spirit that are as fresh and relevant today as when he wrote them 150 years ago.
"Nature is the incarnation of thought," he says. "We see the world piece by piece, as the sun, the moon, the animal, the tree; but the whole, of which these are the shining parts, is the soul."
Nature , politics, religion, self-reliance, right conduct, were all grist for Emerson's mill. He was forced to leave the ministry because of his theological views. Interestingly, he had an almost cynical view of social progress, seeing it as a zero sum game, where every advance has a corresponding cost.
Ruth Miller has given us the gift of bringing his gems into the modern idiom, yet by including the original text in the back of the book, we can enjoy the best of both worlds. She summarizes the essential points at the end of each section, and adds exercises for further contemplation and anchoring of the concepts. With her unique background in academia, science and the ministry, she illuminates and puts into context for us the complex metaphysical and scientific principles that Emerson understood ahead of his time.


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Dr. Ruth L. Miller interprets a few essential essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson that tell us how the world always responds to our thoughts, words, and actions, and what we can do to ensure that our life is truly joy-filled in all aspects. In clear, simple language, she gives us a direct sense of what Emerson felt, saw, and struggled to share with his fellow human beings.Emerson transcended the limitations of his day. Using common sense, a love of nature, and his own particular genius, he expressed a higher truth about who we are and how the world gives us exactly what we demand from it.Yet, perhaps because he was so popular, and because so much of what was popularized focused on the need to transcend materialism and reconnect with Nature, some of his core ideas were lost to later generations. They were there, buried in the long sentences and extended paragraphs of his often-overlooked essays—but were discovered only by the few who were willing to take the time and seek them out. These few became great teachers in their own right, the founders and leaders of institutions and movements that have changed history.Natural Abundance makes the hidden treasures of Emerson's wisdom accessible to 21st century readers. Through it, this great man's alignment of his heart's knowing and his intellect's understanding can lead all of us to a more abundantly fulfilling life, today.

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Princess Madison and the Royal Darling Pageant (Princess Madison Trilogy) Review

Princess Madison and the Royal Darling Pageant (Princess Madison Trilogy)
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This is an adorable parable about a little girl who discovers that she is a princess because of her relationship with her father. "Princess Madison" is a great teaching aid for little girls to learn about their identity in Christ.

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Making her much-anticipated return with her first children's series, Karen Scalf Linamen presents a charming story of a princess trying to discover who God wants her to be. Princess Madison isn't your typical princess. She has dirt under her nails, freckles on her nose, and marbles in her pocket. But none of this bothered Princess Madison until she heard what princesses are supposed to be: pretty little girls who wear pink and drink tea. What is she going to do now? Join Princess Madison as she competes in the Royal Darling Pageant and discovers that you don't need to dress or act a certain way in order to be valuable in God's eyes.

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Five Flavors of Dumb Review

Five Flavors of Dumb
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Also appears on The Screaming Nitpicker.
After mouthing off to her high school's "it" band Dumb, Piper is stuck being their manager and has one month to get them a paying gig. She doesn't want to do it, but her parents raided her college fund to pay for an operation for her sister and Piper needs money. However, it's going to take a lot of work to turn Dumb into a commercial band. Between recruiting new members (one of whom lacks any talent), keeping the five flavors of Dumb from killing each other, pulling some cunning tricks to get Dumb places, fighting and making up with her family, and learning what music's all about, Piper has a lot on her plate. She can handle it. Well, she can if people will stop using her deafness as an excuse why she can't handle it.
I have heard nothing but praise for this book and was dying to get my paws on it and read it. That praise? Yeah, it is all deserved. This book is so good that it gave me the strong urge to cut my hair and dye it Atomic Pink.
It's not everyday you see characterization this strong in a young adult novel anymore. Get this: For once, the characters are deeper than puddles! Piper, as our heroine, is not perfect. She isn't always nice, she tricks people many times, and she provokes people more than once. She's also cunning, good at finding loopholes, and comes to see the band as more than a way to make money. Instead of her deafness characterizing her and being a disability, it's just another part of her. In fact, the abilities of lip-reading and signing that she gained because of her "disability" turn out to be valuable assets that help Dumb get ahead. She is deaf, but deaf is not her.
But the real star of this novel? That would be Kallie Sims, the "perfect girl" deconstructed. Initially, Piper dislikes her for being so perfect and as the novel goes on, the reader discovers that Kallie isn't perfect; she's a girl just like Piper. Kallie has a not-so-ideal home life, her fashionable clothes (that are bought with her mother's employee discount) get made fun of by her "friends" for being last season, and while she loves music with all her heart and connects with it in a way few people do, she can't play an instrument to save her life. This perfect girl is as imperfect as everyone else and even when she takes center stage late in the novel, she is still just a girl. I love Kallie. I'd love to see a sequel one day through her point of view.
Other characters, like angry green-haired guitarist Tash and Piper's music-loving brother/translator Finn, get their touches of depth too. Even Piper's parents get some depth! How often are the parents more than just background characters like this? The scenes where Piper fought with her dad or exhibited jealousy towards her baby sister Grace genuinely tugged at my heart strings. In fact, this had to be one of the most "real" novels I've ever read. Everything about it, from Piper's discovery of what music is about and who she is to the fight she has with her family to the fight the band has among themselves, felt so real to me.
Five Flavors of Dumb also gave me the worst case of novel whiplash I've ever had. On one page, I would be laughing so hard (my favorite quote came off page two and to preserve the magic, I will not speak of it) that I was given strange looks by other people if I was reading in public; in a few more pages, I would be ready to bawl like a baby because of any particular scene I found heart-wrenching. My poor Mom thought I was having mood swings! And keep in mind, of course, that I'm not an emotional reader. If I weren't so lazy, I would make a "made me cry" and "made me laugh" tag so people could see just how rare it gets.
Five Flavors of Dumb is now one of my favorite books of all time and I don't slap that label on books lightly. Only four other books have that title and this one right here is number five. I recommend this book to absolutely anyone. As long as you don't hate music (especially rock music), I think you'll enjoy Five Flavors of Dumb.

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I'm the Best Review

I'm the Best
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I love Lucy Cousins! Her books are always great for story time sharing because of the big bold pictures and her simple, beautiful stories. I'm the Best is all about a dog (in perfect rainbow plaid pants of course) who loves to brag. He is always telling his friends that he is better than they are at everything, not realizing that he is making them feel sad. The friends then tell him that they are the best at things too, and he finally understands how mean he has been. The friends forgive him and tell him they think he is the best too, and they share a nice hug. A great little story about the dangers of bragging and being a show off. But wait! You turn to the last page, and I'll be darn if that dog isn't up to his old bragging once again. Just when we thought he'd learned his lesson!
I know that final page is meant to be funny, but I wish the author had stopped with that last hug. The dog going back to his old habits just seems to take away from the message a bit. That was my only complaint about this really cute book. Ms. Cousins' illustrations are engaging and whimsical and I am once again amazed that she tells such a good story with so few words. A must have for any toddler or preschooler!

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Camp Rules Review

Camp Rules
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Penny Moore went to bed a fifteen-year-old, and woke-up a sixteen-year-old. Technically, the girl is no longer a child. She finally has the freedom to do more "adult" things. Like drive a car. Or maybe even get a tattoo. But even with her new grown-up attitude, Penny refuses to dispose of her Hello Kitty nightshirt. The same one she's been wearing since 1998, even though it only comes up to her waist. But don't put her on the fashion-don't list just yet. The one thing she's craving are a pair of Seven jeans to ring in her Sweet Sixteen. The jeans retail for a whopping $150, but Penny is convinced that she'll be the lucky reciprocate of them, considering her parents know how much they mean to her. Unfortunately, when she lifts the lid off her gift, the only thing she sees is a collared t-shirt with the letters FLC on it. Penny couldn't be more confused, until her parents reveal that they've given her an all-expenses paid trip to Fern Lake Camp, where she'll be spending eight glorious weeks surrounded by girls she'll be able to bond with. Sure, Penny was dying to attend sleepaway camp - back when she was eight - and can't believe that her parents wasted their hard-earned money on something as trivial as camp, especially when it's the last thing Penny wanted for her Sweet Sixteen. But, seeing the disappointment on her parents faces, Penny gives them an ultimatum. She'll attend Fern Lake for four weeks, then, when Visitors' Day arrives, if she totally hates her summer set-up, she can leave early, and spend the rest of the summer moping around, studying for the SAT's, and searching for a job that will earn her some cold, hard cash. But before Penny even boards the plane that will whisk her away from her Bronx apartment, and deposit her in the wilds of Maine, she realizes that she's made the biggest mistake of her life. For none other than Logan Worthe, Manhattan's It Girl, and the ruler of Penny's school - Lakefield Academy. Logan is known for taking charge of every situation, and keeping all eyes on her, no matter what; which is exactly what Logan does when she arrives at LaGuardia Airport. Penny notes that the girl is Queen of Fern Lake, as well as high school, and plans on avoiding her at all costs - if possible. Unfortunately, that's the last thing Penny is able to accomplish, for she's placed in Bunk One - Logan's bunk - almost instantaneously - and is forced to contend with non-stop cheering, and inane conversations that make her feel as if she's losing IQ points. Logan can sense that Penny despises Fern Lake, and makes a pact with her to get her kicked out before Visitors' Day. Penny is only too happy to comply, figuring she'll be better off at home. And Logan couldn't be happier with the arrangement. After all, she refuses to have a new girl - especially one who knows her reputation from high school - ruin her last summer ever at Fern Lake. But as Penny begins to open herself up to the girls surrounding her, and the fresh outdoors, she begins to see just why Logan is so possessive of Fern Lake, and realizes that she, too, wants to stick around for the summer. But Logan refuses to break their pact, and adds in a little blackmail to ensure that Penny is forced to disappear - STAT!
With her debut novel GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT Jordan Roter proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with within the world of YA literature, by bringing three very important items to the forefront: original ideas, well-developed characters, and a fun plot that made the reader feel as if she - or he - were a part of the story. With CAMP RULES, Roter manages to secure that title, by, once again, penning a novel full of original, fun ideas that speak to the reader; while, at the same time, creating a bevy of characters, whose unique personalities feed off one another, creating an ideal group of unlikely friends. Mixing part Cecily von Ziegesar's IT GIRL, part Melissa J. Morgan's CAMP CONFIDENTIAL, with a splash of the Disney Channel reality show BUG JUICE thrown in for good measure, Roter's CAMP RULES is a novel that is sure to add a little sizzle to your summer. Penny Moore is a wallflower, just looking to bloom into a princess who worries more about studying vocab words for the SAT's, than boys, looking good, and having fun. Penny blends together two different age categories by embracing her inner child - by refusing to get rid of her Hello Kitty nightshirt - and her looming young adulthood. Her determination to remove herself from camp before she has even fully immersed herself within the sleepaway life, and her feelings of being ignored by those around her are quite reminiscent of Sam's character in GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT. Logan, on the other hand, is very similar to the character of Kate in GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT, considering, from the outside, she looks like a girl who has everything - perfect clothes, hair, make-up, tons of money, all the boys - yet she's still not happy because she's forced to contend with absentee parents who hardly know she exists. Both girls present such raw emotion, that borders on vulnerability, for the reader, instantly making it hard to dislike either one of them - no matter how downright nasty their antics get. It doesn't hurt matters any that both Penny and Logan are surrounded by a handful of delightful, Bunk One girls who each have their own, slightly bizarre personalities that make them stand out from the crowd and make them memorable long after the last page is turned. From the food-loving, yet oft-times clueless, Gabby; to the nature-adoring Willow. And Tess, a tennis star looking to leave behind her racket and embrace her true passion, art; to the boy-crazy Missy, and the slightly-sarcastic, yet always fun, Jade. But I can't fail to mention my personal favorite character, Morgan. A precocious - yet utterly adorable nine-year-old - with a penchant for falling down, who happens to be harboring a heart of gold. While many authors bring various characters to the forefront, yet fail to differentiate them in any way, or give them personalities of their own, Roter succeeds in doing just that, making each girl seem like one of your very own pals. As someone who has never attended summer camp, Roter has reinstated my desire to catch the closest bus, and head off for the summer of a lifetime. Her sleepaway expertise makes summer camp sound like the most amazing experience. And, after reading this book, I'm sure camps across the nation will see quite a jump in the numbers of wannabe campers! Certainly a book worth writing home about.
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

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My Lost and Found Life Review

My Lost and Found Life
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"My Lost and Found Life" captivated me from the very first paragraph and didn't let me go. It is a heartwarming story about a young woman who is thrust into growing up fast, making the best of a bad situation, about making decisions right or wrong, about discovering love, relationships and learning to cope with life's journeys. Ashley's transformation is amazing, and I highly recommend this book to all the mothers out there whose daughters are coming of age and to all the daughters. I believe they will both enjoy it as much as I did. Good job!!

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Gordimer Byrd's Reminder Review

Gordimer Byrd's Reminder
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This is the kind of book that you'll ENJOY reading the kids again and again - and trust me, they'll ask (a niece had me read it to her four times in a row this afternoon and twice this evening - a record even for her)! They'll also love losing themselves in the wonderful, otherworldly pictures (which bounce off the sweet humor of the text delightfully). Gordimer as drawn in both senses has a lovely "everybyrd" quality. The book has a great (and nice and subtle) message, too: Engage the world, and don't let the thumble dimpling get you down!

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Gordimer Byrd is a champion thimble-dimpler. But he knows he is destined for something greater. And when he stumbles upon a seemingly magic pebble, he's absolutely sure of it. What happens, then, when the pebble is not as magic as it at first seems? In his stunning picture-book debut, Robert Weinstock relates the story of an unassuming little bird who struggles mightily to realize his dreams. His artwork draws upon antique etchings and a distinctive use of color and composition, and his story is every bit as original. Gordimer Byrd is sure to charm all who encounter him. He reminds us that when looking for magic, we need search no farther than our own backyard.

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Presenting . . . Tallulah Review

Presenting . . . Tallulah
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Tallulah is not supposed to get dirty. Or talk loudly. Or make a mess. She isn't that kind of girl. Tallulah can't wear jeans or sneakers to school or keep her hair down or do any of the other things that the other kids do every day.
According to her parents, Tallulah is special and that makes her different. But Tallulah doesn't want to be different. It's hard to have fun or make friends when everyone is busy telling you the things you can do because you're different.
When Max, the new boy in school, stands up for Tallulah (and assists with a risky pug puppy rescue) Tallulah starts to see that sometimes being different can be okay. And most of the time the best of friends like you just the way you are in Presenting . . . Tallulah (September 2010) by Tori Spelling* and Vanessa Brantley Newton.
There are a lot of books about being different learning that it's okay to be yourself even if that might mean being a little silly, or weird, or not mosterly. Some of them are quite bad using cliches and heavy handed writing to convey their message while ultimately creating major issues in the story.
Presenting Tallulah has none of those problems. This was a delightful story about a little girl many kids can relate to. Maybe not everyone goes to school in a limo, but who hasn't been told to be quiet and not get dirty? This story captures that (and Tallulah's rather . . . opulent . . . . lifestyle) without making it a big thing. Tallulah is who she is and, as she learns, that's okay. I liked that instead of beating readers over the head with this message, it's just at the core of the text.
Newton's illustrations are also fantastic. The style is reminiscent of illustrations by Lauren Child (of Charlie and Lola fame) which probably means a similar medium (that I am unequipped to identify) is being used here. It's no secret that Tallulah is based on Tori Spelling. And Newton captures that while combining broad strokes and line work to create intricate illustrations that bring Tallulah's world to life.
Presenting Tallulah is sure to be a fun addition to any story time with simple, short sentences and a well-paced plot. Hopefully this charmer won't be the last to feature Tallulah, Max and Mimi.
*With contributions by Hilary Liftin who is apparently a ghostwriter. I could get into who actually "wrote" the book or the recent number of celebrities putting pen to paper. But I'm not going to because this book deserves better and is more than able to stand on its own with or without is celebrity author.
Possible Pairings: Bark, George by Jules Feffer, Mostly Monsterly by Tammi Sauer and Scott Magoon, For Pete's Sake by Ellen Stoll Walsh

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Billie the Unicorn Review

Billie the Unicorn
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I teach a classroom full of 4 year old boys, and I brought this book in to read. One little boy in particular was mesmerized by the drawings. Usually when I read to him, he gets bored and wants to turn the page before I finish the paragraph. This time, I would finish reading the words on the page and he would sit and stare at the drawings on the pages until I prompted him to turn the page. He especially loved the robot guards. As soon as it ended, he asked to read it again.
Some of the boys I work with live with unconventional families, so it was nice to have an example of a girl living with her cousins instead of her mom and dad. I choose this book often when reading to children who don't live with their parents.
We rotate books, and I put Billie away for a few weeks. This morning, one 4-year old saw a bean sprout we planted in the garden and he shouted "That's just like Billie's cornstalk!" Another child asked who Billie was, and they began to talk about unicorns and gardens and queens. This afternoon I got out the book and we read it three times.
I recommend this book for any classroom or family! It's sturdy, too, and has survived well with my very active boys.

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"More stunning work from Brianne Drouhard, a.k.a. The Best Kept Secret in Animation." - Chris Battle, The Powerpuff Girls"Brianne is an amazing talent. A mixture of influences combined into something new and wholly original!" - Glen Murakami, Cartoon Network's Superman and Justice League"If you like pretty twinkly magic, unthinkable depths of lavish colors, organic farming, and horses with horns, boy are you in for a treat! The brilliantly talented marker wielding creator of this universe, Brianne Drouhard, has wrought forth a world of such intense charm and adorableness, that even the coldest hearted football jock will not be able to resist the call to be immersed in this lush and wondrous world." - Derrick J. Wyatt, Transformers: Animated"Not only do Brianne's drawings have great style and flair, they also use classic principles...the whole shebang of good drawing skills, and to top it off, a lot of individuality and fun!" - John Kricfalusi, creator of Ren & Stimpy
"It's not often that something makes you go 'aaaaaww,' 'cooooool,' and 'ha ha ha ha ha' all at the same time. The world seriously needs more of the cute/awesome/funny work of Brianne Drouhard!"-Lauren Faust, Executive Producer of the new My Little Pony animated series.
The young unicorn Billie seeks adventure! She leaves her cornfield for the forest, where her friendly cousins Rhubarb and Smudge show her how to grow delightful flowers. However, the legend of a Queen's castle that holds the world's grandest garden lures her away! But will Billie discover that friendship and freedom matter more? Find out!Brianne Drouhard has contributed to the popular animated TV shows Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Ben Ten, Teen Titans, and Transformers: Animated.

Fans of horses, unicorns, My Little Pony, or animation character design will enjoy the adventures of Billie!


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