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Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts Book Review

Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts

Well illustrated and humorous, many kids--especially those that struggle to make it through a school day without a mishap--will find Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts an amusing read. #childrenslit #upperelementary #bugblonskyE.S. Redmond
(Author, Illustrator)
Candlewick
Children’s Fiction, Grades 1-4

Publication Date: January 2, 2018


Second grader Bug Blonsky has quite the day. At home and at school Bug can't seem to avoid bad choices. From smaller infractions like spilling his breakfast or talking to his best friend during morning meeting to bigger problems like stomping on a girl's foot (she was trying to kiss him) or dumping his lunch on someone's head, Bug catalogs his "don’ts" in a cause and effect style narrative list.

Well illustrated and humorous, many kids--especially those that struggle to make it through a school day without a mishap--will find Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts amusing. Some kids may struggle to relate to some of Bug's troubles, like his difficulties with Peggy Pinkerton's infatuation, but overall kids will find the book a funny read!

If you’re interested in reading Bug Blonsky and His Very Long List of Don'ts, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Friday, December 15, 2017

Little Royal A Fish Tale Book Review

Little Royal A Fish Tale

A very big fish in a very little pond learns that maybe he isn’t so big when he travels to new, bigger ponds and maybe there is more to life than bossing little guys around. #LittleRoyal #picturebook #childrenslit Chelo Manchego
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: December 19, 2017

A very big fish in a very little pond acts like a king and demands that the little fish in his pond scrub his tale and blow bubbles on his scales. Enticed by the frog who tells him of even bigger ponds, the big fish looks for adventure and like magic he is lifted from bigger pond to bigger pond only to discover that he isn't always a big fish. In fact, he is quite small, especially when he makes it all the way to the ocean. A kind whale even shoots him up into the sky where the not so big fish sees the universe and realizes that he is just a small drop in a big ocean. Maybe there is more to life than being the king and bossing others around just because you're bigger than they are.

If you’re interested in reading Little Royal A Fish Tale, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Tuesday, December 12, 2017

My Secret Dog Book review

My Secret Dog - Secrets can start small, and they may be fun at first, but over time they grow and become work until you're too tired and upset to do anything else - just like taking care of and covering up for a secret dog! #childrenslit #dogMy Secret Dog

Tom Alexander
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Children’s Fiction

Publication Date: November 21, 2017


My Secret Dog seems like a simple story at first. Yes, the illustrations are and stay simple throughout the story, but the tale evolves from a girl wanting a dog to keeping a dog in secret to having to fess up and learn about how keeping secrets isn't a good thing. Secrets can start small, and they may be fun at first, but over time they grow and become work until you're too tired and upset to do anything else - just like taking care of and covering up for a secret dog!

Overall, kids will enjoy the lengths the girl goes to so she can keep her secret dog a secret at home and at school and they might learn a good lesson about keeping secrets too.

If you’re interested in reading My Secret Dog, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Monday, December 11, 2017

Thursday, December 7, 2017

50 Wacky Things Humans Do Weird & amazing facts about humans! Book Review

50 Wacky Things Humans Do
Weird & amazing facts about humans!

50 Wacky Things Humans Do - Kids love to learn about the body. It does so many weird and crazy things and 50 Wacky Things Humans Do will introduce them to many of these wonders. From glowing to wiggly ears to stomach acid that can eat through a wooden table, kids will find something new and wacky about human bodies. #nonfiction #50WackyThingsHumansDo #NetGalleyWalter Foster Jr. Creative Team
Lisa Perrett (Illustrator)
Walter Foster Jr.
Children’s Nonfiction

Publication Date: December 1, 2017


Kids love to learn about the body. It does so many weird and crazy things and 50 Wacky Things Humans Do will introduce them to many of these wonders. From glowing to wiggly ears to stomach acid that can eat through a wooden table, kids will find something new and wacky about human bodies.

If you’re interested in reading 50 Wacky Things Humans Do, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Bicycling Rules of the Road The Adventures of Devin Van Dyke Book Review

Bicycling Rules of the Road 
The Adventures of Devin Van Dyke

Humorous and fun, Bicycling Rules of the Road is a great book for introducing basic bicycle rules to young kids. #kidslit #picturebook #bicycling #safetyKelly Pulley
Schiffer Kids
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book, Bicycling

Publication Date: November 28, 2017


With its rhythm and rhyme kids will easily bounce along with the story as Devin Van Dyke first follows and then breaks all the bicycle rules he knows. So what happens when you let people ride on your bike, you can't see, you take your helmet off, more people get on, some animals get on, and one of the animals is on your head while the other hacks in your ear?

Humorous and fun, Bicycling Rules of the Road is a great book for introducing basic bicycle rules to young kids.

If you’re interested in reading Bicycling Rules of the Road, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Friday, December 1, 2017

Wind and Oyster Jack Book Review

Wind and Oyster Jack - When Wind sees Oyster Jack wearing a coat that keeps the cold out, Wind decides that she wants to be warm too. Wind tries a coat of frost, but that doesn't work. Then she tries a blanket of snow, but that doesn't work either. How can Wind get warm? And how can Oyster Jack sail again if Wind keeps going away?  #picturebook #kidslit Wind and Oyster Jack

Marcia G. Moore (Author)
Heather Crow (Illustrator)
Schiffer Kids
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: November 28, 2017


When Wind sees Oyster Jack wearing a coat that keeps the cold out, Wind decides that she wants to be warm too. Wind tries a coat of frost, but that doesn't work. Then she tries a blanket of snow, but that doesn't work either. How can Wind get warm? And how can Oyster Jack sail again if Wind keeps going away?

Wind and Oyster Jack is a sweet tale of a Chesapeake Bay oyster harvester with beautiful illustrations. Young sailors will enjoy Oyster Jack and the Wind's dilemma.

If you’re interested in reading Wind and Oyster Jack, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Thursday, November 30, 2017

Very Very Very Long Dog Book Review

The Very Very Very Long Dog is a humorous story of Bartelby who is so long that his backside sometimes gets him unwittingly into trouble.  #picturebook #kidslitThe Very Very Very Long Dog

Julia Patton
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: December 5, 2017


Bartelby is a very, very, very long dog, and I'm a bit jealous of his life! He lives in a beautiful old bookstore, reads books every morning while eating his breakfast, and goes on a daily morning walk around town with his friends.

His life seems perfect, but Bartelby is so long that his backside sometimes causes trouble on his walks. His rear regularly knocks into things or people and causes traffic accidents. Bartelby's friends normally help fix the mess, but what happens when the chaos is too much?

The Very Very Very Long Dog is a cute, humorous story that kids will enjoy.

If you’re interested in reading Very Very Very Long Dog, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Mr. Owliver’s Magic at the Museum Book Review

Mr. Owliver’s Magic at the Museum - Mr. Owliver is a night watchman at the Animaltown Art Museum. He loves his job and loves spending time with the famous masterpieces, especially since there are no lines to see the paintings at night. On his birthday, Mr. Owliver discovers something shocking - the animals in the paintings are missing! Where could they have gone? Mr. Owliver must find out!Mr. Owliver’s Magic at the Museum

Carolyn Bracken
(Author & Illustrator)
Schiffer Kids
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: November 28, 2017


Mr. Owliver is a night watchman at the Animaltown Art Museum. He loves his job and loves spending time with the famous masterpieces, especially since there are no lines to see the paintings at night. On his birthday, Mr. Owliver discovers something shocking - the animals in the paintings are missing! Where could they have gone? Mr. Owliver must find out!

Kids will love seeing all of the animals in Animaltown and adults will chuckle at clever recreations of famous paintings in the museum's collection: Henry the Ape, Mona Lizard, as well as works by Jan Van Duck and Vincent Van Goat.

If you’re interested in reading Mr. Owliver’s Magic at the Museum, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.




Monday, November 27, 2017

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

If My Moon Was Your Sun Book Review

If My Moon Was Your Sun. It is a great read for anyone, child or adult, who is struggling with a loved one's memory failing them. If My Moon Was Your Sun reminds us to cherish the time we do have while knowing we'll always have deep rooted memories that will not be forgotten. #childrenslit #books #booknerdIf My Moon Was Your Sun

Andreas Steinhöfel (Author)
Nele Palmtag (Illustrator)
Plough Publishing House
Children’s Fiction

Publication Date: November 1, 2017


If My Moon Was Your Sun is a heartwarming yet poignant story about Max who doesn't want "The Great Forgetting" to take his grandfather away from him. As his grandfather's memory is slipping more and more, Max devises a plan to steal away his grandfather from his nursing home to a place his grandfather loves, a meadow in Blossom Valley. Max knows his well-intentioned kidnapping will come to an end, so he enjoys his time and his memories with his grandfather (and another escapee from the nursing home) while the time lasts.

It is a great read for anyone, child or adult, who is struggling with a loved one's memory failing them. If My Moon Was Your Sun reminds us to cherish the time we do have while knowing we'll always have deep rooted memories that will not be forgotten.

If you’re interested in reading If My Moon Was Your Sun, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.




Tuesday, November 14, 2017

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money: An Awesomely Fun Guide to the Way We Use Currency Book Review

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money
An Awesomely Fun Guide to the Way We Use Currency

The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money can help lay solid foundational knowledge of basic financial terms and concepts and get a conversation started about smart money decisions.Heidi Fiedler (Author)
Brendan Kearney (Illustrator)
Walter Foster Jr
Children’s Nonfiction, Upper Elementary, Middle Grades

Publication Date: December 5, 2017


The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money is a great starting point for basic financial literacy. The book gives an overview of what money is, different kinds of earnings, savings, spending, and borrowing. The colorful illustrations are engaging and will help hold a reader's attention. Overall, The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money can help lay solid foundational knowledge of basic financial terms and concepts and get a conversation started about smart money decisions.

If you’re interested in reading The Know-Nonsense Guide to Money, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Monday, November 13, 2017

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

365 Weird & Wonderful Science Experiments Book Review

365 Weird & Wonderful Science Experiments
An experiment for every day of the year

From mouse trap cars to hot air balloons, dragon fly helicopters to underwater volcanoes, 365 Weird & Wonderful Science Experiments offers so many fun, hands-on experiments and challenges that will keep kids (and you) busy all year long! Elizabeth Snoke Harris
Moondance Press
Children’s Nonfiction, Upper Elementary, Middle Grades

Publication Date: November 7, 2017


From mouse trap cars to hot air balloons, dragon fly helicopters to underwater volcanoes, 365 Weird & Wonderful Science Experiments offers so many fun, hands-on experiments and challenges that will keep kids (and you) busy all year long!

It's great to have on hand for parents and teachers for those days you need an activity to keep the kids entertained.

If you’re interested in reading 365 Weird & Wonderful Science Experiments, you can purchase a copy here onAmazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Thursday, November 2, 2017

Polar Bear Postman Book Review

The Polar Bear Post Man is a story about helping others in need. Polar Bear Postman

Seigo Kijima
Museyon
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: November 1, 2017


Milk, the postmaster at the Polar Bear Post Office, is known far and wide for his dependability. So when Milk receives a postcard addressed to him asking for help, he springs into action. The Red-Crowned Cranes in District 1 lost their baby in the marsh and need help finding him. Milk spreads the word far and near to many creatures of the forest. Has anyone seen the baby Red-Crowned Crane? Will they be able to find him?

The Polar Bear Post Man is a story about helping others in need. It's thick, black-lined illustrations are eye catching, but the story overall leaves me wanting a little more.

If you’re interested in reading Polar Bear Postman, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Tuesday, October 31, 2017

ABC Color Apricot, Burgundy & Chartreuse, 26 brand new colors are out on the loose! Book Review

ABC Color Apricot, Burgundy & Chartreuse, 26 brand new colors are out on the loose!
Little Concepts Series

ABC Color Apricot, Burgundy & Chartreuse has fantastic illustrations that take kids on a color-filled journey through the alphabet. From apricot to jade, umber to zomp you're sure to learn a few new colors alongside your kids.Ingela Peterson Arrhenius
Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, Jr.
Children’s Book, Nonfiction, Board Book

Publication Date: November 1, 2017


Most kids learn your standard red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, but what about all of those other colors out in the world?

ABC Color Apricot, Burgundy & Chartreuse has fantastic illustrations that take kids on a color-filled journey through the alphabet. From apricot to jade, umber to zomp you're sure to learn a few new colors alongside your kids.

If you’re interested in reading ABC Color Apricot, Burgundy & Chartreuse, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Programming Games and Animation Kids Get Coding Series Book Review

Programming Games and Animation 
Kids Get Coding Series

Programming Games and Animation from the Kids Get Coding SeriesHeather Lyons (Author)
Alex Westgate (Illustrator)
Lerner Publications
Children’s Nonfiction, Upper Elementary

Publication Date: August 1, 2017


I love finding coding books that appeal to different age groups and that get kids interested in coding. I had a lot of hope for Programming Games and Animation from the Kids Get Coding series, but this book fell flat.

First, the web address in the book takes you to a page where the links associated with this book say, "Sorry... There's nothing here!" so any of the activities the book describes can't actually be completed. If I was a kid, I would be devastated.

Second, the book does do a good job of helping kids plan out a maze-type game and thinking through different scenarios, but the "coding" they show doesn't translate into other commonly used types of coding I've seen. Perhaps it is exactly what kids need for the maze-building website that has a broken link and is thus inaccessible? But as it currently is, if kids read this book, they would not be able to apply their knowledge to other coding formats.

Last, the book covers several coding topics but uses a rubber duck called "Data Duck" as its mascot. Even when the duck wears sunglasses, it's still too juvenile for the target audience. Upper Elementary kids who are excited to learn to code want to be challenged, not infantilized. Again, I had a lot of hope for this book, but your money would be better spent elsewhere.

If you’re still interested in reading Programming Games and Animation from the Kids Get Coding Series, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon. 



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Wednesday, October 18, 2017

From Far Away Book Review

From Far Away gives a personal look at immigration and humanizes a sometimes abstract concept. The book addresses issues like violence head on by stating more than once that people were shot at in Saoussan's unnamed home country, but it is not graphic, just realistic. From Far Away is a good book for introducing or reinforcing the concept of immigration for elementary-aged children.From Far Away

Robert Munsch; Saoussan Askar
Rebecca Green
Annick Press
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: August 8, 2017


Saoussan is a second grader, she is seven years old, she came from far away, and she frames her story as if she is talking directly to the reader, her reading buddy. Saoussan tells her story of coming to Canada from her home country where a war started. With the war came bombings, a lack of food, and people being shot at. When she gets to Canada her father tells her to be good and listen in school, but Saoussan doesn't speak English, so she can't understand the teacher or the other students. School it difficult at first and she doesn't want to go back, but over time, Saoussan begins to learn English and becomes the best reader and speller in her class. She's so good at speaking English that her teacher complains that she never stops talking to her friends! Saoussan shares bits and pieces of her new life, giving a glimpse of what it is like to immigrate to a new country.

From Far Away gives a personal look at immigration and humanizes a sometimes abstract concept. The book addresses issues like violence head on by stating more than once that people were shot at in Saoussan's unnamed home country, but it is not graphic, just realistic. From Far Away is a good book for introducing or reinforcing the concept of immigration for elementary-aged children.

If you’re interested in reading From Far Away, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Tuesday, October 17, 2017

The Wild Zoo Train Book Review

Filled with train sounds and animals, The Wild Zoo Train will be a hit with toddlers and preschool age kids!Wild Zoo Train

Carmela LaVigna Coyle (Author)
Steve Gray (Illustrator)
Muddy Boots
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: October 1, 2017


Once the Wild Zoo Train loads up its riders, it pulls out of the station with some choos and some dings and a clickety-clack and a toot-toot and it embarks on an off-the-zoo-map adventure. The train ventures through a canyon to a jungle to a savanna to the Antarctic and beyond!

Filled with train sounds and animals, The Wild Zoo Train will be a hit with toddlers and preschool age kids!

If you’re interested in reading Wild Zoo Train, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Friday, October 13, 2017

The Man Who Knew Everything The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher Book Review

The Man Who Knew Everything: 
The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher

Athanasius Kircher was an interesting and unique man - a celebrity scientist of his time. Though he had more misses than hits when it came to his theories, his work helped spread and improve scientific knowledge and it laid the groundwork for other scientists who came after him.  If you're looking for an interesting and well-illustrated biography, be sure to check out The Man Who Knew Everything!
Marilee Peters
Roxanna Bikadoroff
Annick Press
Children’s Nonfiction, Upper Elementary, Middle Grades

Publication Date: October 10, 2017


The Man Who Knew Everything is a fun and colorful biography of Athanasius Kircher. Part scientist, part inventor, part show man, part con man: Athanasius Kircher made his mark on history. He explored inside a volcano by being lowered into itself mouth in a wicker basket. He wrote many books about his theories and findings. He drew up a design for a cat piano. And he filled a museum with fantastic creations, inventions, and displays (though same were not exactly grounded in fact and science).

Athanasius Kircher was an interesting and unique man - a celebrity scientist of his time. Though he had more misses than hits when it came to his theories, his work helped spread and improve scientific knowledge and it laid the groundwork for other scientists who came after him.

If you're looking for an interesting and well-illustrated biography, be sure to check out The Man Who Knew Everything!

If you’re interested in reading The Man Who Knew Everything: The Strange Life of Athanasius Kircher, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

A Stick Until... Book Review

A Stick Until... tells the story of how a stick can start as part of a tree, have many uses, be helpful, and come full circle. From elephants using a leafed stick as a flyswatter to alligators using a stick as bait and to many more uses, the life of a stick is much more interesting than you might expect.A Stick Until...

Constance Anderson 
(Author, Illustrator)
Star Bright Books
Children’s Book, Picture Books

Publication Date: June 30, 2017


A Stick Until... tells the story of how a stick can start as part of a tree, have many uses, be helpful, and come full circle. From elephants using a leafed stick as a flyswatter to alligators using a stick as bait and to many more uses, the life of a stick is much more interesting than you might expect. The simple story is paired with factual asides that help set this book apart and will keep kids wondering what else a stick can do.

If you’re interested in reading A Stick Until..., you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Saturday, October 7, 2017

Read Alouds for Halloween

Read Alouds for Halloween #readalouds #reading #halloween #teaching

Looking for some October inspiration for your read alouds?  Try some of these great titles!
Leonardo the Terrible Monster  - Read Alouds for Halloween #readalouds #halloween #elementary
1) Leonardo the Terrible Monster This one is from Mo Willems, so you know it's good. Leonardo is a terrible monster, meaning he is terrible at being a monster. He can't scare anyone! But he is determined to keep trying!


2) The Graveyard Book For your older kids (4th grade and up), this book dives into the life of Bod, the only living resident of a graveyard. Can a boy raised by ghosts make it in the real, living world?
Click, Clack, Boo - Read Alouds for Halloween #readalouds #halloween #elementary


3) Click, Clack, Boo If your kids are fans of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, then they'll love this Halloween addition to the series. Farmer Brown does not like Halloween, but those barnyard animals have other ideas!
Little Boo - Read Alouds for Halloween #readalouds #halloween #elementary


4) Little Boo As the seasons change one little pumpkin seed tries to be scary, but he can't seem to scare anyone! He is told to wait until he grows, but waiting is hard!


5) Creepy Carrots Jasper Rabbit loves carrots!  But one day he notices something odd.  Are the carrots following him?

Creepy Pair of Underwear - Read Alouds for Halloween #readalouds #halloween #elementary
6) Creepy Pair of Underwear! From the same team that created Creepy Carrots, we now have Jasper in a new adventure.  He's not afraid of anything anymore... well, except for his pair of underwear that seems to glow in the dark.  And even when he tries to get rid of them, they keep coming back!




Do you have other October or Halloween favorites?  Let me know in the comments section below!


Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Everybody's Somewhere Book Review

If you have a little one with separation anxiety, Everybody's Somewhere is a great read aloud. Even if you can't see someone, they are still somewhere!Everybody's Somewhere

Cornelia Maude Spelman (Author)
Alea Marley (Illustrator)
Seagrass Press
Children’s Books, Picture Books

Publication Date: October 17, 2017


Everybody's Somewhere has colorful illustrations and good rhythm and rhyme. If you have a little one with separation anxiety, Everybody's Somewhere is a great read aloud. Even if you can't see someone, they are still somewhere!

If you’re interested in reading Everybody's Somewhere, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Thursday, September 28, 2017

Animals at Night Book Review

Animals at Night: A Glow-in-the-Dark Book

Animals at Night A Glow-in-the-Dark Book - It's chock full of interesting nocturnal animal facts and paired with engaging illustrations that will only be enhanced by the special glow-in-the-dark feature that is tied to scavenger hunt-like questions. Kids will love it!
Anne Jankéliowitch (Author)
Delphine Chedru (Illustrator)
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Children’s Nonfiction, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary

Publication Date: October 3, 2017


The fact that this book glows-in-the-dark is what drew me to it. However, having an advanced digital copy means no glow-in-the-dark action for me. 

I was pleasantly surprised at how well this book stood on its own even without the glowing. It's chock full of interesting nocturnal animal facts and paired with engaging illustrations that will only be enhanced by the special glow-in-the-dark feature that is tied to scavenger hunt-like questions.

If you’re interested in reading Animals at Night: A Glow-in-the-Dark Book, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Nursery Rhyme Time Book Review

This take on Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes includes really cute illustrations, perfect for babies and toddlers. The rhymes include common favorites as well as a few lesser known poems. It is a cute addition to any nursery library!Nursery Rhyme Time

Mother Goose
Amy Mullen
Xist Publishing
Children’s Nursery Rhymes, Picture Book

Publication Date: February 2, 2016


This take on Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes includes really cute illustrations, perfect for babies and toddlers. The rhymes include common favorites as well as a few lesser known poems. It is a cute addition to any nursery library!

If you’re interested in reading Nursery Rhyme Time, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.

Monday, September 25, 2017

Sunday, September 24, 2017

The War I Finally Won Book Review

The War I Finally Won starts a week after The War That Saved My Life ends, with Ada and Jamie starting their life as Susan seeks legal guardianship of them and as Ada recovers from surgery to fix her twisted foot.The War I Finally Won

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Dial Books
Historical Fiction, Middle Grades

Publication Date: October 3, 2017


If you haven't read The War that Saved My Life, start there! It's an amazing tale of Ada, a nine year old who has never left her apartment because her mother is too embarrassed by Ada's clubfoot. Her mother even locks her in the cabinet at times for punishment. When the war gets too close to London, Ada's brother Jamie is shipped off to stay safe from the bombings. What is Ada to do other than venture out of the apartment to join Jamie?

The War I Finally Won starts a week after The War That Saved My Life ends. Ada is in the hospital under Susan's care. She's just had surgery to fix her twisted foot. Something her mother would never approve of. Ada's mother always told her she was damaged, but she's not anymore. Ada's also just lost her mother to a bombing, and though she never had a good relationship with her mother, it's still her mother. As Ada and Jamie start their life with Susan seeking legal guardianship of them, the three chapter Sneak Peek ends! I can't wait to read the whole novel. October 3rd can't get here soon enough!

If you’re interested in reading The War I Finally Won, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Wednesday, September 20, 2017

I Am Bat Book Review

I Am Bat - A grumpy bat loves his cherries. They are juicy. They are delicious. And you better not take them! So what happens when someone does take his cherries?I Am Bat

Morag Hood
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: September 5, 2017


A grumpy bat loves his cherries. They are juicy. They are delicious. And you better not take them! So what happens when someone does take his cherries?

Kids will love I Am Bat. From its opinionated main character to the illustrations to Bat talking directly at them - kids will laugh at this cherry obsessed bat's antics.

If you’re interested in reading I Am Bat, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Monday, September 18, 2017

Friday, September 15, 2017

Science Comics: Dogs From Predator to Protector Book Review

Science Comics: Dogs is an entertaining way to learn a lot about dogs!  Plus, it's a graphic novel!Science Comics: Dogs
From Predator to Protector

Andy Hirsch
First Second
Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, Upper Elementary, Middle Grades

Publication Date: October 31, 2017


Science Comics: Dogs is an entertaining way to learn a lot about dogs! The graphic novel style format combines with the delightful, time-travelling canine narrator Rudy. Rudy is full of dog and science facts, from classification to genetics to natural selection to domestication and more! Science Comics: Dogs is created in such a colorful and humorous way that the reader might not realize how densely packed the dog and science related facts are. You're just having too much fun learning and being entertained at the same time!

If you’re interested in reading Science Comics: Dogs, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon



*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.


Tuesday, September 12, 2017

The Survival Guide for Money Smarts Book Review

The Survival Guide for Money Smarts builds a solid foundation of financial literacy skills that will serve upper elementary and middle school kids well into their future.The Survival Guide for Money Smarts
Earn, Save, Spend, Give

Eric Braun (Author)
Sandy Donovan (Author)
Free Spirit Publishing
Upper Elementary, Middle Grades, Nonfiction


Publication Date: August 17, 2016


The Survival Guide for Money Smarts
is a great starting book for upper elementary and middle school students to build their knowledge of what money is, how to earn it, save it, spend it and donate it wisely. The book starts by helping kids define their short term, long term, and really long term goals and prioritize them. Then, the book dives into ways to make money, how to budget, tips for being a smart and mindful consumer, and how to understand banking, borrowing, saving, and investing.

The Survival Guide for Money Smarts builds a solid foundation of financial literacy skills that will serve kids well into their future.

If you’re interested in reading The Survival Guide for Money Smarts, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon

*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Monday, September 11, 2017

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Tricky Book Review

Tricky - With great illustrations and a delightful story of tricks, revenge, and change of hearts, Tricky will be an instant favorite!Tricky

Kari Rust
Owlkids
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: October 15, 2015


Everyone in town knows the Duke and Tricky. They cheat and steal. They are greedy and mean. They play unkind jokes on everyone in town.

When a new baker, Ms. Paisley, moves to town, she doesn't know to be wary of the two, so she gives Tricky a friendly pet and a special treat. Tricky has never known such kindness and it plants a happy feeling deep inside of him. That feeling grows and Tricky decides to change his ways. Tricky wants to make things right, but how can he when he only knows tricks?

With great illustrations and a delightful story of tricks, revenge, and change of hearts, Tricky will be an instant favorite!

If you’re interested in reading Tricky, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Friday, September 1, 2017

Where Are You, Wilbert? Book Review

Where Are You, Wilbert? - Rat is playing hide and seek with her friend Wilbert but is having a difficult time finding him. She teams up with a crocodile and they set out to spot Wilbert. Where could he be?  Where Are You, Wilbert?

Bárdur Oskarsson
Owlkids
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: October 15, 2017


Rat is playing hide and seek with her friend Wilbert but is having a difficult time finding him. She teams up with a crocodile and they set out to spot Wilbert. Where could he be?

Where Are You, Wilbert? is a unique picture book that some will love and some will not get. It's peculiar tale and equally interesting illustrations are worth a try.

If you’re interested in reading Where Are You, Wilbert?, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon

  
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.





Tuesday, August 29, 2017

ABC for Me: ABC Baby Signs Learn baby sign language while you practice your ABCs! Book Review

ABC for Me: ABC Baby Signs is an awesome way to learn some basic sign language for you and your littles.  One of my favorite board books to build early communication skills!ABC for Me: ABC Baby Signs
Learn baby sign language while you practice your ABCs!

Christiane Engel (Author)
Walter Foster Jr.
Children’s Book, Nonfiction, Board Book

Publication Date: October 1, 2017


ABC for Me: ABC Baby Signs is an awesome way to learn some basic sign language for you and your littles. With colorful pictures and your usual alphabet book format, this board book is a fun way to engage in early communication skills. Plus, there are extra signs at the back of the book for family members (both human and furry).

This is a new favorite board book!

If you’re interested in reading ABC for Me: ABC Baby Signs, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Yak and Dove Book Review

Yak and Dove is a cute story of friendship. We may have differences but that often makes our friendships stronger.Yak and Dove

Kyo Maclear (Author)
Esme/ Shapiro (Illustrator)
Tundra Books
Children’s Fiction, Picture Book

Publication Date: September 19, 2017


After pondering how fun it would be to be twins, Yak and Dove realize they are very different. From their feathers and fur to their size and demeanor, Yak and Dove are opposites. So, rationally, they decide they aren't meant to be friends. Marmot helps Yak find a new best friend by holding auditions, and though many animals show off their talents only one knows Yak's favorite song.

Yak and Dove is a cute story of friendship. We may have differences but that often makes our friendships stronger.

If you’re interested in reading Yak and Dove, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.



Friday, August 18, 2017

Stinker Book Review

Stinker is a smelly dog waiting to be adopted. Though may families and people seem interested in him, Stinker's stink drives everyone away.  Is there a human for every dog? Can Stinker find his?Stinker

David Zeltser (Author)
Julia Patton (Illustrator)
Carolrhoda Books
Children’s Fiction

Publication Date: September 1, 2017


Stinker is a smelly dog waiting to be adopted. His story is narrated by an orange cat who thankfully explains on the first page that the book will have a happy ending, a much needed reassurance for kids (or adults) who might otherwise be worried about Stinker's life stuck in the pound.  Though many families and people seem interested in him, Stinker's stink drives everyone away. With the help of his cat narrator, Stinker breaks out of the pound. Is there a human for every dog? Can Stinker find his?

Stinker is a great story paired with fun illustrations. It's sure to make kids and adults laugh as they read.

If you’re interested in reading Stinker, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon


*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.




Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Safari Kids Book Review

Safari Kids - A brother and sister head out to the zoo with cameras in hand. Kids who love animals will appreciate the illustrations and all will like the rhythm and rhyme of the story.Safari Kids

Katrina Streza (Author)
Bree Paulsen (Illustrator)
Xist Publishing
Genre

Publication Date: April 4, 2016


A brother and sister head out to the zoo with cameras in hand. Kids who love animals will appreciate the illustrations and all will like the rhythm and rhyme of the story.

If you’re interested in reading Safari Kids, you can purchase a copy here on Amazon

  
*A copy of this book was provided free of charge for an honest review.