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Category Archives: Children’s/YA Authors

Timescape by Robrt Liparulo *YA*

 

Timescape by Robert Liparulo (book 4 YA series)

  Timescape
 
Dreamhouse Kings series (book 4)
 

   ISBN: 159554500X
   ISBN: 978-1595545008
   Hardcover, Pg 304

  Dreamhouse Kings

  Thomas Nelson Publishing

Dreamhouse Kings Youth Series:
House of Dark Shadows
(book 1)
The Watcher in the Woods
(book 2)
Gatekeepers
(book 3)
Timescape
(book 4)
Whirlwind (
book 5)
Frenzy (book 6) available May 2010

 

 
Mysteries, Secrets & Mutants OH MY!
The King children are growing up right before our eyes – but, I guess running for your life every time you enter a door in your own home would make you grow up pretty quick! Family values, strong moral character and subtle Christian concepts are mixed with historical settings and lots of action – the result… a good read!

Still holding his creative cards close to the vest, Liparulo lures us deeper into the house and ever closer to the King Family. Throughout Timescape the search for Mom continues and the kids are feeling more desperate with each failed attempt. Even though there’s danger lurking everywhere we are introduced to new friends along the way…Keal, Jessee’s caretaker quickly becomes a strong ally and the source of much needed support. Although they continue to demonstrate a resolve, dedication and loyalty far beyond their tender years, the dangers feel closer than ever before…and even more serious. And they couldn’t be more right! Taksidian will stop at nothing to get them out of the old house and they will soon come to understand there’s much more at stake than their address ~ much, much more!

As has been pointed out by others, where we were left hanging at the end of book three, Liparulo scoops us up and takes off like a streak of lightning. Unlike other books where the opening chapters are dedicated to recapping previous installments, Liparulo starts anew from sentence one, for this reason I suggest reading the books in order.

*As always, parents should utilize their own judgment when selecting titles – based on your child’s maturity, fears and reading level. The narrative describes severed body parts and other gory references that some may find objectionable or inappropriate.*

Happy Reading,

Rj McGill
 
 

 

Dreamhouse Kings Series by Robert Liparulo

The House of Dark Shadows (book 1)

 House of Dark Shadows (book 1)
  Robert Liparulo
  159554491
  Hardcover, Pg 295
  YA *age 12+
  

Watcher in the Woords (book 2) Watcher in the Woods (book 2)
 
Robert Liparulo
  1
595544968
  Hardcover, Pg 292
  YA *age 12+

 

Gatekeepers (book 3)

 Gatekeepers
 Robert Liparulo

1595544984
Hardcover, Pg 307
YA *age 12+

Timescape (book 4)  Timescape
Robert Liparulo
159554500X
  Hardcover, Pg 308
YA *age 12+

Whirlwind (book 5)  Whirlwind
  Robert Liparulo
  1595548157
  Hardcover, Pg 314
  YA * 12+

COMING MAY 2010 
Frenzy (available May 2010) 
 
Frenzy
   Robert Liparulo

  1595548165
  Hardcover, Pg 320
  YA * age 12+
 

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Tales from Outer Suburbia (YA)

tales-by-shaun-tan-0545055873

Tales from Outer Suburbia
Shaun Tan
Young Adult, 96 pages
ISBN: 0545055873
ISBN 13: 978-0545055871
Arthur A. Levine Books
http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com

http://www.shauntan.net

If a picture is worth a thousand words, Shaun Tan would have won the lottery with his new book! Following the success of Tan’s 2007 hit, The Arrival, he is sure to awe fan with “Tales from Outer Suburbia.” And all without a single wizard, no spells or incantations and very few words. This collection of fifteen seemingly random illustrations, doodles and extravagant collages is something beautiful, emotionally riveting and morally uplifting…for those who take a moment, slow down and genuinely peruse the pages. With stories like “Grandpa’s Journey,“ “missiles in the backyard” and “the buffalo sitting in a vacant lot,“ the images express what at first appears erratic and silly, but looking deeper reveals that there is a great deal hidden in plain sight. The true genius is how the book conveys something different to each individual that reads it. What the person takes away from this reading experience may well depend on what they brought with them when they opened the book. Images, both alluring and hauntingly serious combine to create a stunning, incredibly unique book.

I would definitely reserve this particular selection for those 12+, as younger kids may be confused by the imagery. This is a wonderful book to share with your child – the added guidance and opportunity to explain various points, not to mention the quality time together, are priceless. And hearing your child’s interpretation of the scenes is often humorous, revealing and quite touching. As always parents should utilize their own judgment, when choosing material, because you know your child better than anyone.

Happy Reading!
-RJ
3Rs Reading Den

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Curse of the Bayou by Mary Cunningham (YA)

Cynthia’s Attic series – book #3 – from author, Mary Cunningham
Cover Image

Cynthia’s Attic, Book#3: Curse of the Bayou
by Mary Cunningham
ISBN 10: 1590805755
ISBN 13: 978-1590805756
Echelon Press Publishing

www.marycunninghambooks.com

Curse of the Bayou, Cynthia’s Attic series book #3

The third time really is the charm for author Mary Cunningham, as her latest installment in the Cynthia’s Attic series is the best of the trio. While books one and two are delightfully entertaining, within a few pages of book three, it is apparent that the writer has grown right a long side her two main characters. Blending parallel universes with very real human issues while allowing the reader to suspend the need for reason is a huge undertaking, and one that Cunningham has met and far exceeded with Curse of the Bayou.

On the edge of thirteen, in the year 1964, best friends and time traveling companions, Cynthia and Gus are at it again, drawn to the old trunk in the attic that magically melts the seams of time. The girls land in the year 1914, deep in the Louisiana swamp and quickly find they aren’t swimming with dolphins…it’s alligators! But, this is to be only the first of many heart stopping thrills as they search for Cynthia’s great-grandfather, Beau Connor, who was last seen traveling down the Mississippi River to sell produce.

The girls receive helpful hints from old friends and stern warnings from new ones. It seems the Mississippi River is home to the meanest, most orneriest pirate ever…one Buzzard Jack LaBuse. A long the way our gutsy tweenies find themselves facing off with shifting plants, scheming baddies and a thieving parrot, just to name a few. Traveling back and forth in time, the girls land in Southern Indiana, on the old Connor farm, where they discover a link between Beau Connor and pirate Jack. Could a family curse be the cause of Great Grandpa’s sudden and mysterious disappearance?

Curse of the Bayou is the ultimate stage for Cunningham’s cooky cast of characters to act out their story. Just as the most intricate web begins with a single strand, so it is with a good series…there’s a basic idea upon which each individual story is built. And while each must stand alone, it must be linked to the original. With three complete books in the series, the supporting cast and their respective back stories can get quite confusing, especially for the target audience, for this reason I would love to see a character list included with future installments.

There are so many directions the author can take with these characters and an endless list of issues, both real and imagined that can be filtered in, that not even the sky can limit this series…Kudos to author Mary Cunningham for delivering a good old fashioned family story, with all the sci-fi perks and jigs to light the imagination of today’s young reader.

Happy Reading!

– RJ

 

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The Trouble Begins at 8 by Sid Fleischman (youth)


The Trouble Begins at 8:
A Life of Mark Twain in the Wild, Wild West

ISBN: 978-0061344312
Ages 9-12
Grades 4+
224 pp
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/

http://www.sidfleischman.com/

A thorough, detailed, beautifully written book about one of the most beloved authors of all time, Samuel Clemens, but we know him as the master-writer of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer… Mark Twain. Sid Fleischman has once again taken a topic that causes most kids to run screaming in the opposite direction – and made it interesting, intriguing and most importantly – Fun! You will thoroughly enjoy the wisecrack for which the book is named…”The Trouble Begins At 8.”

The life of Mark Twain has been written about by some of the brightest minds, however, knowing these texts are written with a dialogue that will never reach children, Fleischman targets the young minds with his books. Not an easy task and yet he has been able to deliver the absolute perfect mix of educational information and entertainment to keep youngsters turning pages and parents happily observing. Sid Fleischman writes with an elegant, well informed simplicity that immerses the reader, breathing life into the pages of the book, so much so that at the conclusion it feels more like you have spent time with these people as opposed to having read a book about them. Every character, as well as, each stage of Clemens’ journey contributes depth and richness to the story and has been beautifully captured in this unique, highly entertaining biographical book that reveals the creation of Mark Twain. From his early days in Missouri, through his quite interesting personal adventures; as a steamboat pilot, mining for gold, dancing the ‘kangaroo’ in San Francisco, just to name a few.

While you may think you know all there is to know about Mark Twain you have never had the pleasure of reading anything quite like this. Complimenting the narrative are numerous black and white photographs that truly bring the legend to life.

Often referred to as a ‘gentlemen of leisure,’ Mark Twain’s life was above all, interesting. Sid Fleischman has captured the essence of this free spirited writer that today is one of only a handful of authors counted as true masters of the pen. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in literature, regardless of age. Sid Fleischman is a talented writer and his ability to continually breath new life into old stories is unparalleled. This is an exceptionally well written and highly enjoyable read – Don’t Miss it!

In today’s high-tech, highly competitive market, I commend Harper Collins for delivering such unique, educational, fun titles!

*The Entertainer & the Dybbuk – also by Sid Fleischman

Happy Reading!
   -RJ

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CYOA – Volume One

golden-path-book-1.jpg
Golden Path Volume 1
Into the Hollow Earth

by Anson Montgomery
Youth Adventure/Fiction
ISBN 10: 1933390816
ISBN 13: 978-1933390819
Chooseco *(CYOA)

Some may find it hard to imagine how, with a printed book, the reader can actively participate in the adventure…but it’s true. The popular Choose Your Own Adventure has been revamped, re-energized and relaunched, to the utter delight of parents and young adults everywhere. With this ingenious series, the reader has the opportunity to make multiple choices throughout the novel, which changes the plot twists, the characters that you will meet and at what stage you will interact with each. The right choices will lead you, as one of the main characters, into a secret world that exists beneath the Earth’s crust.

As one of the main characters, you (the reader) are, quite literally caught up in the action and your choices effect the other characters and the progression of the story. The Golden Path: Volume One opens with an interesting, scientific prologue, which sets the tone for the scenery, ideologies and difficulties that the people in author Anson Montgomery’s future face on a daily basis. The first chapter opens with a scene every student can relate too…three friends, in the library, studying for a big exam. And through the creative imagination of CYOA, you (the reader), are one of the three. The heart of the story revolves around your parents archaeological dig at Carlsbad, New Mexico and a very odd shard of pottery your friend Peter found outside the dig site. Convinced the artifact once belonged to a culture that predates the American Indians and utilizing the individual talents of each of your friends, the three of you receive special permission from your teacher to work together on the AP History project. It’s true that history effects the future, but you and your friends had no idea how that piece of pottery would devastate your present and put your future in jeopardy.

When you receive a frightening, cryptic email from your Mom, sent from a dead letter drop, you are given the first of many choices…do you follow the instructions from your Mom or go to New York City? Of course your selection will alter the story’s progression, as will each of the decisions you make throughout the adventure. What began as a quest to find your missing parents, quickly spins into a web of questions, that has government officials hot on your trail and could well be the difference between life and death for you all.

Choose Your Own Adventure is an entertaining adventure series that engages reader, however, flipping back and forth, skipping numerous chapters only to go back to them later may be confusing for younger readers. A mix of ancient history, futuristic adventure, scientific learning and creative imagination, woven around three best friends who must use their individual strengths to solve problems together. Utilizing age appropriate narrative, the book deals with family issues, friendships, loss, jealousy, grief and ultimately survival, understanding and healing. I would recommend this book (*& the series) to children who enjoy a book that doesn’t fit the normal definition of “book.” The characters are believable, with just enough futuristic karma to grab the attention of today’s high-tech kids. With four story lines developed to move from Volume One to Volume Two, your individual choices play-out before your eyes. I think parents should be made aware that it is necessary to purchase both volumes, because without the second volume some “choices” are not available, thus changing the outcome. With the website, more information should be available and it allows the kids to participate in activities related to the stories. Definitely worth reading, a solid 3.5 and destined to get better with each new installment.

Happy Reading!
-RJ

 

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Molly Monkey by John Rosano (children’s)

Farmward Bound
Molly Monkey: Farmward Bound
written by John Rosano
illustrated by Nathan Smith
ISBN 10: 1601310137
ISBN 13: 978-1601310132
Children ages 3-8
24 Pages
Three In A Tree Publications

www.3inatree.net

Molly Monkey: Farmward Bound, introduces readers to a spirited little monkey named Molly as she travels from her home in the jungle to join her adoptive family on their farm. Beautifully written and expertly illustrated, this is first book in a new children’s series that will follow Molly through a variety adventures.

After reading this delightful story you will be surprised to learn that Molly Monkey: Farmward Bound is John Rosano’s debut into the wonderful world of children’s literature. Rosano has concocted a winning recipe with this character driven story that is loads of fun for everyone. The rhyming words are easy to read and follow a rhythmic flow throughout the book. The story itself demonstrates to children the importance of following your dreams, not allowing fear of the unknown to hold you back and meeting new friends is very exciting. Rosano’s remarkable accomplishment with this adorable story is how well he has disguised these lessons as part of Molly’s adventure. The illustrations compliment the story and bring each page to life with entertaining scenes that capture and hold even the youngest child’s attention.

This is a wonderful storybook to share with your children, for young readers to enjoy independently and with the promise of future installments, parents and children alike will look forward to following this fun-loving, energetic character through whatever adventures creator, John Rosano imagines.

Happy Reading!
-RJ
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Children’s Book Week *Nov. 12-18

     CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK:  NOVEMBER 12-18riseup-bookmark.gif

Celebrating the magic of the written word since 1919.

We are thrilled to participate in this nationally recognized campaign and sincerely hope that all parents, grandparents, care givers, librarians, teachers… Well, everyone will get involved and share the magic with the youngsters in your life!Looking for a great book to read this week:
 

3Rs
has recently reviewed these wonderful titles:
Sir Edgar Font’s Hunt for A House to Haunt
         *2books (by Patrick H.T. Doyle)
Cynthia’s Attic series
       *2books (by Mary Cunningham)
Coomacka Island series
         *3books (by Don Hooper)
Me & the Pumpkin Queen
           (by Marlane Kennedy)
The Entertainer & The Dybbuk
          (by Sid Fleischman)
Secret of the Lonely Grave
          (by Albert Bell, Jr)
Willow’s Bend
          (by Kat Michaels)
What’s On the Other Side of the Rainbow
         (by Carla Masterson)
Elwood’s Crown 
         (by Shannon Rumple)
Let’s Get Ready for …series
        (by Stacy Kannenberg)
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Edgar Font’s Hunt for A House to Haunt Adventure 2

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Lenox Lizard & Kukumacka Duppy *Coomacka book 3

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3rd-coomacka-island-book.jpg 

Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy
  Coomacka Island series *book 3
written by Don P Hooper
illustrated by Darnel Degand
ISBN 10: 1425129714
ISBN 13: 978-1425129712
Trafford Publishing
Ages 4-8

www.coomacka.com

The wildly popular, children’s Coomacka Island series returns with the third installment, entitled Lenox Lizard and the Kukumacka Duppy. Building on the success of the previous books, the creative team of Don Hooper and Darnel Degand continue to craft culturally diverse tales that are truly pleasure to read. The story opens with Lenox, the confident captain of the Fighting Peenywallies making his way to the stadium for some much needed extra practice. Enroute, he runs into his friends, Jamila and Amani on their way to Macka Street to buy some mangos. Even though Lenox loves mangos, he continues on to the stadium, determined to lead his team to their first victory in over a hundred years. Arriving at the stadium Lenox is shocked to see the Stoney Hill Scorpions on the field. Sulubu the Scorpions leader tries to intimidate and then to frighten the smaller lizard, by telling him the legend of the Kukumacka Duppy. Lenox has to make a choice, give into his fear and let his team down or confront his fears and do his best to lead the team to victory.

Combine Afro-Caribbean folklore, Haitian Creole and Swahili, blend it to lyrical perfection, then add the unique island flavor that is Coomacka and the result is an educationially sound, morally uplifting, down right fun children’s book that is a delightful read. Filled with emotion and eye-catching color, the detailed illustrations are visually stimulating and wholly engrossing. With each new installment the stories grow in depth, length and dimension leaving children and parents alike anxiously anticipating the next island adventure.

Don Hooper and Darnel Degand have delivered a fun book, exposing children to various cultures and laced with positive moral messeges. With the fun facts, definitions and questions included at the end, these little books pack powerful lessons. I highly recommend the Coomacka Series to anyone that has young children.

Happy Reading!
RJ
3Rs

Coomacka Series Books
coomacka-the-story-of-spider-and-ant.jpgThe Story of Spider & Ant (book One) alot_of_work_emoticons.gif

anansi-jr-and-the-mango-truck.jpg

Anansi Jr & the Mango Truck (book Two)alot_of_work_emoticons.gif

 

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Re: Cynthia’s Attic books 1 & 2

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Review: Let’s Get Ready for First Grade

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Let's Get Ready for First Grade! (Let's Get Ready Series) (Let's Get Ready Series)Let’s Get Ready for First Grade
Stacey Kannenberg & Linda Desimowich
ISBN-13: 978-1933476-100
ISBN-10: 1-933476-10-9
Cedar Valley Publishing

www.cedarvalleypublishing.com

“The Cedar Valley Kids” are back in the second installment of this nationally recognized children’s series, with a new teacher, Mrs. Best, in Let’s Get Ready for First Grade. This is an absolute must have for parents with children preparing for elementary school. Age appropriate, thorough, colorful and entertaining, Mrs. Best guides the ‘reader’ through a myriad of activities which are all taken from the standard first grade curriculum. From vowels and consonants, proper pronunciation of short and long sounds, to the always tricky ‘silent e’, children will laugh while they learn. Lessons build upon themselves, utilizing that which was mastered yesterday as the base to build something new today. For example the lessons dealing with numbers begin with counting, differentiate between odds and evens, skip counting, and finally addition and subtraction of small sets. (1+2 or 7-3)

The Let’s Get Ready series demonstrates that learning can be fun and exciting. And with parents being the single most influential person in any child’s life, it only makes sense that establishing a positive attitude towards learning, education and books in general starts at home. It’s now easier than ever for busy parents to spend quality time with their children, building the basic skills necessary to succeed, while at the same time reinforcing the family bond. I have heard many parents say “I would do anything for my child”… all the work has been done, organizing the information that meets the standard guidelines, presenting it in an informative, exciting and entertaining way, via a reusable format (high gloss, non-stick, dry erase compatible pages) at an affordable price — what more could parents and educators ask for? Of course…. Let’s Get Ready for… Second….Third…

Happy Reading!
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

3dball24.gifNote: Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Mrs. Best’s assistant, “Yodie Coyote”, hiding throughout the book! There are plans to expand the series to include all elementary grades.

Parents should get involved with their local schools and contact their representatives, to make the Let’s Get Ready for First Grade available to children preparing to enter elementary school, regardless of socio-economic status.

Better Together

  Buy this book with Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! (Let’s Get Ready Series) (Let’s Get Ready Series) by Linda Desimowich today!
Let's Get Ready for First Grade! (Let's Get Ready Series) (Let's Get Ready Series) Let's Get Ready for Kindergarten! (Let's Get Ready Series) (Let's Get Ready Series)

Buy Together Today: $33.92 

 

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Re: Elwood’s Crown by Shannon Rumple


   Elwood’s Crown
elwoods-crown-by-shannon-rumple.jpgShannon Rumple
children’s/bilingual
ISBN-13: 978-1-4259-7742-9
Published by AuthorHouse

www.authorhouse.com
www.srstories.com

Shannon Rumple introduces readers to a feisty frog and his loving mom, in her debut children’s book, entitled, Elwood’s Crown. Important life lessons are cleverly woven into the very fabric of this heartwarming tale of responsibility, accountability and personal character. The first thing I noticed was the unique layout of this book. Designed so that when opened, one page is dedicated to art work, while the opposing page displays the written story. The full page, black canvas illustrations compliment the story, creating a captivating visual to keep wondering eyes interested. On each adjacent page, English occupies the fist half of the page, with the Spanish translation, paragraph in full, underneath. Thus providing an excellent teaching tool for those learning English as a second language. While at the same time, giving parents of English speaking children the opportunity to introduce their children to the Spanish language. Both of which lay the foundation of cultural acceptance and understanding.

Filled with interesting illustrations and engaging text, Elwood’s Crown addresses important questions of behavior and character, for the whole family. Shannon has been busy working on Elwood’s second adventure, “Fly Cake”, tentatively scheduled for release next summer. There’s much to love about Elwood’s Crown, with the seamless bilingual format inside, the overall dimensions, thick pages, and slick coat, easy to clean cover, this is a well constructed, family friendly book, that will undoubtedly spend very little time on the shelf.

NOTE: All autographed copies of Elwood’s Crown, include a collector’s edition, post card size, puzzle. This is a special offer and only available through the author’s website.

Happy Reading!
RJ   😉
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews©
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Re: Anansi Jr & the Mango Truck by Don Hooper (children’s)

Coomacka Island: (book 2)  
Anansi Jr and the Mango Truckanansi-jr-and-the-mango-truck.jpg
Written by: Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by: Darnel Degand
Children’s Adventure/Fiction
$12.95 US
ISBN: 1-4251-0143-7
Trafford Publishing
www.coomacka.com

Anansi Jr and the Mango Truck is the second installment in the Coomacka Island series. Based in part, on Afro-Caribbean folklore, Anansi was the great trickster and somewhat of cult hero to islanders. For hundreds of years, folk tales about the Macka Tree and the spirits dwelling within roots have been passed down through the generations. As with many cherished stories, the fictional fires erupted from a spark of truth.

The story begins with AJ tending his garden, filled with beautiful plants, including his award winning Monkey Tail Shrub. There was only one thing that he loved more than gardening and that was eating. However, he was a very greedy spider and had never experienced the joy of sharing. Nevertheless, on this day, he would learn a valuable lesson about the spirit of giving and friendship.Once again, Hooper and Degand have delivered a fictional tale, filled with life lesson of immense importance. From the first colorful page, the reader is transported to the heart of the Caribbean. The emotion-filled drawings bring the words, as well as, the island itself to life. Introducing names with various origins, such as Swahili or Haitian, offers children an opportunity to expand their vocabulary, while embracing cultural diversity. Although Coomacka Island is an uncharted, fictional Island, the morals and values found here have universal appeal.Featuring an entertaining forward and fun facts at the conclusion, Hooper and Degand have created a multi-layered, multi-cultural series that will be cherished by children, parents and teachers the world over.

Happy Reading!   
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews©
Book 1 – The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2- Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck
Book 3- Lenox Lizard & the Kukamacka Duppy

 

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Re: The Story of Spider & Ant by Don Hooper (children’s)

Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant
Written by: Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by: Darnel Degand
coomacka-the-story-of-spider-and-ant.jpg
Children’s Adventure/Fiction
$12.95
ISBN: 1-4120-9107-1
Trafford Publishing
www.coomacka.com

The Story of Spider and Ant, is the first book in a series written by Don P. Hooper and Illustrated by Darnel Degand. Coomacka is an uncharted Caribbean Island, where each of the stories takes place. Although the Islands itself is a fictional place, much of the inspiration is based on Afro-Caribbean folklore.In this story, Spider manipulates Ant by being dishonest and pretending to be injured. Ant, believing his friend, enlists his family to help. After working all day for Spider, the ants were tired. However, the selfish Spider had no compassion for the ants nor did he appreciate all their hard work.

Reveling in his deception and trickery, the greedy spider celebrated. However, the truth was soon revealed. Realizing this is not how friends are supposed to interact; the ant sets out to teach the spider a lesson.

This beautifully written story has an important lesson hidden just below the surface. Books such as this, that teach silently, while entertaining loudly are rare finds indeed. In addition to the child’s bedside table, this series should be available at every preschool and daycare, elementary school and library. The rhythmic sounds of the island are beating within the colorful drawings. The expressive eyes of the characters convey genuine emotion. Hooper and Degand have delivered a fun, entertaining story that will keep children wide eyed and interested. And that’s exactly what a good children’s book should do!

Happy Reading! 
   RJ xx

Book 1 – The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2 – Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck
Book 3 – Lenox Lizard & The Kukamacka Duppy

 

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Re: Sir Edgar Font’s Search (book 1)by Patrick Doyle (youth)

small-edgar-font-tower.jpg

Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to Haunt:
Adventure One The Castle Tower Lighthouse
Author: Patrick H. T. DoyleI
llustrator: Patrick H. T. Doyle
Pages: 220
ISBN: 0-9786132-0-1
Price: $6.99 US/$11.99 CAN
Publisher: Armadillo Books
http://www.armadillo-books.com/
www.edgarfont.com

If I told you this story began with an old man pointing the way to a secret door in a dream, what would you say? Yet, that is exactly how Patrick H.T. Doyle discovered the leatherbound journal in the attic of his home. Inside he read the most wonderful stories, each describing the adventures of a trusted grandpa and two adoring grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Through his imagination and incredible storytelling abilities, Doyle has delivered a new kind of adventure book, that is destined to be a favorite for young and old alike.

The last time the kids had seen grandpa was three years earlier, at their Mother’s funeral. Garrett remembered his bushy moustache and that he lived in a tree house on an island somewhere. Audrey recalled the fantastic stories he had shared during their visits. How he explored pyramids in Egypt, surfed waves in Australia and climbed Mount Everest, twice. Yes, Grandpa was a true explorer. Now everyone referred to him as eccentric. Which of course to the kids simply meant he was weird. Now they would be spending the entire summer with him at his apartment in The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. Translated into kids english – “boring, boring, and boring.” But, they could not have been more wrong. This would be a summer they would never forget.

Sir Edgar Font has lived an exciting life and certainly intends to continue his quirky ways after he passes from this world into the next. So begins his search for the perfect house to haunt. The Retirement Village was filled with lonely, bored ghosts and that was no place for him. As grandpa explained his plans to his wide eyed grandchildren he was met with skeptisim and questions.Later that night after having seen a ghost at the dinner table, they exited down the emergency steps and made their way to the “Adventure Wagon.” This wagon will take us anywhere we want to go and our first destination will be the Lighthouse, grandpa told them.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse holds many puzzles, secrets, and mysteries, each waiting to be discovered. Beyond all the games there are life lessons being taught through out this book. Dealing with the loss of someone you love, like the death of Audrey and Garrett’s Mother and learning to look beyond that which seems obvious, are only two of the many wonderfully woven stories that both entertain and teach. As a companion and beautifully complimenting the adventures within the book, the website offers many hours of fun and puzzle solving.

Patrick H.T. Doyle has delivered a truly new and refreshing alternative to the books currently available.This could easily be a review filled with all the raving adjectives, because each and every one has been earned. Excellent, engaging, suspense filled, action packed, I could list them all. However, it is far more important to point out that this is not just a children’s book or for young adults. For all the parents out there who have searched for a great story to read to your children before bed, this is it! I have no doubt, children everywhere will be asking, “is it bed-time yet”? For all the children looking for an affordable book that is entertaining and fun, here it is! And lastly for all the adults who enjoy discovering a new author that has truly created something different, look no further, you have found it! And with the second book in this adventure series available in July, this is the perfect time to get introduced to Sir Edgar Font.

Happy Reading!  
  RJ xx

Submitted & Acknowledged 

*Patrick H.T. Doyle’s imagination and ability to bring the true exploits of these three loveable characters to readers is an accomplishment in and of itself. When combined with the multi-layered experience of the book, adventure blog, and website this is truly a one of a kind experience.
Stop by Sir Edgar Font’s Website. There are lots of cool things to explore. And don’t forget to check on the “traveling 5″… Five copies of the book are traveling from reader to reader, around the globe.Visit the Story Tellers Adventure Blog where Patrick has answered questions, talks about the next book & lots of information.
 

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Re: What’s On the Other Side…by Carla Masterson (children’s)

over-rainbow-by-carla-masterson.jpg 
What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow?
Written by: Carla Jo Masterson
Illustrated by: Omra Jo Fochtman
Children’s Fiction
ISBN 10: 1-59975-228-X
ISBN 13: 978-1-59975-228-0
Harmony Soup Publishers
Father & Son Printing & Distribution
www.fatherson.com
www.mrpositively.com
The first thing that I noticed was the oversized, imprinted, hardcover, reminiscent of the Golden Books I loved so much as a child. What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow has everything a parent or educator could ask for in a children’s book. Making it a rare find that will leave children pleading…. “ read it just one more time, please,” and parents happily obliging.Carla Jo Masterson has created a literary work that will leave children smiling and parents feeling good about their choice of reading material. To deliver messages of such importance in fun, enjoyable ways is a testament to the talent of the author. Together, with the illustrations by Omra Jo Fochtman, this book should be read in daycare centers, schools, and homes everywhere.What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow is much more than a bedtime story. Carla introduces us to Mr. Positively, who leads the reader not only through the book, but through a door to understanding and accepting ourselves and our feelings, as well as, those of others. .With the number of broken homes increasing, school violence and bullying on the rise, and the general decline of moral values, the need for a book such as this has never been greater. Carla Jo Masterson has answered that call with What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow. To create a morally sound, entertaining book for children is no easy feat. However, Masterson has delivered all this, with a genuine sincerity that is both heart warming and refreshing!Happy Reading!
RJ xx

Review submitted & acknowledged 4/17/07. Documentation available.

 

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