BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Stephen Krensky

 

dinosaur.jpg

 

Title: Dinosaurs In Disguise
Author: Stephen Krensky
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers
Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

 

What if the dinosaurs never really went extinct?
What if they’ve just been in hiding for 65 million years?

Why you should read it:

 

There are many levels and many reasons to enjoy author Stephen Krensky’s tale of DINOSAURS IN DISGUISE. The story itself is told through the eyes of a young “explorer” on a hunt to prove his hypothesis that dinosaurs never became extinct, but are hiding somewhere in the world all around us. It’s just up to us to coax these timid creatures out into the open.

Such a whimsical theme is enhanced by the colorfully detailed artwork of illustrator Lynn Munsinger. Whether it’s a desert sphinx or even a participant in the first thanksgiving feast, readers will enjoy discovering the many ways dinosaurs have made their way into our more modern world through Ms. Munsinger’s illustrations.

Even early elementary educators will find DINOSAURS IN DISGUISE of great use in their classrooms as children will love the guessing math work of determining just how many hidden dinosaurs can be found on each page.

Our imaginations are allowed to run wild and the possibilities are endless in this delightful picture book. It not only challenges young readers to search for the hidden dinosaurs lurking all around them, but to also join one young man’s promise to keep those hiding places a secret…at least for now…

A great addition to any home library!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!
***Rating Scale***

5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

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books

They make great stocking stuffers!

HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams
HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: The Chocolate Train Wreck

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donna - Copy

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest chapter book series is called HISTORY’S MYSTERIES. Book One, Ship of Dreams, is available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. Also, coming to the Titanic Museums in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Book Two, A Chocolate Train Wreck, was released in November.

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Tony DiTerlizzi

Ted

 

Title: Ted
Author/Illustrator: Tony DiTerlizzi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publishers
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

This is the story of a father and a son and a big, raspberry-colored, fun-loving, troublemaking best friend who brings them closer together.

 

Why you should read it:

 

Most children, at some point in their lives, discover a best friend to hang out with. I know I did. But I don’t remember my friend being as creative or as special as one boy’s new friend, Ted.

Author/Illustrator Tony Diterlizzi entices readers to join the adventure when a life size bunny/pig like creature stops by one day to play with a lonely little boy. Mr. Diterlizzi has captured the essence of youthful exuberance in Ted’s facial expressions and I especially love the look on Ted’s face when he is to trying to convince the boy to help him build an indoor swimming pool.

 
Nothing is impossible in Ted’s world, but Dad is less than pleased with the outcome of their various adventures because he doesn’t believe Ted is real. It takes a scary turn of events to make the boy’s father finally realize that his son’s new friend is as real as he needs to be and can even help a father discover a secret from his own past.

A great addition to any home library!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!

***Rating Scale***

5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Marjorie Dennis Murray

 

 

halloween.jpg

 

 

Title: Halloween Night
Author: Marjorie Dennis Murray
Illustrator: Brandon Dorman
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Ages: 4 to 8

 

“Twas Halloween night, and all through the house
Every creature was stirring, including the mouse;”

 

Synopsis:

 

Everyone from the witch to the banshees are getting ready for the best Halloween party ever. Too bad they never thought to warn their guests about what to expect on the scariest night of the year!

 

Why you should read it:

 

Rich artwork by illustrator Brandon Dorman combine with a tantalizingly familiar tale by author Marjorie Dennis Murray about getting ready for party guests to arrive. It’s minutes before midnight and everyone in the old haunted house is getting ready to party. I enjoyed all the colorful pictures but it was the whimsical, rhyming storyline that kept me flipping the pages just to see how this would end. I especially liked the look on the party guests’ faces when the old witch opened the door to invite them in!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take it or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Paul Rogers

animals
Title: Funimals

Author: Paul Rogers
Illustrator: Charles Fuge
Publisher: Barron’s Publishers
Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

What’s this animal? Do you know?
A speckledy-neckledy? A roly-pole?

A funny and inventive parade of almost familiar animals from author Paul Rogers and illustrator Charles Fuge to take readers on a whimsical journey through the land of their imagination.

Why you should read it:

There are some picture books that are so magical that illustrations almost aren’t necessary in order to draw a reader into the world of an author’s imagination. And then there are fun stories like Paul Rogers’ FUNIMALS that seem to be driven by the very artwork the words have created.

Illustrator Charles Fuge has managed to elevate an otherwise cute story into a delightful visual journey through a montage of animals any child would love to call their own. Bright colors and expressive faces on each animal encourages readers to stop for a moment to study the details within the pages of this adorable children’s book.

FUNIMALS may be an older picture book, but it is still a goody and a great addition to any home library!

Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5…grab it!

***Rating Scale***

5 out of 5…grab it!
4 out of 5…think about it.
3 out of 5…take or leave it.
2 out of 5…maybe not for you.
1 out of 5…forget about it!

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Adam Stower

 

troll

 

Title: Troll & the Oliver
Author/Illustrator: Adam Stower
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Every day when Oliver goes out, Troll tries to eat him. But catching Oliver is very tricky—he’s fast, sneaky, and just too clever! It is only when it looks like Troll has given up and Oliver celebrates victory that—CHOMP!—he gets eaten, and it turns out that Olivers don’t taste very nice after all.

 

Why you should read it:

 

It was the clever book design that first caught my eye. With a partial peekaboo cut-away cover, I was immediately drawn into wanting to find out who this cute little kid was and why a Troll seemed to be after him. The whimsically silly story reminded me somewhat of the old Road Runner cartoons where poor Wile E Coyote endeavors to catch a pesky road runner for a midday meal. Kids will also like the surprise ending after Troll discovers an Oliver might not be as tasty as he once thought! Author/illustrator Adam Stower’s lovely illustrations will delight young readers. A great addition to any home library.
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**
5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take it or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

************

 

donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams, is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers. And coming to the Titanic Museums soon in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee!

BOOK NOOK REVIEW: Kevin Henkes

waiting

 

Title: Waiting
Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes
Publisher: Green Willow Books
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Look at the owl
and the pig
and the bear
and the puppy
and the rabbit
What do you think they’re waiting for?
A visitor?
A surprise?

 

Why you should read it:

 

I’m drawn to picture books with simply drawn illustrations showcasing a deeply thought out story line. This masterfully written story by author/illustrator Kevin Henkes reminds me of THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein; one of my favorite picture books of all time.

I can’t help but be drawn to the facial expressions of everyone waiting on the window sill for different things. I was even touched by the artwork when I read, “Once a visitor arrived from far away. He stayed for awhile, then he left and never returned.”

This beautiful book helps teach patience to those of us destined to have to wait. And for young and old alike, THIS lovely book was definitely worth the wait!

 
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

 
**Rating scale**

 
5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take it or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

************

 

donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams, will be available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers on October 14th, 2019.

WRITERLY WISDOM: Donna L Martin

 

village.jpg

 

 

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

by Donna L Martin

 

It’s incredible the number of things that need to be done before a book’s release. And I’m not even talking about the editing, revising, proofreading, illustrations, formatting, creating ebook files, or any of the other things I’m doing while I wear my publisher’s hat as Story Catcher Publishing so Book One, Ship of Dreams, from HISTORY’S MYSTERIES, a new historical fiction chapter book series for 9-11 year olds, can be released on October 14th of this year.

I’m thinking about how I as an author have to be prepared on my end for release day. This week I’m focusing on future book reviews of my manuscript. The Kidlit community is a wonderfully supportive group of incredible writers who are always willing to help spread the word about the next great children’s book. Reviews are a GREAT way for readers to show authors they value all the hard work we put into our stories. It even helps online sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, etc. to validate the hundreds of thousands of books being uploaded to these and other online retailers every year.

 


HM-SHIP-OF-DREAMS (cover)

 

If you are curious about my new children’s series, be sure and send me your email address! Starting on Monday, September 16th, I will be emailing a FREE PDF copy of Book One, Ship of Dreams, to anyone who would like to send me a request to donasdays (at) gmail (dot) com. Be sure to put Ship of Dreams PDF request in the subject line. It will be the same format readers will find in the ebook version. All I ask is that as a book reviewer, you read the entire book (80 pages) and then leave an HONEST REVIEW on Amazon for me. I will include the direct links to leave a review on Ship of Dreams in the email

 

Titanic front    s                        Titanic back

 

And for everyone who requests a PDF for review, your name will go into a drawing for a chance to win one of these commemorative Titanic coins for your very own! I will be giving away FIVE of these throughout the month of October to help celebrate the birth of my new children’s books series. I hope you will join me in the celebrations. There will be more surprise announcements and giveaways as we get closer to the October 14th release date!

I know some will like my book while others might not find it to be their cup of tea. But that’s okay! I value ALL reviews…positive and constructive…because I see validation of my work in the positive and challenges to improving the commercial appeal of my stories in the constructive. Always a lesson to be learned on that path to publication.

And I’ve even worked on a special classroom section from Amelia Earmouse for anyone who decides to purchase either the paperback or hardback versions! As a gift to all my readers, I will be loading some of those extra pages on my website (www.StoryCatcherPublishing.com) under an Amelia’s Kid’s Korner tab in the very near future. These handouts would be a great addition to any classroom discussion!

I’ve also listed some blogs and websites below who offer all types of book reviews. Some support the smaller presses, some are on a much larger scale but ALL have one thing in common…a deep, sincere love of books!

School Library Journal…http://www.slj.com/about-us/review-submissions
Publisher’s Weekly… http://publishersweekly.com/pw/corp/submissionguidelines.html
The Children’s Book Review… http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/media-kit/submission-guidlines
Bergers Book Reviews…http://bergersbookreviews.com
American Library Association… http://www.ala.org/offices/booklist/insidebooklist/booklistproc/proceduressubmitting
Kid Lit Reviews…http://kid-lit-reviews.com/policies-ratings-reviews/review-policies/
Kirkus Services…https://www.kirkusreviews.com/author-services/indie/
Midwest Book Review… http://www.midwestbookreview.com/get_rev.htm
YA & Kids Books Central… http://www.yabookscentral.com/info/10892-write-a-review
The Horn Book…http://www.hbook.com/about-us/submissions/
Book Page…http://bookpage.com/content/submission-guidelines
Booklist Online…http://www.booklistonline.com/get-reviewed
Association for Library Service to Children… http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb/ncbsubmissions
Library Journal… http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/about/submitting-titles-for-review/
The New York Times… http://www.nytimes.com/content/help/site/books/books.html
Through The Looking Glass… http://lookingglassreview.com/books/
Kids Reads…http://www.bookreporter.com/book-submission-inquiry
Readers Favorite…https://readersfavorite.com/

What about you?

Do YOU have a children’s book blog? If so, I’d love to chat with you about possibly reviewing my book! Do you know of a book review blogs or websites to add to my list? If you do, please share in the comments below…

 

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HM-SHIP-OF-DREAMS (cover)

 

Amelia Earmouse travels back through time to uncover little known secrets. You may THINK you know your history, but wait until you see what Amelia uncovers in this latest volume of HISTORY’S MYSTERIES!

In Book One, Ship of Dreams, ten-year-old Margaret can hardly wait to see the largest ship ever built visit Southampton! Life is already hard for her family in the spring of 1912, but the coal workers’ strike could turn a bad situation into a deadly one. Margaret hopes to see the great Titanic leave on its maiden voyage, but will the strike prevent it from happening?

 

*************

 


donna - Copy

 

Best selling, award-winning author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, HISTORY’S MYSTERIES: Ship of Dreams, will be available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers on October 14th, 2019.
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