Thursday, February 28, 2013

Oh, The Things My Mom Will Do



Oh, The Things My Mom Will Do
Author and Illustrator: Marianne Richmond
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 9781402282157

“Oh, the things my mom will do... because she loves me through and through!”
A smiling mother stands on the front porch of her family home with the beloved family dog and waves goodbye to her children as they find their way off to school. Touching imagery of course, but what was left out of that description is something to which parents can all relate. Imagine that same mother but with frazzled hair, a ragged old housecoat and only one slipper situated on her foot. That is the image displayed on the opening page of Oh, The Things My Mom Will Do.
“Our family’s busy every day. Seems mom is gone a lot. She asks me to please understand. I pretend, but I do not.”
In Miss Richmond’s newest book, we read the story of a typical child who cheerfully goes to school without their lunch kit, misplaces toys, forgets Important school assignments until the day before its due and, of course, spreads worms out onto the carpet. Through it all is an amazingly wondrous mother who is always there to chase after the bus in her jammies, sans slipper, to make sure her child has lunch. A mother who loses sleep while making a special costume for a school play and makes pet invertebrates a home inside her home. She also finds teddy before bed, makes it to the party on time, and at the end of the day, is there to tuck you in and say goodnight.
A mother’s work is never done and often goes unnoticed. Sometimes, when life feels rushed and hectic and Junior really does forget his bear in the grocery store shopping cart, mom has to search through every single cart in the corral before it shows up…these are the moments that mom’s might chalk up to as an “experience”, but it’ll be a moment in time that a child will remember forever. Maybe even a story to tell their grandchildren one day when expressing their love for the older generation of family members, all because mom managed to save the day…again.
Oh, The Things My Mom Will Do is a remarkably illustrated, poignantly written hardcover children’s book with recognizable experiences that will tug at any parent’s heart and resplendent imagery that will occupy a child’s mind. While this book is meant for children ages 4 and up, a child of a younger age will also be able to perceive the imagery and possibly tell the story through pictures. The author is able to show children that they shouldn't take their mother for granted and understand that even in her absence her thoughts are always on the well-being of her child.
“I hope you know how much you’re loved. Yes, through and through and THROUGH. And no matter what the days do bring, I’ll do anything for you!”
Did you know that Miss Richmond’s last two books sold more than 226,000 copies? Not too shabby! Her other works include, If I Could Keep You Little, I Love You So, I Believe in You and many many more. You can find them at independent book stores, Barnes and Noble and online sites such as, www.Amazon.com, available for pre-order.


Monday, February 25, 2013

Camp ABC: A Place for Outdoor Fun



Camp ABC: A Place for Outdoor Fun
Author: Zora and David Aiken
Illustrator: David Aiken
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
ISBN: 9780764344237
Release Date: February 28, 2013

Are you and your family planning to spend some time outdoors? Do you have a young child who desires to understand the sights and sounds they might experience, or the activities they can participate in while outdoors?  Well, look no further because you can teach them all about the great outdoors and their ABC’s with Camp ABC:  A Place for Outdoor Fun.

Zora and David Aiken have made this book double the fun for parents and young readers. Not only can children learn the alphabet, but they are also introduced to the many activities and animals the outdoors has to offer. A perfect example of this is the letter ‘K’, which is for kayak. We are treated to a lovely rhyming verse and the image of two happy children paddling the waters in their kayak, surrounded by deer, fish, raccoons and mice.
“A kayak’s a fun boat.
 It’s not very wide.
The kayaking paddle
 Dips in on both sides.”

A true camping adventure book with detailed illustrations and tons of ideas for a family getaway into the wilderness such as leaf tracing, rafting, star gazing, and even napping just to name a few.

You can pre-order Camp ABC:  A Place for Outdoor Fun on several online sites. Check below for a link to Amazon. Go to your local bookstore, or check an online site for Zora and David’s other collaboration, A to Z: Pick What You’ll Be.




Thursday, February 21, 2013

Little Dinos Don't Bite



Little Dinos Don't Bite


Little Dinos Don’t Bite
Author: Michael Dahl
Illustrator: Adam Record
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
ISBN: 9781404875364

A 20 page board book with lively illustrations.

A lesson every child should learn, especially in this books target age bracket (2-4 years) is that there is absolutely, positively, NO BITING! What better way to enforce this lesson than with Little Dino and his Mommy, who may be sweet, but doesn’t like getting her tail chomped on by big, sharp teeth. Ouch!
Biting can do some serious damage as Little Dino finds out when he takes a nibble, or a chunk, out of his shoes, toys and chairs. After a bit of humorous parental guidance, our little dinosaur friend discovers what he should bite, “Bite a snack instead, Little Dino.”

This isn’t the first book I’ve reviewed of Mr. Dahl’s. He truly is a talented author having written over 200 books. He also has a few rather prestigious awards to his name as well. Mr. Record’s illustrations do a great job of reinforcing the author’s message...keep those teeth to yourself!

Check out the other books in the Dinos Don’t series; Dinos Don’t Yell, Dinos Don’t Push and Dinos don’t Hit. Go ahead and order directly from the publisher’s website at, http://www.capstoneyoungreaders.com/products/little-dinos-don-t-bite/

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

My Father Flies



My Father Flies
Author: Jennifer Ginn
Illustrator: David Kramer
Publisher Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
ISBN 9780764343858
 Release Date: March 29, 2013


In, My Father Flies, we meet a little boy who tracks his father’s whereabouts on a globe while he travels the world for work. Being separated from loved ones, especially children, can be so difficult, but a wonderful way to connect with children, and even help them understand more about the areas visited, is to share the journeys with them.

The illustrations in My Father Flies are bright and colorful and reflect on the nations and cultures described in the text beautifully. The climate, geography, nation’s flags, cuisine, fashion, art, language and architecture are all depicted, and while we learn a lot through the text in this book, the illustrations are just as important, if not more.

My Father Flies is a delightful story that any traveling parent should consider sharing with their children.

Check out the publishers website to purchase this book! http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=9780764343858

Friday, February 15, 2013

Dog Comes Too



Dog Comes Too
Author: Hazel Hutchins
Illustrator: Gosia Mosz
Publisher: Annick Press. Ltd.
ISBN: 9781554514793

26 pages, board book. Ages 2+

Dog Comes Too is an enchanting story about a brave and adventurous little doggy not willing to be left behind while his owner goes off on an adventure in rural pastures. And while he may be little, this spirited pup is willing to do bold things to stick by his owner, and best friend’s side.

Some pretty high jumps, scrambling up rocks, swimming in lakes with the fishes, and a run-in with a “too scary” porcupine keep this little doggy and his owner busy on their walk. In the end, our puppy friend and his owner spent the day experiencing some great adventures, together.

Look for Cat Come Too, a companion book to Dog Comes Too. Both books are due out at the end of February. According to Annick, the publisher of Dog Comes Too, Hazel has written over 30 books for children and young adults. Find her books at bookstores and online at sites like Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. 
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Comes-Too-Hazel-Hutchins/dp/1554514797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361589126&sr=8-1&keywords=Dog+comes+too

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Monster Knows Numbers


Monster Knows Numbers by Lori Capote

Monster Knows Numbers
Author: Lori Capote
Illustrator: Chip Wass
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers – Picture Window Books
ISBN: 9781404880382

Monsters Know Numbers? What? I thought there was no such thing as MONSTERS!

 I must be mistaken, but that’s okay because in Monster Knows Numbers, we meet a friendly green monster with with a very messy room who chooses odd things to play with like, prickly bears and slimy frogs just to name a couple.

Talk about appropriate use of color! Illustrator, Chip Wass, made sure this book was vibrantly illustrated. It will definitely keep any child’s attention as they learn to count from 1-10.

Order direct from publishers website. http://www.capstonepub.com/product/9781404879461

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Goodnight Baseball


 Goodnight Baseball (Capstone Young Readers) (Sports Illustrated Kids)

Goodnight Baseball
Author: Michael Dahl
Illustrator: Christina Forshay
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
ISBN-9781623700003



A handsome young boy holds his father’s hand while entering Rockets Park, the big stadium outside of town. He is completely enthralled with the sights and sounds around him. Upon the field, the Rockets and the Stars play a game of ball while father and son chow down some hot dogs and soda. Typical baseball fare, but though the eyes of a child, it holds much more significance.  

If read with a soft, tender voice, Goodnight Baseball is a wonderful bedtime story. Read it with some pep and vigor, and you've got yourself an exciting reminder of what going to a baseball game is really like. Goodnight Baseball is a great way for children and parents and even grandparents to reminisce about the excitement of America’s favorite pastime.

Illustrator, Christina Forshay, has done an amazing job of capturing the innocence of a child’s mind with her splendid graphics. How a child looks back at the field upon exiting the stadium, how they treasure the memorabilia picked up at the gift shops, or the fly ball they caught up in the stands.

Author, Michael Dahl, is an award winning writer who has written over 100 books spanning from child to young adult. Dahl does a fair share of public speaking and shares his home with a ghost named Helen. No joke! Check out his website http://www.michaeldahlwrites.com/about.html. 

You can order Goodnight Baseball directly from the publishers website.
http://www.capstonepub.com/product/9781404879799

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Princess Addison Gets Angry



Princess Addison Gets Angry (Princess Heart Series)
Written By: Molly Martin
Illustrated By: Melanie Florian
Publisher: Capstone Young Readers
Hardcover, 34 pages
ISBN: 9781404881075


Princess Addison Gets Angry is a delightful story about an only child whose usual daily routine gets rained on…literally.

The enchanting Princess Addison Lorelei Tiffany Genevieve Sinclair, Princess Addison for short, has an enthralling life consisting of play time with her closest friends, walking her dogs, taking strolls in the garden and dancing by the fountain. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has disrupted her plans and Princess Addison is Princess Angry! Cue full scale temper tantrum!

Luckily, after a small reminder from her Mommy, “A Princess may get angry, but a Princess never hits people or breaks things.” The abhorrent Princess Angry once again becomes the endearing Princess Addison and finds other ways to occupy herself. A walk, a book, some playful licks from her puppies and talking about her angry feelings seem to do the trick. Those angry feelings dissipate and our Princess realizes, “A Princess always knows there is always tomorrow.”

There are currently four books in the Princess Heart Series, all dealing with emotions such as happy, sad, angry and scared. Miss Martin and Miss Florian make a wonderful team with their written word and captivating illustrations on display. You can find the Princess Heart books at online retailers such as Amazon.com, or order directly from the publishers website. 
http://www.capstonepub.com/product/9781404878518

Friday, February 8, 2013

The Poodle and the Pea




The Poodle and the Pea (Animal Fairy Tales Series)
Written By: Charlotte Guillian
Illustrated By: Dawn Beacon
Published By: Raintree, a Capstone Global Library, LLC
ISBN: 9781410950321



Have you ever read a book called, The Princess and the Pea? I’m sure you’ve probably heard of it. First published in 1935 and written by the talented Hans Christian Andersen, a man whose works are famous around the world. Well, imagine a book similar to the Princess and the Pea, but replace the characters with animals!
Let’s introduce our characters shall we? First, we have the handsome Prince Barking, whose parents, the king and queen, feel it is time for their son to marry a suitable princess. Unfortunately, Prince Barking isn’t satisfied with any of the princesses who have traveled to the palace.

Alone in the wilderness outside the palace is a lost princess. She is cold, wet, and dirty. She’s not presentable in her current state and the king and queen don’t believe that any princess could ever be so filthy.

In an effort to prove her royalty to his parents, Prince Barking and a trusty servant hatch a plan to prove she truly is a princess. A pea is placed in her bedding because no real princess would be able to sleep on such lumpy bedding!

Morning comes, and the lovely princess complains that her plush bed was indeed, lumpy. The king then declares, “Only a real princess could feel a pea under all those blankets!”

The prince is ecstatic, and asks the enchanting princess for her hand in marriage. He serves peas at their wedding.

A spin on a classic fairy tale, The Poodle and the Pea is a delightful story that will captivate any child.

Watch out for other titles in the Animal Fairy Tales Series, Goldiclucks and the Three Bears, The Kitten Who Cried Dog, Little Red Riding Duck and Pandarella.  
Order directly from the publishers website!
http://www.capstonepub.com/product/9781410950260

Thursday, February 7, 2013


Welcome everyone!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog dedicated to children’s literature.  There is an abundance of amazing children’s books on the market today, but I’d like to take the time to focus on newly released books on the market.

I value a book that has the ability to teach children a lesson. How to behave, instilling self-confidence, avoiding conflict or even just learning to brush their teeth, learning these skills at a young age helps children develop ingenuity that will last them a life time.

I encourage parents, librarians, educators and publishers to put in requests for reviews. Is there a new book coming out that you’re interested in sharing with your children? Let me know, and I’ll do my best to review, and, maybe sneak some samples of text and illustrations your way (with permission of course).

Thank you, and please, enjoy the blog.

Sincerely,

Enchanting Children’s Book Reviews