The Best Gift for Bear review

 

Hedgehog has been busy making gifts for all of her friends. But what could possibly be grand enough for her dear friend Bear? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hedgehog wants to make cookie gifts for all of her friends.  But when she gets to Bear's gift she wants it to be grand and special.  When she finally comes up with the idea, she goes to work rolling, cutting and baking until she makes the most wonderful gift.  A giant gingerbread house!  But getting it to Bear's place in one piece is another task by itself.  

This is a heartwarming holiday story that celebrates friendship and that the best gifts do not always need to be material things.  Hedgehog put so much thought into the gift but when things didn't turn out as expected children will feel her disappointment. The illustrations are so sweet and full of expression.  Even though things did not go exactly how Hedgehog planned, she has a happy ending anyway.  The best gift of all is spending time together with a good friend. What a wonderful message learned after reading this charming story.  It also includes a recipe for Hedgehogs gingerbread cookies and honey icing for kids to try.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  The Best Gift for Bear

Author:  Jennifer A. Bell

Pub. date: September 2022, Two Lions

genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

Latkes and Applesauce review

Papa, Mama, Rebecca and Ezra love eating latkes and applesauce during Hanukkah.  One year winter comes early and snow starts falling.  All the apples and potatoes are buried in the snow. But wait! A stray kitten and a hungry dog appear at the family's door. Can these new furry friends be the key to saving the Hanukkah celebration. (book jacket summary)

 

 

An unexpected blizzard arrives early and the Menashe family's crop of potatoes and apples are buried.  Without them they are unable to make latkes and applesauce for their Hanukkah feast.  A stray kitten and a dog unexpectedly show up on the family's doorstep hungry and cold.  They hardly have enough food to feed themselves during the storm but the family takes both animals in and shares what they do have.  As the snowstorm begins to clear,  the dog and kitten find some big surprises bringing the family a miracle for the Hanukkah celebration.  

This year Hanukkah begins December 18th and here is a book just in time for the celebration. It is a wonderful story about family, culture and tradition.  It was beautifully told and illustrated with warm, calming hues and tone.   There were many things that I enjoyed and liked about this book. While the storm shows no signs of slowing and food becoming scarce, papa encourages his family to have faith and hope.  Opening their door and hearts to the stray animals in need, while they were in need themselves, shows the generous nature and love for all of God's creatures.  All of these together leads to the belief of miracles happening and a heartwarming ending for all.  The authors note at the end about the Holiday of Hanukkah, latkes and applesauce and why children play with the dreidel helped me learn so much more that I truly didn't know.  This is a wonderful updated version of the story originally published by the same author but a different illustrator. It does make a nice read aloud for the family.  With the many themes of faith, hope kindness, sharing and miracles,  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-10.~

 

Title:  Latkes and Applesauce - A Hanukkah Story

Author:  Fran Manushkin, illustrated by: Kris Easler

Pub. date: September 2022,  Charlesbridge Publishing

genre: holiday picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Through the North Pole Snow review

What happens when a little white fox meets a certain jolly old soul?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hungry and cold white fox is in need of a dinner and warm place to sleep on a bitter snowy night.  He comes across a friendly man with a big round belly and snow-white beard who offers him a meal and place to stay.  Spring arrives and the man is off to work. He is busy measuring and building, sewing and stuffing, until all his empty shelves are full of wonderful toys. One day, letters fall from the sky and he reads each one.  As the kind man begins to fill a great big sack, there are eight reindeer that appear with a sleigh ready to load. 

A simple and sweet story about how Santa prepares all year for his magical journey on Christmas Eve.  The weary fox welcomed into his home shows generosity and kindness which is perfect for this time of year.  The front cover is so pretty and the illustrations are larger but soft in color making it nice for reading aloud.   I liked little fox's expression of curiosity leading up to contentment in the end.  It is a different tale about Santa than we are used to but would make a nice addition to the holiday season reading list.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.  

 

Title:  Through the North Pole Snow

Author:  Polly Faber, illustrated by Richard Jones

Pub. date: October 2022, Candlewick Press 

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

The Perfect Tree review

 

Bunny is looking for the perfect Christmas tree. Her forest friends tell her that the perfect tree is one that is just her size, bushy as Squirrel’s tail, perfectly pointy on top for a star, the greenest green, and smells like Christmas. But sometimes the perfect tree is the one surrounded by friends(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

The animals of the forest offer their expertise helping Bunny locate the perfect Christmas tree.   Is it in the meadow or on top of the mountain? Or maybe down by the stream.  Finding the perfect tree is not all that easy as Bunny soon discovers.  Just as all hope is lost, she stumbles upon a tree that she hadn't noticed before.  There it was, the perfect tree after all!

This heartwarming and charming story will be a wonderful addition to the holiday reading list.  Text flows easily and the vivid colorful illustrations are so sweet and cute.  Spotting the little mouse with his backpack popping up in various places on each page will surely surprise the kids when they see him.  We all have our own own ideas as to what makes the perfect Christmas tree. This brings back many memories of how each year we searched for our own perfect tree.  Sometimes you find it and sometimes you have to keep looking.  But as Bunny finds in the end, sharing the perfect tree amongst friends is the best way to enjoy a perfect Christmas tree.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  The Perfect Tree

Author:  Corinne Demas, illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan

Pub. date:  December 2022 , Harry N. Abrams

Genre:  picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

 

 

The Stocking Stuffer review

 

It's Christmas Eve and for the first time ever, Santa's naughty list is empty! With a terrible blizzard raging outside, how will Santa be able to deliver Christmas magic to every single home before morning?(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is Christmas Eve and a storm is coming.  Without a moment to spare, Santa must get everything ready in time for Christmas morning. No one has made the naughty list this year and the elves are hurrying to finish up the last of the extra gifts.  Santa feels a little overwhelmed and not sure how he will get everything delivered.  But under the tree is tiny Tinsel Mouse to the rescue.  He is watching and hoping Santa will let him join his sleigh this year.  Tinsel tells Santa that while he is unpacking his bag, he can fill the holiday stockings with good things and sweets!

This is the perfect story to start off the holiday season.  It would make a wonderful read aloud with the bold Christmas colors and rhyming text that flows easily.  With the Christmas Eve storm and Santa's extra workload, Tinsel the Mouse is so thoughtful offering to come to his assistance making sure he stuffs all the stockings in time for the big day.  The story shows caring and generosity making Tinsel the best Santa's helper.  I also liked that it is a great size and shape that will fit in a stocking. It is a wonderful book to cozy up to with a hot cocoa and will spread holiday cheer.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

 

Title:  The Stocking Stuffer

Author:  Hollley Merriweather, illustrated by Stephanie Gaegin

Pub. date: September 2022 - Harper Collins

genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walter Had a Best Friend review

 

Walter and Xavier are best friends. They do everything together! But then…quietly…slowly…Xavier becomes best friends with someone else. Walter goes from feeling hurt and left out to feeling confused and angry to feeling just plain lonely. Until one morning he wakes up feeling a tiny bit hopeful.(goodreads summary) 

 

 

 

 

Walter and Xavier are best friends that do everything together.  They hike, paint pictures and enjoy each others company sitting quietly.  Then one day Xavier met Penelope and everything slowly started to change for Walter. 

I have always been a big fan of any book by Deborah Underwood.  Her stories are always gentle, kind and eloquently written for young readers.  Children do not always understand friendship changes and this story may help them realize they are not alone. The feelings of anger and the hurt they feel are normal and healthy for their development. Even though at the time they do not think so;  just as Walter felt when he did not want to do the things he used to because of the hole in his heart.   As Walter slowly looses his friendship with Xavier, he must also slowly recover from his feelings of deep sadness.  But time will pass with many more beautiful days ahead.  Walter eventually decides to try something on his own that leads him on a path to discovery.  A new friend waiting who may have been looking for one too.   This story offers children the hope and reassurance for better days ahead.  The illustrations are sweet and you can feel how Walter feels all throughout the story. The color palette is soft and calming adding to the beauty of this lovely story.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-8.  

Title:  Walter Had a Best Friend

Author:  Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

 Pub. date: October 2022, Beach Lane Books

Hardcover, 40 pgs.

 

 

 

Winter Is Coming review

 

Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter. Silently she observes the world around her as it reveals its secrets. It takes time and patience to see the changes as, slowly but surely, winter comes. (goodreads summary)

Taking moments to sit quietly and observe nature can be an incredible experience for our children. They always seem to be on the go and do encounter a much more faster paced world than we did as kids.  

The little girl jotting in her notebook who sits silently still, high upon a tree platform in the woods, tells a beautiful story about the appreciation of nature.  The thoughtfully written text, along with the serene Autumn illustrations, definitely makes this book a favorite of mine as the fall and winter season approaches.  The story comes alive with its' beautiful colors and the enchanting expression of the girls eyes who seem to be filled with wonderment. I heard her voice as she gently tells about the animals she sees and sketches, teaching us how they prepare for the long upcoming winter. A wonderful book for a fall into winter nature hike, exploring the beauty and bringing out the Aldo Leopold in all of us. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5-8.~

Title: Winter is Coming
Author:  Tony Johnston, illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Pub. Date: August 2014, Simon & Schuster
Genre: picture book
hardcover, 40mpgs.

The Scarecrow review

All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing. . . .(goodreads summary)




All year long a Scarecrow stands and guards his field of hay. The animals know not to go near the fields leaving the Scarecrow feeling a bit lonely.  Then one spring day a baby crow falls from a nearby tree and he bends down to save the little bird.  The two bond and form an unusual friendship as the Scarecrow watches over the baby as he grows.  Scarecrow also knows that one day the crow will soon spread its wings to fly leaving him to watch over his fields alone again.   

This is a heartwarming tale about a lonely Scarecrow who shares his heart with a baby crow.  An unlikely combination but that is what makes this a wonderful friendship story between the two.   The simple rhyming text flows calmly and is short enough for an easy read aloud.  Even more so were the beautiful illustrations that are done in pencil and ballpoint showing intricate detail when you look closely at the pages. As the seasons pass, the muted Autumn colors change giving me a feeling of chilly Autumn days to very cold Winter months until the warmth of Spring arrives.   It is a gentle and quiet read with messages about loneliness, compassion and good friendship.  I agree some of the text and pages seemed a little sad during reading but it does have a happy outcome for the Scarecrow.  I think this is a "just right book" for the older ages 5-7.~

Title:  The Scarecrow
Author: Beth Ferry, illustrated by Eric & Terry Fan
Pub. date:  September 2019, Harper Collins
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

Pumpkin Time! review

 

The day the cows strolled down Main Street in fancy hats...Evy didn't notice. What was Evy doing? Evy is so focused on watching her garden grow that she misses all the silliness going on around her--pigs DANCING, donkeys FLYING, and sheep HAVING A PICNIC.But after Evy's spent all year taking care of her garden, everyone's invited to pumpkin time! (goodreads summary)

While Evy is diligently tending to her garden, she does not even notice all the animals silly antics... Here is a fun read-aloud book just in time for the fall harvest season. Starting in spring and working through fall, we watch Evy hard at work growing something special for a feast. It also makes for a great interactive story as each page asks, "What is Evy doing?."  Kids will pick up on clues from the colorful illustrations showing her researching pumpkins and being committed to her gardening.  In the end, Evy has a yummy treat to share with all! The last page has recipes for toasting pumpkin seeds, some interesting pumpkin facts and answers to what Evy was doing. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

Title: Pumpkin Time!
Author: Erzsi Deak,  illustrated by Doug Cushman
Pub. Date:  July 2014, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Genre: picture books  
Hardcover, 32 pgs. 

Little Boo review

The leaves fall, the wind blows, and one little pumpkin seed tries and tries to be scary. But he doesn’t scare anyone . . . not the snowflakes in winter, not the bees in spring, not even the watering can! The wind tells him to be patient—he’ll be scary soon enough. But waiting is hard. Will the little seed ever be really, truly be scary?(goodreads summary)


A tiny little seed is determined to scare everyone around him. But when he says "boo" nobody seems to be scared. The wind tells him it is not quite his time yet and that he needs to have patience. After a long winters sleep, he awakens in the spring ready to get back to scaring but learns that having patience may just be a good thing after all.  

This is a cute and charming story that would be a fun read-aloud for your fall season celebrating.   The text flows nicely and the illustrations are bold and colorful. It also touches briefly through its pictures the life cycle of a seed, to a plant and then into a pumpkin that little ones will easily understand. It would also make a wonderful classroom discussion and project book trying to grow a plant from a pumpkin seed themselves. With a heart-warming ending, the little seed will show kids that waiting to grow up can be hard but with a little patience you may just grow into something spectacular. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title: Little Boo
Author: Stephen Wunderli
Pub. Date: August 2014, Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: picture book
Hardcover, 32 pgs.

How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin review

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"How many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Mr. Tiffin asks his class as they gather around the big, medium, and small pumpkins on his desk. Robert, the biggest kid, guesses that the largest one has a million seeds; Elinor, sounding like she knows what she's talking about, guesses the medium one has 500 seeds; and Anna, who likes even numbers better than odd ones, guesses that the little one has 22. Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, doesn't have a guess. (goodreads summary)


This will make a wonderful addition to the Fall Harvest parties this upcoming week. It is just the kind of book that is great for the math or science unit!  Mr. Tifflin has three different sized pumpkins and asks his class to guess "how many seeds are in a pumpkin?" Naturally, the kids think the biggest one will have the most. When they open each one and count the seeds, they discover a scientific surprise!

This book will reinforce concepts on size and prediction, as well as estimating and counting in various ways such as by 2's, 5's and 10's.  To add further to the teaching moment, the kids could weigh and measure their pumpkins as well.  Pumpkins also offer a great opportunity for sensory input with their funny shaped exterior, unusual smell and mushy insides. There is even a nice lesson for Charlie, the smallest boy in the class, who learns that it is not so bad being small. The story does read aloud easily with colorful and bold pictures that add to the fun. With the interesting facts included at the back, I managed to learn several things from this educational book that I didn't know.  Hope the kids have some fun this fall experimenting with pumpkins! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 4-7.~

Title: How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin
Author:  Margaret McNamara
Pub. Date: July 2007, Schwartz & Wade Books
genre: picture book
Hardcover, 40 pgs.

If you Find a Leaf review

An exquisite picture book that celebrates the fall season and encourages children to see the colorful leaves around them in an entirely new way. The artist uses real leaves of vibrant hues to make her oh-so-charming illustrations.(goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn is right around the corner and here is a beautiful inspiring book that would be perfect for the upcoming season. 

 

 A young girl discovers the wonder of a leaf and all the different things it could be just by using a little imagination.   It could be a hat on a chilly day or a hammock that sways in the gentle breeze.  The simple poetic sentences flow nicely for an easy read aloud to the younger ones. What makes this story even more special are the beautiful illustrations.  The mix of watercolors, charcoal, photography and collage that the author uses creates a uniqueness to the ideas of what a leaf could be.  Soft and gentle artwork adds a sense of calmness to each page.  At the end of the book there is a suggested activity and several leaf identifications.  You could easily go on a leaf hunt after reading this story and use your imagination to do your own art or writing project.  After reading this, I found myself missing those days when my kids were little. We would always go on fall nature hikes and pick up several leaves so we could make fun projects.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-6.~

 

Title:  If you Find a Leaf

Author:  Amiee Sicuro

Pub. Date:  July 2022, Random House

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 40 pgs. 

 

 

Pancakes for Breakfast review

 

This warm, feel-good tale of friends working together to make delicious pancakes is the ultimate comfort food read. (goodreads summary)

 

 

 

 

 

Cat loves to wake up on Sunday mornings and make pancakes. But  there are a couple of main ingredients missing.  So Cat calls on Rabbit and Moonbear to borrow milk and eggs and invites them over for a pancake breakfast.  Rabbit brings blueberries and carrots and Moonbear brings honey to share.  A couple of clumsy mishaps cause a little chaos in the kitchen.  But the friends manage to pull it off and make some very special pancakes for everyone.

 

This was a cute and easy-to-read picture book that may have the family thinking about warm stacks of pancakes on a Sunday morning.  The soft page colors were sweet and pleasing.  The text is simple and short for a quick read for the little ones.  The characters were joyful working together while cooking in the kitchen despite a few messy incidents but they soon enjoyed a wonderful breakfast that they created themselves.   It is filled with happiness, friendship, working together and having fun cooking.  At the end of the book, there is Cat's Sunday Pancake recipe included for you to gather the family and make your own special Sunday morning breakfast together.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-7.~

Title:  Sunday Pancakes 

Author:  Maya Tatsukawa

Pub. date:  June 2022, Dial Books for Young Readers

Genre: picture book

Hardcover, 32 pgs.

The Adventures of Tintin review

Don't miss this expanded novelization of the action-packed film! Tintin stumbles across a model ship at the Old Street Market. Only it isn't any model ship--it holds a piece of the puzzle to finding the resting place of Red Rackham's treasure! But Tintin isn't the only ones after the notorious pirate's booty. With dangerous treasure seekers at their heels, Tintin and his dog, Snowy, are on a high-stakes thrill ride, that takes them from land to sea, from open air to the ocean floor! (goodreads summary)




Tintin is a young newspaper reporter who loves a good story!  While perusing the local market, he purchases a model ship only to find he is not the only person interested in this fascinating item. Barnaby, an American, gives Tintin a verbal warning about the ship and Sakharine, a man insisting on purchasing it even after Tintin tells him no. Curious as to why so much interest, he examines the model and finds a parchment hidden inside the mast with a secret message. With his reporter instincts, he sets out to discover the origins of the ship and learns that the Unicorn was commandeered by Sir Francis Haddock and holds an exciting mystery of pirates and possible hidden treasure. The tale of the Unicorn states that it sailed the Barbados Seas in 1676 but was attacked by pirates leaving Captain Haddock as the only lone survivor. According to the Captain, there is a secret behind the Unicorn that only a true Haddock will find. When his apartment is ransacked and the model is stolen, Tintin's nose for reporting kicks in. With his trusted dog Snowy, the two embark on an exciting adventure and discover the truth behind the Unicorn that takes him not only to many places but meeting many unusual people that could help make this the best story ever!

I don't recall ever reading a book filled with so much adventure starting on page one and continuing all the way to the end.  The nonstop action kept rolling along from one exciting part to another and it was truly a fun read.  The details of Tintin being kidnapped, a daring escape from a large vessel, outsmarting henchmen and flying an airplane for the first time over rough seas (just to name a few) gave me images of Indiana Jones. Tintin and Snowy are highly intelligent characters and extremely diligent on piecing together one clue after another of this puzzle leading them to the true story and making for a great pair of heroes. Several other characters also make it lively, funny and no doubt heart pounding at times from the bumbling Interpol Detectives to the Villain who is also looking for his own answers to the mystery.  There are several things that do stand out in the book. A character is shot and killed on Tintin's front porch steps along with other scenes of bullets flying. There is also the breaking of whiskey bottles either being thrown at people or over their heads knocking them out cold. Even Tintin gets knocked out with a clunking of a candlestick over his head. There was quite a bit of alcohol references and drunkenness on the part of Captain Haddock too but his character developed in the end.  All of these together would make for a good discussion about what is reality and what is entertainment. I did find this fast-paced story interesting and know it will keep readers wanting to read until the end. I enjoyed the exciting plot and writing style that took me from a laugh to an Oh No, look out! part with a turn of a page.  I do look forward to watching the movie but satisfied I read the book for now. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10 and up.~

Title: The Adventures of Tintin
Author: Alex Irvine
Pub. date: November 2011, Little, Brown & Co.
Genre: adventure, mystery, middle grade
Hardcover, 227 pgs.

The Year Money Grew on Trees review

Jackson is a 13 year old boy living in New Mexico during the 1980's and is offered an unbelieveable opportunity.  If he succeeds at reviving a neglected apple orchard owned by an elderly neighbor into a healthy and prosperous one, she will give it to him for a price of $8,0000 and gets to keep any profits he makes.  This sounds better than working at the local junkyard which his dad is fixing for him to do for the summer.  Jackson and Mrs. Nelson sign an official agreement between the two and his challenge begins.  He knows nothing about farming, apple growing or what to begin with first. After searching out a book from his school library, he realizes he needs plenty of help and recruits his sisters and cousins by offering them a percentage of the profits for their hard work.  He does not tell them though of the agreement that he has with Mrs. Nelson.  Jackson needs to learn many things on his own while facing struggles along the way. Not too many adults are eager to be helpful or become involved either.  These parts made me sad but he was persistant enough to learn and accomplish them on his own.  He bounces with every up and down thrown at him and working out solutions to many problems he ran into. What a group of hard-working and dedicated kids...........

I thought this was a great book!  I found myself cheering them on and was eager to keep reading to see how it would end.  This book also taught me plenty about apple farming that I never knew. There were times when the kids had to figure out how much items cost or how much they needed to sell to make enough money. Several math equations were worked into the writing as well. The author also included various illustrations, for example specific farming equipment, that I felt offered great visualization to something unfamiliar to young readers.  The kids had so much determination and hard-work ethic that they make wonderful role models for readers and  send the message that in order to succeed, you should never give up. It may even inspire some future entrepeneurs this summer. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9 and up. ~

Title: The Year Money Grew on Trees
Author: Aaron Hawkins
Genre: Fiction
Pub. Date: November 2010, Houghton Mifflin
Hardcover, 293 pgs.

Go Out and Play! review

Do you know how to draw a hopscotch grid? What’s the silliest challenge in the game of sardines? How do you keep from being "out" in SPUD? Is there any way to escape the blob? This lively, infectious guide to games runs the gamut from classic to contemporary.(goodreads summary)





The warm weather we have been experiencing this past week reminds me of when I was a kid and how I loved playing outside as much as I could..... I loved softball, kickball, hopscotch, riding skateboards and biking on the dirt trails. We also had our favorite jungle gym at the neighbors house where we played Freeze Tag or SPUD. There is no doubt that our children are spending less and less time outdoors playing and just being a kid. They are either being shuffled here and there or plugged into electronics during their free time. Not to mention, the childhood obesity rate is climbing higher and higher as well. So, here is a fun book I found with some great outdoor games that may help get the family out and become active!

From tag games to team games and sidewalk games to ones with no rules, there are plenty of activities to choose from. Each page offers a detailed instruction on how to play, the number of players needed, recommended age group the game is best suited for and if you will need any extra materials like balls or beanbags, etc. There are the old standbys like Flashlight Tag or Simon Says. A few new ones caught my attention such as coconut bowling. You fill water bottles with a small amount of water, place in a triangle and roll a coconut to knock the pins down. Just the idea of using something other than a ball is creative and fun. Another suggested game is Clean Your Room. This is a game where two teams throw as many balls as they can over a net in a specific amount of time. The team who has the less balls on their side after time is called, wins. The games do not require much and the best part is that this book will get everyone moving! So.... why not take one day and turn off all the electronics (including yours Mom and Dad), round up the kids and grab this fun filled book for some wonderful ideas and "Go Out and Play"! I think this is a "just right book" for ages 5 and up.~

Title: Go Out and Play!
Author: KaBoom - Julianna rose, Darell Hammond
Genre: non fiction
Pub. Date: March 2012, Candlewick
Paperback, 104 pgs.

 

Navigating Early review

At the end of World War II, Jack Baker, a landlocked Kansas boy, is suddenly uprooted after his mother’s death and placed in a boy’s boarding school in Maine. There, Jack encounters Early Auden, the strangest of boys, who reads the number pi as a story and collects clippings about the sightings of a great black bear in the nearby mountains. Newcomer Jack feels lost yet can’t help being drawn to Early, who won’t believe what everyone accepts to be the truth about the Great Appalachian Bear, Timber Rattlesnakes, and the legendary school hero known as The Fish, who never returned from the war. They embark on a quest on the Appalachian Trail in search of the great black bear. But what they are searching for is sometimes different from what they find. (goodreads summary)

After the passing of his mother, thirteen year old Jack Baker relocates to Morton Hill Academy in Cape Felty, Maine. His father decides to move him closer to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard where he is stationed in the Navy. Jack finds himself trying to adjust to a new life ahead at the boarding school while trying to come to terms with his mother's sudden death. Soon after his arrival, he notices an unusual boy named Early Auden.  Jack learns things about Early that he finds intriguing such as; he sometimes shows up for class and then disappears, has his own workshop in the school's custodial room and clearly has a knack for numbers. To Early, the number pi is an adventurous story that he sees in shapes, color and texture. He can perform amazing calculations in his head and calms himself by sorting jellybeans by number and color when he becomes upset.  Early's Pi stories are very real to him and he feels a need to help save him after a professor announces that the number eventually comes to an end. When the boys find themselves alone at school during fall break, they decide to take a trip down the Kennebec River in search of the mythical Great Appalachian Bear and help Pi return from the dangers of being lost.  Along the way, they meet several characters who have a strange similarity to Early's Pi stories that help create an adventuresome journey for the two themselves. Most importantly though on their quest, the boys learn that sometimes what you end up finding is not necessarily what you've set out looking for.

This story was filled with adventure, imagination and so beautifully written that it definitely pulls in the reader. Even though Early's story of Pi is fictional, it is so believable that it is a story within a story itself.  There is depth to the characters and tale that makes this not just a typical adventure story either. It is more of a read between the lines story and its reader will find true friendship, self discovery, meaning of hope and character development. I imagined Early, that despite his differences, a character truly exceptional and gifted telling that magical tale from what he sees in his mind from a set of numbers. I envisioned Jack feeling lost and unsure of his place in a complicated world searching for answers to his own questions.  It had a detailed 1945 setting including the woodlands of Maine that had me traveling easily through that era. The journey turns to many dangers along the way when they encounter a band of thieves, the thought of what is behind the giant bear prints, and making it back to the academy alive just to name a few. They also meet other characters that offer help and hope and continue on their epic journey to save Pi, even though Jack questions what is reality or insanity as their adventure seems to run parallel to Early's Pi story. It eventually sorts out and explains many things for each boy in more ways than one. Jack and his father both had good character development. I always like books where not only children are shown to grow, but adults do as well. It had some drawn out parts but just as many thrilling and exciting ones to keep you page turning. There are also great new vocabulary words and descriptive word choices that kids will find. This is a book for thinkers and good choice for either boys or girls. At the end of the book, the author also discusses the concept of Early's character and the number pi in her author's note. I usually read a book during summer vacation to my kids. I know this will be a great pick and look forward to sharing this one with them in the upcoming months. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 10-13.~

Title: Navigating Early
Author: Clare Vanderpool
Pub. Date: January 2013, Delacorte Press
Genre: adventure, middle grade
Hardover, 306 pgs.

Words with Wings review

Gabby's world is filled with daydreams. However, what began as an escape from her parents' arguments has now taken over her life. But with the help of a new teacher, Gabby the dreamer might just become Gabby the writer, and words that carried her away might allow her to soar.(goodreads summary)




I am usually not a big reader of books written in verse but this one is definitely mentionable.  The beautiful poetry will hook you from the first page to the last wanting to hear Gabby's voice. She feels the other kids in her class thinks she is shy and weird which becomes even harder for her when she relocates to another school due to her parents separation. At first her mom and new teacher, Mr. Spicer, do not understand her drifting off and both feel it is interfering with everyday tasks. Gabby is labeled a daydreamer.... She decides she will work on focusing when she needs to but during times like recess, she will let her mind carry her away again. Then one day her teacher begins to recognize a special quality about her daydreaming and instead of stopping it he surprisingly encourages her instead.  

This short and fast read would be great for teachers and parents as well as children. Many times we view them as not paying attention to us or being in their own world. After reading this inspiring book, it just might open our adult eyes to the possibility there may be more to a child that we don't see. There could be a future author or artist, composer or an inventor who just needs a little understanding and guidance to help them channel some creativity, letting them know they are "okay".  I am glad I found this powerful book by accident and I think this is a "just right book" for ages 8-99.~

Title: Words with Wings
Author: Nikki Grimes
Pub. Date: September 1, 2013, Wordsong
Genre: non-fiction
Hardcover, 84 pgs. 

Moonpenny Island review

Moonpenny is a tiny island in a great lake. When the summer people leave and the ferries stop running, just the tried-and-true islanders are left behind. Flor and her best friend, Sylvie, are the only eleven-year-olds for miles and miles.  But come the end of summer, unthinkable things begin to happen. Sylvie is suddenly, mysteriously whisked away to school on the mainland. Flor’s mother leaves to take care of Flor’s sick grandmother and doesn’t come back. Her big sister has a secret, and Flor fears it’s a dangerous one.(goodreads)


Flor lives on Moonpenny Island year round with her parents, older sister Cecilia and younger brother Thomas. She and her best friend Sylvie are inseparable. During the summer months, the island is filled with visitors and new people.  One such visitor to the island is an unusual girl named Jasper. She and her geologist father are on the island in search of prehistoric trilobites.  But suddenly at the start of sixth grade, Flor is faced with unexpected changes to her family and friendship. Syvlie is sent away to live with relatives on the mainland to attend school there, Flor's mother leaves to take care of her grandmother wondering if she will come back and her sister begins to act strangely giving Flor the feeling she is keeping something from her.   As Flor's world is suddenly crashing down on her, she discovers her tiny island holds many truths she was not aware of.

One of my favorite authors has once again, beautifully written another heart warming, coming-of-age story for young readers.  From the summer island descriptions to each of the many different characters,  I found the story engaging and believable.  After Sylvie is unexpectedly sent away for no apparent reason, this abrupt change strains their friendship like many girls can go through when a friend moves away.  The characters of Jasper and her father Dr. Fife were a subtle but important part to Flor's insight and character development. She is faced with many issues in her young life. Her parents argue and her mother suddenly leaves to take care of a relative with Flor not knowing when or if she is coming back. Her sister is resorting to sneaking around, lying and is holding a secret from Flor. There is even a mention of alcoholism when she learns  of another secret her friend holds that she never realized was happening all along. The changes she faces gives her uncertainty but she learns that adapting and going along with those changes is how you grow.  It is a warm and gentle realistic story about friendships, family, conflict, secrets and change. The story moved along nicely offering a message to its reader about opening your eyes and seeing the things around you but it is how you see those things that will help shape you.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 9-12.~

Title: Moonpenny Island
Author: Tricia Springstubb
Pub. Date: February 2015, Balzer & Bray
Genre: realistic fiction, middle grade
Hardcover, 292 pgs.

Get Crafty review

'Get Crafty' is a craft book for everyone. You do not need to have any previous art or craft experience to enjoy the crafts included.(goodreads summary)







With the snowstorms currently around the country, it seems like winter is not planning on going away anytime soon. To help ease with cabin fever or maybe spring break is just around the corner, here is a fun crafting book to share with the family.  What I found inside was a wonderful variety of simple craft ideas that will keep those kids inspired for a few hours.  Not only is crafting fun for for all ages but it also encourages motor development and social skills, eye/hand coordination and sparks the imagination!

After looking it over there were several interesting ideas that stood out. For example; salt dough snowmen, paper mache` vase, driftwood sailboats, decorated pirate hat, butterfly masks, mini ice cream shop, mess-free dyed pasta, pencil snake toppers, mini tea party cups, painting marshmallow people and dolly puppets made from toilet paper rolls just to highlight on a few. There are also sections on celebrations and holiday themed crafts for the year.  Each project lists things needed (some you may even have around the house now), detailed instructions and included are bright, vivid photographs showing a step-by-step process. The author placed crafting tips as a side note at the bottom of the pages that are helpful suggestions too. The various ideas are creative with a few new ones I have not seen before and are easy enough to keep the attention spans going for several hours.  These all can be done either one-on-one or with a larger group of kids for a planned party.  Any time of year can be a good time for crafting but these ideas can be done either inside or taken outside on a sunny day.

Spending quality family time together is so important today. Sometimes we just need to unplug from this hectic world and take a day to let those creative juices flow.  This book will help make those special moments together memorable not only for you but for your children as well.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 3-10.~


Title:  Get Crafty - Fun, Creative Crafts for Children
Author: Ali Coghlan
Pub. date:   February 2017, Mercier
Genre: nonfiction
Hardcover, 192 pgs.

On Snowden Mountain review

Twelve-year-old Ellen learns the quiet strength of family when her mother's deep depression prompts her to ask an estranged aunt for help.(goodreads summary)






This heartfelt story set in early September of 1942 during WW II,  contains numerous themes such as; depression, poverty, alcoholism and domestic/child abuse.  Ellen is trying her best to take care of herself and her mother who is suffering from severe depression ever since her father volunteered for the War.  Food is running out, funds are low and because her mother is not getting better she decides to contact her Aunt Pearl for help.  Aunt Pearl is a stoic, gruff woman from the mountains of Virginia, who insists they move from Baltimore and go back to live in Snowden.  Moving to the country was unexpected for Ellen and she is having a hard time adjusting to the simple rustic life.  There is no electricity or running water and only an outhouse for facilities.  When she attends the local school, she finds it is not like her school in Baltimore.  There are no desks but only benches with limited supplies and books.  She also has a classmate who smells like skunks and even though he is 15 years old, sits up in the front row with the 6 year old's.   As Ellen gets to know Russell better, she learns that he cannot read or write and has an alcoholic abusive father that makes him trap skunks for pelts instead of attending school regularly.  She also witnesses Russell's abusive father towards him and his mother first hand after he asks Ellen for help when his mother is beaten.  This is the first step towards an unlikely friendship for the two.  Ellen secretly teaches Russell school work and in return he teaches her the beauty of the mountains and nature around them. As the fall season closes and winter begins, Ellen starts to see things with a different view, where she eventually comes to accept the community she must now consider as her home. 

There are many other characters in the story that help in Ellen's character development.  Besides Aunt Pearl. there is Moselle Toms who is a busy-body and town gossip and latches onto Ellen for her own gain.  Ellen soon discovers that how things look on the outside is not always the same on the inside.  I liked that even though Aunt Pearl knew of this, she let Ellen find this out by herself so she could make her own conclusions about a true self.  Ellen also has fears of someday having the same depressive disorder that consumes her mother.  Aunt Pearl finally opened up about her family history and she learns many things about her Aunt and mother that she never knew before.  When I saw the cover of this book I thought it was a nice, gentle historical fiction for the younger middle grade readers.  After I read it, I learned just as Ellen did,  that you cannot judge a book by its' cover.  I feel it would be better suited for the middle school aged because of the heavy themes.  The end wrapped up very quickly and left me wishing for a few more chapters because it  left me thinking with further questions about Ellen or Russell and his mother.   I could visualize Snowden, Virginia in 1942, the rustic mountain town, Ellen's one room schoolhouse and each character easily with the beautiful descriptive writing style.  I could also feel what Ellen was feeling and thinking as she tried to adapt to the uncertainty of her future.  For being such a short story, it will leave the reader thinking about the realities of the past.  I think this is a "just right book" for ages 11-13.~ 


Title:  On Snowden Mountain
Author:  Jeri Watts
Pub. date:  September 2019, Candlewick Press
Genre:  historical fiction
Hardcover, 193 pgs.