The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8 (September/October 2008)

It was hard to keep this to a small pile. There have been lots of great books from our reviewers this time.


How the Moon Regained Her Shape written by Janet Ruth Heller, illustrated by Ben Hodson. The moon loved to dance. She was full of happiness, until one day she crossed in front of the sun. The moon was deeply hurt by the sun's mean words, and she began shrinking. It wasn't until a comet friend encouraged her to visit Round Arms that she understood how the world appreciated her. "This is a nice twist on the traditional folktale about the moon. The illustrations add to distinguishing the book, as the moon is dressed in colorful garb. We also like the lesson that even on a bad day, there are people who love you, and that love should fill your heart."(Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2006)

Lily and the Paper Man written by Rebecca Upjohn, illustrated by Renne Benoit. Lily loved walking home from school. One day she bumped into a man selling a newspaper. He was not very neat, and Lily was scared. Scared enough that she didn't want to walk home anymore. On the day of the first snow, Lily sees the Paper Man standing in the cold with no socks. She can't forget the image and decides she has to get over her fear. "This is an exceptional story. It effectively introduces personal hardship, empathy, and kindness without overplaying any one of those themes. Like Lily, our daughter was initially put off by the Paper Man. But then he became a regular friend at bedtime." (Second Story Press, 2007)

Cat Nights written and illustrated by Jane Manning. Now that Felicity is 263, she can grow her first wart and FINALLY turn herself into a cat. You can have fun eight times, but use it nine times and you will be a cat forever. "We love this story. Even though this looks like a Halloween story, it is a book you can read all year round. Felicity is a girl who happens to be a witch. Felicity has her dreams and when she gets the chance, she makes them come true. What sets this story apart though, is how her cousins deal with her. They don’t think she knows what she’s doing, and they try to make her conform to their wishes. The adults learn an important lesson, too." (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Magic Trixie written and illustrated by Jill Thompson. Magic Trixie is not happy. First, her baby sister Abby Cadabra seems to have all the luck (and the attention). THEN she told her friends at Monstersorri School that she would have something new for Show and Tell. Friday is almost here and she still hasn't figured out something new. "Disguised as a graphic novel, Magic Trixie delivers a universal story. The author does a great job adding contemporary style and reference to the tale, with humorous character exchanges and clever illustrations. " (HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Max and the Doglins written and illustrated by Amanda Montgomery-Higham. One morning, while out in the barnyard, Max (a dog) heard Beryl (a hen) making lots of noise. When she left the hen house, he ran up to see what was going on. Beryl had laid an egg. Try as he might, he couldn’t keep away, and gulp! he ate the egg. This went on for days ... until the Doglins moved in with Max and decided they should have Beryl's eggs. This is a well-crafted story. "The story’s lesson is an important one, and the way the author brought Max’s thinking back around is very clever...The illustrations are wonderful, and Max’s face is very expressive. We loved this book." (Child's Play, 2008)

It's always a great day when we get a Just One More Book! podcast. These past two months, Mark and Andrea have had some wonderful interviews (this one with Jon Scieszka), some tips and tricks (Pondering Self Publishing) and the always-terrific book reviews. We highly recommend that you sign up as a regular listener. You can hear just interviews, just book reviews, or the Review of the Week. Oh, and it's free!

For this book bag, Andrea has selected books for Remembrance Day, also known as Veteran's Day (November 11). We'll include the picture books in this Book Bag and the Chapter Books in the 9 to 12 post.

The Donkey of Gallipoli (A True Story of Courage in World War I) written by Mark Greenwood, illustrated by Frane Lessac. Deceptively simple looking folk art illustrations, uncluttered narration and sparse, intimate utterings deliver some of the dark, disturbing details of war in this eye-opening, true tale of courage, carnage and camaraderie. (Candlewick Press, 2008)

A Poppy is To Remember written by Heather Patterson, illustrated by Ron Lightburn. Softly spellbinding words and illustrations relay the story behind the poem “In Flanders Fields” and the commemorative wearing of poppies. Our girls are mesmerized by this book. (North Winds Press, 2004)

Gleam and Glow written by Jean Little. Beautifully bound in a soft unevenly edged journal and told with humour, innocence, intimacy and affection, the daily entries of a fictional twelve year old disclose the spellbinding details of life during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918-19. (Scholastic, 2007)

The Cello of Mr. O written by Jane Cutler, illustrated by Greg Couch. This straightforward story of hardship and hope reminds us that war may not deter human weakness but neither can it deter human strength. (Penguin USA, 2004)

One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World War II written and illustrated by Lita Judge. Eye-opening scatterings of yellowed newspaper footprints, handwritten lists and aged, intimate snapshots make vivid this beautifully told true story of hardship, generosity and the pulling together of communities torn to opposite sides of war. (Hyperion Books, 2007)

Seven Brave Women written by Betsy Hearne, illustrated by Bethanne Anderson. Radiant with peace and perseverance, this beautiful string of family remembrances gently sips and savours the contributions of seven remarkably unremarkable women. (Greenwillow Books, 1997)

And to Think That We Thought That We'd Never Be Friends written by Mary Ann Hoberman. Zesty, Seussian rhyme and illustrations hurl us to a crescendo of hardcore harmony. This book’s message is simple: Peace is a choice. illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (Dragonfly Books, 2003)

Aunt Claire's Yellow Beehive Hair written by Deborah Blumenthal, illustrated by Mary GrandPre. Warmth, humour and fond remembrance waft through this beautifully worded and evocatively illustrated exploration of a young girl’s family tree — and the traits, trinkets and togetherness that sustain it. (Pelican Publishing Company, 2007)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8 (September/October 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/10/book-bag-books-for-ages-5-to-8.html

Children's Books Keep Me Up at Night (UPDATED)

Yes, there are times when I stay up way past my bedtime because I can't go to sleep until I find out what happens next. But sometimes, I'm staring at the ceiling because I am still thinking about something I read (or in this case heard) earlier in the day.

Yesterday I finally had a chance to listen to Mark and Andrea's discussion Pondering Self Publishing over at Just One More Book. Whether you are someone who write or illustrates books for children, or an adult who reads with kids, you'll find something valuable in their thoughts.
I listened to the Pondering Self Publishing podcast twice, spent some extra time reading the comments, and found myself nodding a lot. For this edition, Mark and Andrea offered their observations as people who are asked to review lots of children's books. They are very clear in asserting that they aren't experts. True, they may not be professional/traditional reviewers, but they are an expert audience: they are parents who read lots of books, on lots of topics, and can offer their own thoughts and the reactions of their daughters. They are the people (NOT reviewers) whom authors try to reach.

If you are an author or illustrator, I highly recommend that you stop by Just One More Book to listen to the podcast and read the discussion. It is more than worth your time. If you are an adult who reads with kids, I'd encourage you to listen to get the answer to the question "what should I look for in a good book?" Here are some ideas for quick things you can do to pick a good book, regardless of how it is published.

• Look at the illustrations. Is the main character always in the same scene? Do you always see his/her face from the same angle, even if the background changes? Do their expressions match the text on the page?

• Do the rhymes work? If this is a rhyming story, open the book to a random page and read the rhyme out loud (whisper-voice counts). Did you have to read it two or three times to make the sing-song element sound "right"?

• UPDATED ITEM: Are there typos? Even the biggest publisher can make a mistake, so finding a typo or two isn't a problem. But, as Mark and Andrea point out, a regular pattern of errors detracts from the story and the quality of the product. This is particularly true when you are using the book as a way to supplement spelling and grammar.
  

• What happened the last time you picked a book like this? Even if your reader/listener likes monster books, maybe s/he wants monsters to have friendly faces. This one might have dark colors and an air of spookiness.
  

• How many >paragraphs are on a page? If the number of lines of text are twice the age of the child you are reading with, there may be too much text. For example, if you are reading with a 3-year-old, and there are four two or three-line paragraphs (9-12 lines), your reader may not stay with you.

The questions are offered as a way to help you decide if an unknown book is a good match for your reader or listener. If this isn't a child you read with, you can get helpful information on these same topics by asking someone who does read with the child.

• What kind of images to they like: photographs?-illustrations in color? black-and-white sketches? cartoon images?
  
• Do they like rhyming books?
  
• Do they have a favorite subject?
  
• Are there certain books they don't like?
  
• How long will they sit for a story?

Reading with a child is so important, but it should also be fun. Here's to opening a great book!

Read more!

Children's Books Keep Me Up at Night (UPDATED)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/10/childrens-books-keep-me-up-at-night.html

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8 (July/August 2008)

It was really tough selecting just a few really great books for this edition of the Book Bag. What I love about this collection is that there is a great diversity of topics: from folktales and humor to nature and science. We also highlighted a pair of illustrated chapter books great for sharing together AND reading independently (second/third grade). We don't get many of those.

Bee & Me by Elle J. McGuinness, illustrated by Heather Brown. When a bee comes into his house, a young boy gets the chance to overcome his fear and learn about all the things bees do for us. Young readers will love the Ani-motion™ panels that help the bee move, the dog run, and other cool things. Kids who need sensory input while they are reading will particularly benefit from this book. (Accord Publishing, 2008)

Rabbit Cooks Up a Cunning Plan by Andrew Fusek Peters, illustrated by Bruno Robert. Mountain Lion made life miserable for all of the other animals. He spent his life hunting them for food, they spent theirs hiding. So the animals decided that in return for staying alive, the would cook a meal for him each day. When Rabbit forgot to cook his meal, he needed a plan. Would it work? "The story will remind you of a classic fable. The story is a clever (and tasty) twist on the outwit-the-bully theme." (Child's Play, 2008)

Roscoe Riley Rules #1 (Don't Glue Your Friends to Chairs) and Roscoe Riley Rules #2 (Never Swipe a Bully's Bear by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs. Roscoe spends a LOT of time in Time Out. He means well, but life as a first grader just has way too many rules! "The story is so funny and moves so fast, it is hard to read just one chapter at a time. The author has pegged the age groups (first graders, older siblings, younger sisters) and their sense of humor." This is a delightful read for rising first graders and third graders (Flesch Kincaid readability 3.0) alike. (HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Saturn for My Birthday by John McGranaghan, illustrated by Wendy Edelston. Jeffrey knows exactly what he wants Dad to get him for his birthday: Saturn. Not a model, the real thing. He even has a plan on how to care for it. "This is a truly clever story. The author did a wonderful job overlaying science facts in a light-hearted, non-technical story. The illustrations are wonderful, and the two-page spread of father and son pointing to the stars is just beautiful." (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2008)

When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach, illustrated by David Small. What a lucky day. Instead of balloons and stickers, when you go to the barber and the doctor you get a real, live dinosaur! "Kids will enjoy the fantasy and humor in this picture book about dinosaurs as pets. This is a book all kids (read: girls, too) will enjoy." (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007)


Under the Night Sky by Amy Lundebrek, illustrated by Anna Rich. Everyone rushing to go outside. Why? It's the middle of the night ... and it's cold. Then the show begins: the Northern Lights. Now it's a night to remember. "We've read a number of books about Aurora Borealis, but this is a nice change from the run-of-the-mill story. I loved that the community celebrated together. The illustrations, like the story, offer the colors of the night." (Tilbury House Publishers, 2008)

Barrington Bear Visits the Emperor - The Emperor Penguin That Is written and illustrated by Keith Szafranski. Other bears hibernate. Not Barrington. He's heading to Antarctica to visit an Emperor penguin colony. "This clever picture book has two things kids love: a teddy bear and penguins. The story is packed with factual information and the photographs are beautiful, clever, and educational." (Small Bear Publishing, 2007)

My Name is Not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrated by Mike Litwin. When mom comes to wake Isabella, Isabella has changed her name to Sally. At breakfast, Sally becomes Annie, and through the course of the day changes to Rosa, Marie, and Elizabeth. Each one, a woman of accomplishment. "There are few books that so effectively introduce kids to important people at a level they can appreciate and a format they can understand." For Book Bag readers who don't subscribe to the Wash Rag, be sure to read our interview with Jennifer Fosberry. (Monkey Barrel Press, 2008).



JUST ONE MORE BOOK "Podcasts about the children's books we love and why we love them -- recorded in our favourite coffee shop."

Like us, Andrea and Mark had lots of fun stories for the 5 to 8 audience.


Putting Peckish in Perspective: The Butter Man by Elizabeth Alalou and Ali Alalou, illustrated by Julie Klear Essakalli. Mouth-watering memories of fresh bread and butter and the crawling gnawing of famine’s want make a father’s reflection on childhood hunger food for thought about patience, gratitude and luck. (Charlesbridge, 2008)

Loving Your Label: Patrick the Somnambulist written and illustrated by Sarah Ackerley. Quiet absurdity and understated text relay the hilarious tale of a unique young penguin who swaps stigma for stupendous in this inspiring invitation to embrace our traits. (Blooming Tree Press, 2008)

Of Vice and Mensch: Such A Prince by Dan Bar-el, illustrated by John Manders. Tabloid-style coverage, Looney-Toonesque illustrations and the feisty narration of a bohemian godmother transform the traditional tending of a love-sick princess into a comical read-again caper. (Clarion Books, 2007)

Contagious Creativity: Willow by Denise Brennan-Nelson and Rosemarie Brennan, illustrated by Cyd Moore. Seething stringency and constant condemnation prove no match for good-natured self worth in this uplifting story of creativity, individuality and respect. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2008)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8 (July/August 2008)

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/08/book-bag-books-for-ages-5-to-8.html

The Book Bag, Books for ages 9 to 12, July/August 2008

This is probably one of the more melancholy Book Bags I post all year. We've read lots of great books all summer, but now, kids are heading back to school. For this age group, in particular, it is a lot harder to squeeze in these read-for-fun books when so much other required reading fills their time.

Speaking of required reading ...Head over to TubTalk to see A Rare Sunday Post about what teens think of all this reading we have planned for them. You'll also get a link to Shelly Tremaglio's essay, For the Love of Reading - A Book-loving Teen's Perspective.

The Songweavers (Notherland Journeys trilogy) by Kathleen McDonnell. This is a fascinating, allegorical journey about what happens to the imaginary world you created when you grow up and leave it behind. Although this is the third title in the Notherland Journeys trilogy, it read like a monograph. It would be nice to have the background of the other two books, but you didn't feel lost for not having read them. (Second Story Press, 2008)

Roscoe Riley Rules #1 (Don't Glue Your Friends to Chairs) and Roscoe Riley Rules #2 (Never Swipe a Bully's Bear by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Brian Biggs. Roscoe spends a LOT of time in Time Out. He means well, but life as a first grader just has way too many rules! "The story is so funny and moves so fast, it is hard to read just one chapter at a time. The author has pegged the age groups (first graders, older siblings, younger sisters) and their sense of humor." This is a delightful series for read-aloud, remedial readers, reluctant readers, and their parents! (Flesch Kincaid readability 3.0) alike. (HarperTrophy, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2008)

Do the Math 2: The Writing on the Wall by Wendy Lichtman. Graffiti with coded messages is appearing on walls around school, and Tess (our math-loving heroine) believes the graffiti artist may want to harm her. The school principal caught Tess responding to a graffiti message and suspended her from school. How can she identify the graffiti tagger and prove her innocence? "The book will raise the reader's curiousity because it integrates math formulas and puzzles into the plot. They keep him/her actively engaged from beginning to end." (Greenwillow Books, 2008)

The Tygrine Cat by Inbali Iserles After Mati’s mother is killed, Mati finds himself in a new place (Cressida Lock), trying to fit in. He looks and acts differently than the other cats, but because of a spell of protection that his mother put on him, he can’t remember his true identity. Little by little he discovers who he is,as he must face his past and accept his destiny. The main character in this story, a cat, draws on mythology for this magical adventure. "I don’t usually enjoy books where the main characters are animals, but I found this one exciting and fun to read!! The theme of true friendship also runs throughout the story, making it a great book to read and discuss with children." (Candlewick Press, 2008)

Up All Night; A Short Story Collection by Peter Abrahams, et al. This collection of short stories is about what happens at night. They cover anything from asking someone "What's up?" and meaning it to going to a rock concert. The authors in this collection each tell a story about something that happens after dark. "Although you might be tempted to read them all in one sitting, it was actually more fun to read one at a time because there is so much detail you feel like you're part of the 'experience.'" (Laura Geringer Books, 2008)


JUST ONE MORE BOOK "Podcasts about the children's books we love and why we love them -- recorded in our favourite coffee shop."

In this set of podcast reviews, we add to the variety by expanding beyond the current year and including some non-fiction (yea!), as well. These are the "dog days" of summer. Keep reading to catch the theme.


Desert Zest: 52 Days By Camel (My Sahara Adventure) by Lawrie Raskin and Deborah Pearson, photography by Lawrie Raskin. Passion sparked by childhood reading leads us through snow, salt, sandstorms, camel spit and souks in this eye opening introduction to the wonders of the Sahara and the sensational potential of curiosity and pluck. (Annick Press 1998)

Addictive Non-Fiction: Little Lions, Bull Baiters & Hunting Hounds by Jeff Crosby and Shelley Ann Jackson, illustrated by Shelley Ann Jackson and Jeff Crosby. Rich, realistic, edge-to-edge illustrations full of action, maps and lovable hounds combine with history, humour and friendly, accessible text to provide the full scoop on 43 canine breeds in this quickly dog-eared non-fiction tome. (Tundra Books, 2008)

Soul Tonic and Spoonerisms: If I Had a Million Onions by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Yayo (Diego Howard) Tangy rainbow-fashioned sketches and popping, crackling, soaring, gliding rhyme make these sixty three pages of wordplay and warmth a poetry medley for all ages. (Tradewind Books, 2005)

Sizzling Rhythm: Dirty Dog Boogie written and illustrated by Loris Lesynski. If these thirty-two pages of flipping, flopping, bouncing, buzzing, twitching, itching, hissing, humming, fizzing, popping, whizzing, waltzing, shaking, leaping, rug-cutting rhyme don’t get your toes tapping, we’d like to hear about it. (Annick, 1999)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for ages 9 to 12, July/August 2008

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/08/book-bag-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

The Book Bag, Podcast Reviews

We've got a special pocket in the Book Bag for Just One More Book!

Three times a week you can listen to podcasts of the books Mark and Andrea are reading with their girls. They've also got great interviews, like this one with Henry Winkler, who talks about dyslexia.

Here are some of recent favorites recommended by Just One More Book!

Books for Kids ages 0 to 3

There Were Monkeys in my Kitchen! by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Marc Mongeau. "Concentrated comedy, chaos, and commotion explode from every detail-packed image and fervent verse of this frenzied celebration of syllables and silliness." (Doubleday Canada, 1992)

Spotty & Eddie Learn to Compromise by Lisa M. Chalifoux, illustrated by Heather Castles. "What could be more giggle-inducing than recognizing our own human foibles in a pair of sweet and spunky turtles? With its slapstick, smiles and airy, upbeat illustrations, this simple story helps us laugh at the silliness of squabbles and invites us to find a better way. "(Trafford Publishing, 2008)

Books for Kids ages 4 to 12

Lace, Lore and Laughter: Aunt Claire's Yellow Beehive Hair by Deborah Blumenthal, illustrated by Mary GrandPre. "Warmth, humour and fond remembrance waft through this beautifully worded and evocatively illustrated exploration of a young girl’s family tree — and the traits, trinkets and togetherness that sustain it." (Pelican Publishing Company, 2007)

The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Beth Krommes. "Soothing speculation, striking details and spellbinding scratchboard art present a gripping account of The Karluk’s last icy voyage and the strength and resourcefulness that beat all odds."

Read more!

The Book Bag, Podcast Reviews

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2008/02/book-bag-podcast-reviews.html

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8, September/October 2007

The Curious Polka-Dot Present by Cheri L. Hallwood. Our young storyteller is getting ready to celebrate her birthday. Her Mom says a special present will be arriving soon. What could it be? This story also illustrates the love between a child and her grandmother. (Forever Young Publishers, 2007)

Flying Hugs and Kisses (Besos y abrazos en el Aire) by Jewel Sample. This is not your "normal' picture book. This is a story about a family dealing with the loss of a child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The story is written for children and helps them understand death, loss, and grief. It is not for every family (obviously), but it is a beautiful book with a message that will reach children with a hug. (LifeVest Publishing, 2003)

I Went to the Party in Kalamazoo by Ed Shankman. What are you doing ten years from today? Well, we are all going to a party, where we'll meet amazing people (and animals), and anything can happen ... as long as it's fun. This rhyming picture book invites kids to participate in celebrating life. "This was fun to read ... even a couple times in a row. It will remind you of reading a Dr. Seuss book, but it is unique, too." (Two Kids Productions, LLC, 2007)

My Adventure to the Fair; Where You Create the Story #5 by Colleen Madonna Flood Williams. In this trip to the fair, your child can fill in the details of his/her trip, including carnival rides, games, a pie eating contest, animals, music, and even fireworks. This is an interactive story where children add words to create the tale and illustrate their work. "Our son loved coming up with the words to fill in the blanks. Some answers were silly and some were very imaginative, but most the most exciting part was that he got to decide." (Orchard Academy Press, Windstorm Creative, 2006)

Punk Farm by Jarrett J Krosoczka. Tonight's the B-I-G night. Sheep, Cow, Goat, Chicken, and Pig, aka the band Punk Farm, has their big rock concert for all of the other animals. In the middle of their last practice, Cow hears footsteps in the farmhouse. Oh, no! Farmer Joe is supposed to be asleep. Will the rest of the barnyard get to hear that screamin' guitar? This is an amped up version of Old MacDonald's Farm. (Alfred A. Knopf, 2005)

When Pigasso met Mootisse by Nina Laden. Pigasso had become so popular in the Pig Provinces, he decided to move to the country. At the same time, fame was udderly unbearable for Mootisse; and he, too, decided to move. At first, the two artists enjoyed living across the street from each other; but then their art egos got the better of them and they built a fence to separate themselves. Is that what they really wanted? This picture book offers a colorful, humorous look at an incident in the lives of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. (Chronicle Books, 1998)

PODCAST Reviews by Just One More Book Listen to reviews of children's books at Just One More Book! There are new reviews three times each week.

A Horse in the House and Other Strange But True Animal Tales by Gail Ablow. "Densely colourful, offbeat illustrations and an unusual hybrid of storytelling and text-book style narration tantalize us with strange but true animal stories that are surprisingly addictive." (Candlewick Press, 2007)

Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani. "Wrapped in crimson, green and gold, this warmly worded and richly illustrated account of motherly love shares a glimpse of the caring and compromise that can make minutes meaningful." (Little, Brown and Company, 2007)

Read more!

The Book Bag, Books for Ages 5 to 8, September/October 2007

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/09/book-bag-books-for-ages-5-to-8.html

The BookBag, Books for Ages 9 to 12, September/October 2007

A Cabin in Cripple Creek by Sue Luxa. The year is 1895. Stephen Haskins has decided to move his family from Denver to Cripple Creek, Colorado to mine gold. Deborah, Stephen’s wife, had some misgivings about the decision but, she and the family - Mary, 10 years old, and Jacob, 3 years old - pack up a rented buckboard wagon and headed to Cripple Creek. Mary provides the reader with a first-hand account of life in a Colorado mining town. This is the second title in an historical fiction series about life in 19th Century Colorado.

Encyclopedia of World Geography (an Usborne Internet-Linked Book) by Gillian Doherty. This is first and foremost a single-volume world geography textbook that serves as a starting point for student research or discussion. The layout and graphics are eye-catching while access to website links, downloadable pictures and video clips provide the student with opportunities to enjoy learning by integrating available technologies into the learning process. This is a topically arranged atlas and encyclopedia on geography, physical science, and sociology. "This is a very worthwhile book. It genuinely attempts to integrate the computer, graphics, websites and other technologies into the traditional classroom. There have been myriads of attempts to do that but most have not fared well. Wish I had had this when I was teaching." (Usborne Publishing Limited, 2004)

The Legend of Dunsmoor Manor by Jan E. Culbertson. Summer vacations have always been filled with fun and excitement for the Rodriguez girls, Bianca and Alyssa. While everyone was trying to decide where to go on their summer vaacation, Susan, their mom, received an invitation from Mary Dunsmoor, a friend and former classmate, inviting the family to spend two weeks at Dunsmooor Manor in England. The family arrived in England excited about all of the places they were going to see and things that they were going to do. Then they found out that Dunsmoor Manor was haunted by a ghost and peculiar things began to happen."This is a mystery that will capture the attention and interest of pre-teen readers. In this second book of the series, the author has again demonstrated that he has the right formula for turning out books that appeal to adolescent girls. It's a fun read." (Bookstand Publishing, 2006)

See Inside Ancient Rome by Katie Daynes. This is an interesting, fun-filled look at Ancient Rome. "The illustrations are superb and continually pique the reader’s curiosity. This is an enjoyable and informative book and will provide hours of fun for the reader. It is delightfully laced with tongue-in-cheek humor, and kids (age 10 -90) will love it." (Usborne Publishing Limited, 2006)

PODCAST Reviews from Just One More Book. Listen to reviews of children's books at Just One More Book! There are new reviews three times each week.

A note from JOMB: "These three picture books are so heartbreaking that most people would likely wait until their children were at least 9 to read them ...they are brutally sad books."

The Killick: A Newfoundland Story by Geoff Butler. "Hauntingly rich oil paintings and candid, thought provoking narrative tell a heartbreaking and historically significant tale that provides a glimpse of the tragedies that have shaped the Newfoundland character." (Tundra Books, 1998)

The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell by Kathy-Jo Wargin. "Gorgeous red and gold warmth entwines with thrashing, raw waves and spray to tell the tragic tale of twenty nine souls struggling against the fury of Lake Superior and of the polished brass bell that forever sounds their farewell." (Sleeping Bear Press, 2003)

The House that Crack Built byClark Taylor. "Dark and disturbing yet surprisingly digestible, this thought-provoking twist on the classic rhyme is an arresting introduction to drug-induced despair — and a call to choose to act to end it." (Chronicle Books, 1992)

Read more!

The BookBag, Books for Ages 9 to 12, September/October 2007

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/10/bookbag-books-for-ages-9-to-12.html

The Bookbag, Books for Ages 4 to 8, May/June 2007

Summer is here, with plenty of time for laid-back, fun reading. It was quite a challenge to select just a "few" of the books we love for this bookbag. Since it's summer, we tended to pull favorites that have a summer-time feel to them.

If you want to see more recent reviews, just type in "May 2007" or "June 2007" when you search the Reading Tub Website. Be sure to keep reading, the Just One More Book! Podcast is here, too.

Remember, the books are listed in alphabetical order by title. There is no ranking.

Dad's Bald Head by Paul Many. Father's Day may be over, but this one is a perfect read for any time. Pete loves his Dad, but Dad doesn't like the "scraggly" hair on the side of his head. One morning Dad decides to shave it all off. Then Pete doesn't know what to think: is this guy still his dad? This is a light-hearted look that offers kids a way to understand "big" changes. (Walker Publishing Company, 2007)

Dr. Duncan Dog on Duty by Lisa Dunn-Dern. Everybody in this family has a job...even the pets! Introduce your children to community service as they go with Dr. Duncan visit children at the hospital. (Visikid Books, 2007)

The First Well & Other Read-Along Stories by Bookbox. This collection of five fables is an e-Book on DVD. Each of the stories offers a magical journey and a lesson in life and wisdom. We love the fact that you can pick from among six languages for the stories. (www.bookbox.com, 2005)

Flying Solo by Kristi Stephas. This summer, Ellie (6) is flying from Chicago to California to spend a week with her aunt. She has never been on a plane by herself before, so this is a little unnerving. "This story gives you everything you want to prepare a child for an airplane trip." (Toy Truck Publishing, 2005)

I Wish I had Freckles Like Abby and I Wish I had Glasses Like Rosa by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook. This pair of bilingual books is a charming look at friendship and how children view themselves in others' eyes. (Raven Tree Press, LLC, 2007)

There's a Season for All by Sammy Shu. Looking for a creative, folklore-sh way to explain the seasons? Then the fairies in this book will help. This highly imaginative story offers a "history" of how the seasons came to be, as well as lessons in sibling rivalry, friendship, and cooperation. (Raynestorme Books, 2005)

To Know the Sea by Frances Gilbert. Princess Isola is feeling, well, isolated. She lives in a mountain kingdom, but is intrigued by the sea. When the queen issues a proclamation (with a reward, of course) for the first person to bring the sea to the kingdom, the princess learns a valuable lesson. (Greene Bark Books, 2000)

Trosclair and the Alligator by Peter Huggins. Trosclair likes to explore the Louisanna Bayou on his pirogue (boat). He's sure those storis about Gargantua, the alligator, were more than a little exaggerated. Then he met Gargantua face to face! This is a classic fable set in the bayou ... with an interesting twist. (Star Bright Books, 2006)

Usborne Book of Lullabies by Fiona Watt, editor. This boardbook presents seven poems perfect for bedtime. It is also accompanied by a CD that plays the tunes of these and five other ready-for-dreamland pieces. (Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2005)

Vegetable Dreams (Huerto Sonado) by Dawn Jeffers. When Mr. Martinez learns that Erin wants to create her own garden (and her parents tell her it is too much work), he offers to help her. Together, they create a special bond as they plant and then enjoy the benefits of spending time in the garden. (Raven Tree Press, 2006)

What's With This Room by Tom Lichtenheld. Messy rooms and kids just seem to go together. In this humorous look at what's "really" going on, both parents and kids can get a new perspective on this age-old problem. (Little, Brown and Company, 2005)

Just One More Book! Click the title to listen to the Podcast.

Ages 0 to 4: Fun, Times Eleven: The Eensy-Weensy Spider by Mary Ann Hoberman. "When it comes to generously illustrated sing-along staples, more is more. Boasting eleven extra verses of the classic toddler tune and thirty-two pages of captivating illustrations, this book has always left our girls eager for its next reading." (Little, Brown and Company, 2004)

Ages 4 to 8: Fur and Feathers: Saving Samantha - A True Story by Robbyn Smith van Frankenhuyzen. Warm, realistic illustrations and generous, unimposing text vividly recreate the thrill of befriending an injured fox pup and the bittersweet satisfaction of her eventual return to the wild. I don’t think our two daughters could be more excited about this story if they had lived it themselves! (Sleeping Bear Press, 2004)

Read more!

The Bookbag, Books for Ages 4 to 8, May/June 2007

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/06/bookbag-books-for-ages-4-to-8-mayjune.html

The Bookbag, Books for ages 8 to 12, May/June 2007

Readers in this target audience are pretty mercurial. But even the toughest critics found books they love! Here is the current list of recently-read favorites.

Blood on the Wind; The Memoirs of Flying Horse Mollie, a Yampa Ute by Lucile Bogue. This is an historical fiction account of the Meeker Massacre of 1879 on lands in Northwest Colorado. Flying Horse Mollie, a young teen and Yampa Ute tells the story. This is what our Be the Star You Are! Teen Reviewer wrote: "The reader can really get caught up in Mollie's story and hope her Ute way of life does not disappear. Mollie, shows herself to be a heroine in the story as she perseveres and does not let her spirit get defeated." (Western Reflections Publishing Company, 2001)

The Fairy Chronicles: Dragonfly and the Web of Dreams by J. H. Sweet. Jennifer Summerset and her friends (all with fairy powers) were going to meet at Jennifer's house. Finally, their mentors were going to teach them some fairy magic. What they thought would be a time to "practice" quickly became a real-life adventure. Someone was causing everyone to have bad dreams, and only fairies could solve the problem. (Jabberwocky, 2007)

The Portly Princess of Thynneland by Kathleen Marie Marsh. In Thynneland, everyone, including the royal family, must maintain their weight and fitness levels. Failure to do so, results in expulsion from the Kingdom. When Princess Volumina is banished, she discovered that her personal situation was only one of the situations she would face. Here's what our teen reviewer thought: "This book offers many wise life lessons for readers both young and old. The story presents common present-day dilemmas families face and reveals healthy solutions for the characters and their kingdom. At the end of this book, you get a good, warm, fuzzy feeling." (Goblin Fern Press, 2004)

Red Thunder: Secrets, Scoundrels and Spies at Yorktown by John P Hunter. Nate Chandler, a 14-year-old boy, lived on the family farm near the York River. In May 1781 the British launched a major campaign at Yorktown to end the six-year War for Independence. In the attack, Nate and his parents were left for dead, their cattle taken, and the farm burned to the ground. When Nate volunteers to help, he is paired with James, a former slave. They become an espionage team that provided valuable intelligence to General George Washington. (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 2007)

Tyler and his Solve-a-Matic Machine by Jennifer Bouani. Tyler Sogno, an orphan, wants to be a sea captain. He loved the water, just as his Dad had. To become a sea captain, though, would require hard work ... and means to get his independence. One evening, while he was daydreaming about a "better" way to do his homework, Tyler was presented with an opportunity to make his dreams come true. (Bouje Publishing, 2006)

Just One More Book! Click on the Title to listen to the podcast.

Blinking Blunking Great Laughs: Little Wolf's Book of Badness (series) by Ian Whybrow. Full of snappy wit and hilariously scrawled illustrations, these clever and sweetly cheeky adventures crack us up not only as we read them but again and again as we toss about their hilarious expressions in our daily life. (Carolrhoda Books, 2001)

Read more!

The Bookbag, Books for ages 8 to 12, May/June 2007

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/06/bookbag-books-for-ages-8-to-12-mayjune.html

THE WASH RAG
The Reading Tub Newsletter, Issue 15, Spring 2007

Welcome to the second edition of the Wash Rag for 2007. These past couple months have been quite a whirlwind … lots of great stuff to talk about, so let's dive right in. I know we have a section about all the exciting things going on, but there are two things worth mentioning right away!

First, The Reading Tub® is honored to announce its partnership with Barefoot Books, and more specifically Lori Rohleder, stallholder for ReadBarefootbooks.com. Lori is someone whose goals and values embody the Barefoot Books tradition, and she embraces the essence of the company: innovate, inspire, and imagine. Click here to learn more about Lori and the partnership with The Reading Tub®.

Next, The Reading Tub® was thrilled to be discovered by Just One More Book. Like us, Andrea and Mark created a Website powered by a passion for children's literature. Through the website and thrice-weekly podcasts, you can learn about some great books and the authors, illustrators, and publishers who create them. In case you missed it, we are now including a link to a JOMB podcast in every Book Bag: one for the 4 to 8 age group, one for the 8 to 12 age group. Stay tuned … Terry just filed an interview with Just One More Book that you'll be able to hear in the next month or so.

One of the great things about opening the Newsletter with interviews, is that we get the chance to put the authors (and their stories) front and center! This group of authors wears two hats: writers and publishers. They are each storytellers of the first order, but what makes their work truly interesting is their goal of making a difference for children. Their books offer families a chance to share stories that help kids with personal development (friendship, overcoming obstacles), or learn about science, history, and heroes.

Cheryl Block spent twelve years as a teacher, working with special needs children and teaching them science. When she saw how studying science opened other doors to learning, she was hooked. Now she creates multimedia products, combining a picture-book story with an educational CD. True Blue Friend, a story about a whale, focuses on sea mammals. The Rainbow Web, a story about spider, offers all kinds of interesting facts about arachnids. Here's your chance to learn something new. Click here to meet Cheryl Block.

Lynda Bulla was looking for an outlet to "do more" once her kids were grown and on their own. As a Librarian's Assistant she had a love of books and stories, and decided to write some of her own. Lynda is driven to write stories that families will want to share for generations. Her themes are timeless and emphasize the importance of teaching values to our children. Her first book The Old Clock on the Wall was inspired, in part, by her grand-daughter who was dealing with the frustrations of dyslexia. Meet Lynda Bulla and learn more about her books, each dedicated to one of her grandchildren: The Old Clock on the Wall; Katydid; Freedom Rings: an American Parable; and The Churkendoose.

Nancy M West weaves stories with the elements that both children and parents love: dogs, heroes, friendship, perseverance, life lessons, and true-life stories. Her company, Off Lead Publications, is a publishing house that specializes in stories about dogs. Nancy's most recent book, Kali Takes the Lead is an illustrated children's book about humanitarian mine detection dogs. Her first book, Chips the War Dog has just been re-published by Off Lead Publications as Chips the Hometown Hero. Although she has written books for a wide range of audiences, her favorite genre is pre-teen and young adult, because they let her develop the stories more completely. Click here to meet Nancy M West.

Summer is just around the corner. Look for these interviews in the Summer 2007 Edition of the Wash Rag.

Jennifer Bouani, author of Tyler & His Solve-a-matic Machine. Jennifer's book, part of the Future Business Leaders' Series™ just won an iParenting Media Award: The 2007 Excellent Products Call in Children’s Books.

Andrea & Mark with Just One More Book. Stop by Just One More Book. Three times a week you can get a new podcast (or visit the website any time) to learn about great children's books, meet authors, illustrators, publishers, and those of us passionate about reading with our kids.

NOTICE: Are you still sitting on the side afraid to dip your toe in the water? Jump in – thanks to GoogleAds and coast-to-coast media coverage, the Reading Tub® is getting LOTS more traffic and interest. Want readers to find you? Then you have to take the leap!

We have one opening left for Summer 2007. Let us know before June 1, 2007 and you can be in our upcoming Showcase. We also have one space left for fall. Remember, all donations for the Author Showcase are tax deductible. Click here to learn more.

There is lots to be excited about here in the Reading Tub®, not the least of which is coast-to-coast media coverage in April.

At the beginning of the month, KGO-TV (ABC-7, San Francisco) aired a feature on Cynthia Brian and Be the Star You Are!® The focus of the piece was the Teen STAR Book Review Team … some of you authors may even notice that the kids are working you’re your book! Here is the link for Salute to Cynthia Brian: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=abc7_salutes&id=5189819

At the end of the month, CBS-19 and ABC-16, two stations that are part of the Charlottesville (VA) Newsplex, aired a feature about the Reading Tub® as part of their evening newscasts. Click here to listen to the Reading Tub's® story. Be sure to click the red camera to see the broadcast. Here's the link: http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/community/headlines/7261436.html

Terry Doherty is a judge for the Mom's Choice Awards, sponsored by the Just for Mom Foundation. In March she received a BUNCH of books to read as part of her duties. The Just for Mom Foundation graciously donated the books to the Reading Tub® and we will be donating them to local literacy organizations, like we always do. But before we do that, we'll be writing our reviews. Look for them in the next month or so. Terry only saw a portion of the materials donated … we don't envy the Foundation. They have some great books to choose from.

NOTE: The Mom's Choice Awards will not be announced until June 2007. The Emblems you see on the Reading Tub mean ONLY that the book is part of the contest. Read the "NOTE" to find out if it is a winner.

The spring crop of new books is equally exciting. We have been averaging about 10 books per week, with a fairly broad audience mix. Here are the ones that seem particularly intriguing (based on the blurbs or illustrations). Bookmark the title links and it will be easy to see when these profiles are finished.

America's Real First Thanksgiving by Robin Gioia. Recommended ages: 9 to 12. This is a book that introduces a little-known piece of history, with art, photos and story. (Pineapple Press, 2007)

The Collin Chronicles, Book 1: Magic, Bones, and Catacombs by T.K. Garrison. Recommended ages: 10 to 13. Brothers Collin and Ramey Miller start their journey by searching for a mysterious gold mine. Along the way, they meet Peter Kringle's most powerful and enchanted toy: Peter is the brother of the more famous Kristopher Kringle. (BookSurge Publishing, 2007)

Conor and the Crossworlds, Book 1: Breaking the Barrier by Kevin Gerard. Recommended ages: 9 to 12. Conor Jameson (a 10-year-old boy) and Purugama (a magical beast) begin a fantastic journey after Conor subconsciously calls forth the power of the crossworlds creators. (AuthorHouse, 2007)

Grandmother's Stories; Wise Woman Tales form Many Cultures edited by Burleigh Muton. Recommended ages: 6 to 12. This is a multi-media product, with an illustrated book and two CDs. The book comprises stories (fables) where the wise woman character plays a pivotal role. (Barefoot Books, 1999)

Just Imagine by John M. Thompson and George M. Schultz. Recommended ages: 4 to 8. This picture book uses poetry and evocative illustrations to take kids on visual, imaginative journeys. (Illumination Arts, 2006)

There's a Season for All by Sammy Shu. Recommended ages: 5 to 9. This is a story where four fairy sisters learn about love, friendship, cooperation, and respect. (Raynestorme Books, an imprint of Silver Rose Publishing, Inc., 2005)

The great thing about technology, is it lets us share information. I'd like to say "quickly and easily" but thanks to spammers, pfishers and other malcontents, it isn't always easy. So I'll say this:

We reply to every legitimate email we receive; and we do it within 48 hours of you hitting the "send" button. So if you asked us a question about literacy, if you wanted to know whether we'll review your book, or if it was just a general question we DID send you an email. If you haven't heard back from us in 48 hours, send us another email. Just be sure to let us know that it is your second attempt. That way, we can find an alternate way to reach you!

Read more!

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/05/wash-rag-reading-tub-newsletter-issue.html

The Bookbag, Books for Ages 4 to 8, March/April 2007

This is our second list of 2007. As usual, the Bookbag is filled with some of our favorites from the last two months. This edition is being published a little bit early ... to coincide with National Turn Off TV week (23 to 27 April). These are some books that are P-E-R-F-E-C-T for sharing out loud!

Freckles and the Great Beach Rescue by Ellen Bryant Lloyd. Freckles (a puppy) has just arrived at the beach and is looking for a friend to play with. Pinch (a sand crab) has been left behind because he is afraid of the water. They become fast friends, enjoying many days at the beach. Then one day, some baby turtles are trapped in a net by the ocean's edge. Can Pinch and Freckls help them? "Every preschooler can relate to this story. It has all the things that are part of their world: puppies, friendship, helping others, the beach." (Butterfly Creations, 2005)

Grandpa for Sale by Dotti Enderle and Vicki Sansum. While Lizzy is minding her grandfather's antique store, Mrs. Bradley Larchmont the Third and her dog Giselle come to visit. Mrs. Larchmont quickly spies some treasures she wants ... including Grandpa, who is taking a nap! How much is he worth, do you think? Read it and find out. "This is another fabulous story from Dotti Enderle. Her creativity is 'priceless.' " (Flashlight Press, 2007)

The Marvel Superhero Fact Book by Randy Meredith. Need to know how Dr. Robert Bruce Banner became the Incredible Hulk? Learn about Storm's arch enemies. This compact book gives you the low-down on Marvel superheroes the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Storm, The Incredible Hulk, and Wolverine ... and the evil forces that challenge them. "Our child has been poring over these for weeks. The flip-up pages add to the interest." (Brighter Child Interactive, LLC, 2006)

Noises at Night by Beth Raisner Glass and Susan Lubner. When it's dark in your room, those night-time noises can be pretty scary. Not for our young narrator ... he takes us on the adventure of the creaking mattress and the dripping faucet! "This book is so creative. It turns those fear-of-the-dark sounds into mini-adventures that will send your child off to sleep with happy dreams." (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2005)

Ruthie Bon Bair; Do Not Go To Bed with Wringing Wet Hair by Susan Lubner. Ruthie doesn't like drying her thick, curly hair. And one morning she wakes up with mushrooms growing in it...then ferns...then moss. The doctor, the nurse, the hairdresser, too, no one has any idea what they should do. Then Ruthie has an idea. Will it work? This is a story with a humorous twist on grooming. "This is a story we will be reading A LOT. If you read it enough, maybe just maybe, your child will want to blow-dry their hair." (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2006)

A NEW FEATURE IN THE BOOKBAG!

Thanks to the magic of SEO, Just One More Book found the Tub and jumped in. Just One More Book is a website offering podcasts about great books to share with kids. From here on out, we will have a link to one of JOMB's favorite books. This month it's (drum roll, please)

The Magic of Facing Ourselves: Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers by Lee Edward Fodi (Brown Books Publishing Group, 2005)

Be sure to stop by, listen, and let Andrea and Mark know how much you appreciate their insight! And tell them that you floated over from the Tub.

Read more!

The Bookbag, Books for Ages 4 to 8, March/April 2007

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/04/bookbag-books-for-ages-4-to-8.html

The Bookbag, Books for ages 8 to 12, March/April 2007

Without further ado, here are some of our favorites for Tweeners.

Extreme Monsters Series. The Extreme Team is a group of teen monsters who are into Extreme Sports. Their interest in competition is matched by a strong sense of fair play. Each of the volumes in this series offers adventure and life lessons teens will enjoy. You'll also find puzzles and related activities to engage the reader, too. "These stories have all the action and vocabulary that pre-teens and teens will love. It is the type of book that can inspire reluctant readers or remedial readers to give reading another chance." Here are the titles.

#1 The Blue Moon Effect
#2 What's With Wulf
#3 Meet Mr. Hydeous

Frederick Douglass: Young Defender of Human Rights by Elisabeth P. Myers. Frederick Douglass was born into slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 1818. Determined to be a free man, he took advantage of every opportunity to develop the skills necessary to be free. He learned to read and write, caulk ships, become an educator, public speaker, and journalist and newspaper editor. He dedicated his life to banishing slavery in the United States. He was one of the most distinguished leaders of the anti-slavery crusade in the nineteenth century. This is a biographical history for independent readers. "Like all of the other books in this series, the story, illustrations, writing, editing, and topics are all geared to the 8-12 year old. One cannot find a more wholesome and informative biographical series." (Patria Press, 2007)

Myth of the Summer Moon by Steve Reed and Aaron Reed. "In the Summer of 1936, the days were full of farm chores for the Christofis girls and their neighbors the Brownings. Still, there was plenty of time to grow friendships. One night, when three local boys got drunk and launched a brutal attack on Jimmy Browning and Helena Christofis, the depth of their faith and understanding of friendship were truly tested. Modern social circumstances and Greek legend are woven into a story for teens about generosity, sacrifice, courage, and prejudice. "This was a page turner of the first order. As I was reading, I kept peeking ahead to see what happened next. The author crafted a wonderful story. Although there are strong Christian undertones, the book weaves a story that all teens can enjoy, as the characters and their circumstances are somewhat universal." (Baker Tritten Press, 2006)

Penelope and Priscilla and the City of the Banished by Jennifer Troulis. Summer is finally here and the twins are ready for some fun. While Priscilla is eager to learn more about their magical powers; Penelope would rather be shopping. But life is about change, and the Twins learn that they are destined to make a positive change for their community. But they need to do it together. "This series is growing into a page turner. This second book has the character depth and suspense that keep you wanting more." (Twin Monkeys Press, 2007)


SOMETHING NEW FOR THE BOOKBAG ...

Just in case you don't read about books for ages 4 to 8, we want to introduce you to Just One More Book. JOMB is a website offering podcasts about great books to share with kids. From here on out, we will have a link to one of JOMB's favorite books in every bookbag. This month it's (drum roll, please) ...

Soul Force and Spice Cake: The Call to Shakabaz by Amy Wachspress (Woza Books, 2007)

Be sure to stop by, listen, and let Andrea and Mark know how much you appreciate their insight! And tell them that you just came from the Tub.

Read more!

The Bookbag, Books for ages 8 to 12, March/April 2007

https://thereadingtub.blogspot.com/2007/04/bookbag-books-for-ages-8-to-12.html