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The Mystery of The Lost Recipe Review

3/30/2013

The Mystery of The Lost Recipe
~Written by Jerome Jones
~Illustrated by Jose Galeano

The Mystery of The Lost Recipe by Jerome Jones is a lively story about two mystery solving siblings, who use their skills to help others. The children also teach young readers the importance of eating healthy and exercising, especially when working hard on a case.

Tommy and Abby learn that the Orange Surf Restaurant has lost their lasagna recipe and without it the diners will be very disappointed. They decide to take the case and help the owner solve the mystery. First they stop by the Orange Surf Restaurant to enjoy a healthy breakfast, knowing it is essential to keep their minds sharp and give them the energy they'll need throughout the day. After breakfast the kids look for Mr. Nut, the restaurant owner, to see what information they can uncover. Will the Tommy and Abby be able to solve the case before the dinner rush?

The Mystery of The Lost Recipe entertains readers through energetic text and bright illustrations. The message of embracing a healthy lifestyle and helping those in your community is invaluable for both children and adults alike.

I recommend picking up a copy of The Mystery of The Lost Recipe. Available at Amazon.com.

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The Bewitching of Alison Allbright Review

3/26/2013

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The Bewitching of Alison Allbright
~Written by Alan Davidson

Alison Allbright is an awkward high schooler, whose just managed to ruin the only real friendship she's ever had. Alison is obsessed with wealth and appearance. Her family's economic status is an embarrassment to her and she spends her time daydreaming about the life she longs to have. One day Alison catches a glimpse of a passing train and makes eye contact with a mysterious woman. Alison is unable to shake the feeling that the woman was looking directly at her. She imagines the woman is wealthy and has a brilliant life. As chance may have, Alison meets the woman, Mrs. Considine, from the train and is instantly taken by her. Mrs. Considine begins showering Alison with gifts and offers her a glimpse into the life she has always wanted. Alison is bewitched, but will she discover the truth behind Mrs. Considine's intentions before it's too late?

The Bewitching of Alison Allbright is an alluring suspense with shocking revelations that will entrance readers. The story is well written and fast passed. It's certain to be a favorite among middle grade and young adult readers.

Pick up a copy of The Bewitching of Alison Allbright. Available at Amazon.com.

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Pouch Potato Review

3/25/2013

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Pouch Potato
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm

Pouch Potato by Julia Dweck is an adorable animated story app available on iTunes. The app engages young readers through sound effects and brightly illustrated animations. There's even a sweet little "Tater" button to turn each page.

Tater is a precious little joey who enjoys the safety of his Mama's pouch and no matter what she tries, Tater refuses to come out. Mama does some research to figure out how to get little Tater out, but the more she tries, the more he hides deeper in her pouch. Mama decides to do some flips, but even those tricks don't work and only makes little Tater declare that he's not going anywhere. Mama is running out of ideas. Will Tater ever decide to venture out on his own?

Pouch Potato is a heartwarming and loving story of how a mother's unconditional love and guidance can encourage her child to experience new things while ensuring them she will always be there when needed.

I recommend adding Pouch Potato to your iPad. It is an entertaining story your child will enjoy over and over.

Available on iTunes.

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Wednesday, A Walk in the Park Review

3/20/2013

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Wednesday, A Walk in the Park
~Written by Phylliss Del Greco, Jaclyn Roth, and Kathryn Silverio
~Illustrated by Rory Smith

Wednesday, A Walk in the Park is the third book in The Jessie Books series and continues with one of Jessie's energetic adventures.

Today Jessie is spending the day with her grandparents and no one is more excited than Jessie. Grandpa and Jessie decide to take a walk in the park. Along the way they make a magnificent discover. The fall leaves have began to change colors and Jessie is anxious to learn more about them. As they continue down the path Jessie learns the importance of sharing and helping others.

Young readers will delight in Jessie's zest for life and eagerly learn new things alongside her as she spends time with her beloved grandpa.

The book is brilliantly illustrated by Rory Smith and Jessie's energy flows through each page.

I recommend picking up a copy of Wednesday, A Walk in the Park as well as the rest of the books in The Jessie Books series.

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Sky Review

3/12/2013

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Sky
~By R.E. Palmer

Tomas Moone is a loner and kids at school find pleasure in tormenting him. The recent death of his father has only made things worse. But, what Tomas is about to uncover within his own mind will change his life forever.

As far back as Tomas can remember he has been having vivid dreams of a beautiful girl, whom he named Sky. Lately, the dreams are becoming more intense and Tomas is finding it harder to differentiate between the real world and the one that exists in his dreams. When Sky is violently dragged away by a dark creature Tomas falls into a deep depression. Now, even his dreams bring him sorrow. Then one night, as Tomas dreams, he is visited by Selene and she offers him the opportunity to save Sky. Selene seems to be visiting Tomas, not only in his dreams but, during his waking hours as well. He is certain he's going mad.

Selene reveals her plan to help Tomas rescue Sky also allowing her to reconnect with her partner Drax. Tomas must uncover the sinister truth in order to save Sky, but can he do it before it's too late?

Sky by R.E. Palmer is a sci-fi paranormal romance with a plot so extremely captivating readers will find it difficult to put the book down.

I recommend picking up a copy of Sky. Available at www.amazon.com.

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The Monarch Butterfly Coloring Book Review

3/9/2013

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**Giveaway**

The Monarch Butterfly Coloring Book
~By Mary Ellen Ryall
~Illustrated by Mora Christine McCusker

The Monarch Butterfly Coloring Book by Mary Ellen Ryall takes a unique approach to helping children discover the life cycle of Monarch Butterflies by allowing them to creatively design their own pictures to accompany the corresponding information on each page.

The coloring book begins with describing the milkweed, a favorite plant of the monarch butterfly. It goes on to describe how eggs are laid on the milkweed which will provide food for the monarch caterpillar (as seen in the photo) once it emerges from the egg. Children will also learn how the caterpillar becomes a pupa, chrysalis, and finally the monarch butterfly.

The illustrations are very detailed and large enough for small hands to effectively color.

The coloring book is a wonderful companion to Mary Ellen Ryall's book My Name is Butterfly and are both excellent tools for teachers to enhance classroom activities.

I recommend picking up The Monarch Butterfly Coloring Book which is perfect or spring!

**Giveaway**

In honor of spring I am giving away a copy of The Monarch Butterfly Coloring Book. Simply enter your name in the comment section below and a winner will be chosen at random and notified via email (email addresses are never shared). The giveaway runs from March 11, 2013 - March 18, 2013. The winner will be announced on March 20, 2013 (The First Day of Spring).

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Cat Heaven is Real Review

3/6/2013

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Cat Heaven is Real
~Written by D.C. Blackbird
~Designed by Leah Frieday

Cat Heaven is Real by D.C. Blackbird is an imaginative and awe-inspiring tribute to feline friends that have left our world to frolic in abundant meadows and streams found in cat heaven.

This heartfelt memorial speaks of the playful life cats encounter once they leave their families to join other felines in cat heaven. The comforting rhyme brings peace to those who have lost their beloved friends and helps them cope with their lose as they realize "splendid saints bless cheerful cats, with scratching ears and soothing pats."

The elegant design includes a section for readers to acknowledge their cats through loving letters, which can be stored with in the book.

Cat Heaven is Real is a unique book that is suitable for cat lover's of all ages. It serves as a priceless memento for those who are coping with the loss of a dear and treasured friend.

I recommend picking up a copy of Cat Heaven is Real. Available at www.amazon.com.

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The Last Place You Look Review

3/3/2013

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Tyler in Trouble - The Last Place You Look
~by Ella Kennen

The Last Place You Look by Ella Kennen is a creative and humorous story that teaches children the importance of being responsible.

Tyler and his sister are heading to karate class when his mom realizes they only have one house key. With errands to run before the birthday celebration that evening Tyler's mom must entrust him with their only key. Tyler promises to take extra care not to lose it, but as luck would have it the key ends up missing. Tyler must tell his tattle-tale sister what has happened so she will aid in the search. After tirelessly cover the karate facility from one end to the other the key is nowhere to be found. Will they locate the lost key in time?

The Last Place You Look is a lighthearted adventure that will keep young readers intrigued while enticing them with a series of comical mishaps.

It's suitable as a beginning chapter book, but can also be enjoyed by older children.

I recommend picking up a copy of Tyler in Trouble - The Last Place You Look.

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