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Escape from the Crooked Tree Review

7/31/2012

Escape from the Crooked Tree
~Written by Jason Whitely
~Illustrated by Michale Koch

Escape from the Crooked Tree by Jason Whiteley is a genuinely original fish tale that is sure to amuse young readers while teaching them that each of us is special in our own way.

Summer is just around the corner and the lures in Dad's tacklebox are waking up after their long sleep. Soon Dad, Adam and Frances will be heading out to the lake on many adventurous fishing trips. The lures must be alert and ready to undertake the important task of bringing in their catch. All the lures are anxious, except for Sam the Stinkbait. The other lures don't really consider him important anyway. After all he is at the bottom of the tacklebox. As the lines are cast to kick off the summer fishing season Pumpkintail and MT are the first lures to hit the water. Excited by the possibility of bringing in the first fish the lures get to work. MT hooks himself a real whooper, but the huge fish fights to escape and twists MT around the crooked tree. As the line snaps MT is left in the lake. The other lures know they must rescue one of their own, but it's a risky mission. Find out what happens to MT and the unlikely hero who helps him.

The illustrations by Michael Koch are delightful and add to the excitement which surrounds the story.

Escape from the Crooked Tree instills in readers that no matter how old, how young or how stinky you are you're special just being yourself and you are important.

I really enjoyed Escape from the Crooked Tree and highly recommend the story.

Pick up a copy at www.amazon.com.

Jeanie's Most Prized Possession Review

7/29/2012

Jeanie's Most Prized Possession
~Written by Julia E. Antoine

Jeanie's Most Prized Possession by Julia E. Antoine is the story of a talented little girl named Jeanie and one of the most exciting moments in her life.

Jeanie loves to play the violin, but because her and her mother live on a limited income she is unable to own a violin of her own. One day Jeanie learns of a writing contest in which the grand prize is $10,000 and tickets to see a very gifted violinist named David Garrett. The contest requires Jeanie to write about her most prized possession. She looks through everything in her room, but is unable to find something she truly treasures. On advice from her friend, she decides to write about the Richard Bunnel G2 violin that she longs to own. Jeanie submits her essay and the waiting begins. Will Jeanie's dream of owning her very own violin come true?

Jeanie's Most Prized Possession is a charming story about working hard and never giving up on your dreams. Jeanie also reminds us that when we are the recipient of something special we should always be generous and kind to others.

Pick up a copy of Jeanie's Most Prized Possession at www.amazon.com.

Curious Mary and Esme the Bunny Review

7/27/2012

Curious Mary and Esme the Bunny
~Written by Julia E. Antoine

Curious Mary and Esme the Bunny by Julia E. Antoine is an enjoyable story about a resourceful little girl named Mary and her very special Easter blessing.

Mary, who lives on a tiny island callede St. Lucia is heading to the countryside to spend Easter with her aunt, uncle and two cousins. Mary loves spending time with her family in the country. There is so much to explore and the family always takes time for Mary's curiosities. However, this visit is different. This time Mary learns that the family plans to have an Easter feast and the main dish is to be Esme the bunny she grew to love on her last visit. Mary is devastated and can't eat or sleep. She must come up with a plan to save Esme, but can she do it in time to save the bunny she loves?

Curious Mary and Esme the Bunny is a delightful story of a child's love for her pet and her resourceful actions to save it.

Pick up a copy at www.amazon.com.

Lucci - The No Smoochie Poochie Review

7/26/2012

Luccia - The No Smoochie Poochie
~Written by Donna L. Sadd

Lucci - The No Smoochie Poochie by Donna L. Sadd is a charming story of a sweet little dog named Lucci and the family that loves her.

The family adopted Lucci and showered him with love and affection, but Lucci refused to give them any smoochies. They fed him, cuddled him and played with him, but when it was time for kisses Lucci would run away. Perplexed the family doesn't know what to do so they decide to do nothing. No more smoochies for Lucci. Will Lucci miss all the attention from her family and learn to love smoochies?

Lucci - The No Smoochie Poochie teaches children that everyone, even poochies, need love and affection and sometimes it's not until we lose it that we can learn to appreciate what we had. Certainly, a story children will want to hear again and again.

Pick up your copy at www.amazon.com.

The Hare with the Pearl Earring Review

7/21/2012

The Hare with the Pearl Earring
~Written by Julia Dweck
~Illustrated by Patrica Saco

In The Hare with the Pearl Earring Julie Dweck uses an unique approach to teach children about famous artists and the masterpieces they created. Her interactive ebook combines a fictional story with factual information to make learning enticing.

Henny, the hare, is given the extraordinary opportunity of modeling for several famous artists like Vincent Van Crow, Picatso, Dove Vinci and others. Each artist paints a fantastic portrait of Henny in their own unique style with the hopes of being named the best artist in the town. Henny, loves all the portraits, but one holds a special place in her heart. All the artists create sensational pieces making choosing just one a difficult task. Find out who is named "Best Artist" and which piece of art Henny likes most.

Patricia Saco is very talented and does an exquisite job illustrating the story and creates a masterpiece of her own.

The ebook also features icons which redirect readers to the real artists represented by the characters in the story. Readers have the chance to learn facts about the artist as well as see a piece of artwork created by them.

With art becoming scarce in many schools across the country The Hare with the Pearl Earring is an effective tool parents can use to help children experience art in an entertaining way.

I really enjoyed The Hare with the Pearl Earring and highly recommend reading it.

The version with interactive icons is available at www.amazon.com. The interactive read aloud is only available on iTunes.

Tuesday with Mommy...and Pterodactyls Review

7/18/2012

Tuesday with Mommy...and Pterodactyls
~Written by Phylliss Del Greco, Jaclyn Roth, Kathryn Silverio
~Illustrated by Rory Smith

Tuesday with Mommy... and Pterodactyls by Phylliss Del Greco, Jaclyn Roth, Kathryn Silverio is a sweet story about a little girl named Jessie and the special day she spends with her mom.

It's Tuesday morning and Jessie is up bright and early. Today is the day Jessie and Mommy get to spend together. While Jessie and Mommy are making dinosaur shaped pancakes, Jessie exclaims that she wishes she could see a real dinosaur. When Mommy takes Jessie to a dinosaur museum she can't believe her eyes. The dinosaurs are so big and Jessie is afraid. Will she be able to overcome her fear and have a memorable "Twos-day" with Mommy?

Tuesday with Mommy...and Pterodactyls is a lively story that children will delight in.

Get your copy at www.amazon.com.

Corie Universe Feeder Review

7/16/2012

Corie Universe Feeder
~Written by Walter Eckland

Corie Universe Feeder by Walter Eckland is a lighthearted and humorous story about an ingenious girl named Corie, who orchestrates and clever plan to get out of eating a not so green pickle and leftover fish.

Corie, who wishes not to use her last name or exact location for fear that you may steal her dog, does not want to eat her lunch, but gets the usual response from her parents that plenty of starving people would be happy to have the pickle and fish. Corie surprises her parents by agreeing, but tells them she wants to help feed the universe so instead of eating that pickle and fish she should plant them in the front yard. Amazed that her dad actual gave her permission Corie gathers the neighborhood kids, digs a hole, plants the pickle and fish and waits for it to grow. Will Corie's plan work? Will she actually feed the universe? You will have to read to find out.

Corie Universe Feeder takes readers on a fun filled adventure as Corie's creativity not only gets her out of eating the pickle and fish, but also helps to improve the lives of many people. Corie also experiences the joy of giving to others.

I recommend reading Corie Universe Feeder, an entertaining story that is sure to make readers laugh while reminding them how one simple act can change lives.

Available at www.amazon.com.

Darby's First Christmas in Bisclona

7/13/2012

Darby's First Christmas in Bisclona
~By Scott Alexander Baker

Darby's First Christmas in Bisclona by Scott Alexander Baker is an magical tale of Darby, a Golden Retriever, and her first Christmas in the enchanted lands of Bisclona.

Bisclona is buzzing as the magical creatures who call Sturdy Woods their home prepare for the Christmas feasts. Bisclonans celebrate Christmas in a much different way than those who live on Earth. Santa still visits them but provides each creature with the one gift they need most. Christmas is spent helping others and sharing time together enjoying large feast. Darby, being from Earth, has never experienced the the holiday Bisclonan style. She cannot wait to discover the traditions of the enchanted lands. However, Darby hasn't quite caught onto the selflessness of the holiday as celebrated in Bisclona and wastes the special day competing, instead of giving. Distraught over her behavior Darby hopes for a second chance. Will she learn from her mistakes and get the opportunity to make things right?

Darby's First Christmas in Bisclona teaches children that there is more to Christmas than receiving gifts. Giving to others and forgiving grievances is what makes Christmas special and also makes us feel good about ourselves. All Earthlings can learn from the Bisclonans, just as Darby did.

I recommend picking up a copy at www.amazon.com

Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees Review

7/11/2012

Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees
~Written by Jannifer Powelson
~Illustrated by Kalpart

Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees by Jannifer Powelson is a wonderfully written entertaining and educational story that teaches children all about trees.

Rachel and Sammy are going on a class field trip. Their tour guide Doc Opossum will lead them on a nature filled adventure while helping them uncover interesting facts about trees. The students discover the different types of trees and also learn the purpose of leaves, bark and roots. Doc Opossum also reminds the students that trees produce many products that we use each day such as fruit and nuts as well as paper and building material. Trees are also vital in the production of oxygen which we need to breath and are home to many animals. At the end of the field trip the students use what they learn to identify a tree and if you pay close attention to the facts you can too!

One of my favorite aspects of the story are the actual photos taken by Jannifer Powelson which she uses throughout the book. This unique approach aides in providing a better understanding of the many kinds of trees that inhabit our world.

Kalpart does a fabulous job providing detailed illustrations that enhance the story.

I highly recommend Rachel and Sammy Learn About Trees. It is an excellent teaching tool and can be used in conjunction with Jannifer Powelson's other Rachel and Sammy stories for an entire nature lesson children will love.

Pick up your copy at www.amazon.com.

Beautiful!!! Inside and Out Review

7/2/2012

Beautiful!!! Inside and Out
~Written by Adriana Cerrotti

Beautiful!!! Inside and Out by Adriana Cerrotti is a fun rhyming picture book with a special message for readers.

Sly is a "mini-dog with roundly eyes" and he is full of mischief. Sly enjoys running and playing as well as getting muddy. Sly isn't perfect, but he is beautiful just the same.

The story is wonderfully illustrated by Adriana Cerrotti as well. She is very talented and flawlessly captures Sly, the round eyed lovable pup and all of his adventures.

The rhyme and illustrations will amuse and captivate children. Definitely a story they will want to hear again and again. Sly will remind them that even though they aren't perfect they are "beautiful, inside and out."

Available at www.amazon.com.