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The Great Dog Wash and Spoonful of Stories Contest

Maybe you’re like me and would love to one day pen a children’s book. Well here’s your chance so get writing. Don’t forget to tell your friends, too!

The Great Dog Wash by Hellie Braeuner with illustrations by Robert Neubecker (Simon & Schuster, $15.99; ages 2-6) is the winner of Cheerios new author contest called Spoonful of Stories in conjunction with Simon & Schuster. Click to find out more or to register for your chance to win (hurry up deadline is July 15th). This hardcover comes out on July 7th

Much like the addictive rhymes in Jamberry, Braeuner’s rhythmic writing has captured the essence of a carefree carwash where dogs of all kinds, from “slippery slobbery,” pedigree to stray will have their stinky doggie smell washed away. But who brought a cat? And now what’s up that tree? Who guessed it would all end in a wet ‘n’ wild doggie jamboree?

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Standing Up to Bullies

Erin, our guest reviewer today, is a first grader who loves to read books. She lives with her parents and her older brother Connor in the San Gabriel Valley. Her favorite books are about adventure and mysteries. Erin also likes to act out the books she has read for fun.

Bullies Never Win by Margery Cuyler and illustrated by Arthur Howard is a good book. It teaches you an important lesson about standing up to bullies.

Jessica is the main character and she is not mean. You see Jessica is a “worrier” and she is scared of a certain bully called Brenda Bailey at school. The bully calls Jessica “toothpick legs” when she wears skirts. Another nasty thing she does is that when Jessica gets a good grade on her homework, Brenda tells Jessica that she must have cheated. It was hard, but finally Jessica stands up to the bully and never gets bothered again.

The pictures in the book are perfect because they really show Jessica getting more and more angry along with the story. Then, when Jessica stands up for herself, Brenda Bailey begins to look more and more nice. I liked this book and I think all of the kids at my school should read it!

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This baseball book is a hit

Here’s first time guest reviewer Nathan and his mom, JoAnn writing about something they both love, baseball. Nathan and my son have been on the same baseball team for the past three years. When I saw this book, it shouted Nathan’s name.

Wow! What a good read about a young man and his Grandpa. Oliver’s Game by Matt Tavares takes place in Chicago where the Chicago Cubs baseball team plays in season at the famous Wrigley Field. It is also the story about a boy who really likes the game of baseball much like our son Nathan feels about the game.

It was fun to read the book together, seeing Nathan get excited about the book and the story of a young boy liking the same sport he likes. The boy’s Grandpa, in the story, was such a huge baseball fan that he actually got to try out with the Cubs in 1945. However, the war broke out and he went to fight for his country, was wounded and then told he could never play baseball again. So, he went on with his life, had a family and opened this really neat store, “Hall’s Nostalgia” where he collected and kept memorabilia from over the years. His grandson found an old Cubs uniform (the uniform he got to keep from his tryout) that had the Cubs official logo and his Grandpa then told him the story of his big ‘tryout’ with the team just before wore broke out. Grandpa gave the uniform to his grandson because he could see this meant just as much to his grandson as it did to him when he tried out with the team back in 1945, the same year the Cubs made it to The World Series. Grandpa was proud to share and give this precious gift to his grandson. Even though Grandpa did not ever get to play for the Cubs, he knew then “the game of baseball was more than just the players on the field.” Everyone is a part of baseball, from the fans to the guys selling the hot dogs in the stands!

While reading this book with Nathan, I got tears in my eyes knowing some of the facts to be true. You see, my Dad was a massive Cubs fan and also fought in the war from 1942 through 1945 when it ended. I remember the stories my dad told me as a child about how he and his friends used to climb the back wall of Wrigley Field to sneak a peek at the game on the day when the Cubs (cubbies) were in town.

This special book was definitely a most enjoyable read for Nathan and me. The look on Nathan’s face was priceless as he read the book. The excitement created while reading about Oliver and his Grandpa is one not often found in books about baseball. It brought heartwaming smiles to my face as I recalled the stories told to me by my father.

Reading takes one into a whole other world, often emotional and educational and Nathan and I were overjoyed to have been on this journey together. We would certainly read more books by this author Matt Tavares.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Click here to see what the next exciting project Matt Tavares is working on.

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The Cow That Was The Best Moo-ther

Harper Collins brings you The Cow That Was The Best Moo-ther by Andy Cutbill with illustrations by Russel Ayto for children ages 4-8. This book is a follow-up to Cutbill and Ayto’s first book, The Cow that Laid an Egg!

Bold and brilliant illustrations pull you into each page to join Marjorie the cow as she pursues an opportunity to enter her baby Daisy into a Beautiful Baby Contest.

Remember however that the sign reads CONTEST STRICTLY FOR COWS.

While moms practiced with the baby cows to prepare them for the big event, Daisy, hatched from an egg, preferred to hang out with the chickens. Despite rampant Mom cow gossip about little Daisy not meeting developmental milestones such as talking or chewing cud, Daisy’s mom Marjorie kept up her spirits.

The contest proved disasterous when it was declared by the Farmer’s wife that Daisy was a chicken and therefore ineligible. But chicken or cow, Daisy was Marjorie’s daughter whom she loved her with all her heart. And Mom Marjorie clearly wins in another way as Bull Derek awards her “Best In Show.”

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A Butterfly Fable

The school year may be over for teacher Therese Louk who we welcome back as today’s guest reviewer, but she’s always on the lookout for great books to read to her students:

Spring has sprung and with it come butterflies. I read Adios Oscar!: A Butterfly Fable by Peter Elwell to my second grade class and had rave reviews from each student. They laughed and enjoyed the story of Oscar’s adventures. There is a great message embedded in the story to always try to achieve your dreams. There were many favorite parts in the story from the students. Ask your child which part is his/her favorite. It may change each time your read it.

Oscar is a curious caterpillar who meets a beautiful Monarch butterfly on his way to Mexico. Oscar is so intrigued by the lovely wings on the butterfly. After conversing with Bob (the beautiful butterfly), Oscar decides it is time for him to do some research on his own to find out if he truly will grow wings.

Enter Edna

Edna, the reliable bookworm, introduces Oscar to the most fabulous library to research any topic he would like. He becomes convinced he will become a beautiful butterfly and fly to Mexico. He begins to learn Spanish tp prepare to talk to the other bugs when he gets Mexico.

Oscar soon goes through his metamorphosis stage dreaming of beautiful wings. When he wakes up, he knows he has wings and is very excited. It isn’t until Oscar sees himself in a mirror that he discovers he is not a butterfly but a moth. Oscar doesn’t let anything stop his spirits. He continues on his venture to get to Mexico and be with the other beautiful butterflies.

Read Adios Oscar! to find out if he gets there.

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Flip-a-Face Furry Friends: Same and Different

Sean Burgess is back again as guest reviewer today with his take on a fun new toddler book from Chronicle Books/Blue Apple.

With my 18 month old daughter Teagan interested and even more knowledgeable than ever about the parts of the body, the book Flip-a-Face Furry Friends: Same and Different came to us at just the right time. Every time we hold Teagan she always points out the features of our face; nose, eyes, ears, teeth. This book brings new attention to details of the face. That’s why I love this Flip-a-Face book. The reader is asked: “How is the cat’s face different from the dog’s face? What is missing from this face?” Plus, this book is a wonderful way to get kids talking about faces in a fun, interactive way, even making a game of it.

The author SAMi’s vibrant colored animal artwork, like Japanese anime, also features each animal set within its environment on a pull out page. Other animals featured are lion, lamb, cow, horse, tiger and fox.

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Imagine That, An Interview With Rising Star, Yara Shahidi

If you haven’t seen Imagine That yet, I suggest you do. I had a grin on my face during the entire film and I was especially captivated by the big talent of Eddie Murphy’s charming and vivacious young co-star, Yara Shahidi. I recently interviewed Yara, so read on to find out just what makes this terrific nine-year-old tick.

Did you have a favorite blankie when you were younger?
I did and still do have a favorite blankie that I call my lovie! My little brother has taken it recently, he is a one-year-old!

Was the name Goo-Ga your idea? (Goo-Ga is the name of Yara’s beloved blankie in Imagine That which she’s holding in the photo)
That wasn’t my idea, but I love the name!

The film’s message about less work and more play is an important one with all the distractions families have today. What things do you like your parents to do with you when you are not in school?
When I am not in school, I love to travel with my parents, eat chocolate with my mommy and learn great recipes from my *Baba.

I loved the pancake scene when you slathered on all the different toppings like Hershey’s syrup and mustard. Should busy parents do more cooking with their children?
I think every parent should think about having some fun in the kitchen with their kids…we love it, kind of messy, but fun!

What is the best meal you’ve ever had?
The best meal I have ever had is my Baba’s home made, organic cheese pizza!

Do you get to eat good food while you’re making a film?
The fun thing about working is all of the fun treats and good food. My brother Sayeed, who is 6 would come visit me on set, but I think he was visiting the snack truck!

Is it difficult being a 9 year-old actress and finding time to be a kid, doing all the silly kid things kids get up to?
It isn’t difficult, because acting is just being a kid! I also have tons of friends and we love to have play dates. My brother Sayeed is one of my best friends, so we do a ton of things together too.

Do you ever get time to read for pleasure and if so, what are some of the books you enjoy reading?
I read so much that my mommy has to tell me to put my books away so I can eat or go to bed! I love history, and mysteries! I just read Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson and the Encyclopedia Brown books.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a historian, an inventor and an actor.

What’s your favorite movie?
Kirikou, a French cartoon movie about an African Village. A little boy saves his entire village from an evil sorcerer.

NOTE: *Baba means “father” in Farsi. Yara is half African-American and half Persian. She knows and is learning Farsi!

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Happy Father’s Day!

I love Father’s Day because it gives me a chance to celebrate my one-in-a-million dad and let him know how much he means to me. When I was in college and a friend backed out of our Spring Break plans despite my having booked tickets to Florida, it was my dad who went along with me! When friends visited me from abroad and I was still living at home, it was my dad who chauffeured them around Manhattan giving the sightseeing tour. He’s always been there for me, been my number one fan and in return, I am his.

When looking for something this Father’s Day to celebrate
that special Dad you know, consider these books.

We wish we knew an expecting or new Dad so we could give him the The Little Big Book For Dads from Welcome Books this Father’s Day because it’s one of those “must have” books a parent will return to again and again. Mothers, too, will enjoy the colossal content which ranges from nursery rhymes, activities, songs, fairy tales, poetry (Edward Lear’s An Alphabet is a personal favorite in our house), essays (offered by dads from Bill Cosby to Kenny Loggins), recipes, tongue twisters and jokes. The endearing artwork of such notables as Kate Greenaway and Jessie Wilcox Smith recalls a bygone era when bonding time with Dad was as simple as flying a kite

Klutz’s Build-a-Book is a complete book-building kit and for this Father’s Day there’s the convenient Why I love My Dad – By Me for your child to design. Recommended for ages 6 and up, the book contains 10 colorful pages, mostly blank, so kids can let their creativity flow. Included are double-side custom papers, chipboard letters, glue, double-tipped black marker, googly eyes and assorted cool foam shapes to help make the finished product unique and memorable. There’s also lots of neat ideas and helpful hints to inspire them. My kids were always making books when they were little, but finding all the right bits and pieces was our biggest challenge. Build-a-Book just gives them the perfect head start. Simply supply some scissors, a snack and disappear.

Scholastic’s Things To Do With Dad by Chris Stevens and illustrated by A.J. Garces (with additional illustrations by David Woodroffe) guarantees a good time will be had by all. Filled with indoor and outdoor activities kids can enjoy together with Dad, the book provides details on how to catch a shadow, have a thumb wrestling contest, throw a car wash party and even turn your kitchen into Dad’s diner (I’m sure Mom will love that one!). And in case you needed more suggestions, Things To Do With Dad has at least 50 others to try out. I liked the idea of creating a crazy golf course and I am definitely going to get my husband to make the paper helicopters with Coleman.

Bertie: Just Like Daddy by Marcus Pfister (of Rainbow Fish fame) from North-South Books is a spot-on story of a little hippo who wants to do everything his daddy does whether it’s drinking coffee, shaving, having a credit card or skipping a nap. Daddy somehow has all the right answers. Daddy replies “When you’re bigger,” and Bertie seems content with his father’s suggestions of drinking the foam, wearing some shaving cream or holding the receipt. It’s not until Bertie’s up from his nap, eager to now play trains and Daddy’s asking if he can be kid that the tables are turned in delightful way. Perfect for toddlers, Pfister’s latest Bertie book is sure to please with its tropical looking wallpapers and backgrounds of vibrant colors along with vividly drawn characters.

The black and white photographs as well as the color ones shout LIFE Magazine which is why I love the new LIFE with Father published by Time Inc. Home Entertainment. At $17.95 this book makes a wonderful and meaningful gift to present to Dad this Father’s Day. Of course there are celebrity dads likes Charlton Heston, Kirk Douglas and Nat “King” Cole and ordinary dads, but all are portrayed lovingly with their children and as one quote says, “Even a famous father is simply Dad to his kids.” Any LIFE collection would not be complete without touching pictures of JFK or RFK, and the accompanying quotes on most pages only serve to add to the warmth of this tribute to fathers around the world. A beautiful shot of President Barack Obama having a quiet moment with daughter Malia ends the book with a fitting quote, “I’m inspired by my own children, how full they make my heart…They make me want to be a better man.”

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The Best Day Ever!

“It felt like Father’s Day,” according to our guest reviewer, Rob Wheat.

Our four year-old Violet had long awaited the return of spring and couldn’t wait to visit a local touristy-type farm near our Kansas City home.

We caught fish, fed a baby goat, rode a pony, had a picnic and enjoyed being together as a family in the warm sun.
Those types of experiences made up the book It’s the Best Day Ever, Dad! written by movie and television actress Brooke Shields (yes, that Brooke Shields) and is both cleverly and pointedly illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld.

The book captures a perfect day in the life of a father, who has two small daughters, the youngest coincidentally named Violet. During the day, the three decide to let mommy catch up on precious sleep as they conspire to make it the best day ever.

Daddy is gently awoken by “The Alarm Clock Girls” who help him shave, they all enjoy animal-shaped pancakes, play at the dog park, enjoy ice cream, learn responsibility, watch sports, draw with chalk in the park, have a tea party, help with dinner, watch the stars and collectively fall into a contented sleep…

While engaging in all those activities during a single day might be ambitious for even the most well-intended father, the book skillfully provides subtle suggestions for both rookie and veteran dads on outings with their young girls while also relaying important parental lessons.

Each of the outings or activities are simple, and yet memorable as examples of how fathers and daughters (and mothers and sons) can plan out activities that will have an important and lasting impact on one’s children.

The girls in the book are young, but both are old enough to remember those perfect days with dad that ultimately provide an important foundation for self- esteem and how they will both view themselves and others in current and future relationships.

The impact parents have on their small children cannot be underestimated. And the book also provides simple, but almost inspiring suggestions on ways that dads can bond with their daughters.

These bonds eventually transcend time and distance, and the book leaves the reader with the emphasis that the daddy and the girls can have another “best day ever” tomorrow…

The illustrations masterfully capture both the delight and determination that young girls feel during a day with their fathers, and may be best embodied by the illustration where older sister Frankie helps pass on instructing her sister on taking care of the family dog – hers is a face of sheepish respect as she looks up at her father and takes in the responsibility, while Violet’s face is a mask of discipline and determination as it becomes her turn to learn how to feed and instruct the dog.

Instilling structure and responsibility within children also can’t be underestimated, and the book’s theme is illustrated by the 12-word quote on the back of the hardcover: “Every day can be Father’s Day when you spend it with Dad.”

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Puddin’ The Yorkshire Terrier

Back again, this time to review a fun book, is my colleague, graphic artist Terresa Burgess:

Being the owners of an adorable Yorkie named “Nigel,” my daughter Teagan was immediately drawn to the cover of the book, Puddin’ the Yorkshire Terrier. Teagan called out “Nigie, Nigie” and quickly flipped through the book calling out his name every time Puddin’ appeared on the page. The recommended age range for this book is 4-8, but I felt that Teagan, being older than her 20 months in so many ways, would have fun following the hippest Yorkie around town as she struts her stuff all over the city. Puddin’ shops for the latest fashions and even models them for you. We also get to experience the doggie diva dining with a pack of her closest pals. Kelli Chipponeri’s cardstock creation is cut into the shape of a purse making it fun to carry to and from the bookshelf. The book also comes with canine couture stickers and a dog tag necklace just like Puddin’s. The stickers were fun, but the necklace could become a hazard for a child as young as Teagan. For now I have decided to keep Puddin’ The Yorkshire Terrier’s necklace attached to the book around her neck and told Teagan it’s just like Nigel’s collar.

—

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THE POSTCARD

Meet today’s guest reviewer, Riley.

I am 13 years-old and am about to start 8th grade. I enjoy reading, computer games, skateboarding, the beach and playing with my dogs. Mysteries, science fiction, comedy and horror books are my favorites, but if desperate I will read just about anything. Because you never know when you will be stuck running errands with your family, I try to always have a book with me.

The Postcard by Tony Abbott is a fantastic mystery that intertwines fact and fiction. The two main characters Jason and Dia find themselves trapped in the mystery of Nick Falcon, and whether he is real, or just another made up character in one of Emerson Beale’s story.

It starts as an average teenage boy named Jason finds himself in Florida after being flown down to help his Dad pack up his deceased grandmother’s house. When alone at the house the phone rings and someone asks “how smart are you?” The voice continues to say “you can learn many things at a desk,” and then abruptly hangs up. Jason then goes to his grandmother’s old desk and finds a postcard. The mystery then begins as Jason and Dia try to find out the truth about Nick Falcon, and Emerson Beale. As they fight the secret order of Oobarab it is a thrilling race to find out the truth. Tony Abbott is an excellent writer so if you like a good mystery this is the book for you. Abbott ties up all loose ends perfectly in an exciting conclusion.

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SUPERWHY EVENT! Calling all super readers!

You know the Super WHY show, now check out the new toy line. Spend another sunny day in L.A. at this fun and FREE event for the family this coming Saturday, June 13. Yes, Super WHY, the award-winning preschool PBS show invites Los Angeles-area kids and families to enjoy a not-to-be-missed day of reading-powered fun with a “super” special event celebrating the series’ anticipated toy launch at Toys”R”US!

This exciting day of activities includes a storybook reading, an interactive bingo game, Super WHY-inspired coloring activities and more! Be the FIRST to enjoy exclusive “hands on” play with the new toys based on the hit Emmy nominated PBS KIDS TV Series. Plus, you won’t want to miss all the great giveaways and coupons that will be distributed as well.

Who: Super WHY fans of all ages and Toys“R”Us!

What: Kids from coast-to-coast will hold the “power to read” in their hands – literally! – as the highly-anticipated Super WHY toy line from Learning Curve, based on the hit series seen daily on PBS KIDS (check local listings), makes its retail debut at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide!

Why: To celebrate the arrival of Super WHY toys, on Saturday, June 13, kids can be among the first to experience the new toys based on the Emmy nominated Super WHY preschool show!

Guests of the celebration also will have the opportunity to receive Super WHY-themed temporary tattoos, stickers, masks, coloring and activity sheets, while supplies last.

When: Saturday, June 13
12 noon – 2 p.m.

Where: All Toys“R”Us stores nationwide!
click here to find a location

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Heroes & Villains

Sarah is an 11 year-old fifth grader from Glendale, California who loves to doodle and read. See what books have made it to her short list!

I have reviewed two books by author Andy Briggs today because they are supposed to (and should definitely) be read together. The two books are part of two different “anti series.” Each series is one side of the same story.

One of the books is titled Hero.com: Rise of the Heroes. It’s the first book in one of the two series. There aren’t many words that can describe it, but two come to mind: Awesome. Suspenseful. Makes you want to gnaw on a chair in excitement. I think one of my favorite parts in this book was when Toby, Pete, Lorna, and Emily (the main characters) are battling the supervillian Doc Tempest (another major character) in his icy lair in a mountain in Antarctica. If I could rate this book on a scale of one to ten, I think I’d give it an 8,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

The second book is titled Villain.net: Council of Evil. It’s the first book in that other series I mentioned in the introductory paragraph. Here are nine words to describe it: ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!! My ABSOLUTE favorite part in this book was when a 14- year – old boy named Jake Hunter (the main character) learns the terrifying truth about what has been happening to him over the course of the past few days (over the course of his life, for that matter) from the superevil supervillain Basilisk.

Anyone who likes the Internet, adventure, and superpowers, or is just sick and tired of having their opinion made for them (that all superheroes are 100% good and all villains are total madmen), these books are for you. In case you’re hooked like me, the second book in the Hero.com series is titled Virus Attack and the second book in the Villain.net series is titled Dark Hunter. Watch this space!

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Worst-Case Scenario: Middle School

In her free time, guest reviewer and 6th grader Shira loves to listen to Taylor Swift, read, and text or IM her friends from camp and different sport teams. When she isn’t doing homework, she is playing cards, swimming, or talking with friends. She loves to read, especially fiction books!

The Worst Case Scenario
Survival Handbook: Middle School
By David Borgenicht, Ben H. Winters, and Robin Epstein

This book is everything a new middle schooler will need! It has tips from wardrobe emergencies to being the shortest guy in school to having your sibling attending school with you to surviving horrible haircuts! There are also super-helpful hints, like how to organize your backpack, study for tests, and survive the school dance. One of the most important things in Middle School is your locker. This is used for keeping those all important, extra in-case-of-emergency clothes and shoes, hygienic products, Chap-stick/lip gloss, and books for class. I really enjoyed the tips on how to keep your backpack and locker clean, and the tips for stopping bullies and cheaters were really good! This is a book every soon-to-be middle schooler should have.

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Smart Sleuthing

I wanted desperately to expose my 8 year-old son, Coleman, to something more than the A-Z Mysteries. Not that these are not wonderful and worthwhile books, they are. However, what I will inevitably one day pronounce when he is dating I recently said regarding reading: “Coleman, there are many fish in the sea.” In other words, try a lot of different books to experience what’s out there. After taking my advice, and broadening his book horizons so to speak, he found Saxby Smart: Private Detective in The Curse Of The Ancient Mask and Other Case Files by Simon Cheshire with pictures by R.W. Alley, Roaring Press from Roaring Brook Press.

According to Coleman, “this great book is about a boy named Saxby Smart who attends a local school called St. Egbert’s. The book contained a total of three separate stories (aka Case Files) about mysteries that happened in the town where Saxby lived. There are two people he constantly relies on.

“One of them is named Muddy, a tech genius and the other is named Izzy. She is a keen researcher always looking up facts for Saxby. Muddy creates things out of old scrap junk he finds and makes them into amazing inventions like The Whitehouse Bike 2000 which can go really, really fast. (I think I know why my inventor son relates to this character so well). Website searcher for Saxby, Izzy looks up all the facts like how much the golden clasp is worth (see page 121 for The Clasp of Doom).” Coleman liked The Curse of the Ancient Mask best, “although,” according to him, “the others were pretty darned good, too!”

“In The Curse of the Ancient Mask, Saxby is friends with this tall girl from school and her dad is in a company that makes things. His rival company, Posispark set her dad up because they know he likes to buy souvenirs whereever he goes. He goes to Japan on business. Before he leaves he gets this mask from a store and once home, for some odd reason every time he announces something to his family that his company is building, Posispark somehow get the idea and starts building it. To find out what is going on, Saxby steps in to investigate, but you will have to read this book to find out his discovery.” The drawings totally added to how much he enjoyed the book and he’s already asking when the next book will come out! Fishing is good!

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