
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…