Author: Jim Pauley
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Santa Monica Press
Release Date: December 15, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When I think about The Three Stooges, I think about the classic days of Hollywood.  I think about real sets and classic film production.  If you are a fan of The Three Stooges, like myself and have the same questions, then “Hollywood Filming Locations” is for you. It exploring the original locations that were the sites of the Stooges’ most famous Columbia Pictures short films made in and around Hollywood between 1934 and 1958.  The book is really well done and beautifully delivered, thanks to Santa Monica Press.

The details of the book are jam-packed with numerous archival photographs, some of which are rare and never-been-seen before or published. They also range from some really neat candid shots to classically vintage publicity stills.  Then there are simple screen captures from films and other contemporary photographs.  This isn’t just photos of The Stooges though, there is a focus on the location themselves within aerial views and maps detailing this locations. This book isn’t just photos though, there are quotes throughout from the Three Stooges’ directors, supporting actors, and family members.

Jim Pauley is definitely the author for this book.  He is a noted expert on the Three Stooges filming locations.  He has written articles on this subject since 2001 published in “Three Stooges Journal”, which is released by the Three Stooges Fan Club. He really gets a chance to show his love for this trio of comedic legends.  There is also a very sharp foreword from film critic Leonard Maltin. If you are a Stooges fan , then this book is a must have to show Hollywood’s cinematic history and the legacy of these comedic geniuses.

Kevin J. Anderson is the co-author of the book “Clockwork Angels: The Novel”, which is based on the band Rush’s latest album. The novelization is co-written with Neil Peart, who is the drummer and lyricist for the band. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Kevin about this collaboration and his work with Rush.

Mike Gencarelli: How did you end up collaborating with Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart on “Clockwork Angels: The Novel”?
Kevin J. Anderson: Neil and I have been friends since around 1990; I’ve always been a Rush fan, and he reads my novels. My first novel, Resurrection, Inc., was inspired by the Rush album Grace Under Pressure. Over the years we’ve toyed with the idea of doing a novel/album crossover project, but the stories and the schedules never synched up. As Clockwork Angels began to take shape, though, it had that right set of ingredients. As he developed the story for the songs, he suggested that I do the novel.

MG: Since Neil wrote “Clockwork Angels” as a concept album, did that make the adapting process easier?
KJA: He’s always given me props for my worldbuilding skills, and when he started putting the songs and the story together, he turned me loose to let me develop the world, to see how the pieces fit together (like “Clockwork,” naturally!). Neil had most of the framework for the story, which is set out in the songs, but I helped connect the dots, added extra characters, fleshed out the scenes. But I didn’t change anything in the album or the songs—Neil wrote what he wanted to write, and I developed a story that captured it as best I could.

MG: What was your inspiration for the dystopian fiction featured in the story?
KJA: Oddly, we consider this a “nice” sort of dystopia. Yes, the Watchmaker controls a lot of people’s lives, which is a bad thing if you’re a square peg and the rest of the world is made of round holes, but for the vast majority of the population, this really is an idyllic sort of world. But our character is a dreamer and wants something more.

MG: How did you end up merging this story with the steampunk subgenre?
I’ve been writing steampunk since 1989 (before the term was ever invented, I think), and Neil liked that aspect. He had the idea of a steampunk motif from the very beginning, and it was always part of the canvas as the story and music took shape.

MG: Tell us about your work with artist Hugh Syme?
KJA: Hugh had already done some of the paintings for the CD booklet before I started writing. I used his artwork for details and inspiration, and he read the drafts of some scenes as I delivered them. Hugh had an uncanny knack for taking a detail or a metaphor at the core of the story (something even I didn’t realize) and pulling it to the surface, which would send me back to the draft to emphasize that part and add new scenes. We worked closely together for the illustrated booklet that accompanies the unabridged audiobook (which Neil Peart narrates), Hugh and I getting the finished content, design, and layout done for Brilliance Audio in only a few days!

MG: I think that this novel would make a great movie…(Hint Hint)!
I certainly wouldn’t disagree with you, but it doesn’t matter what I think. Some movie producer has to get that idea in his or her head!

MG: Do you feel that there will ever been another additional chapter to this story?
KJA: Not as an endless series of book after book. But Neil and I love the world and the characters, and we feel that some of the side tales might be worth exploring. Not in the immediate future, though. I have two massive books I’m writing, and Rush has this tour thing they’re on…

MG: What is your favorite song on the album “Clockwork Angels”?
KJA: It often changes as I keep listening to the album. Right now, the one that seems closest to my heart is “Headlong Flight,” which means so much to the story and means so much to me about my life.

MG: What do you have planned next? Any plans to work with Rush again?
KJA: Right now I am editing MENTATS OF DUNE with Brian Herbert, my next major novel in that series, and I am beginning a new trilogy in my gigantic “Seven Suns” universe, THE DARK BETWEEN THE STARS. It’ll probably be a thousand pages long, and as of today I hit the halfway point! And I have two other novels ready to be cued up in the new year. It’s too soon to think about doing anything else with Rush —they’ll be touring for quite some time yet.

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Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: January 8, 2013

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors. Coraline is one of my favorite stories in the last decade. It may be a little too scary for some kids but I am a big kid, so it is ok. This book is aimed a much younger audience. On the book cover it says Newborn to 4 but Amazon is listing the book as 4 and up. I feel that this book is much more suited for under age 4. It may not be my favorite book from Gaiman but more important my daughter loved it and that is all that matter.

The story of Chu is short and sweet. It follows a a little panda that packs a big sneeze and as the book reads, “when Chu sneezes, bad things happen”. It is a very simple story and does get a few laughs even for the adults like myself that was acting out the lines. I felt like some of the words could have rhymed a bit better but overall it was still a cute and fun book.

Adam Rex has delivered some very colorful and interesting illustrations. As I was reading this book to my 6-month old daughter, she was literally grabbing the pages right out of my hand and turning them. The book itself is a little short in terms of quality but at least it has great replay value. I believe I ended up reading this book about 5 times in one sitting.

Author: Sally Symes
Illustrator: Nick Sharratt
Board book: 22 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Whose Toes Are Those?” is a very cute book, which let preschoolers keep guessing who’s hiding. Whether it is tails, toes, noses — it is short running 22 pages but has enough to keep the little reader interested throughout and also keep coming back to see which each animal is peeking out.  This is a really clever book and recommend for all parents looking to keep your little one entertained and also stimulated.

Premise: Whose tail? Whose toes? Whose twitchy nose? Who is that hiding behind a big hunk of cheese? What has a cold wet nose, a big pink snout, or a long gray trunk? In this lift-the-flap book for the very young, simple, repetitive text and bold, bright illustrations combine to make a funny guessing-game of a book.

The book is worded from author, Sally Symes.  It is repetitive like advertised but very effective and memorable.  She is also the author of “Yawn”.  The book is perfectly illustrated by Nick Sharratt, who also worked with Sally Symes on “Yawn” and also is the author-illustrator of “What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?”, “Dinosaurs’ Day Out”, and “The Foggy, Foggy Forest”. The illustrations are sharp and very colorful. I look forward to the next installment!

Author/Illutrator: Leslie Patricelli
Reading level: Ages 1 and up
Board book: 26 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Brdbk edition
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Leslie Patricelli is back with her one-haired wonder returning to this time share the love. “Huggy Kissy” is a wonderful children’s book and one of mine and my 6-month daughters’ new favorite. The book makes you want to smother your children with love and affection and I am A-Ok with that! I call this book a must-read for all parents to share with their children. It is being released in perfect time for stocking stuffers! Hint-Hint!

Premise: When you’re an adorable bald baby, your family finds lots of ways to show you how much they love you: Mommy lifts you uppy, Daddy kisses you on the tummy, and everyone wants to snuggle. What’s not to love? With comedy and warmth, Leslie Patricelli offers a universal tribute to love and affection in a board book full of instant appeal for little valentines everywhere.

Author/Illutrator, Leslie Patricelli has released many board books based around this character and honestly I cannot get enough of them. Each one is better and cuter than the next. After reviewing, Patricelli’s Christmas entry “Fa La La”, I was excited to see what she has planned next and here it is already with “Huggy Kissy”. I say, “Keep them coming Leslie!” I can’t wait to see what is planned next.

Author/Illustrator: Mary Murphy
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I find that as a father of a new born girl, 6 months now, I am guilty of smothering her with about 354 kisses per day since she was born.  I am very big fan of author/illustrator’s Mary Murphy’s “I Kissed the Baby!”.  This book is a great follow up to it and is equally as cute.  If it does nothing else it will make you give many kisses throughout to your child, which I think is worth the prize of the book alone.

Premise: A giraffe kiss is very tall — just turn the page and see! Elephant kisses are long, of course, while tiny mice and bubbly fish have kisses all their own. Using a clever split-page format that makes for charming surprises, author-illustrator Mary Murphy shares a series of animal kisses that are sure to have babies and toddlers gurgling, giggling, smiling, and leaning over for their kisses, too.

Mary Murphy delivers not only a wonderful book her but also beautifully illustrated.  It is simple yet enough to keep the attention.  Besides the “Kiss” books, she also has done other great kids books including “Utterly Lovely One”, “Panda Foo and the New Friend” and “How Kind!”.  I look forward to what she has has planned next.  Another gem from Candlewick, though being released in time for the Holidays. This book could be a nice Valentine’s Day give also!

Author: Maggie Malone, Jennifer Lee
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: November 1, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I saw the film “Wreck-It Ralph”, I thought that my prayers were answered as a video gamer that grew up in the 80’s.  This book shows just how much work went into this film and really allows you to appreciate it much more.  I had seen this film prior to reading this book and it literally made me want to run out again to see it.  If anyone reads this in reserve order you will surely get the immediate urge to see it. It is literally a perfect companion to this fantastic film.  The film is so extremely colorful and creative and unique and this book compliments all those aspects very well. Perfect idea for a Holiday gift!

The collaboration between authors Jennifer Lee and Maggie Malone really show that they love this film themselves and are looking to share it.  Jennifer Lee was a writer on “Wreck-It Ralph” and Maggie Malone is the director of development at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where she has worked on films including “Tangled”, “Tinker Bell”, and “The Princess and the Frog”. They succeeded in developing and delivered a very sharp book that makes you unable to put down.  It is very in-depth and goes into great detail on each of the video-game worlds created for this film.  There is specific focus on the design process and character development, which I enjoyed the most. It was cool to see the evolution of Ralph and how he came about. I also enjoyed the different interviews with the people behind this film. The artwork in the book is beautifully presented and very colorful.  Great job, Chronicle Books – yet again!

There is a preface included by Pixar’s John Lasseter, which nicely sets the mood for the book.  Rich Moore, the director of “Wreck-It Ralph”, gives a supporting foreword. Since this film takes aims at video games from the classic 8-bit arcade games to the video games of today’s high-def digital age. Both periods of gaming are perfectly respected and honored throughout this book. If you are looking for something to complement this great film or just something for your sweet tooth, then be sure to check out the “Sugar Rush” section. It made me crave some sweets ASAP, especially Devil Dogs.  Oh I miss Hostess already! If there is anything wrong with this book is that it ended, I would have love to kept reading for much longer.

William Joyce is the author of the “The Guardians of Childhood” series, which is being made into the film, “Rise of the Guardians”. William also served as executive producer on the film. William recently released the third novel in “The Guardians of the Childhood” series, called “Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies” and also a picture book “Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies”. Media Mikes had a chance to ask William a few questions about turning his series into a film and chatted about his new books.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your work on DreamWorks Animation’s “Rise of the Guardians”?
William Joyce: The upcoming DreamWorks Animation “Rise of the Guardians”, set for release on November 21, is based on my book series “The Guardians of Childhood.” It takes place 200 years after the team’s formation in the books; it tells the story of Jack’s recruitment to the team and centers around four of the guardians; Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost and the Easter Bunny. The Guardians of Childhood book series tells a sweeping tale of the ongoing battle between Pitch, lord of nightmares, and the eponymous guardians, consisting of figures such as the Man in the Moon, Nicolas St. North, the Tooth Fairy, Bunnymund the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, Mother Goose, and Jack Frost. I also worked as the executive producer, so I collaborated on all aspects of the film. Design, story, and casting.

MG: What was the most challenging aspect of bringing “The Guardians of Childhood” to screen?
WJ: Narrowing the story down to a 90 minute film, then bringing that story to the screen. Animated feature films are titanic endeavors, and take years to realize.

MG: Tell us about the next novel in the series “Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies”?
WJ: Toothania, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies, is the third and the newest in The Guardian series. It delves into the secret world of the third Guardian, the mysterious Tooth Fairy. This third chapter book presents you to Her Royal Highness, Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairies. There’s a lot more to her than has been previously understood.

MG: How many other book do you have planned in this series?
WJ: The Guardians of Childhood Series and The Guardians series will consist in total of thirteen books; the seven picture books in The Guardians of Childhood series and six chapter books in the Guardians of Childhood series.

MG: How did the idea for picture book “The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie” come about?
WJ: I’ve been working on a unified mythology for the icons of childhood since my daughter asked me if Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy knew each other. As a parent, I felt that Santa Claus, the Man in the Moon, all of them had become a little diminished. They deserve to be thought of as grand. Heroic. Epic. If Spider-Man has an origins mythology, then why not the characters we actually believed in? Creating a voice for their stories became my mission.

MG: Tell us about the road to “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” winning the Best Animated Short in 2011 Oscars?
WJ: We started Moonbot Studios three years ago, in my hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. It’s an unlikely place to have an animation studio. We are, I believe, the 104th largest city in the United States. But we love it. Shreveport is home. To do the short we had to mortgage our houses and hunt for every nickel we could rub together. It was a huge risk. But we believed in ourselves and the story. Most of our employees were fresh out of college. Working at Moonbot was their first job. When we won, the whole city, the entire state of Louisiana, went nuts. It was like a Frank Capra movie come to life. They gave us a ticker tape parade, a key to the city, and sang for he’s a jolly good fellow. Our lives became like the movies we’d been inspired by and loved. It was surreal, unspeakably happy and perfect. But now our employees are totally spoiled.

MG: What can you tell us about your next film “Epic”?
WJ: Epic is an upcoming 3D computer animated fantasy-adventure film based on my children’s book “The Leaf Men.” It’s an epic adventure that just happens to be in the secret world of a teenage girl’s backyard. A race o tiny beings threatened by an ancient evil. I like to think of it as an intimate epic. It’s being produced by Blue Sky Studios and directed by Chris Wedge, the director of Ice Age (2002) and Robots (2005). It stars the voices of Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Aziz Ansari, Pitbull, Jason Sudeikis, and Steven Tyler. The film is scheduled to be released on May 24, 2013.

Dallas Clayton is a children’s book author of “An Awesome Book” series, as well as his new book “Make Magic! Do Good!”. He is also being called the new Dr. Seuss. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Dallas about his work and what we can expect next.

Mike Gencarelli: What is it about being a children’s author that drives you?
Dallas Clayton: I like being able to share ideas with people who are open, welcoming and in many ways innocent. Also I like having maximum fun at all times.

MG: How does it feel to be considered the new Dr. Seuss?
DC: Flattering. A bit overwhelming at points, but ultimately exciting. I mean, really that’s something I’m never going to be, that dude was a massive force not unlike the Beatles or Jordan. I can only hope to be the best version of myself.

MG: Tell us where you got inspiration for latest book “Make Magic! Do Good!”?
DC:  Make Magic! is just about sharing small simple inspirational silly poems with kids and adults. It’s a real mixed bag of fun thoughts that swirl up in my head coupled with colorful drawings that maybe in some small way can make people’s days a bit brighter.

MG: How does “Make Magic! Do Good!” differ from “An Awesome Book” series?
DC:  Make Magic! is a collection of poems, 50 poems whereas the books in the Awesome Book series are just linear books. One poem vs. 50 poems. When you think of it that way, it’s a steal really!

MG: Tell us what we can expect from upcoming “Awesome Book of Love!”?
DC: Mega radness? I dunno, it’s a book about the idea of love. The concept of what it means to be in love. Ultimately my love poem to the world.

MG: What else do you have in the cards upcoming?
DC: Two books over the next two months, plus three books next year, touring, working on a ton of film and TV stuff, just making as much as possible and trying to hug everyone everywhere.

Author: Mark Salisbury
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 27, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I first saw Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s “Dark Shadows”, I have to say I was a little let down.  I am very familiar with the 70’s Soap Opera series and I thought this would have been a perfect collaboration for them.  After my second viewing of the film, I enjoyed it a bit more.  Honestly after reading this visual companion, I am feeling very compelled (vampire…get it?) to watch this film again. This book literally takes you through every aspect of the film from the characters to the score.  If you have your doubts about this film, I suggest you check out this book it will easily convince you to give the film a chance.

“Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion” is wonderful produced by Titan Books, yet another gem. Author Mark Salisbury was in close cooperation with Tim Burton and the production team during its creation.  It includes a very nice foreword by Depp, an Introduction by Burton and an afterword by the late producer Richard D. Zanuck.  I really enjoyed Zanuck’s words, it is sad that this was his last film but at least from his what he said it seems like he really enjoyed the experience.  Mark Salisbury is the former editor of Britain’s magazine, Empire, and has worked with Burton before including “Alice in Wonderland: A Visual Companion” (one of my favorites) and also on “Burton on Burton”.

Like the film itself, this book really took two going throughs in order to really wow me.  I did my usual quick flip through to see what catches my eye and I though it looked good but not great.  But when I really dug into this book, I realized that it was in fact a great visual companion, as it is titled.  It is jam packed with wonderful photos, concept drawings and production designs.  You really get to learn about the characters and their part in the film.  There are also some great interviews with the cast and crew.  All that would normally be good enough for me but there is still more.  They touch on the visual effects, creating the town of Collinswood and even the score from Danny Elfman.  There is not a detail left out here.  So if you whether you are a fan of this film or a curious party, I highly recommend picking this up.

Author: Daniel Pinkwater
Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“Bear in Love” could have been a cute title to release around Valentine’s Day. Our friendly bear finds that he might have a secret friend that is leaving him surprises. The story is very sweet and funny as well, thanks to the notable authro Daniel Pinkwater. Will Hillenbrand’s subtle yet effective illustrations really deliver. I will be highly recommend this book to all the family’s I know, since it is a must have!

Premise: “One morning, the bear finds something just outside his cave. It is orange and long and pointy and has bushy green leaves at one end. And it’s sweet and crunchy! Where did it come from? Did someone leave it for him? Then there are two more of the sweet crunchy things the next morning! The bear knows that someone nice is leaving him these treats. If only he could discover who it is! Should he leave something tasty in return?”

I hope that this is the first in a series of books with Bear, hint hint Daniel! I feel that he is a alternative to Disney’s Pooh and just as cute. I will be keeping an eye out for more of Hillenbrand’s illustrations since I was a big fan. I could see some of the drawnings blown up and frame even! Candlewick delivers yet another fantastic children’s book and thanks to them to reference “Jaws”, my daughter is going to need a bigger book shelf.

Author: Paul Davies
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 6, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to video games, “Halo” is definitely the master chief of them all.  “Halo” has become such an iconic franchise over a short period of time.  “Halo 4” is the latest blockbuster installment, which is set to change history and re-define gaming. The story is set in the aftermath of “Halo 3”, it marks the beginning of a new trilogy as the Master Chief confronts an ancient evil that threatens the fate of the entire universe. In this book we get a glimpse into the beginning of this new trilogy within a stunning array of concept art, character sketches and much, much more. If you are a “Halo” fan, this is the holy grail of kick-ass books that you need to own for sure.

From the minute I opened this book, I was flooded with colors and amazing images.  It is one of those books that you literally cannot put down once opened.  Every page – every chapter is better than the next.  “Awakening: The Art of Halo 4” will satisfy all give gamers, whether they are hardcore or novice.  This book contains an in-depth look at the behind-the-scenes of how the stunning worlds of “Halo 4” were created. Fans of the series don’t fret since this book is also packed with some great commentary from the art director and game designers, so there is plenty of insider goodies.  We mentioned concept art and character sketches above, that is one the tip of the iceberg.  There is very detailed environments layouts, as well as an additional section on the forthcoming multiplayer game.

Author Paul Davies is definitely the right man for this job.  He is a crazy Halo fanatic (just like us) and has worked in gaming journalism for twenty years, where he has written and edited magazines and websites including Official Nintendo and Computer & Video Games. He wrote this book as a fan and therefore fans are going to really did it.  I read a lot of “art of” books and this one literally jumps off the pages.  Titan Books has deliver probably one of their best to date.  The quality of this book is just very high and it is aimed to satisfy the hardest gamers out there.  And if you are not the biggest “Halo” fan and just looking to see what all the fuzz is about this book will make you run to the store, trip the person in front of you and buy this game ASAP!

Author: Ramin Zahed
Hardcover: 158 pages
Publisher: Insight Editions
Release Date: October 22, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you are aware of “The Guardians of Childhood” series, which “Rise of the Guardians” is based off of, then you will appreciate the artwork from the series. The world that was created for this movie are provided in very high-detail through this book.  The children’s series is written by William Joyce, who’s also the film’s executive producer and gives a very nice foreword on the book.

“The Art of Rise of the Guardians” includes wonderful concept art for the DreamWorks animated film. The basis of the book is focused on the six main characters: North, Bunny, Tooth, Sandy, Jack Frost and Pitch. There is character profiles, as well as 3D and classic animation for each. Like I mentioned about the detail, besides just the character profiles, there is landscapes and sketches of the environments that were developed.  In the book, you get to see the work of all these fantastic artists and craftspeople who have collaborated in order to create DreamWorks Animation’s most ambitious films to date.

In the film “Rise of the Guardians”, North (Alec Baldwin), Bunnymund (Hugh Jackman), Tooth (Isla Fisher), and Sandman try to recruit the mysterious Jack Frost (Chris Pine) to help them stop Pitch (Jude Law) from putting an end to childhood belief and sending the world into eternal darkness.

Ramin Zahed is the editor in chief of Animation Magazine.  The man knows animation and gives this film art book the right treatment.  Alec Baldwin who voices North, gives a wonderful foreword.  The book itself has this very simplistic feeling.  Some of the pages are very simple, while some are jam-packed and extremely colorful.  I feel that it is really a wonderful balance of the two. The pastel of colors used in the book and throughout the film really pop-out here in the art-of book.  I am looking forward to this film very much and now more so since reading this book.

Author: Sam McBratney
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 72 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 28, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I am new to the beloved character of Nutbrown Hare but I am already in love with him.  This new book includes four new exciting adventures from the author, Sam McBratney, of the best-selling “Guess How Much I Love You” series.

Synopsis: “Just like young children everywhere, Little Nutbrown Hare likes to explore, play, venture out into the world, and sometimes just savor the comfort of being at home with loved ones. But whatever he does, and wherever he goes, Big Nutbrown Hare is always there to cheer him on. In a beautiful jacketed Guess How Much I Love You storybook, here are four heartwarming new stories that little readers (and their bigger companions) will instantly relate to.”

The illustration is very simplistic yet very warm and soft. The travels of Nutbrown continue as his explores the world around him including the rivers, mountains, fields and trees! This book will give kids the desire to get out and explore the world around them just like Nutbrown Hare. Hopefully this is only the beginning of these adventures with more to come.

Author: Shirley Parenteau
Illustrator: David Walker
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“Bears in Beds” is fantastic children’s for story time or more importantly bedtime! Kids are going to be wishing for you to read them to go to sleep and I am sure parents are going to love that idea.  These cute bears are fun, cute and this story from Shirley Parenteau is very fun to read and rhyme aloud. The illustrations are very impressive thanks to David Walker. Must have for all parents! You will thank me later! Trust me!

Synopsis: “It’s time for Big Brown Bear to tuck all four little bears into their beds. Then he’s ready to climb into his own bed and turn out the light. Five warm beds, holding five sleepy bears, until a sound goes whoosh in the middle of the night, and all the bears wake up in a fright. Will they ever get back into bed? Luckily, Big Brown Bear knows just what to do! A fun, rhyming read-aloud that parents will love and tired little cubs will be happy to snuggle up with.”

Author Shirley Parenteau and illustrator David Walker have worked together on a number of children’s books including “Bears on Chairs”. There is also a third book in the series planned called “Bears in a Bath” scheduled for release in the U.S. in Spring, 2014. This is a great series and I look forward to future releases. Shirley is also working with Candlewick again for a middle-grade novel currently titled “Ship of Dolls”. Look forward to that as well.