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.

Author: David Lucas
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens Paperbacks
Release Date: October 4, 2012

David Lucas is an internationally acclaimed author/illustrator.  This is the second installment in this series, the first was “Lost in the Toy Museum”. This large format book includes wonderful watercolor and ink illustrations.  It is a charming tale that entertains both children, as well as adults. What child doesn’t love Christmas and what child doesn’t love toys?

Premise: “It’s Christmas Eve at the Toy Museum and when the lights go out the magic begins! One very special Christmas Eve, Bunting and the rest of the toys in the museum are gathered around the tree – but what’s this? There are no presents! What can they do? The normally reserved Bunting has a wonderful idea. Why don’t the toys give themselves to each other as gifts?”

David Lucas has captured all the excitement and magic that comes with the eve of Christmas.  I myself have never been able to sleep the night before Christmas and this book definitely captures what happens when us kids do to sleep every night.  If that doesn’t entertain, what is every child’s fantasy then to have their toys come to life.  Smart move David! Smart move! This book is a perfect blend of both and will have kids and their parents getting in the mood for the holiday.

Author: Bonny Becker
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens Hardbacks
Release Date: December 6, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is the latest installment of the Bear and Mouse series. Bonny Becker is the author of all four books including “A Visitor for Bear”, “A Bedtime for Bear” and “The Sniffles for Bear”. I recently reviewed “A Visitor for Bear” and now I will be tracking down the other two as well, since this is a must have series. Beuatiful illustrations again from Kady MacDonald Denton, who has worked on the other books in the series.

Premise: “Celebrate curmudgeonly Bear and the irrepressible Mouse in this laugh-out-loud companion to the much-loved “A Visitor for Bear”, “A Bedtime for Bear” and “The Sniffles for Bear”. Bear does not like birthdays. He doesn’t like parties or balloons, cards or candles. In fact, Bear does not like anything to do with birthdays at all. He would much rather spend his birthday alone cleaning his house, but Mouse, small and grey and bright-eyed, has other ideas. With a perfectly paced story by Bonny Becker paired with Kady MacDonald Denton’s slapstick visual comedy, “A Birthday for Bear” welcomes young listeners to the party in a new Bear and Mouse picture book ideal for sharing. It is another laugh-out-loud funny picture book starring the hilariously mismatched friends Bear and Mouse. It is a witty tale of a reluctant birthday celebrant with all the slapstick humour and repartee that readers of Bear and Mouse’s escapades have come to expect.”

Like the past installments, this books have such terrific humor and deliver for both the kids and the parents (if you are reading to them). I see my daughter enjoying these books very much and I look forward to future installments and collaborations from both Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton. Another score for Candlewick! This book is a perfect birthday gift for any young child or even a grown-up like myself.

Author: Kristin Kladstrup
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When I saw a book titled “The Gingerbread Pirates”, I couldn’t help but   request it.  It also combines three of my favorite things: gingerbread, pirates and Christmas. Did you see that coming? Reading this book is sure to become a new family tradition each year, and knowing myself throughout the year.  I am also see myself if not many others  baking & decorating gingerbread pirates after reading this.

Premise: “It’s Christmas Eve, and Jim and his mother are making pirate gingerbread men to leave for Santa. Jim’s favorite is Captain Cookie, who carries a gingerbread cutlass and has a toothpick peg leg. The captain is much too good to be eaten, so Jim keeps him close by his bed. But late that night, when Jim is fast asleep, Captain Cookie steptaps away on a daring adventure to find his pirate crew — and rescue them from that mysterious character he’s heard about: a cannibal named Santa Claus. At once contemporary and timeless, suspenseful and joyous, this masterfully illustrated tale is destined to be a new holiday classic.”

I love me some cookies as the big man in red but I love the idea of what would happen if a brave cookie stood up to Santa.  It is a very unique and funny story.  It also delivers some wonderful Christmas cheer. The illustrations are delightful and very colorful. Overall, I just need to say that I love this book. Author, Lristin Kladstrup and illustrator Matt Tavares are now on my must-have list now and will be keeping an eye out for future releases.

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Author: Birdie Black
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When I see a book from Nosy Crow, I can’t help but pick them up.  I do not think that I have seen a disappointing book from them to date.  When you add in the addition of Christmas, then you have a match made in heaven or should I say a book that is “Just Right for Christmas”.

Premise: “In this celebration of the joy of giving, one snowy Christmas eve, a king buys some soft, red cloth to make the perfect Christmas gift for his daughter. Little does he know that the left-over cloth will be used to make presents for many more of the kingdom’s inhabitants, right down to the last teeny bit of cloth which is made into a scarf just right for a mouse.”

This tale is very clever and well-paced.  The illustrations are very impressive and overall very warm. It also delivers a very nice message for families. Birdie Black is the pet name for Kate Wilson, who is also the managing director of Nosy Crow. She has been in the business for a long time and she was said to be looking for a story about the joy of giving at Christmas and since she couldn’t find one, she wrote her own.

Author/Illustrator: Petr Horacek
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Pop edition
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

My daughter is only five months old, so she is far away from counting just yet but this book as already gotten her attention her early. In “One Spotted Giraffe”, we get a chance to count from one spotted giraffe to ten darting fish. In this very smart use of a pop-up book, this book takes something that would be concerned learning and makes it fun. It is authored and illustrator beautifully by Petr Horácek. I will be certainly seeking out other books that he has done.

Synopsis: Very young children can identify animals, count them, and discover numerals in this stand-out selection. Spreads filled with realistic depictions of colorful creatures — everything from pandas to lemurs — entice readers to count the animals, then flip the flap to reveal a corresponding pop-up numeral. And then the surprise: the numeral looks just like the animal — fur, spots, stripes, and all! Toddlers and preschoolers will delight in this bold, innovative concept book, a fantastic tool for making numbers noticeable for little learners.

Petr Horácek creates this book since he is inspired by his two daughters. Inspiration is a very powerful tool and when used right can provoke many wonderful results. Some of his other books include “Silly Suzy Goose” and “Strawberries Are Red”. I myself have become very inspired to do many new things in the short five months of having a child, so I believe in this very strongly.

Author: Candlewick Press
Illustrator: Ladybird
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Christmas, I am a big sap for anything relate to the holiday. The U.K.’s beloved, and award-winning Peppa Pig hops for the first time from screen to page. This is her first book from Candlewick…and it better not be the last. The story is perfect for the holiday and just right for preschoolers. It is a simple read with some very funny dialogue for the kids and parents.

Premise: “It’s almost Christmas, and Peppa Pig and her little brother, George, are mailing their letters to Santa. All of Peppa’s friends are there, too, and each one tells Peppa the special gift on their list. Peppa is excited to help Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig pick out and decorate their enormous tree, and she can’t wait for the big day to arrive. But little does she know that a surprise is in store on Christmas Eve, and that she may play a part in saving the day! Peppa is the endearing star of Peppa Pig — a BAFTA-winning preschool TV series that has been a long-running success in the U.K. and is now winning devoted fans in the U.S. with daily showings on Nick Jr. Peppa and her little brother, her daddy, her mummy, and her many friends arrive at Candlewick just in time for the holiday season, poised for much muddy puddle jumping and more new adventures to come.”

This Christmas tale is a perfect combination with Ladybird’s very colorful and palatable illustrations. a This BAFTA-winning preschool TV series is a perfect children’s book series. It has been such a success in the U.K. and is now also taking over the U.S. with on Nick Jr.  I am looking forward to future installment in this series, since I know that there is a lot of potential here.

Author/Illustrator: Helen Ward
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Templar
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

“The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse” is such a wonderful story for kids and should be a must have in every household. It is gorgeously illustrated and poetically written and perfectly set in a 1930s-era city at Christmastime.  It is a great way to get in the festive mood for the holidays. It one of those book that you just want to read again the minute you finish it and tell everyone to do the same. It is a wonderful retelling of one of Aesop’s Fables and in such a unique way.

Premise: “Rediscover the tale of the simple country mouse, magically retold by Helen Ward. Beguiled by his cousin’s amazing tales, the country mouse visits the electric city. Unfortunately the town mouse forgot to mention that the city has a lot of noise, tall buildings . . . and dangerous dogs! Helen Ward’s 1930s New York at Christmas is at once gorgeous and frighteningly busy. In the end the reader understands both why the town mouse loves his exciting life and why the country mouse is content with his peaceful home.”

The watercolor illustrations are very eye-catching and really enhance the 1930s-era city at Christmas-time.  It is very stunning.  Simple yet very elegant. I can’t wait to share this book with my daughter. I have a feeling that we will be keeping this book very close to the bed since I think it will be a must-read. As wife and myself have grown up with this story, I think it is only write that we continue the trend.  I hope others will do the same, not just during Christmas but throughout the year, as I am sure we will.

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Author: Bonny Becker
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 56 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

“A Visitor for Bear” is anew installment in the Bear and Mouse series. This book is also the winner of the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. I just loved reading this book and I have a feeling it will become a must-read each night. The illustrations are very attractive, thank you Kady MacDonald Denton, and literally pop off the page. The book is even quite funny and entertains the kids for sure and keeps the parents smiling.

Bonny Becker has said that the little persistent mouse in this book popped into her head one day and wouldn’t go away. So that is where “A Visitor for Bear” was born. Bonny is also the author of many other award-winning books and several other Bear and Mouse stories. I look forward to see future installments in this series, as well from Bonny overall.

Premise: “Bear is quite sure he doesn’t like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the cupboard to get a bowl, there is the mouse — small and gray and bright-eyed. In this slapstick tale that begs to be read aloud, all Bear wants is to eat his breakfast in peace, but the mouse — who keeps popping up in the most unexpected places — just won’t go away!”