Author/Illustrator: Leslie McGuirk
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: November 13, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

There is something about a book that from the minute you look at the cover you just can’t help but say “Cute”. Leslie McGuirk is the author of this wonderful and beautifully illustrated book. This is our first introduction to The Moogees and I am hopeful that it is not the last. It takes the simple story of a family in search of a home but is much more fun. Leslie is also a FL resident like myself, so I understand where the talent comes from 😉  I look forward to what she is going to do next.

Synopsis: “The Moogees want very much to find a new home. Mama Moogee says, “We need a new place that is on the ground. It would be nice if it were round.” Papa Moogee adds, “I’d love to find a home with class, a nice wide yard, and plenty of grass.” But the three little Moogies just scream, “WAA WAA MOOGEE DOOGEE WEE WEE LOW LUM!” Mr. Ruru, the real estate agent, tries hard to help them find the perfect place, but the Moogees think all the houses are too blue, too expensive, or look like a piece of cheese. Will they ever find a house to call their own? As the Moogees discover, the family you share it with is the most important part!”

The Moogees consists of Mama & Papa Moogee and their three little Moogies.  Having just picked up my family and moved myself, I feel a certain connection to this story. The values in the story are also very important since family is a very special quality that not enough people respect. The illustration are very simple but very eye catching as well.  Leave it to Candlewick to deliver another impressive children’s tale.

Author: Archie Goodwin
Illustrator: Walt Simonson
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: October 30, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Product Dimensions: 13 x 0.7 x 16.9 inches

When I first heard that “Alien – The Illustrated Story” was being released by Titan Books, I was sure excited because I am both a fan of Ridley Scott’s film “Alien” and also comic book artist Walt Simonson. But I got much more than I expected (in a good way). This good in the words of Buddy the Elf is “GINORMOUS”. But that is the charm of it I think, it clocks in at 13.8″ x 1 x 19.9″. If you can’t imagine it…just take my word its oversized. Though there is a reason for it, since it is scanned directly from Walt’s original art and reproduced at the same size. Since the pages are in fact scanned from the originals they even include all the corrections, paste-ups and even coffee stains. I was blown away that they would release this and very impressed.

But wait there is more. The story itself is only 64 pages. Also included is Archie Goodwin’s original script for the story, as well as Walt’s two page try-out for Fox (which actually featuring a very different alien). There is a great interview with Walt and letterer John Workman and closing with an afterword by Walt. If you don’t want the GIANT hardcover edition, then you can opt out for the totally not as cool softcover “Facsimile Cover Regular Edition”, which is also in color. I highly recommend this “Original Art Edition” it is an amazing companion piece to this movie book.

The book was written by the late Archie Goodwin, the comic book writer, known best for his Warren and Marvel Comics work. He was also the chief writer and editor of landmark horror anthology titles Creepy and Eerie. On a graphic novel, the illustrator is really the star of the show. Walt Simonson is the man behind this one and he has written, penciled or inked Batman, Fantastic Four, The Hulk and Superman just to name but a few!

Premise: Vacant. Two space helmets resting on chairs. Electronic hum. Lights on the helmets begin to signal one another. Moments of silence. A yellow light goes on. Electronic hum. A green light goes on in front of one helmet. Electronic pulsing sounds. A red light goes on in front of the other helmet. An electronic conversation ensues. Reaches a crescendo. Then silence. And when the silence is broken… the crew of the Nostromo must grapple with a terrifying life force they cannot leash, nor even comprehend – the Alien!

This book has been out of print for over thirty years, so this brand new edition timed perfectly with “Prometheus”, is a welcomed treat. It has been very carefully restored from original artwork in Walt Simonson’s studio and is presented here for the very first time in this definitive artist’s edition of the greatest sci-fi horror ever produced. So if you are a fan of “Alien”, sci-fi or event art…then this is a the book for you. Just make sure you have a very large coffee table – very large – because you will need it.

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Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Jessica Ahlberg
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: October 23, 2012

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

“The Goldilocks Variations” is a new adaptation of the classic story that is wittily retold by the Allan Ahlberg and backed with some really impressive illustrations by his daughter, Jessica Ahlberg.  So this is a real family project.  The story is very clever and really gives some new live in this classic story. I am a big sucker for a good pop-up book and this one is very entertaining and a really great page turner.

This book really takes the story of how Goldilocks met the three bears and makes it much more crazy and fun. The stories have a different twist when she encounters a whopping thirty-three bears, the strange-talking Bliim, or even three little pigs.  You are able to lift the flaps and pull the tabs in order to join Goldilocks in her hilarious series of adventures.  The pop-up format really works well for this story and gives it new live as well.  Love forward to future collaborations from Allan Ahlberg and his daughter Jessica Ahlberg.

Author: Sam McBratney
Illustrator: Anita Jeram
Reading level: Ages 1 and up
Board book: 24 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Just in time for the holiday’s get ready to play in the snow with The Nutbrown Hares.  Now in this new edition, this book is the perfect size to fit right in a stocking! This latest “Guess How Much I Love You” storybook is cute for little ones.  The story is a little slow moving but still very cute.

“The Nutbrown Hares are playing I Spy as they hop through the snow. They spy something that belongs to a tree, a bird, and a spider. They spy something that belongs to Little Nutbrown Hare — something that is only there when the sun comes out. But what does Big Nutbrown Hare spy that belongs to him and is his favorite thing of all?”

Sam McBratney is the author “Guess How Much I Love You” series along with illustrator Anita Jeram. The book is simple yet colorful.  The illustrations are crisp and tell the story well.  I was hoping for a little more winter aspect from the book but it still manages to entertain its reader throughout its 24 pages.  The Nutbrown Hares is still a very cute series and I look forward to future installments.

Author: Leslie Patricelli
Hardcover: 26 pages
Publisher: Walker Childrens Hardbacks
Release Date: November 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Oh, Leslie Patricelli! Your board books are going to flood my daughter’s room. This is my first introduction to this series and I am sure it will not be the last. This series is based around the cutest little baby and continues from previous installments like “Tubby”, “Huggy Kissy” and “Quiet Loud”. This book celebrates and showcases my favorite holiday Christmas. These books are great for kids and I highly recommend them. But I am sure if anyone reading this has kids that is a big ole “Duh!”.

“Oh, baby! Leslie Patricelli’s one-haired wonder returns to revel in Christmas. It’s almost Christmas, and baby simply cannot contain the exuberance. There are things to decorate: a tree, a gingerbread house, a doggy! There are very creative presents to make, Santa to see (must be brave), carols to sing, not to mention the big event itself. Join the seasonal celebrations with humour and joy as everyone’s favourite baby puts a special spin on Christmas. These are two sure-fire winners – Leslie Patricelli’s bald baby, and Christmas – together at last! It’s all here: choosing the tree and decorating it; making home-made gifts; singing carols; and more – each event celebrated with bald baby flair. It is heartwarming and hilarious – like all the other books featuring this baby.”

In only the five short months that I have been a parent, as of this writing, Leslie Patricelli is one name that I keep seeing over and over. Besides this series, she is also author-illustrator of ” Higher! Higher!” and “Faster! Faster!” books. I have a feeling that I am going to come across her work quite a bit in the coming years and I welcome it.

Author/Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: July 10, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

If you are the fan of the Maisy series or have never heard of it. This is a wonderful first for the Maisy series in this new cute Arts-and-Crafts book. Included here are easy, safe, and fun craft projects that will entertain your young children for hours. They were even put together and photographed by Lucy Cousins herself. If you are looking to entertain and also learn, then I would give this book a look for sure. I can already pick out which ones my daughter is going to love! Can’t wait!

“Why does Maisy keep a Big Box of Everything, filled with glitter, sequins, foil, stickers, paint, brushes, paper, and tons more stuff? Because she loves to make things! Children as young as two will be thrilled to follow her lead, thanks to a brand-new Maisy format featuring both familiar illustrations and photographs by Lucy Cousins. Here are crystal-clear steps for creating seventeen simple crafts, highlighted by photos of the end result. Enjoy making things from painted pebbles to paper lanterns, food collages to feathered masks, and wax-relief paintings to wonderful vegetable animals. As spectacular looking as it is hands-on, here is an activity book sure to please parents as much as it does Maisy’s little fans.”

Author: Lucy Cousins
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 22 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Maisy has become such a well-known icon with children. Her stories and adventures have taught and entertained kids for years. This latest edition is guaranteed to bring a sparkle to the season. This classic Maisy holiday favorite is back by popular demand, with a bright, bold new cover.

“Cuddle up for a little comfort and joy featuring everybody’s favorite mouse. As Maisy get ready for Christmas, little ones can lift flaps and pull tabs to watch her bake and decorate, read her cards, peek at her gifts, and open the door on Christmas morning for a merry surprise. Trimmed in foil and twinkling from beginning to end, Merry Christmas, Maisy captures the joys and simple pleasures of the season.”

Lucy Cousins is the creator of this beloved Maisy series. Hopefully she will continue to release this books for many years to come. I have a feeling that my five month old daughter is going to become a big fan of this series throughout her early years. This lift-the-flap book also succeeds in spreading the joy and traditions of Christmas to the whole family.

Author: Sarah McMenemy
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 30 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is my third book in this Keepsake Cityscapes series that I have had the pleasure to review. I really enjoyed “New York: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape” and “Washington D.C.: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape”. These books are very simple and yet very effective. They pack a lot of great information into a small package. This latest volume takes us on a tour New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Welcome to the Met! Boasting more than two million works, it’s one of the world’s largest art museums. Learn about twelve top attractions, including the lovely Charles Engelhard Court, the formidable Arms and Armor Court, and the Modern Art Gallery showcasing works from Monet to the artists of today.”

The author Sarah McMenemy is the creator of this series and also including “London: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape” and “Paris: A 3D Keepsake Cityscape”. These foldout books with cutout paper are a great tool for kids to learn with and not having to leave the comfort of their homes. I am sure that it will also spark some inspiration with some kids to plan their future trips in their life. Look forward to reviewing future editions of this series.

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Author/Illustrator: Mind Wave Inc.
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Paperback: 28 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I don’t know what it is about the super cute Moshi that people cannot get enough of.  Well luckily, thanks to Wind Wave we have this new activity books that is completely bursting with Moshi characters and fun stuff to do.  It is only 28 pages but it is surely jam-packed.

Everyone knows that all Moshi’s loves to dress up. At first glance, all Moshi look the same — but look again, and you’ll see they’re all different. In this book you will be able to help Strawberry Moshi and her friends do puzzles and activities like: search and find, coloring, spot the difference, mazes, connect the dots.  You can even design your own Moshi and with a page of more than twenty stickers!

Author/Illustrator: Martin Handford
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Deluxe Anniversary Edition
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

It is hard to believe but I remember getting this book right when it was released in September 1988. That is many years ago but finding Waldo isn’t any less fun. “Where’s Waldo Now?” was also just released in “Where’s Waldo Now?: The Wow Collection” but not the deluxe edition. Candlewick is the publisher that is re-releasing this book but with some anniversary goodies.

What can you expect with this said anniversary treatment? There is a striking new cover jacket. There is an original poster on the underside of the jacket. The games are expanded with a spot-the-difference game between the jacket and the self-cover designs. There is a gatefold with a new visual checklist on every spread, as well as a never-before-seen section of artwork revealed on every spread. Most importantly there is new things to search for…which means the fun continues.

The scenes included are: The Stone Age, The Riddle of the Pyramids (2590 BC), Fun and Games in Ancient Rome (58 AD), On Tour with the Vikings (985 AD), The End of the Crusades (1188 AD), Once Upon a Saturday Morning (1388 AD), The Last Days of the Aztecs (1520 AD), Trouble in Old Japan (1588 AD)m Being a Pirate (1738 AD), Having a Ball in Gaye Paree (1870 AD), The Gold Rush (1888 AD) and The Future.

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Author/Illustrator: Martin Handford
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

If you are a fan of “Where’s Waldo”, then this is the collection for you.  This “Wow Collection” comes with six amazing books with an eighty-piece Where’s Waldo? jigsaw puzzle included, all within a very sharp slipcase. This the complete collection and everything that any fan would go nuts over.  Get ready to spend spend hours of eye-watering fun trying to find the world’s most clever hiding man. I am looking forward this to introducing this series to my daughter.

The volumes of the series included are as follows:  The Original “Where’s Waldo?”, it’s sequel “Where’s Waldo Now?”, “Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey”, “Where’s Waldo? In Hollywood”, “Where’s Waldo? The Wonder Book” and “Where’s Waldo? The Great Picture Hunt”.  These books are timeless and still hold up today. I felt like I was transported back into my childhood and getting a chance to revisit these great puzzles. Yes, this is even a challenge for a 30 year old man as it was when I was a young boy.  I highly recommend this to all fans and parents who are looking for hours of entertainment.

Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Marc Boutavant
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 24 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: November 13, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

There is something about animals  that kids just love.  This is the latest book in this series after “Who’s Like Me?” and “What Will I Be?”. There is something that is so clever with these books that deserves to be recognized. The subtitle is “Flip the Flap and Find Out” and that is something that kids need..interactive aspects in books. You are able to learn more with this series by lifting the flaps and learn about animal life. These two books are guaranteed to be packed with fun-filled series which is perfect for preschoolers.

“What Happens Next?”: Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out — and refresh your memory at the end!

“Who Lives Here?”: The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond — could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun.

These series is authored by the very clever Nicola Davies. She is a zoologist and award-winning author for many children’s books including “Surprising Sharks”, “Extreme Animals”, and “Gaia Warriors”. They are also all illustrated by Marc Boutavant, who has worked on each book on this series. I think the drawings are super cute and work very well and eye-catching for kiddies. Candlewick, if you are reading…give us more! Can’t wait to see what is next!

Author: Jane Ray
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: September 25, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect with a pop-up adaption of Cinderella – that wasn’t from Disney. But I was really pleasantly surprised. This pop-up book transform the story of Cinderella into the three-dimensional and really tells gives this fairy-tale a very elegant portrayal. The illustration of Cinderella and her royal night are very impressive, yet simple.  I highly recommend this to all fans of this timeless story.

Author Jane Ray delivers this wonderful book within its layered cut-paper artwork. There are six very detailed pages ranging from the kitchen landscape, the magical garden, the ballroom and of course the pumpkin coach. There are also fantastic side panels that provide text to tell the story.  So this can be used as a straight up picture book or also a read-along storybook.  Having a little girl myself, I can see her revisiting this book very often and sending her off to sleep each nice with dreams of being a princess.  Good job Candlewick!

Author: Martin Handford
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I have been a fan of “Where’s Waldo?” from day one! This year the man who loves to hide is celebrating his twenty-fifth year. Waldo is bringing the holiday spirit in with this new sticker book. It is fun for kids but obviously doesn’t have much reply once the stickers are used. I was really hoping for a book of all puzzles and less stickers…but hey! kids love stickers! For $6.99, this is a no-brainer for kids.

“Santa Spectacular” gets Waldo’s world all decked out for Christmas! There are snowmen, skis, toys, and much more from Waldo’s previous adventures all combined with unique new artwork to create a hide-and-seek holiday extravaganza. That’s right you are creating the hide-and-seek, this time around.  There are hundreds of stickers  inviting readers to create their own winter wonderland for Waldo. Martin Handford is the man behind the Waldo books since the beginning, so expect the treatment here.

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Author: Corina Fletcher
Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Nosy Crow; Pop edition
Release Date: September 11, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I am not sure what it is about farms and kids but they always seem to go one and one.  Good ole’ McDonald has been always been a part of kids learning.  When I saw that Nosy Crow was making a pop-up book about a farmyard, I couldn’t help but request for my own daughter.  But there is more this beautifully detailed pop-up book isn’t just a beautifully detailed pop-up book.  After reading the pop-up book this then unfold and transforms it into a 3D farmyard landscape playmat.  I am blown away when I first unrolled this interactive book.  Also included are stand-up cardboard animals and a tractor that you can move all around the farm!

Author, Corina Fletcher is a designer specializing in pop-up books and paper engineering and has twenty years of experience. She really delivered a very innovative approach to the typical pop-up book. The illustrations by Britta Teckentrup are also very colorful and friendly. The only bad thing about this bad, which really isn’t bad, is that you will probably never see this book put back into pop-up book format once the kids find out that it unravels into a playmat. This is a must-have for all kids 3 and up for sure! Also makes a great Christmas gift…hint hint parents!

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