book Archives - Page 23 of 32

Book Review “Birthday for Bear”

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.

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Book Review “The Gingerbread Pirates”

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.

Book Review “Just Right for Christmas”

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.

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Book Review “One Spotted Giraffe”

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.

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Book Review “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”

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.

Book Review “A Visitor for Bear”

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!”

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Book Review “The Moogees Move House”

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.

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Book Review “Alien – The Illustrated Story (Original Art Edition)

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.

Book Review “Let’s Play in the Snow”

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.

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Book Review “Fa La La”

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.

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Book Review “Create with Maisy: A Maisy First Arts-and-Crafts Book”

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.”

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Book Review “Merry Christmas, Maisy”

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.

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Book Review “The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A 3D Expanding Pocket Guide”

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.

Book Review “MoshiMoshiKawaii: Strawberry Princess Moshi’s Activity Book”

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!

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Page 23 of 32

Tag: book

Book Review “Birthday for Bear”

Book Review “The Gingerbread Pirates”

Related Content

Book Review “Just Right for Christmas”

Book Review “One Spotted Giraffe”

Book Review “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse”

Related Content

Book Review “A Visitor for Bear”

Book Review “The Moogees Move House”

Book Review “Alien – The Illustrated Story (Original Art Edition)

Related Content

Book Review “Let’s Play in the Snow”

Book Review “Fa La La”

Book Review “Create with Maisy: A Maisy First Arts-and-Crafts Book”

Book Review “Merry Christmas, Maisy”

Book Review “The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A 3D Expanding Pocket Guide”

Related Content

Book Review “MoshiMoshiKawaii: Strawberry Princess Moshi’s Activity Book”