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Reviewed
by Robyn A. Larochelle
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Matthew
and the Money Tree
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By: Matthew
Lynch
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ISBN:
0977960854
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2006
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Reading
level: Ages 4-8 / Hardcover, 32 pages
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Order
Via Amazon
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A
tree with gold coins and dollar bills for leaves? Such a tree
could bring happiness to anyone who came upon it. In fact, it
could bring happiness many times over, but is it necessary to have
riches to be happy?
“Matthew
and the Money Tree” is a wonderful tale about a boy named Matthew
who goes on a quest to find the legendary Money Tree. His
father and his grandfather searched for this tree many times and
were never blessed with its discovery. Could Matthew finish
the journey started so many years ago?
Matthew
is such a lovable character; a character who may just realize that
happiness was always with him and that he didn’t need money to
find it.
This
is a great book for all ages, an enchanting read!
Reviewed
by Robyn A. Larochelle
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Itty-Bits
of Bliss
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Poems
Compiled by Christine Fagan-Tricarico
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2006
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Age:
4 - 11
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Order
Via LuLu
50%
of its proceeds will benefit Love Our Children USA
loveourchildrenusa.org.
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A wonderful assortment of children’s
poems, with illustrations that made them come alive! This book
had me smiling, laughing and just feeling good!
A good read for a great cause,
Itty-Bits of Bliss is a hit!
Reviewed
by Robyn A. Larochelle
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Underland
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By:
Mary Patterson Thornburg
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ISBN:
142590064X
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2005
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Age:
YA
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Order
Via Amazon
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A
wonderful coming of age story with a fantasy world twist, underland
will delight all those who read it.
Alyssha
Dodson finds herself in trouble and remembers the mysterious
“Door” under Voodoo bridge that her brother Billy brought her to
when she was eight. Once through the door, she finds herself in
another world, similar to hers, but yet so different--in search of
that brother and on the adventure of her life.
Along
the way, she befriends Lon Kardl, the young Bandoru who rescues
her from jail, and forms a friendship that she’ll treasure forever.
During their journey, Alyssha discovers more about herself than she
ever knew.
Racism,
among the Bandoru and the Rydors, love, friendship and self-awakening;
Mary Patterson Thornberg brings it home with underland!
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Reviewed
by Robyn A. Larochelle
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Callie
and the Stepmother
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By:
Susan A. Meyers
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ISBN:
0971834806
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2005
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For
Ages 7 & Up
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Order
Via Amazon
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Since
Callie’s dad has to go away on a business trip, this is Callie’s
first time being alone with her new stepmother. She knows all
about stepmothers - and nothing she believes about them is good!
But after spending time with Pam, her stepmother, Callie comes to
realize that maybe she was wrong all along. Stepmothers aren’t
so bad, except maybe in fairy tales!
Susan
A. Meyers chapter book, “Callie and the Stepmother”, teaches
children that having a “Step” parent can be a wonderful thing.
Once they get over their stereotypical fears of what a “Step”
parent is--they’ll realize that they are just as loving and caring
as their own parents.
This
is a great book that I would recommend to not only parent’s that are
remarrying, but to any parent who has children.
A
great read!
Reviewed
by Robyn A. Larochelle
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Wuffy
the Wonder Dog
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By
Margaret Morgan
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ISBN:
1595940340
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2005
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Rated:
All Ages
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Order
Via Amazon
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Margaret Morgan’s book “Wuffy
the Wonder Dog“ is a fun-filled adventure that teaches children about
friendship, family and loyalty.
Children will love Wuffy, the opera singing Wuffanese speaking pup, who,
even though his heart is in the right place, is always getting into
trouble! Wuffy wants nothing more but to impress Elizabeth the
cat, who is very well-educated, but his attempts do nothing more than
make a mess and don‘t impress Elizabeth at all.
This is a story that reminds readers--friends help friends no matter
what!
Reviewed
by Robyn A. Larochelle
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"A
JOURNEY FAR AWAY"
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by
MARK J. SMILEY
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ISBN
# 1-59526-494-9
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Paperback,
164-pp
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List:
$13.95 US
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2006
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Teen/Juvenile/Children/Fiction
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Order
Via AMAZON
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Mark J. Smiley's fun-filled journey
through space will capture the imagination of all young readers. The way
he incorporates true facts about the solar system, while still making
the reading fun, is wonderful.
"A Journey Far Away" is full of interesting and "way
cool" information. The way Smiley has described the planets
and their moons--allows the reader to feel as if they're actually there
in the SUVI viewing Jupiter's rings, Venus' sky of red, orange and
yellow or a giant dust devil blowing on Mars!
Sammy the snake, Larry the rat and Alpha the robot teach readers not
just about the universe but about friendships and feelings. When Sammy
believes his happiness is missing, it'll take new friends and a far away
journey to help him rediscover it.
*A RECOMMENDED EDUCATIONAL READ
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Reviewed by Kirk Hackenber |
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Atlas’
revenge
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by
Robyn & Tony Ditocco
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ISBN
# 0-9723429-3-1
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Paperback,
234-pp
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List:
$11.95 US
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2005
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Brain Storm
Publications, Inc.
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YA
Fiction book, co-authored by Tony and Robyn DiTocco
as
part of their Mad Myth Mystery series.
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Order
Via AMAZON
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The
authors' of this book have crafted a sequel in their mythological
adventure series that reviles the first book, which was “The Hero
Perseus”. Our main
character PJ is now in college and is once again called upon by Zeus to
help save the planet. The neighbor girl, (Andi), who fell for PJ In the
first in the series is again the readers romantic hopeful.
However, PJ again does not pay attention because of falling for
all the wrong college girls. Only
this time we get a wonderful twist to the romance of the book, but do
the authors leave us like a sitcom waiting for the next in the sequel?
You have to read it to see.
PJ is haunted by recurring dreams and gets that dreaded visit from
Hermes. Hermes is the
strange creature sent from mythological Greece by Zeus to solicit PJ’s
help in finding Hercules, who is suppose to be holding up the earth.
Using time travel, fighting mythological monsters, and completing
the “twelve labors” of Hercules is the only way to save mankind. PJ
must out wit and solve a complex riddle while being challenged by his
past and demons he is unaware of. Again
the authors' have done an excellent job of written visual imagery and
you will feel as though you’re transported in time and space where the
monsters are vividly brought to life.
Will PJ finally hook up with Andi?
Can PJ solve the riddle and figure out who his friends really
are? You will have to read
it to see, but be prepared for lots of surprises along the way.
This book is the best way for teachers to present Greek mythology
and by the time you finish, you will most definitely have a newfound
interest and respect for this fun filled storytelling.
I would recommend you read the first book in the series, “The Hero
Perseus” before starting this adventure.
The author's have captured the true essence of sequel writing,
making you want the next book in the series while gaining even more
insight and appreciation for Greek Mythology.
A
Superb read and highly recommend for Teachers
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Reviewed by Kirk Hackenberg |
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TOO
MANY BUNNIES
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by
Matt Novak
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ISBN #
1596430389
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Board Book, 14-pp
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List:
$7.95 US
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2005
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A Neal Porter Book – Roaring Brook Press
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The
adventures of five little bunnies as they move from one home to
another in search of more room only to end up together again.
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Order Via
Amazon.com
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This “Look – Through”
book is a treasure. Parents,
as well as toddlers will be delighted with the illustrations and see
through holes. Chubby
the largest of the bunnies feels that there are too many bunnies in his
hole and sets out to make the hole across the field his new home.
Only the other bunnies come up with the same idea, but for
different reasons and end up joining him in the other nest.
In addition they cross the path of a ladybug that has to keep
cleaning up their tracks. This
is one of the best look through books that I have reviewed.
It is a totally delightful subject matter that is superbly
illustrated.
Highly Recommended for Elementary Teachers.
| Reviewed by Kirk Hackenberg |
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Dare
to dream
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by
Sandra McLeod Humphrey
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ISBN
# 1-59102-280-0
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Paperback,
121-pp
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List: $10.50 US
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2005
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Prometheus Books
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YA
- Written by a Clinical Psychologist and recommended as an
inspirational/motivational book for use in secondary schools.
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Order
Via AMAZON
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Dare to Dream is a collection of brief accounts of ordinary individuals
whom turned out to be some of the most daring, exceptional, and
extraordinary people in American history. The book provides a brief narrative of lives like Martin Luther
King Jr., Helen Keller, Thomas Edison and Michael Jordan, just to name a
few. Each brief three to five page biography tells how these
people were able to achieve unforgettable recognition by just dedicating
themselves to the pursuit of their dreams.
After reading these accounts you to will be inspired.
Just
because you may have been told you are ordinary or average, does not
make it so. Each person has
a gift and qualities that when focused can distinguish themselves as
exceptional in nature. This
book leaves the readers with the hopes and dreams that if they believe
in themselves, work hard to achieve their goals, and stick to it, they
to can make something unforgettable of their lives.
There
needs to be more books like this available in our school system.
Highly recommended.
| Reviewed by Kirk Hackenberg |
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Annushka’s
voyage
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by
Edith Tarbescu
illustrated
by Lydia Dabcovich
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ISBN
# 0-395-64366-X
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Hardback,
32-pp
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List: $15.00 US
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1998
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Clarion Books
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A wonderfully
illustrated elementary level reading/teaching tool.
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Order
Via AMAZON
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Annushka’s Voyage is
based on a true story of two small children that had to make the
transition of losing their mother, living over a year without seeing
their father, saying goodbye forever to loving grandparents, and leaving
their homeland behind in order to immigrate to the United States.
The father sends tickets for his daughters, Anya, lovingly
referred to as Annushka by her grandfather, and Tanya her younger
sister. Anya, who is only
thirteen at the time, comforts her younger sister during this arduous
journey. All alone
except for each other and the precious candlesticks that their
grandparents gave to them as a reminder of their love, they are
separated several times yet cleverly manage to find each other.
It is a true adventure not only aboard the ship but also when
they first reach America. Well
worth the read as this heart wrenching story comes to life through the
superb layout of the colored illustrations showing the voyage from
beginning to end, as seen from the perspective of a small child.
The
underlying theme of the story tells of the fears and trauma of leaving a
place of love and familiarity for the un-known.
Today these sentiments are very much felt by many children
dealing with newly divorced parents, having to move from state to state
because of parents changing work, or going off to war.
This book is an excellent tool to spark discussions and sharing
of these emotions and feelings in a classroom setting.
Recommended for elementary teachers.
| Reviewed
by Kirk Hackenberg |
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Maggie
and Kate:
a
friendship begins
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by
Peggy A. Schmuldt
Illustrated
by Ian P. Campbell
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ISBN
# 1-4120-4422-7
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Paperback,
32-pp
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List:
$16.00
US
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2005
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Trafford
Publishing
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The
adventures of two little girls as they start off together
on their first day of school and become best of friends in
the process.
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Order Via Trafford.com
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Maggie
and Kate live only two blocks away from each other but meet for the
first time on the playground during their first day of school.
Maggie notices the fear and sadness in Kate’s eyes and to
help her through that first day she shares her favorite possession.
This treasure instantly establishes them as best friends and
playmates. At Kate’s
birthday party Maggie brings an extraordinary gift, which Kate will
keep forever. Can you
guess what it is that’s Maggie’s favorite possession and what
she buys Kate for her birthday?
Come venture along with Maggie and Kate and learn what it
means to share and care for others.
You
will enjoy the illustrations, which are presented through the eyes,
hands and heart of a 5th grader.
Recommended
for Elementary Teachers.
| Reviewed by Kirk Hackenberg |
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The
Hero Perseus
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| by Robyn & Tony
Ditocco |
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| ISBN # 0-9723429-1-5 |
| Paperback, 220-pp |
| List:
$11.95 US |
| 2003 |
| Brain Storm Publications, Inc. |
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YA
Fiction book, co-authored by Tony and Robyn DiTocco
as
part of their Mad Myth Mystery series.
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| Order
Via AMAZON |
The authors' of this book have very cleverly and
skillfully blended a romance novel and mythological adventure story
into one superb read that I could not put down. PJ, our hero, is a
senior in high school, a football player, and artist who is uprooted
and moved from New Jersey to small town, Athenia, after his father
passes away. The neighbor girl, (Andi) who is more attractive than
PJ realizes, falls for PJ. However, PJ does not pay attention to
Andi in part because of her tomboyish manners, and the fact that he
is carrying a crush on the stuck up high school queen, (Jana). The
romance of the book carries you on a roller coaster of emotions and
desires to yank PJ by the neck.
PJ awakes one night to the voice of Hermes, a strange creature sent
from mythological Greece to guide PJ in time travel, identification
of mythological monsters, and training in the art of combat. PJ must
out wit and behead Medusa, the most powerful and evil of the
mythological beast, in order to correct a breach in time and prevent
the ecological destruction of earth. The authors' have done an
excellent job of written visual imagery and I felt as though I had
been transported in time and space where the monsters were vividly
brought to life. Each night PJ is transported to a new place to
encounter different creatures in his quest to obtain the battle gear
that he will need to defeat Medusa. Will PJ succeed in beheading
Medusa? Will the earth be saved from total environmental meltdown?
Will PJ get the right girl? You will have to read it to see, but be
prepared for some surprises along the way. Even if you have not been
subjected to Greek mythology, or are unfamiliar with the many
ancient stories of this period in history, by the time you finish
this book you will have a new found interest and respect for this
classical storytelling.
The book captures your attention if not for the romancing between PJ,
Andi, and Jana, than for the mythological time travel exploits. I
kept being torn over wanting to move to the next chapter to see if
PJ comes to his senses about Andi or my desire to be entrenched in
the next adventure in this mythological land. The author's have
captured the true essence of keeping you wanting to see how the
final chapter will play out, while giving the reader an insight into
mythology and making you want more.
An excellent read.
One
Incredible Dog! Lady by Chris Williams
Illustrated
by Judith Friedman
Published
by Moo Press, Inc
Genre:
Children's Nonfiction
***
3 Star Review!
When a person isn't well, often TLC [tender loving care] is an effective
remedy. Though TLC isn't a "cure" for serious illnesses or a
debilitating accident, it's a rewarding comfort--especially when it's
unselfishly demonstrated by a friendly therapy canine.
In the book "One Incredible Dog! Lady" readers will experience
a day in the life of a therapy dog and her owner/trainer, Nurse Kathy
Miller. The author successfully shows the important journey of Lady, a
therapy dog, as she offers affection and companionship to people when
they need it most. Judith Friedman's realistic art compliments the text
and creates a book that's sure to become a family favorite!
Reviewed by
Savvy
Click Magazine Reviewer
The Pizza That We Made
by Joan Holub
Illustrations: Lynne Cravatch
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers
September 2001
ISBN: 0142300195
32 Pages
**** 4 STARS!
What happens when three kids decide to play chef? They make pizza! In this rhyming, pizza party story, Suzanne, Max and Jake share their baking secrets from start to finish. Kids will love the clever writing and bold illustrations. This book is highly recommended for both the emergent and young seasoned reader. Includes a "Make your
own pizza!" recipe too.
Reviewer's note: This story was a fun read! Age Range: 5 to 8
THE SEA CHEST
by Toni Buzzeo
Illustrated by Mary GrandPré
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers
ISBN: 0-8037-2703-8
3 1/2 STARS!!
In this homegrown legend, Maita shares her incredible childhood memories with her great-grandniece. As she describes the solitude and daily life of living on a lighthouse island, her niece holds Maita's "papery" hand. Together, while waiting for a "long-awaited stranger," they embrace the warmth and magic of a sea chest--a gift treasured forever.
Toni Buzzeo has created an enchanting tale to be cherished by generations. Her poetic writing and vivid descriptions engulf the reader. Mary GrandPré's illustrations are elegant and magnificently portray the story.
Reviewer's note: THE SEA CHEST is a family classic! I was captured the moment I picked up the book. Toni Buzzeo and Mary GrandPré are a winning combination. To prevent the younger readers from becoming lost in a few heightened descriptions, I believe the premise to be more appreciated when read aloud.
READ OUR PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH THIS AUTHOR
Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood
Author: Mike Artell
Illustrations: Jim Harris
Publisher: Dial
ISBN: 0-8037-2514-0
Rating: FOUR STARS
When Grand-mère comes down with the flu, Mama knows just what to do. She sends Petite Rouge, accompanied by her cat TeJean, off to Grand-mère's house with a basket of spicy Cajun dishes.
On the way to Grand-mère's, Claude, an ol' hungry gator, who wants a taste of Mama's food and Petite Rouge too, stops Petite Rouge and her cat. He soon discovers that snatching a bite will take more than a snap of the jaw!
Eager to sink his teeth into Petite Rouge, Claude dresses in a nightgown, duckbill, and flippers. After the feisty heroine and her cat teach Claude a hot lesson, he learns that gators should never try to eat dinner uninvited!
In Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood, Mike Artell's flowing, and hilarious rhyme gives new life to a classic folk tale. Cajun words and comical characters are vividly portrayed in Jim Harris's entertaining watercolor illustrations. Readers are sure to satisfy their appetite reading Mike Artell's lyrical buffet!
Reviewed by:
Tabatha Jean D'Agata
Publisher
The Savvy Click Magazine
Reviewer's note: Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood is one of the funniest books I've
read. I found myself entertained from beginning to end. I laughed as I sang Mike Artell's Cajun rhyme. Jim Harris's illustrations offer readers comical, eye-catching visuals. This book is a fabulous piece of work!
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this book:
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