Month: October 2012

children

Sing at School

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Jack O’Leary
Illustrator: Steve Simpson
Publisher:Sing Into Life
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9871510-1-8
Pages: 12 (includes CD)
Price: $9.99

Sing Into Life website
Buy it at Amazon

How may kids get excited about being at school? For those with special needs, it may be even harder to face the day. The Sing Into Life series was developed to reach these children in a new way.

Sing At School is a simple book detailing the steps involved in going about the school day. An accompanying CD introduces the main character, a sock puppet named Bo Jingles. Then the text is sung and also read aloud. The concluding tracks summarize the steps involved in the day, and say goodbye to the listener.

This series of musical social stories was designed in consultation with children, parents, therapists and teachers to respond to specific needs. Music makes everything more fun, and a reluctant child may find himself reminded of the music while happily following the eight steps at school. Responding to ordinary challenges can be difficult, so having the right social skills is important for a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. I highly recommend this unique series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Rupert’s Tales: The Wheel of the Year Activity Book

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Kyrja
Illustrator: Tonia Bennington Osborn
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children / Wicca
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4020-8
Pages: 40
Price: $9.99

Author’s website
Schiffer Books
Buy it at Amazon

Rupert’s Tales books explain the Wheel of the Year for children. Each of the two books covers four major holidays in the Wiccan calendar. In addition to the main books, this activity book was created for kids to learn more about these important holidays.

Blank coloring pages have accompanying text describing the holidays. A crossword puzzle, maze and circle-a-word puzzle are also included. Answers are provided for those who struggle to complete them. All of the activities are meant to teach children while they play.

If you’ve purchased Rupert’s Tales books for your children, you’ll most likely want to add this activity book to your collection. This book won’t stand alone, since the activities pull from information learned from the other books. This is a nice series introducing Pagan religion to children.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

romance

The Unfinished Garden

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Barbara Claypole White
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 978-0-7783-1412-7
Pages: 384
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

James Nealy suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. One if the things he fears the most is dirt, so he decides he will create a garden and face his demons head-on. When he tries to hire Tilly Silverberg to work with him, she refuses. What James doesn’t realize is that Tilly is still trying to survive widowhood, striving to maintain her balance in a world turned upside down.

A family emergency returns Tilly to her childhood home in England, where she discovers her former sweetheart is now single. James follows her there, trying to coax her into creating his garden. Along with Tilly’s romantic problems, her best friend who always shared everything with her now starts harboring secrets. When life seems more complicated than she bargained for, a health scare and the potential upheaval her mother plans sends Tilly into a downward spiral that only James understands. As they both cope with their own emotional issues, they find themselves growing closer.

The Unfinished Garden is a powerful story of friendship and courage in the midst of frightening circumstances. As these two damaged souls spend time together, healing occurs. The reader won’t find any gratuitous sex scenes in this book. Instead we see a natural relationship growing from a shared bond that only deepens as the story progresses. I highly recommend this wonderful love story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

music

Shakuhachi Meditation Music

Bergers Book Reviews


Artist: Stan Richardson
Label: Sounds True
ISBN: 1-56455-420-1
Running Time: 141:50 (2 CD set)
Price: $13.90

Artist’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The shakuhachi is a Japanese flute that is difficult to play. Because of the intense concentration and focus needed, it is often used in meditation. Shakuhachi Meditation Music is a collection of ancient tunes used in Zen temples.

Using flute and bells, this soulful music relaxes the listener into a quiet meditative state. It can be used in formal meditation practice or simply to unwind and relax at the end of a long, hard day. While listening, one can feel tension melting away. I highly recommend this soothing meditation music.

Reviewer: Alice Berger