August 2014 – Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Taillefer Long
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9780982616598
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

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Howard B. Wigglebottom and his friends are competing in the Pup Scouts Good Manners Competition in five days. Their skills need a lot of improvement, so Howard hires Ms. Owlee as the team’s coach. She reminds them that they need to think, “I care,” and good manners will come naturally. After practicing their new skills, the team does well in the competition. But more importantly, they have learned how to be polite to others.

Howard B. Wigglebottom and Manners Matters is suitable for classroom use, with discussion topics presented at the conclusion. Although this is more of a lesson than an actual story, kids will giggle over the animals’ bad manners in the beginning, and learn from their new and better behavior.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Hawaiian Hiatus of Herkimer Street

August 27, 2014August 27, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Desirae Foston
Publisher: Bliss Group Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9885359-0-9
Pages: 20
Price: $7.50

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A child loves living on Herkimer Street and thinks it’s the greatest place in the world. So when his family is taking a trip to Hawaii, he wants to bring the whole street with him. Everyone cooperates to make the trip happen, facing obstacles with ingenuity and determination. Soon they’re all having a wonderful time in Hawaii.

The Hawaiian Hiatus of Herkimer Street is a simple tale for young children, highlighting the importance of community and cooperation. Working as a team, the residents of Herkimer Street are able to realize their dreams of a fun Hawaiian vacation together.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children

Animals All Around

August 25, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-0-310-73125-2
Pages: 128
Price: $9.99

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God created everything and made it all good. In Animals All Around, kids get four books in one: forest creatures; feathered friends; cats, dogs, hamsters, and horses; and barnyard critters. Each animal is presented in photos along with several interesting facts. Kids are reminded throughout the book that God made all these unique animals.

This simple book presents basic facts about the featured animals but does not go into any depth. Kids will find it a good introduction at reading level 2, but I would have liked to see some more unusual facts about these animals.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Calvin, Look Out!

August 22, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Keigh Bendis
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-0910-1
Pages: 32
Price: $14.95

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Calvin the starling is having trouble reading, and when he trips over a chair in the library, he asks Mrs. Readalot what’s going on. She suggests he might need glasses. A quick visit to the eye doctor confirms her diagnosis, and Calvin has a new pair of spectacles.

Calvin is surprised that the other starlings make fun of him for wearing them. He brushes off their comments and heads into the woods, now able to see all the interesting things he’s been missing. After finding himself in unexpected trouble, Calvin comes up with a brilliant solution that has all his friends and family wishing they had a pair of glasses just like his!

Calvin, Look Out! features Calvin the bookworm birdie who first appeared in Calvin Can’t Fly. This adorable starling will have kids wishing they all had such nifty spectacles – or at least a pair of cool sunglasses.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

inspiration

I Just Can’t Take It Anymore!

August 19, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Anthony DeStefano
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Inspiration
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4854-8
Pages: 64
Price: $10.99

Author’s website
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Sometimes life feels unbearable and we want to scream, “I Just Can’t Take It Anymore!” But hiding under the covers and waiting for the problems to go away simply isn’t an option. In times like these, an encouraging word can help lift our spirits and put things in their proper perspective.

This short book captures the essence of our frustration through short phrases and humorous photos of kids with expressive faces and gestures. Reading it won’t make our problems magically go away, but we might feel a little more faith in God, believing that He will work everything out for our best interests. This book is a great read for anyone facing struggles and difficulties in their lives – and, really, isn’t that everyone?

Reviewer: Alice Berger

art, children

Arlo’s ARTrageous Adventure!

August 15, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: David LaRochelle
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4027-9226-7
Pages: 28
Price: $14.95

Author’s website
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Arlo’s grandmother wants him to join her for a visit to the art museum, and he is not a bit happy about it. But he’s in for a fun treat when he actually gets there. Far from being the stuffy pictures he expected, this artwork holds a secret behind its serious facade.

As Arlo wanders through the museum, he sees the art as it’s supposed to look, but a flap can then be lifted to reveal the surprise inside. As grandmother comments on the seriousness of the art, Arlo smiles and laughs at what hides behind.

Art doesn’t have to be boring, as Arlo finds out in Arlo’s ARTrageous Adventure! And kids will laugh along with him as they enjoy the fun.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

Cold Tuscan Stone

August 12, 2014August 12, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: David P. Wagner
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0190-5
Pages: 250
Price: $24.95

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Rick Montoya is living in Rome, busy with his translation service, when his school chum Beppo Rinaldi from the Ministry of Culture rings him up for lunch. Half American and half Italian, Rick is the perfect guy to sniff out an antiquities smuggling ring in Volterra. Posing as an agent for a Santa Fe art gallery, his job is to infiltrate their operations by pretending to be a buyer.

Armed with a list of suspects and contacts to be made in Volterra, Rick joins forces with the local police force, who reluctantly support him in his efforts. But soon after making his first contact, a man is murdered, and he is the last person known to have seen him alive. Now a suspect in the murder, Rick wonders if this assignment is going to be more dangerous than he thought.

Cold Tuscan Stone is a charming mystery set in an isolated location off the main tourist track. Steeped in history and culture, it’s a fun read for any armchair traveler interested in Europe’s past. I look forward to reading more of this new series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Monster Party!

August 7, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Annie Bach
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1051-0
Pages: 24
Price: $9.95

Author’s website
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Monster is invited to a party, and is he ever excited! In Monster Party! we see Monster join his friends for a birthday blast. These young monsters enjoy dancing, eating buggy food, and playing party games – and even indulge in a sticky food fight!

But all good times must come to an end, and Monster is sad when the party is over. That is, until he receives an invitation for another party. Monster is so excited once again!

Monster and his friends are colorfully and charmingly illustrated, without even a hint of scariness. Children will enjoy their party antics and join in Monster’s excitement over fun times spent with his friends. Monster Party! is sure to be a hit with kids.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

business

Not in the Club

August 4, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Janet Pucino
Publisher: Deep Canyon Media
Genre: Business
ISBN: 978-0-9859027-1-1
Pages: 171
Price: $24.99

Author’s website
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Some women have been able to break through the glass ceiling and rise to top management positions. But the majority face hurdles that men usually don’t have to deal with. “Club” behaviors favor men while excluding women. How does a woman recognize she’s dealing with The Club, and how can she learn to thrive anyway?

Janet Pucino has served as a top IT executive and has seen the effects of Club mentality on an organization. In Not in the Club, she addresses the problems women face and how to deal with them effectively. From acceptance to confrontation to simply leaving the company, women have choices in how they react to The Club.

Women have a disadvantage in climbing the corporate ladder. While not every woman wants to find herself in the corner office, she should have the same opportunity and respect for her skills that men have. Not in the Club addresses the effects of gender inequality in the office, and is a must-read for all business executives.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

journal, teen

The Isobel Journal

August 1, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Isobel Harrop
Publisher: Switch Press
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-63079-003-5
Pages: 208
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
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Isobel Harrop has provided an intimate glimpse into teen thoughts in The Isobel Journal. Using a scrapbook filled with words and drawings, the 18 year-old artist comments on friends, family, dreams, school, fashion, cute animals, growing up, and first love.

Isobel’s thoughts run from topic to topic in a free-flowing manner, loosely grouped into categories. Ramblings are sometimes humorous – “Underwear shopping at the supermarket with Dad = embarrassment,” occasionally thoughtful – “I think I put you on too much of a pedestal,” and always very much herself – “I just can’t get over how much I love otters.” Accompanying illustrations dramatize her commentary.

Teens (and those who still remember their teen years) will enjoy reading Isobel’s journal as they ruminate on their own feelings about life and impending adulthood. Quirky and fun, The Isobel Journal is a great read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger