Author: Bergers Book Reviews

Author and book reviewer.
children, music

Sunday in Kyoto

Bergers Book Reviews


Songs written by: Gilles Vigneault
Performed by: Patrick Watson, Coral Egan, Thomas Hellman, Ndidi O & Jessica Vigneault
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Publisher: The Secret Mountain
Genre: Children / Music
ISBN: 978-2-923163-56-7
Pages: 36
Price: $16.95

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Take a trip to Japan and other foreign lands with Sunday in Kyoto. Written by Gilles Vigneault, one of Canada’s premier music figures, and sung by Patrick Watson and others, these fun and cheerful tunes take you on a tour around the world.

If You Bump Your Knee reminds us of a Japanese haiku, Sunday in Kyoto presents music from the orient, and in Yoshi and His Boat, the boat is paper and made using origami. Other tunes also have an international feel, but there are some that are just pure fun. Kids will giggle along with One, Two, Three, ABCD as old man McGee’s cow farts and pees.

The Secret Mountain is dedicated to creating the highest quality children’s books and music. Sunday In Kyoto includes the audio CD, plus a beautifully illustrated book with the story of the title track, and lyrics for the rest of the songs so kids can sing along. Fun and international flair go hand-in-hand in this delightful set.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

dogs, mystery

Dino Vicelli Private Eye

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Lori Weiner
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4349-0294-8
Pages: 98
Price: $10.00

Author’s website
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In an alternate-reality version of New York City, dogs can talk and mingle with humans as if human themselves. Dino Vicelli, an Italian greyhound, is a private eye who takes on what seems to be a missing persons case. But he has no idea that what he’s really investigating is an illegal cloning experiment.

With a beautiful Afghan accompanying him, he attempts to evade the police while tracking down the perpetrator of this scheme. But things get complicated when he doesn’t know who he’s chasing – the originals or the clones?

Dino Vicelli Private Eye presents a unique twist on the usual private investigator novel with the main character a dog. But I found that some of the things that happened to Dino puzzled me. I never understood why the police were after him so unexpectedly, with no evidence or even a motive. The story moves quickly – maybe a little too quickly – and the scenes and characters aren’t developed fully. This is an intriguing plot, but I felt it needed a little more editing before being published.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Abbey’s Turn

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Dana Lurie
Illustrator: Phil Montelone
Publisher: Tomgirlz Enterprises
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9768012-1-4
Pages: 116
Price: $5.95

Author’s website
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In this sixth book in the Tomgirlz series, Mackey and her friends have gone to camp for a week. When they find the camp activity center is closed, they come up with their own plan to make sure all the kids have fun anyway. They always love to make new friends, and when Abbey joins them, they’re thrilled to have her around.

But Abbey is concerned about her weight, and other girls tease and bully her. Tomgirlz won’t stand for anyone being mistreated, so they all stand up for Abbey, making sure she feels welcome at their games.

Bullying is an ongoing and troubling problem kids often face. While it may sometimes seem like harmless teasing, it can leave lasting scars. Abbey’s Turn shows kids that it’s not okay to bully someone because of a perceived defect, and the right thing to do is try to stop it when it happens. The Tomgirlz try to be friends with the bullies, which isn’t always possible, but they make sure Abbey knows they accept her just as she is. And most importantly, Abbey learns to like herself too.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

humor, poetry

On the Edge With Coolhead Luke

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Jennifer White
Illustrator: Colin White
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Genre: Poetry / Humor
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5983-2
Pages: 58
Price: $14.99

Author’s website
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What do you get when you team up a son who likes to draw faces with a mom who’s a whiz at poetry? On the Edge With Coolhead Luke, which combines the best of both.

When Jennifer White saw her son’s drawings, they sparked the idea to work on a book together. She then matched her own poetry to the faces with surprising results. In this sequel to Coolhead Luke, patrons visit a restaurant with an operatic chef, the Metta Four sisters share a lesson, and Uncle Marvin presents a Thanksgiving feast fit for a king.

Most of these poems are written in some form of rhythmic meter, with some more unusual styles thrown in for fun. There is a glossary of terms included, as well as discussion questions about the overall messages and styles of verse.

These are fun and well-written poems, with quirky and unique drawings accompanying them. I admire what Jennifer White and her son, Colin, have achieved in On the Edge With Coolhead Luke. Not only have they created interesting works of literature, but they’ve also nurtured the creative bond between them. Now that’s about as cool as it gets!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

Purposeful Action

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Towanna B. Freeman, CDC,DD & Barbara H. Pellegrino, CEC
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Self improvement
ISBN: 978-1-4401-6387-6
Pages: 148
Price: $24.95

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It’s hard to have a goal and not be able to achieve it. Unfulfilled dreams keep us frustrated, always knowing our lives could be better if we only knew what to do. Purposeful Action was written for women by two women who believe they may be able to help. In this book, Towanna B. Freeman and Barbara H. Pellegrino offer guidance in reaching your goals.

In the first section of this book, several questions are addressed. What will make you happy? What can prevent you from achieving your goal? And when do you want to accomplish it? A life balance wheel is provided, and maintaining balance is strongly encouraged. The last section is their suggested seven steps to fulfillment. These are presented as a cycle: celebrating, affirmations, contemplation, visualization, acknowledgment, gratitude and asking.

Both of these women are life coaches, and they share some insights from their clients’ experiences. They also suggest you may benefit from your own coach, in working through this process. If you’re looking to make important changes in your life, you may find this workbook helpful in clarifying your vision before you take action.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, health

Gabby’s Sore Throat and the Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Cindy Rice Andrea
Illustrator: Stan Jaskiel
Publisher: Dining in the Light Publications
Genre: Children / Health
ISBN: 978-0-9842717-2-6
Pages: 24
Price: $8.99

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Everyone loves Gabby’s homemade cherry chocolate cupcakes, and she’s been looking forward to baking them for the tea party. But now she’s sad because she’s getting a cold and can’t make them after all. Gabby knows how illnesses spread, and she doesn’t want her friends to get sick. She’s staying home from school so she won’t give them her germs.

Kids are notorious for bringing their colds to school, getting their classmates sick in the process. Gabby teaches them how to cough and sneeze safely, so they won’t spread germs. She also shares her favorite cupcake recipe, so everyone can enjoy it.

Gabby’s Sore Throat and the Cherry Chocolate Cupcakes is part of the Green Apple Tales series. These books are designed to teach kids about food safety in a fun way. Perfect for the classroom or a doctor’s waiting room, they’re enjoyable to read without being preachy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Hemophobula: The Wannabe Vampire

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Normandy D. Piccolo
Illustrator: Normandy D. Piccolo & Laurence E. Laufer
Publisher: Normandy’s Bright Ideas
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-615-32843-0
Pages: 30
Price: $10.00

Author’s website

Every wannabe vampire is inspired by the legends of Count Dracula, and wishes he could be just like him. But in order to be declared a full-fledged vampire, he has to pass at least one of the exams at Sukaurblood Academy.

Poor Hemophobula has several problems. He’s allergic to coffin dust. He’s quite small in stature and has trouble with his oversized cape. And his most embarrassing problem is his tendency to faint at the merest sight of blood. But Hemophobula is determined to pass one course at Sukaurblood – no matter what it takes.

Will Hemophobula pass coffin class, and avoid the dust? Can he learn to say “I vant to sock your blood” correctly? Is it possible to turn himself into a bat? For Hemophobula, these trials prove to be quite the challenge, with very humorous results.

Hemophobula: The Wannabe Vampire is one of the funniest books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It even comes with a finger puppet for children to act out Hemophobula’s misadventures as they read along. Kids will love Hemophobula, and this book is sure to be a big hit at home and even in the classroom. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

fiction

Simon Snootle and Other Small Stories

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Lorin Morgan-Richards
Publisher: A Raven Above Press
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 978-0-615-27052-4
Pages: 68
Price: $20.00

Author’s website
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In picking up Simon Snootle and Other Small Stories, one immediately notices the fine craftsmanship in creating this little book. Each copy is assembled entirely by hand with acid free linen paper and faux leather.

This collection of short stories tells of characters who have fallen into misfortune, sometimes literally, and can’t quite seem to figure out how to get out of it. The title character, Simon Snootle, spends most of his life in a cistern with the neighborhood cats, a boy desperately longs to be an earwig, and a shrub loves to steal hats and hairpieces. No happy fates await these poor lost souls.

In a style reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe crossed with Edward Gorey, Lorin Morgan-Richards presents these gloomy tales of dark humor. They serve as a reminder that no matter how bad our lives may seem, they’re nowhere near as bad as they could be. At least we can still laugh at the absurdities of life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Catholic, Christian, inspiration, Saints, spirituality

A Saint For All Reasons

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Tim Muldoon
Publisher: Ivy Press
Genre: Spiritual / Inspiration
ISBN: 978-0843-713817
Pages: 128
Price: $13.99

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Sometimes we reach the end of our rope and we need special assistance to keep on going. When that happens, it’s easier if we can rely on someone who’s been there before us as a guide. For centuries, Christians have turned to the saints for help in times of crisis.

A Saint For All Reasons is a handy guidebook of 100 saints we can call on when we’re in need. Organized by category, this book provides a summary of who the saint was, and why he or she is associated with our particular situation. A ritual and prayer help us connect more fully with the saint and grow closer to God. The images of these saints can also be downloaded from the website, and a calendar of feast days and an alphabetical index of the saints is included for easy reference.

It’s easy to lose our focus when things aren’t going well for us, and we forget that others have also faced dire situations and calamities. Remembering the saints and the trials and tribulations they faced can help put our problems in their true perspective. And in asking for their assistance, we can invoke Divine intervention.

If you’ve wanted to know more about the saints, or wanted to begin to connect with them on a deeper level, A Saint For All Reasons is a great place to begin. You’re sure to find someone who’s been through something similar to you who can help. This handy little book, along with your Bible and your own relationship with God, will provide comfort and guidance.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

romance

It Happened One Night

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Lisa Dale
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-40690-1
Pages: 368
Price: $6.99

Author’s website
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Lana and Eli have been best friends forever. And even though they slept together once in college, Lana has made sure that mistake never happened again. She’s determined that Eli will be the one constant in her life, no matter what.

When Lana suddenly finds herself pregnant, she turns to Eli for support, but finds he’s no longer the man she knew. Eli finally wants more, but Lana isn’t sure how to handle his new demands. When her sister Karin has a little too much to say about her ability to raise a child, and the father who neglected them both as kids shows up out of nowhere, Lana is more confused than ever. Could she raise this child she’s coming to love more and more, or is adoption her only choice?

It Happened One Night is one of those rare books that I found impossible to put down. I felt drawn into the very real situations these people found themselves in. Lana and Karin both had to deal with an unnatural upbringing, and their behavior as adults is still dysfunctional. I could easily see how Lana needed her freedom and Karin needed family stability after what they both went through. Eli also showed courage in facing his own part in maintaining his relationship with Lana, and determining to change things for the better.

I don’t normally gravitate towards romance novels, because I find the plots a little shallow, but the depth of this story was surprising and refreshing. I highly recommend It Happened One Night and I look forward to reading more of Lisa Dale’s novels.

Reviewer: Alice Berger