Bergers Book Reviews

Howard B. Wigglebottom on Yes or No

November 7, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Taillefer Long
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9826165-8-1
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

Author’s website
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Howard B. Wigglebottom knows his friend, Buzz, is not happy, but he doesn’t know why. So he watches as Buzz is trusting friends he shouldn’t trust, having his things taken away from him, and getting into trouble for stealing. But when he starts to get into a stranger’s car, Howard steps in and yells, “NO!” Buzz doesn’t know how to say no to anyone, and Howard wants to help him.

Over time, Buzz learns how to determine if someone is trustworthy, and how to say no if they’re not. And he learns to never talk to strangers unless a trusted adult says it’s okay. Buzz is a lot happier now.

Kids (and even adults) have trouble saying no when they think people won’t like them. But this is an important skill best developed when children are young. Howard B. Wigglebottom on Yes or No is a great learning tool, giving kids an opportunity to observe the proper use of the word “No” and to discuss it in a classroom setting.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Pop-up book)

November 5, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Lisa Marsoli
Illustrator: Keith Andrew Finch
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-62686-197-8
Pages: 12
Price: $19.95

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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first appeared on television in 1964. In celebration of its 50 year anniversary, the original story has been reproduced in this pop-up book. These beloved characters – Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius, Hermey the elf, and the Abominable Snow Monster, as well as many others – are all recreated with actual images from the TV special.

Journey with Rudolph, listening to the other reindeer laugh at his nose, meeting Yukon Cornelius, visiting the Island of Misfit Toys, and finally guiding Santa’s sleigh in the blizzard. This book has been recommended for children ages three and up, but adults may want to handle this somewhat fragile pop-up book for young children. All fans of classic Christmas TV programs will love this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Junket is Nice

October 31, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Dorothy Kunhardt
Publisher: New York Review Children’s Collection
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-59017-628-3
Pages: 72
Price: $16.95

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Junket is a milk-based dessert, made with sweetened milk and rennet, the digestive enzyme which curdles milk. It might best be described as a custard or a very soft, sweetened cheese. And in Junket is Nice, an old man with a red beard and red slippers is eating it from a very large, red bowl.

When all the people of the world assemble around him, he asks them to tell him what he’s thinking. The first one to guess correctly will get something nice. But first he tells them three things he’s not thinking of. As they all make their guesses, a young boy on a tricycle watches and thinks.

Junket is Nice is pure absurdity and nonsense in a whimsical package. It’s filled with repetition, silly pictures and concepts, and too much food at one time. Originally published in 1933, this classic has been out of print and only recently reintroduced by the New York Review. If this was one of the best-loved books on your childhood bookcase, it’s time to share it with your own kids.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christian, history

A.D. 30

October 29, 2014October 19, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Ted Dekker
Publisher: Center Street
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian
ISBN: 978-1-59995-418-9
Pages: 432
Price: $25.00

Author’s website
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Maviah was born of an illicit encounter by her father, Sheikh Rami bin Malik. Sold into slavery in Egypt, she lived there until the birth of her son, and was sent back to her Bedu people. Now her city has been taken by the Thamud, and her father has sent her on a mission to save them. With Saba, her father’s servant, and Judah, a Jew, she travels to see Herod, hoping for his help.

Saba and Judah are able-bodied and trustworthy men, and she soon comes to rely on them for her own well-being. But their mission runs into a snag. A side trip to Capernaum allows them to visit with Yeshua – a Jewish rabbi with a new and radical teaching. Maviah soon becomes convinced that this Yeshua speaks truth, and vows to follow his words.

Maviah is a broken woman who believes herself to be nothing more than a slave. But in speaking to Yeshua, she begins to believe she has value in her Father’s eyes. Can she trust him enough to overcome her fear and rescue her people?

A.D. 30 paints a wonderful picture of desert life at the start of the Christian era. We meet Jesus near the start of his ministry and share in the joy of those who have just found him. And we see, through Maviah’s eyes, exactly why he is so well-loved by his followers. Jesus loves her just as she is – even though she sees herself as unworthy.

I highly recommend this engaging and enjoyable book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

My Big Fast Car Book

October 24, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children / Cars
ISBN: 978-1-78325-046-2
Pages: 24
Price: $9.99

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Do you know the top speed of the fastest car ever made? Or the most popular pace car at NASCAR races? Or the car that won every racing competition it entered in 1965? My Big Fast Car Book details these fun facts and more with large, full-color pictures.

Kids who love playing with cars will find themselves drawn to the real thing, as they imagine driving at top speeds on open roads. Formula One, NASCAR, the Autobahn, or drag racing, kids can live them all through these pictures.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The most popular

children

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Courage

October 21, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Jeremy Norton
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-098261657-4
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

Author’s website
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Howard B. Wigglebottom is afraid of creatures lurking under his bed, loud noises, dogs, and the first day of school. He decides he can’t face any of them, so he’s never coming out of his room again. But when he meets a young bird who bravely flies for the first time, Howard realizes he doesn’t always have to be afraid. In fact, he can only really be courageous in the face of fear.

Howard decides to face all his fears head-on. With supportive friends and family, he does the very things he fears the most, and finds out that they’re not as terrifying as he thought. And when the first day of school arrives, he’s ready to face it courageously.

Children face many fears as they encounter the world around them. Some fears are healthy, such as those that protect them from harm. But some fears are really just a worry about the unknown, and these only prevent kids from trying something new. Howard is a great role model as he faces his own fears, conquering them in the process.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children

Animals Everywhere!

October 20, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Simon Abbott
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-1-78325-077-6
Pages: 24
Price: $8.99

Author’s website
Downloadable fun activities – coming soon!
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There are many kinds of habitats, and each supports certain animal populations. Animals Everywhere! is an illustrated guide which provides some interesting information about them.

Habitats such as the rain forest, mountains, desert, and ocean are each presented in a two-page spread. In these pages, various animals that live in the habitat are illustrated in cartoon style, along with fun facts about them.

Kids will be fascinated to learn about the goliath bird-eating spider, which is as big as a pizza, or the male narwhal, which is also called the “unicorn of the sea” because it has a long, spiral tusk. These and other fascinating creatures fill the pages of this fun and colorful book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Catholic, Christian, Saints

Seven Saints for Seven Virtues

October 16, 2014December 7, 2016 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jean M. Heimann
Publisher: Servant Books
Genre: Christian / Catholic
ISBN: 978-1-61636-845-6
Pages: 144
Price: $13.99

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Most of us are familiar with the seven deadly sins, but are we also aware of the seven virtues? These are charity, chastity, diligence, humility, kindness, patience and temperance. The fastest way to defeat the deadly sins in our own lives is to work on developing these virtues in their place.

Seven saints provide wonderful examples of these virtues in action. In Seven Saints for Seven Virtues, these saints are presented for us to emulate. Their lives and struggles may have been difficult, but each overcame weakness and developed strong character. In addition to the saints, modern-day people who embody these virtues are introduced, so we can learn how to model them in today’s world. Prayers, suggested Bible reading, and action steps are also provided for developing each virtue.

We are all called to be saints. The lives of the virtuous men and women in this book will guide us as we attempt to follow that calling. All those who try to live holy lives will benefit from reading Seven Saints for Seven Virtues.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Catholic, Christian, spirituality

Heaven is Real But So is Hell

October 14, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Vassula Rydén
Publisher: Alexian
Genre: Christian / Spirituality
ISBN: 978-0-9830093-0-6
Pages: 224
Price: $24.95

Author’s website
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Vassula Rydén was not living a particularly religious life when her guardian angel first appeared to her. And when God spoke to her, soon after, she was completely unprepared to face her many sins and atone for them. Once she was cleansed, she willingly took on her new role in communicating God’s Messages to the people, as He commanded.

Heaven is Real But So is Hell is Rydén’s story of her ministry. It shares some of the visions God has allowed her to see, as well as many of the Messages she received. Organized loosely by topic, this book touches on all the important ideas God has commanded her to tell us.

Originally, the Vatican disapproved of Rydén’s Messages, issuing a warning against them. However, over time, these Messages have gotten support from priests, bishops, and even Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope. Rydén also claims that many who have seen her speak or have read the Messages have come back to the Church as a result.

I admit, I approached this book with healthy skepticism. But as I’ve also read the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, I realized there are interesting similarities. Both women issued dire warnings that come with potential blessings if we turn from our sinful ways, and both have been ridiculed and scorned by an unbelieving public. I have not read True Life in God, which is Rydén’s official publication of these Messages, but from what I’ve read in Heaven is Real But So is Hell, I see nothing that would be contradictory to my Catholic faith.

Prophets are often misunderstood in the era they’re living in, and their messages are only understood much later. If these Messages are truly from God, they will stand up to the test of time.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

dogs, humor

Ask Anna

October 12, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Dean Koontz & his dog Anna
Publisher: Center Street
Genre: Humor / Dogs
ISBN: 978-1-4555-3079-3
Pages: 96
Price: $20.00

Author’s website
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Dean Koontz was surprised to find that his dog, Anna, was giving advice to other dogs. In Ask Anna, she shares her advice with the furry and forlorn.

Trouble with the cat next door? Anna can help. Body image problem – legs too short, tongue too long? Anna knows exactly what to do about it. Behavior issue – digging, chewing, scratching? Anna has the answer.

Filled with photos of dogs along with their various questions, Ask Anna is the perfect Christmas gift for your canine companion. And if you’re curious what he’s thinking, it might be wise to get yourself a copy, too. This adorable book is perfect for anyone who loves dogs.

100% of what the author receives from the sale of Ask Anna will be donated to Canine Companions for Independence, the nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.

Reviewer: Alice Berger