Bergers Book Reviews

The Oldest Bedtime Story Ever (Bible Beautiful)

March 28, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Benjamin Morse
Publisher: Orson & Co.
Genre: Jewish / Christian (Bible Old Testament)
ISBN: 978-0-9858135-0-5
Pages: 77
Price: $30.00

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Reading the Old Testament from start to finish is a monumental undertaking which few kids would ever consider. But The Oldest Bedtime Story Ever presents much of the story in an abbreviated and fun read.

Using paper cutout images, author Benjamin Morse crafts a unique book that highlights many of the more interesting Biblical stories. Beginning with Adam and Eve, Noah, and the patriarchs in Genesis, he takes us through the Exodus, the time of the judges, the Davidic and divided kingdoms, the exile, and the return from exile. Other important figures like Esther, Jonah, Samson, and Ruth are also featured.

This unique book is told with lightness and humor. For example, in the story of Adam and Eve, Morse states, “Life was so perfect and free of any troubles, they hardly knew what to do with themselves.” These brief commentaries made me chuckle, but also think more deeply about the scenes presented. Since no vignette is fully developed, this book might also encourage youngsters to delve into the actual Bible story for a better understanding of what happened.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised at its substance and accuracy. Anyone (not just kids!) who wants a nice overview of Bible history would do well to pick up a copy of The Oldest Bedtime Story Ever. It’s not only an enjoyable read, but also a great study book, since all scripture references are listed in the appendix. For those with hand-held devices, there is also an app available.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian, tween

Cake

March 24, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Joyce Magnin
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Middle-grade / Christian
ISBN: 978-0310733331
Pages: 224
Price: $14.99
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Wilma Sue has been shuffled around the foster care system ever since she was born, spending time with various families and at the Daylily Home for Children. Now that her most recent home is no longer available, she finds herself staying with Ruth and Naomi, two missionaries who have recently returned from Africa.

If she expected a hum-drum life at Gray House, as she calls it, Wilma Sue is very mistaken. She’s expected to take care of the chickens, be nice to Penny Pigsworthy, and attend church with Ruth and Naomi. And she also helps Naomi bake cakes – those mysterious cakes that do unusual things to the recipients. Wilma Sue is determined to learn the secret ingredient. Will she ever find out?

In Cake, kids are gently reminded of how important it is to love and forgive others. This cute story will enchant middle-grade readers with love, chickens and a taste of peculiar.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian

God’s Little Princess Bedtime Devotional

March 21, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Sheila Walsh
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Children / Christian
ISBN: 978-1-4003-2293-0
Pages: 224
Price: $14.99

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After a long day of school, friends, chores and play, a little girl needs to curl up in bed and be reminded of God’s love for her. Sharing God’s Little Princess Bedtime Devotional with mom or dad is the perfect ending to her busy day.

Topics like doing good for others, being obedient, being kind, and sharing God’s love, as well as many others are covered in each two-page devotional message. Bible verses in simple language introduce the topic, followed by a short message and a fun night-time activity, and then a closing prayer.

It’s hard growing up, and a girl needs a constant reminder that she is a child of God – our King’s little princess. This cute devotional book gives her a daily reminder that how she lives her life matters, and that she should always strive to act in a way that pleases God. I highly recommend God’s Little Princess Bedtime Devotional.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, Christian

The Donkey That No One Could Ride

March 19, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Children / Christian
ISBN: 978-0-7369-4851-7
Pages:32
Price: $14.99

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A young donkey is weak and small, and no one is able to ride him. His owner gets frustrated at his uselessness, and ties him up on the edge of town. Then two men arrive and untie him, bringing him with them away from town. Worried and scared, he follows reluctantly.

The donkey has no idea that he has been chosen for a mighty purpose, and that Jesus intends to heal him first. Filled with renewed energy from the miracle he has received, the donkey proudly carries Jesus into Jerusalem.

The Donkey That No One Could Ride is a dramatized fictional tale told in rhyming verse from the donkey’s perspective. Kids will recall the events of Palm Sunday as they cheer for this poor outcast donkey. This book would make a great addition to any child’s Easter book collection.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

teen

The Summer of Letting Go

March 18, 2014March 18, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Gae Polisner
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1-61620-256-9
Pages: 320
Price: $16.95

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Francesca “Frankie” Schnell has been living in guilt for the last four years, since her brother, Simon, drowned. After all, her parents had asked her to watch him, and it was all her fault. Her family life has gone from bad to worse, and she wonders if they will ever let go of the past.

Now her mother is withdrawn, consumed with the anti-drowning foundation she’s created, and her father is spending too much time with the woman next door. And to make matters even more miserable, her best friend is dating her dream guy. How will she ever get through the summer?

A chance encounter with the Schyler family introduces her to Frankie Sky, a little boy whose uncanny resemblance to Simon seems like no coincidence. Can Frankie Sky help her heal her past and finally let go?

Frankie is a very courageous and strong girl, determined to move through her painful past and find peace. No longer content with the status quo, she does what she needs to do to finally heal. The reader will really relate to Frankie’s feelings and cheer for her to find happiness. I highly recommend The Summer of Letting Go.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

Leave Tomorrow Behind (A Stella Crown Mystery: Book 6)

March 14, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Judy Clemens
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0202-5
Pages: 250
Price: $24.95

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Stella Crown is busy avoiding her future sister-in-law’s wedding planning schemes when she visits the county fair. She has more interest in the cows than the up and coming local country singer she pulls out of a pile of manure. But since she’s the one who discovered Rikki’s body, she suddenly finds herself in the middle of the investigation, if only to clear her name.

Her best friend, the veterinarian covering the fair, is now a suspect, due to some misplaced logic by the local police, and Stella is worried about someone deliberately hurting the cows. A cheater is attempting to buy himself a prize, and a teenage girl has had enough cosmetic surgery to look more like a clown than the future Lovely Miss Pennsylvania. Are all these unusual facts somehow related to Rikki’s death?

Although I have not read the first five books in this series, I very happily and easily immersed myself in this story and these characters’ lives. However, Leave Tomorrow Behind is so good, I intend to read the earlier books as soon as possible. I highly recommend this enjoyable mystery.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Goodnight Songs

March 12, 2014March 12, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrators: Jonathan Bean, Carin Berger, Sophie Blackall, Linda Bleck, Renata Liwska, Christopher Silas Neal, Zachariah OHora, Eric Puybaret, Sean Qualls, Isabel Roxas, Melissa Sweet, Dan Yaccarino
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-0446-5
Pages: 28
Price: $17.95

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Margaret Wise Brown wrote the much-loved children’s stories Goodnight Moon and Big Red Barn, among others. Goodnight Songs features a collection of her previously unpublished lullabies sung by Emily Gary and Tom Proutt and illustrated by twelve award-winning artists.

Each of these twelve songs on the accompanying CD is featured in a two-page spread, beautifully illustrated by one of these talented artists. Lyrics are also provided to read or sing along. The music is soft, simple and charming in a folk style with varying instrumentation. Mandolin, thumb piano, harmonica, and slide trombone are some of the sounds featured.

Goodnight Songs would be a wonderful book for little ones to enjoy while curled up in bed, just before sleep. It also would make a nice companion on a long road trip, as a soothing aide for cranky and tired travelers. I highly recommend this book for all parents of young children.

You can find exclusive interviews with the illustrators, book trailer, a letter from the editor, and much more at the Goodnight Songs special website.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

crafts

Brazilian Bracelets

March 11, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Florence Bellot
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Crafts
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4557-9
Pages: 64
Price: $24.99

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Friendship bracelets are fun to create, and there are so many interesting patterns. Knowing the technique makes it easy. In this book, Florence Bellot provides helpful instructions and colorful pictures as a guide to getting started.

Beginning with the basics, she shows us how to make the traditional knots along with several variations. Colorful wraps are explained, as well as how to add charms and beads to the bracelet. A 5-thread starter pack is included.

I have some familiarity with making these bracelets, and I found it easy to follow the designs presented. But if you’ve never tried this fun craft, it might be helpful to have an experienced friend show you the basics. Once you’ve mastered the technique, you can have lots of fun following these patterns.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship

March 7, 2014March 7, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Susan F. Cornelison
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9826165-6-7
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

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Howard wants to win. In fact, winning is the only thing that matters to him, and he would even cheat to win. He doesn’t know how to be a team player, and he won’t settle for second place.

But when his coach pulls him out of the game, Howard learns a few things. His teammates are kind to each other, and they enjoy playing without him. And an upset dad in the crowd makes him realize how bad his behavior has been. Maybe it is possible to play the game and not win – and still have fun.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns About Sportsmanship shows kids the importance of being a good sport, and not focusing so much on winning, in a non-preachy manner. Trophies are nice, but it’s the joy of playing the game that counts, in the end.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

cats, children

Is That My Cat?

March 4, 2014March 4, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Jonathan Allen
Publisher: Boxer Books
Genre: Children / Cats
ISBN: 978-1-907967-74-0
Pages: 32
Price: $16.95

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Someone’s cat looks quite different these days. She’s suddenly so large she barely fits through the cat flap. She can no longer be picked up with one hand. And this fussy eater now gobbles up every last bite of food. Who is this fat cat, who is no longer a slim, sleek pussycat?

This cute black kitty has a surprise, and it’s a very happy one. Is That My Cat? is a darling book that will please all cat lovers.

Reviewer: Alice Berger