Bergers Book Reviews

The Power of the Penny

February 7, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Elaina Redmond
Illustrator: Scott Stewart
Publisher: Spencer Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9815515-0-0
Pages: 40
Price: $18.09

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The penny appears to be a small and insignificant coin. Many kids may believe that they too, like the penny, are insignificant, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, they are the future of our great nation.

The Power of the Penny provides information about Abraham Lincoln, and all the values he modeled. Known for courage, persistence, honesty, kindness, speaking well, and writing clearly, he is an inspiration for others. The penny also provides clues to the values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for everyone.

Kids are encouraged through activities to discover their unique abilities and passions, and to model the excellence of Abraham Lincoln in their own lives. The book’s website provides information for hosting Penny Parties and other penny activities to get kids more involved in bettering themselves and their communities.

The Power of the Penny has received the Mom’s Choice Award honoring excellence. If every child read this book, and put into practice the ideas it suggests, the future of our country would be in great hands.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Dr. Seuss (Kohl’s Cares for Kids)

February 4, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Kohl’s Cares for Kids Merchandise The books and merchandise featured in this program are only $5.00 each, and all proceeds go towards kids’ health and education. Dr. Seuss books are classics, and always make great gifts. Stock up on these books and toys, and help Kohl’s care for kids.

Horton Hears a Who
Author: Dr. Seuss
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-375-97279-9
Pages: 72
Price: $5.00 at Kohl’s

Author’s website

Sleep Book
Author: Dr. Seuss
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-375-97278-2
Pages: 64
Price: $5.00 at Kohl’s

Author’s website

Also available:
Dr. Seuss ABC Collection
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss Note Cards

And for adults:
Light & Healthy Cooking
Good Housekeeping Drop 5 Pounds

children

We Go Together!

February 1, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Calef Brown
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-547-72128-6
Pages: 40
Price: $9.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Would you like to ride on the handlebars of a bicycle built for one? Start a band with a friend? Or sip tea instead? Whimsical ideas abound in We Go Together!

In this Curious Selection of Affectionate Verse, unusual thoughts are explored as relates to love and friendship. Short poems accompany Caleb Brown’s signature style illustrations.

We Go Together! would make a unique Valentine’s Day gift, or it can be given as a charming and humorous token of friendship. The recipient is sure to smile upon reading these playful poems.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

Pigs in Love

January 30, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Teddy Slater
Illustrator: Aaron Boyd
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4027-8621-1
Pages: 28
Price: $9.95

Buy it at Amazon

How do pigs say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day? Not just with flowers and hearts – these pigs get creative! In fact, there are any number of ways to say “I love you.”

This sweet board book illustrates these various affectionate scenarios, with shiny foil throughout. A new version of a holiday favorite, Pigs in Love reminds kids that it’s always the perfect place and time to tell the special people in their lives that they love them.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Beautiful Wild Rose Girl

January 28, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: B. Magnolia
Illustrator: Jamila Keba
Publisher: Mystic World Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9780985428907
Pages: 34
Price: $7.95 (paperback)
Also available in ribbon bound or deluxe hardcover edition at publisher’s website

Mystic World Press
Buy it at Amazon

A poor, lonely girl lives in the swamp among the bullfrogs. Each day, on her way out of the swamp, she passes through a field of wild roses, which she sells in the village. But even though the villagers admire her, she believes she is a stupid, ugly girl, because of the words she hears from the bullfrogs.

One day her fortunes change for the better, when one of the villagers is able to speak with her. And when she finally sees herself in a new light, she is able to escape the swamp and find happiness.

This modern-day fairy tale is layered with meaning, and so many questions arise from reading it. And, as with the best fairy tales, this sweet girl meets and falls in love with someone who will love and cherish her. The unique book-binding makes Beautiful Wild Rose Girl even more special. This book would be a great gift for any girl who has doubts about how special she is.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Time For a Hug

January 24, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Phillis Gershator & Mim Green
Illustrator: David Walker
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-0856-2
Pages: 24
Price: $9.95

Buy it at Amazon

What time is it? Is it eight or nine or ten? Whatever time it is, it’s Time For a Hug! In this adorable board book, a mother rabbit and her son spend the day together. Playing, baking, eating, and getting ready for bed, they notice as the clock ticks off every hour. And any time is just right for hugs.

Counting, learning time, and fun are all featured, as is the strong bond between mother and child. Time For a Hug will be a favorite for all loving families. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children

Monkey of the Month

January 22, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Adam Kramer
Illustrator: David Kramer
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-41564
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
Buy it at Amazon

Ho, hum. Birthday presents have become so boring and mundane. Until a boy receives a mysterious membership in the monkey of the month club. Then the house is turned upside down. But the club assumes no responsibility for any of the damages these primates may cause.

A chimpanzee arrives immediately that loves to clean. Thirty days later, an ape comes to redecorate. As each month passes, a new monkey shows up with its own talents and desires. And soon his mother can’t take any more of the chaos.

I won’t spoil the surprise, but the last scene is laugh out loud funny. Monkey of the Month is a sure-fire hit with all kids. Amusing and well illustrated, this book will be read over and over again with glee.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

music, self improvement, spirituality

Free Your Voice

January 18, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Sylvia Nakkach with Valerie Carpenter
Publisher: Sounds True
Genre: Spirituality / Self-help / Music
ISBN: 978-1-60407-800-8
Pages: 280
Price: $18.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Yoga of the Voice is a unique path used to open ourselves to life through singing. Not through the usual tunes we recognize as songs, but rather through primary sounds and breath. Free Your Voice describes the practice Sylvia Nakkach has created for her clients.

A download accompaniment is available at the Sounds True website, which should be used with this book. As each exercise is explained, the reader is provided examples of the sounds and tones. Nakkach encourages us to develop our own practice, creating an uninterrupted, twenty-one minute program from these.

Voice exercises sound like something only professional singers would perform, but Nakkach reassures us that these are also for the rest of us – even those who claim they can’t sing. Like traditional yoga, Yoga of the Voice will create a discipline that opens us further to life’s experiences.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

Into the Pumpkin

January 16, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Linda Franklin
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children / Halloween
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4183-0
Pages: 48
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
Buy it at Amazon

Whoever you are, no matter what age, don’t be afraid to turn the next page… For when you do, you’ll encounter ghosts, skeletons, witches and jack-o-lanterns having a wonderful party.

In this delightful rhyming book, Linda Franklin shows us the usual Halloween characters, busy getting ready for their evening plans. And when darkness rolls in, the merriment begins. Charming watercolor illustrations shrouded in mist display these eerie Halloween scenes.

Halloween lovers of all ages will enjoy Into the Pumpkin as they make their own ghoulish plans for the holiday.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

audio book, classics

The Mill on the Floss (Naxos Complete Classics)

January 15, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: George Eliot
Read by Laura Paton
Produced by Naxos AudioBooks
Genre: Classics
ISBN: 978-184-379-6046
Length: 16 CDs (Total time 20:38:08)
Price: $98.98

Buy it at Amazon

In 1860, Mary Ann Evans, known under the pen-name of George Eliot, published The Mill on the Floss. This intricate picture of the life of Maggie Tulliver, born and raised at Dorlcote Mill on the river Floss, begins when Maggie is a young girl. Spanning two decades, the story revolves around the Dodson and Tulliver families.

Maggie’s dearest love is her brother, Tom, who alternately loves and despises her. When her father’s rash decisions leave the family destitute, Maggie is a teenager, searching for meaning in her life. Although she later falls in love, the unsuitability of the match causes her much pain and suffering.

This delightfully complex novel introduces some memorable characters. Each has his own strengths and weaknesses, and no one is entirely good or bad. They are all simply human, struggling in a world that often feels very unfair.

Naxos Audio has presented a wonderful audio adaption of this unabridged classic. Laura Paton does a masterful job of acting the various roles, and providing different voices for each character. The listener almost feels a part of the conversations as they take place. Although reading a classic can often feel dull and difficult, the audio version brings it to life in a brand new way. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to The Mill on the Floss and look forward to hearing more of these unabridged recordings of the classics.

Reviewer: Alice Berger