Author: Bergers Book Reviews

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children

Viku and the Elephant

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Debu Majumdar
Illustrator: Lynn Wolfe
Publisher: Bo-Tree House
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0983222705
Pages: 54
Price: $12.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Viku lives with his parents at the edge of the Shapnobahn Forest in India. His family is poor, and every day his parents go out looking for work so they can buy food. One day Viku gets so hungry that he decides to search for food on his own. When he ventures into the forest, he encounters an elephant – Haatee – in distress. The two become friends and explore the forest together.

In their travels, Haatee brings Viku to the elephant graveyard, where there are many tusks. Because of their value, evil men try to force Haatee to lead them to the tusks, but Haatee and Viku outsmart the villains. And Haatee’s kindness to Viku and his family ensure that they will never be poor again.

Viku and the Elephant is a heart-warming story of friendship and loyalty. Viku shows deep respect for Haatee’s sacred place, only taking what is offered to him when Haatee insists. And Haatee’s gratitude for Viku’s actions is demonstrated in how he cares for Viku and his family. This delightful tale will leave readers cheering as good triumphs over evil.

Debu Majumdar shared his thoughts with us in an interview. Please be sure to read what he has to say!  See also, the sequel, Viku to the Rescue.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

home

Kennedy Green House

Bergers Book Reviews


Author:  Robin Wilson
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Genre: House & Home / Sustainable Living
ISBN: 978-1-60832-030-1
Pages: 160
Price: $30.00

Author’s website
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When the home of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his family is flooded, causing a problem with black mold that can’t be eradicated, there is only one practical solution. The decision is made to tear down the existing house and rebuild it using exclusively green technology. Kennedy brings in a team of experts, including author Robin Wilson, for guidance and direction.

In this pictorial showcase of the Kennedy green house, Wilson shows us the various building materials and furniture, and explains why they were chosen. The reader is invited to visit bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, and the outdoors. The concepts of multi-generational design, energy efficiency, recycling, and sustainability are also touched on as features of this unique home. And a resource guide is provided, to learn more about the products used.

Many of the items were provided free of charge to the Kennedy family for inclusion in Kennedy Green House, and other suppliers have not been mentioned as alternatives. The modern feel of the décor is a bit austere and neutral, but shows up well in these attractive photos. If you’re thinking of remodeling or even building a new green home, this book would be a great resource of ideas.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Hurricane Dog

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sharon Rasmussen Powell
Illustrator: Vian Oelfsun
Publisher: Hameray
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-60559-327-2
Pages: 12
Price: $3.95

Buy it from publisher

A hurricane blows through town, leaving the family home in ruins. Odie, the dog, is abandoned at the local shelter, when his family can no longer take care of him. But Odie wishes and dreams of a new home where he will be happy again.

Hurricane Dog is written at the first grade “G” level, and is meant for classroom use. Told in rhyme and illustrated in bright and cheery color, this cute story sends a positive message to kids reminding them to dream big, because dreams can come true.

Kids love animals – especially dogs – and the happy ending will make them smile. This book would make a charming addition to any classroom or school library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

health

Wisdom to Wellness

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Maureen Minnehan Jones
Publisher: O Books
Genre: Body, Mind and Spirit
ISBN: 978-1-84694-399-7
Pages: 290
Price: $24.95

Author’s website
Buy “Wisdom to Welness” at Amazon
Buy “Steps to Release The Common Thread of Disease CD” at Amazon

Our bodies send us messages every day, although most of us aren’t tuned into what they’re telling us. Our thoughts, words and actions are powerful catalysts in guiding our health. In Wisdom to Wellness, Maureen Minnehan Jones explains how we can use them to our advantage.

We all have what Jones calls a Modus Operandi (MO) that we live by, which can predictably be traced to the ailment we suffer from. By using the MO Technique, we can change how we look at and speak about something, changing the outcome of our illness. This technique is explained in step-by-step detail, to reprogram the mind and body to accept a new, healthier thought process.  Once Jones has demonstrated the MO Technique, she explains how we may have developed certain conditions, and what we might want to do to change. Case studies are provided, as well as affirmations to help us heal.

For those who prefer guided meditation presented in audio format, an accompanying CD can also be purchased.  These guided meditations lead the listener through the grounding process, using the infinity sign, cleansing and balancing the chakras, releasing negative emotions, and instilling DNA (Dynamic Natural Authentic) power and self-love.

Although Jones and others healed themselves from their ailments with no medical intervention, she doesn’t imply that this is the only treatment you need. Instead, she encourages the use of the MO Technique as a supplement to good medical care. This common-sense and holistic approach ensures that your body, mind and spirit are all treated equally.  I highly recommend Wisdom to Wellness for all who want to improve their health and well-being.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals

Who Will Care When You’re Not There?

Bergers Book Reviews


Authors: Robert E. Kass, JD, LLM & Elizabeth A. Carrie, JD, LLM
Illustrator: Jill Flinn
Publisher: Carob Tree Press
Genre: Estate Planning / Pet care
ISBN: 978-0-615-44340-9
Pages: 130
Price: $24.95

Publisher’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Planning for death and disability isn’t the most appealing activity most of us face. While we may eventually get around to making a will, we often overlook the family our states won’t recognize. Our treasured pets will only be treated as property if we don’t take action to protect them.

But estate planning for pet owners doesn’t have to be difficult, with this legal guide. It covers important matters like: who should care for your pets? how much will it cost to care for them and where will these funds come from? will the caretaker have full responsibility for end-of-life decisions, when your pet becomes terminally ill? and who will manage the funds you’ve made available for your caretaker? Pet owner information sheets, forms, and other checklists are provided for your planning needs.

Well-meaning friends and family may offer to care for your pet someday, but don’t leave this important decision to chance. Set up a pet trust, determine your care-giver in writing, and you can feel better knowing your treasured companion will be cared for and protected. Who Will Care When You’re Not There? provides the assistance, so you can have peace of mind, knowing that someone WILL care.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

The Mystery at Marlatt Manor

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Anne Loader McGee
Publisher: Vendera Publishing
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-936307-05-0
Pages: 176
Price: $7.99

Author’s website
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Mallory Gilmartin never wanted to leave Philadelphia and move to Cedar Creek, Virginia. Nothing has gone right since she and her family moved into the Marlatt cottage. And now she’s starting to have nightmares that seem eerily connected to the mysterious disappearance of Violet Marlatt fifty years ago.

A man in a sports car nearly runs her down, racing away from Marlatt Manor. A creepy caretaker keeps chasing Mallory and her new friend, Kyle, from the property. And a ghostly apparition appears in the upper window of the Manor. What could it all mean? Is Violet’s ghost trying to get Mallory’s attention?

Mallory won’t rest until she knows the truth of Violet’s disappearance. And in solving this mystery, she may even save the Manor and restore the family property to its rightful owner. Well-written, fast-paced, and full of intrigue and suspense, The Mystery at Marlatt Manor is sure to please all mystery lovers.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

self improvement

The Good Among the Great

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Donald Van de Mark
Publisher: Columbia Island Press
Genre: Self-help
ISBN: 978-0-98460-612-2
Pages: 280
Price: $15.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Donald Van de Mark has spent more than twenty years interviewing and getting to know celebrities and news makers. But not all those featured in the spotlight live the kinds of lives we would want to emulate. There are few who embody the nineteen traits Van de Mark deems necessary to enjoy an admirable, creative and joyous life.

Within its own designated chapter, each of these nineteen traits is explored in detail. Then Van de Mark shows us someone or several people who have developed this trait and are living a life that shows how it works. Finally, he explores Abraham Maslow’s ideas on this trait, and gives us takeaway bullet points to focus on in our own lives. The nineteen traits may seem at times to contradict each other, but the fully developed personality could integrate all parts of the whole. In fact, Van de Mark has determined that one person actually demonstrates all of these traits.

The Good Among the Great is a thought-provoking look at the traits that lead to a quality life, but I would have preferred to see less of Maslow’s thoughts and more about the individuals profiled in each section. A more personal and less psychological approach would have deepened the connection for me, making these traits feel more real and achievable. Overall, though, this book provides some good ideas if you want to change your life for the better.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

A New Name For Worthless: A Hero Is Born

Bergers Book Reviews


Author & Illustrator: Rocky Shepheard
Publisher: Crescent Renewal Resource
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 9780984289745
Pages: 32
Price: $17.97

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

A lonely dog huddles in his doghouse, chained and unable to move about. Labeled “Worthless” by his cruel owner, he wishes he could be free. He’s lucky to have friends who want to help him, and one stormy night, they make a daring escape. But will he ever know the joy of being a Best Friend to a special human?

Author and illustrator, Rocky Shepheard, believes that no dog should spend his whole life chained up outside. The organization he supports, Dogs Deserve Better, works to rescue and care for those dogs who are being neglected. In writing this book, Shepheard hopes that it will teach compassion and good pet caretaking to children and parents everywhere.

Although a simple story, A New Name For Worthless: A Hero Is Born sends a powerful message that no dog is really worthless. All dogs deserve a chance to live in a home with love and affection.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Lessons From a Street Kid

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Craig Kielburger
Illustrators: Marisa Antonello & Victoria Laidley
Publisher: Me to We Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-55365-865-8
Pages: 36
Price: $19.95

Publisher’s website

A visit to Brazil is an exciting adventure for a boy. While exploring the sights, young Craig Kielburger discovers a group of street kids. These young people don’t have homes, and they do what it takes to survive. From performing acrobatics to selling oranges and shining shoes, they scramble for tourist dollars to buy food. And when food is available, they eat it together as if they are a family.

Although living in abject poverty, these street kids try to enjoy life, taking time to sing, dance, and play soccer. They look out for each other’s well-being and share everything. In fact, Kielburger is surprised at one boy’s willingness to literally give him the shirt off his own back.

Kielburger formed Free the Children when he learned of a boy who was killed speaking out against child labor. This non-profit group is comprised of youth who want to be a positive force of change in the world, especially for underprivileged kids. Me to We Books promises that for every book sold, a notebook will be given to a child in a developing country.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Birds Can Fly and So Can I

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Noa Nimrodi
Illustrator: Tamir Lichtenberg
Publisher: Grassroots Publishing Group
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9794805-1-5
Pages: 32
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon (Kindle only)

Giraffe sees the birds in the sky and wishes she could also fly. But all things are possible in dreams, and Giraffe soon finds herself soaring through the clouds. The animals and birds are her friends, and they cheer her on as they join in her fun.

Birds Can Fly and So Can I is written in rhyming verse, illustrated in bright and cheery watercolor. Everyone has wishes and goals, and Giraffe’s adventure reminds kids that dreams can come true. Positive and uplifting, this charming book will inspire them to reach for those dreams.

Reviewer: Alice Berger