children – Page 27 – Bergers Book Reviews

This Little Prayer of Mine

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Mark Elliott
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Genre: Children / Christian
ISBN: 978-0736958615
Pages: 32
Price: 14.99

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Little ones find it easy to talk to God, but they might not always know what to say. This Little Prayer of Mine gives them some ideas in rhyming verse. This simple children’s prayer asks God for help when they feel scared, a smile when sad, wisdom and direction in making decisions, forgiveness for bad behavior, and comfort when feeling lonely. They also thank God for the good things in life and ask for the desire to share their good fortune with others.

While it’s good to learn formal prayers, children can also simply pray from the heart, turning to God as a father and a source of never-ending love. This sweet prayer book would be nice to read at bedtime.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, literary

Alphabetics: An Aesthetically Awesome Alliterated Alphabet Anthology

January 6, 2015 Bergers Book Reviews

Authors: Patrick & Traci Concepción
Illustrator: Dawid Ryski
Publisher: Die Gestalten Verlag
Genre: Children / Literary
ISBN: 978-3-89955-728-2
Pages: 64
Price: $16.95

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A is for apple, B is for BORING… Ho-hum. This is NOT that book. In fact, I’m not really sure this is a children’s book at all. Featuring characters like Atticus the altriuisic astronaut and Zooey the zonked zombie, this book has fun with alliterations. Retro-modern illustrations accompany these unusual descriptions.

A glossary is included for those who may need a little assistance in following along, since not all of us know that Zig-Zag is a French based brand of rolling papers and a Contaflex was a camera popular from the 1930s to the 1960s. Literary parents will find this book a pleasure to read to their children, and may even “borrow” it permanently. Alphabetics is a unique and enjoyable alphabet book that both parents and kids will love.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Best Part of the Day

December 28, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Sarah Ban Breathnach
Illustrator: Wendy Edelson
Publisher: Regnery Kids
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-62157-252-7
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

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Twenty years ago, Simple Abundance reminded women that if they wanted to be truly happy, they needed to be grateful for all the good things in their lives. Now, in this children’s version, kids are asked to do the same thing.

Winter, spring, summer and fall – all the seasons of the year share their bounty with us. Was the best part of the day picking pumpkins, building a snowman, tending a garden, or jumping in the pool? At the end of the day, it’s nice to review the joys experienced and be grateful for them all.

In this rhyming book with watercolor illustrations of a happy family, Sarah Ban Breathnach shares the principles of Simple Abundance with kids. Rather than writing down five good things in a gratitude journal, they can simply share their blessings with their parents before bed and go to sleep with a smile. The Best Part of the Day provides a beautiful way to end the day.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

My Kiss Won’t Miss

December 23, 2014December 23, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Lesley Dahlseng
Illustrator: Mirela Tufan
Publisher: WhetWord Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-615-98704-0
Pages: 32
Price: $17.99

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Bedtime draws near, but the child is not ready for sleep. Although he may be hiding, his mother searches high and low. And if she can’t find him, she’ll blow a kiss that won’t miss.

In rhyming verse, children are shown hiding in a myriad of places in nature. They are boys and girls of all races, allowing for all kids to see themselves in this book. In every scene, their mother keeps looking for them, intending to catch them for a goodnight kiss. And when the child is finally tucked into bed, she promises a kiss from God, and His kiss certainly won’t miss!

A mother’s love is so special, as is the love of God. In My Kiss Won’t Miss, kids are reminded of this love that never ends. This book would be a perfect bedtime read, accompanied by snuggles and a kiss goodnight.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, farming

A Year on the Farm

December 12, 2014December 13, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Holly Dufek
Illustrator: Paul E. Nunn
Publisher: Octane Press
Genre: Children / Farming
ISBN: 9781937747565
Pages: 32
Price: $14.99

Octane Press Website
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Casey enjoys her life on the farm. Each season brings new challenges and tasks, and Casey and her team of farm equipment tackle them with determination. Whether planting in the spring, caring for growing crops in the summer, harvesting in the fall, or repairing equipment and caring for livestock in the winter, weather can always play havoc with the farmer’s plans. Casey shows us the best way to handle whatever chores need to be done.

A Year on the Farm showcases Cash IH farm equipment in a fun and educational way. Kids will enjoy reading about Casey’s responsibilities on the farm, sharing in the team’s efforts for a job well done. Farming can be a rough life, but the right equipment makes each job a little easier and more efficient. Kids who dream of being farmers someday will love this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

A Very, Very Noisy Tractor

December 11, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Mar Pavón
Illustrator: Nívola Uyá
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-84-15619-65-9
Pages: 28
Price: $16.95

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A lady with an enormous beehive hairdo, thick eyeglasses, and a bright blue raincoat is chugging down the road on her tractor. As she passes the various people in the town, each calls out a warning that someone with her clothing or features shouldn’t drive tractors.

When she gets home and sits down to dinner with her family, her daughter announces she wants to drive a tractor just like her mom. But her mother has some wise words for her, reminding her exactly why she drives such a very noisy tractor.

A Very, Very Noisy Tractor is a whimsical story with a deep message. On the surface, it’s a simple story about an unusual woman driving a tractor. But this woman is unafraid to be unique, despite the silly things people tell her. In fact, she deliberately drowns their words out. In reading this book, kids will see that it’s okay to be themselves, and that they are allowed and even encouraged to tune out anyone who thinks differently. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

When, When, When Will it be Christmas?

November 26, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Cathy MacLennan
Publisher: Boxer Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-907152-27-6
Pages: 32
Price: $16.95

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Red birdies, white mice, kittens and reindeer are all helping to get ready for Christmas. There are lights, presents, stories, songs and a spectacular Christmas show. But when, when, when will it be Christmas? Finally, it’s Christmas Eve, and the children are snuggled in bed, stockings hung beside them. Will this be the best Christmas ever?

Repetitive phrases and color naming make this a great Christmas book to read aloud with little ones, who can join in on the refrain of, “When, When, When Will it be Christmas? Soon, soon.” Impatient children can vent their frustration along with the narrator in wishing Christmas was right now.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

The Night Before Christmas

November 25, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Clement C. Moore
Illustrator: Tom Browning
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1355-9
Pages: 40
Price: $6.95

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Reading Clement C. Moore’s classic poem is part of Christmas Eve tradition in many homes. This nicely illustrated version is printed in a larger size for dad to hold open while reading to children nestled beside him. The sturdy cover will keep this paperback in good condition for years to come. If your old copy is getting a bit worn or this is the first year you plan to read this poem to your family, this would be a great book to pick up for your Christmas celebration.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving

November 24, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Susan Cornelison
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9826165-4-3
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

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Howard B. Wigglebottom doesn’t like to share. He keeps his toys all to himself and he is working on a very long gift list for Santa. But when he is unexpectedly separated from his family at the train station, along with his big bag of toys, Howard has to figure out what to do. He’s very fortunate to meet some new friends who want to help him get home. And in the process he learns to be thankful for what he has and how to give.

Just like the rest of this series, Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Power of Giving includes a discussion guide for parents and teachers to focus on the main points of this story. Kids will talk about why new gifts lose their luster quickly, how to start letting others play with their toys, and what it might feel like not to have the people and home they take for granted. This book provides a great lesson in gratitude and sharing.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

Christmas Fun Sticker Activity Book

November 22, 2014 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Simon Abbott
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-78325-184-1
Pages: 64
Price: $8.99

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The anticipation of Christmas can be hard for little ones to bear. So it’s a good idea to keep them occupied while waiting for Santa’s arrival. The Christmas Fun Sticker Activity Book is the perfect answer to their impatience. With plenty of puzzles, reusable stickers, and images of Santa and his reindeer, kids will enjoy Christmas for weeks preceding the holiday.

Keep this book on hand, along with plenty of hot chocolate and cookies, Christmas music, decorations and lights, and your kids will really enjoy the holiday season.

Reviewer: Alice Berger