Category: children

Author:  Howard Binkow
Illustrator:  Susan F. Cornelison
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9715390-3-7
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

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Howard B. Wigglebottom dreads going to school because of the horrible Snorton twins. They are mean to him and steal his lunch. So every day, he thinks about the best way to try to avoid their bullying, but nothing seems to work. All week, Howard hears a voice in his head telling him, “Be brave, be bold, a teacher must be told.” He doesn’t want to do this, because he’s afraid he’ll be called a tattletale and get in even more trouble. But one day Howard sees the Snortons being mean to each other, and finally realizes he needs to speak up.

When kids are being bullied, they often feel like there is nothing they can do. They believe the bullies who warn them not to tell anyone, and that they deserve to be treated poorly because of some weakness in themselves. Howard’s actions in simply trying to avoid the Snortons are very believable and real. But these attempts seldom work, and it’s only by speaking up that Howard can finally have peace in his life.

Howard B. Wiggletom Learns About Bullies is a great story for kids to learn how best to deal with bullies, and why trying to cope on their own simply won’t work. In addition to the story itself, there is a special section with guidelines for kids to refer back to if they’re dealing with a bully in their own lives. There are also some helpful suggestions for teachers to encourage kids to let them know about bullying.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Carolyn Ortiz
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9781481225878
Pages: 24
Price: $8.50

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Gabriel, the silver angelfish, believes there is something bigger than his fishy world. As he explores his surroundings, he talks endlessly with his friends about his thoughts on this subject.

Gabriel’s beliefs are confirmed when he comes face to face with the enormous kissing fish, as he does every day. And as a little girl looks up at the stars, she also believes, as Gabriel does, that there must be something bigger out there.

Fishy World is a gentle reminder to kids that something much bigger than we are is watching out for us. Although we don’t meet him directly in this story, it’s obvious that this is God. This cute story would be a great opening to bedtime discussions about God’s constant love and care.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Murray McCain
Illustrator: John Alcorn
Publisher: Ammo Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-162326020-0
Pages: 42
Price: $17.95

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What is a book? A book is for colouring, for looking at, for writing in, and most important for reading. Thus begins this 1962 classic, reprinted for today’s kids to discover the joys of books and reading.

Books! explores the binding, glue and paper used in making a book. It shows us the letters that make up words, leading to sentences, creating ideas. The illustrations are fluorescent colored pen and ink drawings in an over-sized format, perfect for coffee-table display.

But the best part of all about books is the excitement and curiosity they generate. Books are a window to a whole new world, just waiting to be explored. After reading Books! kids will be eager to dive into some books of their own.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Susan F. Cornelison
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9715390-1-3
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00

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Howard B. Wigglebottom doesn’t listen. He won’t sit quietly while his teacher reads. He doesn’t listen when she asks him to stop bouncing. And he doesn’t hear his friend telling him something important. As a result, Howard ends up in time-out, so he can think about how he’s behaving.

Since Howard is a smart rabbit, he realizes he’s in trouble because he doesn’t listen, and he makes up his mind that he will be much better. When he changes his actions, he finds out that life is so much more fun.

Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns to Listen is a cute story with a good message. It doesn’t preach, but instead demonstrates by example what it means to be a good listener. There is also a lesson guide after the story, which highlights the important points and offers discussion questions. This book would be a great classroom resource, as well as one parents could use to establish good behavior at home.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Cynthea Liu
Illustrator: Mary Peterson
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4027-9644-9
Pages: 40
Price: $14.95

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Wooby is happy living in his quiet, little town with his pet goldfish, his prized petunia garden, his 547 year-old tree, and his magnificent water fountain… until Peep moves next door. But Peep wants to be friends, and in his excitement, he creates turmoil in Wooby’s quiet and peaceful life.

Wooby is gentle and kind-hearted, and forgives Peep for his misdeeds. And when Peep reveals that he’s lonely, Wooby suddenly realizes he’s lonely, too. Letting the past go, they forge a bond over a game of “Go Fish” and decide to be best friends.

Wooby & Peep is a delightful tale of friendship. Even though things go dreadfully wrong for Peep, Wooby shows patience and tolerance throughout. This cute story demonstrates to kids that even the most unlikely of folks could turn out to be best of friends.

Reviewer: Alice Berger