Category: children

Author & Illustrator: Timothy Young
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4225-7
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

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“Creepy fiends that emerge at twilight are coming. Slimy things from the deep, dark waters are coming.” But where are they, and lots of others, coming to? My party!

This spooky Halloween book features dark shadows, glowing eyes, evil grins, scary tree branches, and an eerie full moon in its imaginative scenes. Kids will be held in suspense, wondering where these creatures are all going, and if they’re coming after them.

Dark and delightfully done, They’re Coming! is designed to put you in the mood for Halloween. It would make a great read-aloud book with the lights turned down and some spooky music playing.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jim Carrey
Illustrator: Rob Nason
Publisher: Some Kind of Garden Media
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9893680-0-1
Pages: 68
Price: $16.95

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Roland the wave has big plans and lots of friends out in the ocean. But waves come to a crashing end at the shore, and he knows he’s heading there soon. As he hits the sand, he realizes that he’s not just a wave but a part of the sea – a part of all of the water on earth. He’s much bigger than just a wave.

Being aware of our inter-connectedness with others and the whole universe is part of the abundance consciousness movement promoted by many of the modern-day enlightened teachers. In How Roland Rolls, kids see that Roland is not limited by his thoughts, but is actually much bigger than those thoughts. He’s capable of being whatever he wants to be.

It’s important for kids to believe in themselves and see the many options they have in life, but I don’t feel this book presented this concept in an easy-to-understand manner. Parents may need to spend some time explaining the story’s intention. The large and bold illustrations are nicely done, and Carrey makes cameo appearances in cartoon fashion.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: V.A. Boeholt
Illustrator: Nathaniel P. Jensen
Publisher: Little Five Star
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-58985-202-0
Pages: 36
Price: $11.95

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Burton, the scarecrow, guards the farmer’s field. As the animals visit him, they want to take plants and vegetables with them to build warm winter nests. Burton asks them not to touch the harvest, and instead gives them pieces of clothing and straw from his body. Soon there is almost nothing left of him, and the farmer decides to build a new scarecrow to replace him. But the animals have heard of Burton’s dilemma and come to his rescue.

Burton is very kind to the animals, giving of himself until he has nothing left to give. In return, the animals are kind to him, making sure he will be around for many more years, and offering him a companion he didn’t expect. Burton is a wonderful model for children to learn from and emulate. Although he gave with no thought of what he would receive in return, his kindness reaped many rewards.

Burton the Kind Scarecrow includes a teacher’s guide to be used along with the book. Story concepts, glossary, information on scarecrows, reader and listener tips, activities, and internet links are all provided. This would be a great fall read for classrooms.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Kate Klise
Illustrator: M. Sarah Klise
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-61620-244-6
Pages: 160
Price: $15.95

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Sir Sidney runs the best circus around. He’s kind to his animals and performers, and kids see the circus and eat popcorn for free. But Sir Sidney is getting older, and decides to hire a manager to help him. Barnabas Brambles, certified lion tamer, eagerly applies for the job and is hired. But Barnabas has very different ideas about how to run a circus.

Leo, the old lion, must be replaced with a cool tiger. Elsa, the elephant, should be sent to the zoo. And the Flying Banana Brothers’ skills will be used to drive the circus train. Who needs vermin like Gert and Bert, the mice, and Old Coal, the crow, who are in charge of popcorn cleanup after the circus? Ticket prices must be raised, and more shows added to the schedule! Barnabas wants to make as much money as he can, and he doesn’t care who gets hurt in the process. But running Sir Sidney’s circus doesn’t turn out to be quite as easy (or lucrative) as he expects.

Sir Sidney is a smart man, and he sees through Barnabas Brambles’ shiny exterior to the man beneath the ill-fitting suit. His response upon finally seeing what Barnabas has done to his circus is both remarkable and unexpected. The Show Must Go On! is a great story filled with wonderful illustrations, side conversations, jokes and humor that make it a really enjoyable read. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Andrea Skyberg
Publisher: Wooden Nickel Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9882891-7-8
Pages: 48
Price: $17.99

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Evie sets out to the forest to catch a squirrel. She soon becomes frustrated and impatient, so a duck explains how flapping her wings – duckflap – calms her down. Evie tries it, and soon happily goes off exploring again.

In a series of interactions with the various forest animals, Evie learns about herself and how to better handle life. Living in the moment, going with the flow, and listening to one’s own inner wisdom are all explored.

The unique and colorful illustrations in Squircle include hand-embroidery from elementary school students. Fabric pieced together form murals used as the artwork for scenery. Squircle was recently voted a Mom’s Choice Gold Award Winner in the Inspiration/Motivational category. This beautiful book has a great message and would make a nice addition to any child’s library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger