Category: children

children, history

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise

Bergers Book Reviews

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise
Author: Jan Pinborough
Illustrator: Debby Atwell
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: Children / History
ISBN: 978-0-547-47105-1
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

Author’s website
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It’s hard to imagine a world where children had very little access to books. In the early 1900s, libraries were for adults, and children were not welcome to enter, let alone touch or check out a book. But Anne Carroll Moore thought otherwise, and set about creating a special place where children could experience the joys of reading.

The New York Public Library was open to new ideas, and Miss Moore had a wonderful vision. After designing a bright and cheery room with kid-sized tables and chairs, she welcomed children inside with story hours and book borrowing privileges. The collection was reviewed carefully, and Miss Moore chose only the best and most interesting books for her children’s library.

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise shows us an extraordinary librarian who encouraged children to read. Although she may have faced obstacles, she created a model of children’s libraries that has lived on. This fascinating story will inspire kids to reach for their own dreams and dare to do something special to change the world.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children

Squirrel Rescue

Bergers Book Reviews

Squirrel Rescue
Author:  Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrator: Laura Jacques
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4246-2
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

Author’s website
Schiffer Books
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Two boys are tossing around a football when a baby squirrel suddenly appears. After looking around, they discover his sibling, as well as their damaged nest – and a very worried mother! Acting quickly, they safeguard the babies and wait for mom to rescue them. All is well when the three are snug in their nest once again.

Baby animals are adorable, and it’s natural to want to cuddle them and take them home as pets, but wildlife really does need to stay wild. Safe handling techniques are presented, as well as the smart decision to return these babies to their mother.

Christina Clark, a wildlife rehabilitator, assisted to ensure the accuracy of information presented, and the author is donating a portion of the royalties from the sale of this book to Chris’ Squirrels and More. The story is beautifully illustrated with a great message. I highly recommend Squirrel Rescue.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Woffles – A Fishy Adventure

Bergers Book Reviews

Woffles
By: James Curtis, Nick Curtis
Publisher: CowPat Publishing
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISGN: 978-0-9571058-0-5
Pages: 40
Price: £5.99

Author’s website
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Woffles, a black lab, lives in the countryside near Brick Farm Lakes trout fishery. Known well by teen authors and illustrators James and Nick Curtis, he is the inspiration for Woffles – A Fishy Adventure.

Not your everyday dog, Woffles has a best friend named Pip, loves to ride in cars, and keeps company with the sheep. He especially gets excited when fishermen bring their lunches to the lake, since he likes to snatch a sandwich or two. Woffles certainly knows how to live life to the fullest.

This unique book is a great memento of a nice day of fishing at Brick Farm Lakes. But even if you haven’t visited the fishery to meet Woffles, it’s an entertaining and fun read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, self improvement

Change the World Before Bedtime

Bergers Book Reviews

Change the World Before Bedtime
By:  Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers, and Karen Good
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4238-7
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
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Small acts can’t really make a difference – can they? They sure do! In fact, kids can even change the world through random acts of kindness and social responsibility.

Eating wholesome and nutritious foods start the day off right. Cleaning a park, cheering up a sick friend, visiting the elderly and housebound, and raising money for the less fortunate are just some of the actions encouraged by this book. With colorful and fun illustrations, these ideas generate excitement and enthusiasm for doing good deeds just for the sheer joy.

Kids have tremendous power to make positive changes in the world. And learning these skills early in life will guarantee they will be practiced well into adulthood, for the betterment of all. I highly recommend Change the World Before Bedtime.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children

Beast Friends Forever!

Bergers Book Reviews

Beast Friends Forever
Author: Robert L. Forbes
Illustrator: Ronald Searle
Publisher: Overlook Duckworth
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-59020-808-3
Pages: 80
Price: $19.95

Author’s website
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What happens when animals fall in love? Beast Friends Forever shows us, in humorous rhyme and whimsical illustrations.

Babette the Skunk has created a French perfume to mask females’ skunky scent. Poor Lancelot the Ocelot is in love with Gwenny, but she’s already married to King Art. Squig the Pig is too cool for the ladies who drool over his portly body. And Dapper Dan may not know how to foxtrot, but he sure knows how to make the rest of the moves! These, along with many others, playfully describe the antics of beasts in love.

Beast Friends Forever is a unique and fun Valentine’s Day book, sure to make your loved one smile.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Power of the Penny

Bergers Book Reviews

The Power of the Penny
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
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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)

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!Horton
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 BookSleep
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!

Bergers Book Reviews

We Go Together!
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

Bergers Book Reviews

Pigs in Love
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

Bergers Book Reviews

Beautiful Wild Rose Girl
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