Category: children

children, holiday

The Night Before the Three Bears’ Christmas

Bergers Book Reviews

bearsAuthor: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721120
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

It’s Christmas Eve and Baby Bear hears a knock at the front door. Could it be Santa? But of course not – he’d use the chimney! A poor, orphan skunk has lost his way in the forest and wants to come in for the night. But will Santa be able to find him at the three bears’ house?

This adorable and heart-warming Christmas story of a little orphan skunk and the three bears is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Three Bears’ Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The Fairy and the Chupacabra and Those Marfa Lights

Bergers Book Reviews

chupacabraAuthor: James A. Mangum & Sidney Spires
Publisher: John M. Hardy Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9798391-5-3
Pages: 24
Price: $17.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Javi is a very mischievous fairy. One day, he decides to take a journey to watch the humans in the neighboring village, but he forgets to tell anyone where he is going. While he is there, he meets a young chupacabra – a most-misunderstood creature that looks a lot scarier than he really is.

As nightfall approaches, Javi’s sister Mari is worried that he hasn’t arrived home yet, and she sets out to find him, knowing her parents will worry about both of them if she fails to return. Mari finds Javi, who is now in quite a predicament, and they both make it home safely from their trip.

Written in folk tale style, this charming West Texas fable is accompanied by colorful and vibrant illustrations by James A. Mangum. The first in a series, this bilingual story includes Spanish phrases with a glossary in the back. The Fairy and the Chupacabra and Those Marfa Lights is a delightful tale, suitable for children of all ages.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, crafts, how-to

The Pocket Paper Engineer Vol. 1 & 2

Bergers Book Reviews

popupsAuthor: Carol Barton
Publisher: Popular Kinetics Press
Genre: Crafts / How-to / Children’s
ISBN: 978-0962775208 / 978-0-962775222
Pages: 67 / 72
Price: $24.95 / $26.95

Author’s website
Buy them at Amazon

Pop-up books and cards delight children and adults with their unique and clever designs, but how are these intricate pictures created? If you’ve ever wanted to make one yourself, The Pocket Paper Engineer will show you how.

This set of two volumes focuses on basic pop-up forms, platforms and props in a fully hands-on manner. Designed to be taken apart and used in construction, the pages are sturdy and include pockets to place your finished products. Clear directions and illustrations show you exactly how to put these pop-up designs together, and then explain how to use these newly acquired skills for creations of your own.

The Pocket Paper Engineer is well-designed, and the step-by-step instructions are easy for anyone to follow. I highly recommend these unique how-to books on crafting pop-ups.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

The Night Before the Little Mermaid’s Christmas

Bergers Book Reviews

mermaid1
Author: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721106
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The little mermaid has decorated her home deep under the sea, in the hopes that Santa will pay a visit on Christmas Eve. But can Santa get to her home? How will he ever be able to find her, and if he does, how can he breathe?

This adorable and heart-warming Christmas story of the little mermaid is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Little Mermaid’s Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

The Night Before the Three Pigs’ Christmas

Bergers Book Reviews

pigsAuthor: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721236
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

The three little pigs are all snug in their beds, waiting for Santa Claus to visit their house. But the big bad wolf is hungry and needs to find something to eat. He comes up with a plan to sneak in and catch them so he can have pork for dinner. But he doesn’t count on Santa’s help in rescuing the pigs.

This cute and clever Christmas take on the story of the three little pigs is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Three Pigs’ Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

Elmo’s Christmas Countdown

Bergers Book Reviews

elmoAuthor: Meg McLaughlin
Illustrator: Tom Leigh
Publisher: Dalmatian Press
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 1-40375-013-0
Pages: 24
Price: $3.50

Sesame Street website
Buy it at Amazon

When Santa’s elf crashes his sleigh, it nearly causes a holiday disaster. The Christmas Counter Downer has lost its boxes, and without it, Christmas will be late. But Elmo suggests they make a wish on the Christmas star for the boxes to reappear.

As if by magic, each of the boxes is returned to Santa’s elf in the correct order, counting down from ten to one. And when the last box is returned, they realize a true Christmas miracle has occurred because Christmas will arrive right on time.

Adapted from the original screenplay, Elmo’s Christmas Countdown is a new and fresh Christmas tale that also teaches counting – but in reverse. This fun Sesame Street story will please kids and adults alike.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, holiday

My First Night Before Christmas

Bergers Book Reviews

xmasAuthor: Clement C. Moore
Illustrator: Tom Newsom
Publisher: Piggy Toes Press
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-158117808-1
Pages: 12
Price: $9.95

Buy it at Amazon

The magic of the holiday season is expressed so eloquently through Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” Children of many generations have grown up listening to it read on Christmas Eve, as they await Santa’s arrival. This book was obviously created with that magic in mind.

As a touch and feel and sparkle book, each page has a special decoration to enhance the illustrations. Santa has a soft and cuddly beard and a red satiny jacket. The children sleep with a quilted bed cover. And bright sparkles adorn the Christmas ornaments and Santa’s sleigh.

Solidly constructed with sturdy pages, this book is meant to last, for many enjoyable Christmas memories. My First Night Before Christmas would make a charming addition to any family holiday tradition.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

The DreamStarter Book

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jennifer Karin Sidford
Publisher: Cold Tree Press
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-58385-266-8
Pages: 80
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Children delight in using their imaginations, but seem to spend more and more time watching television and playing video games. One of the ways you can coax them away from pre-programmed entertainment is by using The DreamStarter Book.

This book is a collection of 50 story beginnings, designed to spark curiosity. Each story starter has a protagonist or two and a unique situation, like an open doorway to someplace mysterious, or a curious object. Once the setting is established, children are given the opportunity to take this story wherever they’d like, using their own imagination.

These story starters can be used as a replacement for the traditional bedtime story, letting the child participate in its creation. Or it could be used in a classroom setting, on long car trips, and around a campfire or the dinner table.

Using the imagination stretches the child’s ability to solve problems in other areas, since it gives them the flexibility to explore unseen options. Since this book can be used in a group setting, it also gives children a way to interact with each other in a healthy and productive manner.

The DreamStarter Book would be a wonderful addition to any child’s library.  A fun way for them to be creative, it encourages them to tap into their natural quest for adventure.  And although the author didn’t intend it as such, it’s also a great way for writers to stretch their imaginations – especially those who write for children. The story starters may not lead directly to publishable works, but they might spark some great new ideas.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

They’re Coming For You: Scary Stories That Scream to Be Read

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: O. Penn-Coughin
Publisher: You Come Too Publishing
Genre: Scary Stories / Children
ISBN: 978-0-9816836-0-7
Pages: 127
Price: $5.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Are you afraid to sit by the campfire and listen to ghost stories? Does hearing a scary story make you sleep with the nightlight on? If so, then you’re not ready for this book. Sorry, this book is for ages 9 and up – and it’s not for wimps.

But if you’re sure you’re ready for them, these stories will tickle your scary bone and give you “da chicken skin.” Cemeteries, voices without bodies, and other creepy things in the dark will leave you begging for more. That is, if they haven’t already gotten you yet.

The author, O. Penn-Coughin (a play on “open coffin”), is originally from Argentina, and he has blended some of his own culture into several of the stories. But he is kind enough to translate any of the Spanish words he uses, so none of the meaning is lost. A natural story-teller, he shares these stories with classrooms, and is available for speaking engagements.

Read this book if you dare. Oh, and don’t forget to SCREAM!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

A Happy Day

Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Louise Sheppa Lovett
Publisher: Tish & Company
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9793419-0-8
Pages: 32
Price: $18.50

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Louise Sheppa Lovett wanted a very special book for her daughter, Mary Louise, so in 1924 she created it for her in poems and watercolor. This darling book depicts a happy day in the life of that
little girl.

Life was certainly simpler when this book was originally penned. Pleasures like sweeping the floor, helping mother make a cake, and playing in the yard occupied a young girl’s days. Drawings of items used back then, like a Victrola record player, metal bath tub, and hand-pump kitchen faucet send us back in time with nostalgia.

Simple rhyming poetry is accompanied by pen and watercolor drawings, lovingly restored by the author’s granddaughter, Ellen Anne Chong, and bound in an attractive hardcover. What was once a family treasure is now available for everyone to enjoy.

A history lesson for kids who are playing video games by the time they’ve turned three, A Happy Day will offer a different perspective on childhood activities. And it will bring a smile to mom’s face as she wonders how we’ve slipped so far away from the simple pleasures in life.

Reviewer: Alice Berger