Bergers Book Reviews

A series of educational books by Tick Tock Books featuring level two reading. A brief summary of the books and their word focus are included below. This is a fun series kids will enjoy, while also learning how to read. See level one information here.

Wish Fish
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Katie May
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-755-5
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-A: Meg catches a wish fish. When she and Tim get their wishes, problems arise with a crafty fox.
Focuses on the sh sound.

Chuck and Duck
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Ann Johns
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-756-2
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-B: Chuck meets a duck, who follows him around, but his friend, Fred, thinks he’s a bad pet. Duck thinks otherwise. Focuses on the ch sound.

That Dog!
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Vian Oelofsen
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-757-9
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-C: Chip is a naughty dog. Good thing he’s at camp when Tim gets lost!
Focuses on the th sound.

Beth and the Bugs
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Ann Johns
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-758-6
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-D: Beth wants to find bugs with her class, but she has no luck. But then she looks in her snack bag and gets a surprise. Focuses on the th sound.

Let’s Go to the Swings
Author: Lucy George
Illustrator: Andrew Geeson
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-759-3
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-E: Anna and Kit play on the swings, while the dog explores.
Focuses on the ng sound.

Pink Bunny
Author: Lucy George
Illustrator: Valentina Mendicino
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-760-9
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-F: Bunny has a run-in with a can of pink paint and needs a bath. Then dog the dog runs into the same problem. Focuses on the nk sound.

The Busy Lunch
Author: Melanie Hamm
Illustrator: Stefania Maragna
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-761-6
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-G: Dog and Rat visit Rabbit for lunch, but Rabbit doesn’t have a table, chairs or food! His friends have to help him out. Focuses on the sounds in the previous level two books.

Kyle in Trouble
Author: Melanie Hamm
Illustrator: Sue King
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-762-3
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-H: Kyle’s boat is attacked by a shark. He’s glad his friend, Rich, is around to help.
Focuses on the le sound as in trouble.

business, crafts

How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell

May 13, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: James Dillehay
Publisher: Warm Snow Publishers
Genre: Small Business / Arts & Crafts
ISBN: 978-0-9710684-7-6
Pages: 132
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Being profitable in a small arts & crafts business is not a matter of luck. There is a system to pricing merchandise to encourage people to buy your crafts. While covering your own cost to produce the item is important, there are other factors involved in making sure you get the best price for your merchandise.

James Dillehay is a craft artist, gallery owner, and author of nine respected finance books on this subject. In this book, he offers suggestions for an arts & crafts business owner to be successful. Topics such as studying the market and pricing your items appropriately, increasing perceived value, determining the cost per unit and your target profit margin, where to sell your merchandise, how to buy your supplies more cheaply, and working more efficiently are all covered in depth.

As an accountant, I reviewed the financial calculations and strategies closely, and Dillehay is accurate in his advice. However, in the realm of taxes, I would advise caution and the guidance of a tax professional, before implementing some of the suggestions offered. How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell is a wealth of information that can ensure your small business is successful and profitable.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

animals, children

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries

May 8, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jennifer Keats Curtis
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-1-60718-6236
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

What happens to wild animals when they are no longer wild? Sometimes people keep exotic pets until they get too big, and then they need to find a new home for them. Other animals become injured and no longer able to fend for themselves. These animals can be cared for in animal sanctuaries.

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries is a photographic journey to some of the sanctuaries providing homes for wild animals in the United States. Sharing some of the animals’ stories, it explains how they came to be living there and what kind of care they are receiving. Animals need food, shelter, veterinary care, and even mental stimulation and enrichment, and all of these are offered to them in the sanctuaries.

In a perfect world, all wild animals would roam freely, with no need of sanctuaries. But these safe havens give some animals a second chance at life, even though they won’t be living in their natural habitat. This interesting and informative book explains the importance of sanctuaries in caring for wild animals who can no longer return to the wild.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, fitness

Don’t Be a Schwoe: Fitness

May 6, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Barbara E. Mauzy
Illustrator: Bob Stuhmer
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4295-0
Pages:64
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
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In the land of Par-zee-no live the Schwoes. One of these, a boy named Franklin, is overweight. His many chins sag and his tummy shakes like a bowl of Jell-o. Franklin likes to eat… and eat… and eat.

One day his parents take Franklin to the doctor, who suggests Franklin exercise more and eat less. Then he whispers something in Franklin’s ear that makes him smile. Franklin decides to follow the doctor’s suggestions, and makes significant changes in his life. Motivated by the prize the doctor promised him, he returns to normal size, fit and healthy.

Don’t Be a Schwoe: Fitness is a story about an overweight Schwoe who makes healthy changes in his life to become fit. But these changes wouldn’t happen as quickly and easily as they’re presented in this book. An overweight child would face many obstacles to losing weight that aren’t addressed. I would rather see Franklin overcome these obstacles in his weight-loss journey, instead of jumping into this new lifestyle willingly and effortlessly.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

mystery

Mixed Signals

May 3, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Jane Tesh
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0061-8
Pages: 250
Price: $24.95

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

When David Randall, private investigator, and his psychic friend, Camden, visit Jared Hunter’s house for a little construction work, they are surprised to find him brutally murdered in his garage. But even more disturbing is the way Camden is emotionally connected with Jared’s killer. Only two suspects are being considered, but Camden knows both are innocent. Randall is determined to find the killer and make sure the police don’t arrest the wrong person.

As the he gets more involved in the investigation, Randall explores the circumstances surrounding the case. Several crimes in the downtown area, which may or may not have been thwarted by the amateur superhero, the Parkland Avenger, may be connected. A museum break-in that Jared had participated in may shed some light. And what, if anything, does the Parkland Herald have to do with the murder?

Mixed Signals is a nice cozy mystery with some great characters. However, since this is the sequel to Stolen Hearts, it may be wise to read this series in order to fully understand and appreciate the interactions between them. Quirky and amusing scenes make this a fun read with a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, education

I Love Reading Phonics: Tick Tock Books – Level 1

April 25, 2013May 21, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

A series of educational books by Tick Tock Books featuring level one reading. A brief summary of the books and their word focus are included below. This is a fun series kids will enjoy, while also learning how to read.

Title: Bad Rat
Author: Karen Wallace
Illustrator: Rachael O’Neill
ISBN: 978-1-84898-747-0
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-A: Bad Rat has stolen Pig’s bun. Fat Cat helps him get it back.
Told in single-syllable words. Most are consonant-vowel-consonant.

Title: Top Dog
Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Illustrator: Vian Oelofsen
ISBN: 978-1-84898-748-7
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

Buy it at Amazon

Lebel I-B: Dogs compete in the show. The poodle shows off and wins top dog.
Focuses on certain consonants. Introduces two-syllable words and the silent e.

Title: A Duck in Luck
Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Illustrator: Florencia Denis
ISBN: 978-1-84898-749-4
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-C: Nick the duck wants to play, but no one wants to join him. Maybe his friend, Jova, will play.
Focuses on qu, x, ff, ss, zz, and ck sounds.

Title: The Best Gift
Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Illustrator: Florencia Denis
ISBN: 978-1-84898-750-0
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-D: Bess wants to marry the man who gives her the best gift. Jack wins with Sam’s help.
Focuses on consonant-vowell-consonant-consonant words

Title: Bret and Grandma’s Trip
Author: Isabel Crawford
Illustrator: Sue King
ISBN: 978-1-84898-751-7
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-E: Bret and Grandma take a trip to the shore. They catch lots of crabs.
Focuses on consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant words.

Title: Clint and Grant Play I Spy
Author: Isabel Crawford
Illustrator: Stefania Maragna
ISBN: 978-1-84898-752-4
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-F: What do Clint and Grant see? You’ll have to read to find out.
Focuses on consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant words.

Title: Cowboy’s Star
Author: Louise Goodman
Illustrator: Alex Paterson
ISBN: 978-1-84898-753-1
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-G: Cowboy wants a star, but a man wants to steal it from him. Dog helps him stop the bandit.
Focuses on two-syllable words with consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant pattern.

Title: A Dragon in the Sandbox
Author: Louise Goodman
Illustrator: Inna Chernyak
ISBN: 978-1-84898-754-8
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-H: Lots of characters join a boy in the magic sandbox including a dragon and his dad.
Focuses on more complicated two-syllable words following the patterns learned in previous lessons.

romance

The Rose Ring

April 24, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Anne Faye
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 9781482758214
Pages: 170
Price: $9.99

Author’s website
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Julia Manning is happy with her simple life. She has a job in a bookstore, volunteer work at the nursing home, and a quiet apartment. After being dumped at the altar ten years ago by Zach Richards, she has no intention of ever loving again or getting married. And now she is determined to solve the mystery behind a rose ring that one of the nursing home residents claims was once hers.

So when her mom arranges a date with a man she couldn’t tolerate when she was younger, Julia is less than thrilled. And when Zach suddenly appears out of nowhere, she doesn’t know how she’ll cope, especially when he ends up working at the bookstore with her.

Zach’s behavior when she first meets him is not praiseworthy. He is dating a questionable woman and he shows very little remorse for leaving Julia in her predicament. As Julia delves deeper into the mystery of the rose ring, she discovers a love that was once strong, but was ultimately lost. Would Julia also be throwing away her own love for Zach by not choosing to forgive?

The Rose Ring is a nice love story told from two perspectives. Although only one leads to a happy ending, the other brings a sweet sense of closure and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Princess April Morning-Glory

April 23, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Letitia Fairbanks
Publisher: Sandramantos Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0988784802
Pages: 66
Price: $24.00

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

What kind of a world would you create if you had to do three good deeds to make it home again? Princess April Morning-Glory has ventured out of the safety of Fairlyland, and desperately wants to go home. But the wizard has told her that she must first perform three good deeds. As she wanders around the Great World, the Fairy Misery attempts to thwart her efforts.

Princess April is a kind fairy girl, and soon finds those along her way who need her help. But once she has finished her good deeds, Fairy Misery finds her and whisks her away to her castle. Then it will take someone else’s good deed to rescue her.

Princess April Morning-Glory is a sweet story with an unusual history. Created in 1939 by Letitia Fairbanks, daughter of Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, it uses Hollywood characters as inspiration for the illustrations. The text is printed in artful calligraphy with stunning drawings throughout. The message of this tale and the beauty of the illustrations make this book a great addition to any girl’s library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Shadows On My Wall

April 22, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author & Illustrator: Timothy Young
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4224-0
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
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Street lights outside make shadows on a boy’s wall. Some of the shadows seem threatening, and he gets scared. Pirates, dinosaurs, and aliens appear, and his first reaction is to hide under the bed. But when he realizes he can play with the shadows, he loses his fear and starts to enjoy seeing them.

Shadows On My Wall is a great book on conquering fears. Rather than letting his fears control him, this boy makes up his mind to first face them head-on, and then turn them into something fun. In addition to the story, a guide is provided on how to make shadow images with your hands.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

teen

Speechless

April 18, 2013 Bergers Book Reviews

Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-0-373-21052-7
Pages: 288
Price: $9.99

Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon

Chelsea Knot has just said some things she wishes she hadn’t, with dire consequences. She can’t undo the past, so she tries to make the future different – by not saying anything at all. Taking a vow of silence, she determines that no one else will ever suffer from her lack of discretion.

After this horrifying episode, she is no longer one of the popular girls – a status she’s come to take for granted. And not only isn’t she one of them, she’s also become the brunt of their hostility. Remaining silent will take every ounce of energy she has. But she doesn’t anticipate that one girl won’t hold everything against her, and that she’ll find a whole new set of friends.

Chelsea is a self-absorbed teen who has never given a thought to how she treats people. But after this experience, she awakens to the idea that everyone deserves acceptance and respect, no matter how different. Speechless is an absorbing tale of Chelsea’s transformation from a selfish girl to someone who really cares about others. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger