children

Terrance Texter


Author: Marie-Antoinette Burrell
Publisher: Parrhesia Enterprise
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9850263-0-1
Price: $14.95

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We all know it’s not safe to text and drive. In fact, Miss Toadd, the Queen of Mobile Phone Land, has issued a decree against it. But one day Terrance Texter ignores the rules and runs right through the land, not noticing the obstacles in his path.

In a land where everyone has a cell phone, caution must be used when operating cars and machinery. And a warning is given to use texting, tweeting and facebook status updates wisely, since inappropriate messaging can have dire consequences.

Terrance Texter is a nicely illustrated rhyme, but I struggled with the intended age group for this book. While the story preaches to young children, I don’t know how effective the “don’t text and drive” message will be in reaching them. They will have long forgotten a childhood book by the time they receive their driver’s licenses.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, education, science

It’s Raining Fish and Spiders


Author: Bill Evans
Publisher: Tor Forge Books
Genre: Science
ISBN: 978-0-7653-21329
Pages: 240
Price: $18.99

Trailer
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Yes, in some places of the world, it has actually rained fish and spiders! Wouldn’t you love to learn how that’s possible, or what other unusual stuff has fallen from the skies? You can read about those and other weather events in this informative and entertaining book by award-winning meteorologist, Bill Evans.

Weather is a major force in our lives, and we all know its effects can be both beautiful and potentially devastating. Evans’ book explains, in very down-to earth terminology, all types of weather conditions: hurricanes, thunderstorms, blizzards, and drought, to mention just a few. He supplies the reader with succinct explanations of how they form in the atmosphere along with comparisons, fun facts, and other data to help one get the entire picture of each phenomenon.

The book is not just a compilation of boring data; it’s written in such a fashion that holds the reader’s interest making them want to turn each page to learn more. Evans’ style is easy-going and suited for both young folks and adults alike.

Do you know a budding meteorologist? Or someone who is simply fascinated by all kinds of weather? This would be the perfect book to get them started or help stir their curiosity.

Reviewer: Gene Berger

cats, children, education

Fairminded Fran and the Three Small Black Community Cats


Author: Linda Elder
Illustrator: Kathy Abney
Publisher: Foundation For Critical Thinking
Genre: Children / Cats
ISBN: 978-0-94458-347-0
Pages: 48
Price: $9.95

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Fran discovers three small black cats outside her school, foraging at the dumpster. She tries to befriend them, but they’re too scared and run away. Concerned for their well-being, she brings this matter to her teacher. He advises her that they are feral cats, and will never be able to be pets. But with the help of the principal, she and others arrange for their care and neutering.

In this unique book, children are alerted to the plight of homeless feral cats in their neighborhood. They learn about the concept of trap-neuter-return, so the cats won’t continue to reproduce. (See Alley Cat Allies website for more information on this program.) Compassion and caring are encouraged to be sure these small strays will live healthy lives, while their population diminishes.

Along with Fairminded Fran, kids meet Selfish Sam, and Naive Nancy, who have differing opinions on these cats. Critical thinking is used to determine the right way to handle this situation. Fairminded Fran and the Three Small Black Community Cats would be a great classroom resource, not only to let kids know about feral cats, but also to encourage the process of critical thinking. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

art

The Pocket Paper Engineer Vol 3: V-Folds


Author: Carol Barton
Publisher: Popular Kinetics Press
Genre: Art
ISBN: 978-0-9627752-3-9
Pages: 71
Price: $26.95

Author’s website
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Pop up cards are fun to give and receive. Although they look difficult to construct, with the right guidance, the task can be much easier. In The Pocket Paper Engineer Vol. 3, the process of building V-folds is explained in careful detail.

This unique book allows the reader to work with it 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.

Used in conjunction with Pocket Paper Engineer Vol 1 & 2 or by itself, this book will guide you in creating successful pop-up designs of your own. I highly recommend this series.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Song For Papa Crow


Author & Illustrator: Marit Menzin
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4131-1
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

Author’s website
Schiffer Books
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Little Crow wishes he sounded more like the other birds. Their chirps and songs are so pretty. No one will stay with Little Crow when he begins to caw, and only Papa Crow enjoys his child’s song.

One day Mockingbird visits, showing off his ability to mimic the other birds. Little Crow begs Mockingbird to let him in on the secret, and soon he chirps pretty tunes that the others enjoy hearing. But when a hawk threatens Little Crow, he must rely on his own voice to alert Papa Crow to his predicament.

Honoring unique differences can be difficult, especially when they are perceived by others in an unflattering way. But Little Crow learns he is special just as he is, and must embrace the song he despises so much. Paired with colorful collage illustrations, Song For Papa Crow is complemented by fun facts about North American birds and their sounds.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

 

children, holiday

The Night Santa Got Lost: How NORAD Saved Christmas


Author: Michael Keane
Illustrator: Michael Garland
Publisher: Regnery Publishing
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-59698-810-1
Pages: 28
Price: $14.95

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“Twas the night before Christmas at NORAD’s home base,
Not an airman was stirring, each one was in place,
Ready and waiting for the very first sight,
Of good old St. Nick on his Christmas Eve flight.”

So begins this magical tale of Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve, 21st century style. In this delightfully written poem, Santa runs into trouble due to a nasty storm, and NORAD personnel must rush in to save the day. Delivering presents is a simple matter, as these highly trained men are used to helping on a moment’s notice.

Those who have tracked Santa every Christmas Eve at the NORAD Santa website will be delighted to read of how this organization steps in to save Christmas. Children of military families will cheer as they speculate if mom or dad was called in to help. (Of course this is classified information, so they will never know!) And fans of the classic Christmas TV programs will enjoy the illustrations done in this traaditional style.

The Night Santa Got Lost: How NORAD Saved Christmas is one of those unique books that I believe will become a treasured Christmas classic. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

literary

Me’ma and the Great Mountain


Author: Lorin Morgan-Richards
Publisher: A Raven Above Press
Genre: Literary
ISBN: 978-0983002031
Pages: 138
Price: $10.00

Buy it at author’s website

A young girl named Me’ma makes a daring escape when the Baron’s men invade her village. Aided by a wolf named Bright Eye and her two purple leaf dolls, Xetacu and Tchesue, she heads up the river toward the Great Mountain. Grandfather told her that the land beyond was beautiful, free from all cruelty. Me’ma decides this is the place she longs to settle and sets off with determination.

Along the way, she meets some interesting characters: a man with a head that tilts off, and needs to be held in place (he had been hanged), a woman whose body is split in two, and one half falls off the other when not belted securely (she had been sawed in half), and various mounted, stuffed, and skinned animals who have learned the ability to talk. And finally she meets the Baron and his henchmen, face to face, in a great showdown over the Serpent.

While Me’ma journeys toward the Great Mountain, her overriding concern is the for the native people, plants and animals of the area. Respecting nature comes easily to Me’ma, and she wants everyone to be treated safely and fairly. And since the Baron and the Serpent are the enemies of all, Me’ma particularly wants him stopped. Symbolizing the way native peoples were removed from their land, this story reminds us that nothing good can come from such violence. Me’ma and the Great Mountain is a lesson reminding us of our obligation to treat others with fairness and kindness, allowing all to remain free.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Bronto & the Pterodactyl Eggs


Author & Illustrator: Charlotte Vivian Rodenberg
Publisher: Craigmore Creations
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9844422-4-9
Pages: 32
Price: $14.99

Author’s website
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A kind Apatosaurus named Bronto discovers a nest full of Pterodactyl eggs. When he realizes their mother isn’t coming back, he decides he will care for them. But soon the nearby volcano shows signs of erupting, and Bronto must act fast to save his own life, and the lives of these baby Pterodactyls.

In this beautifully illustrated prehistoric tale, children meet a very caring dinosaur, not at all like the scary beasts they might be familiar with. They also learn that it’s possible to think of others and help them, while facing a crisis themselves.

Bronto & the Pterodactyl Eggs is a sweet story. Although I wondered if it was really possible that the eggs could survive to hatch, the positive message of kindness to others made me look past my doubts. Any child who adores dinosaurs will enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children

Dreams Around the World


Author: Takashi Owaki
Publisher: One Peace Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-935548-11-9
Pages: 32
Price: $16.95

Author’s website (Japanese)
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One universal concern of childhood is thoughts of the future. Children all wonder if they will grow up to be what they wish and hope for. In this unique photographic journey around the globe, author Takashi Owaki interviews children about their dreams for their lives.

Visiting Mexico, Russia, China, and Finland, as well as nine other countries, Owaki asks children what they want to be when they grow up. Their answers are surprising and refreshing, and often express the cultural values they live with. Their world is photographed, and a snippet of their daily activities is also included.

Children delight in learning about different cultures. When sharing on a topic dear to their hearts, they enjoy the experience even more. Dreams Around the World will captivate children as they explore new worlds through others’ dreams.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

education, history, mathematics

Mathematics: An Illustrated History of Numbers (Ponderables)


Edited by:  Tom Jackson
Publisher: Shelter Harbor Press
Genre: Mathematics / History
ISBN: 978-0-9853230-4-2
Page: 168
Price: $24.95

Website
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Do you remember with fondness the thrill of mathematical discovery? Your first geometry proof, using pi to calculate areas of circles, the imaginary number i, Pascal’s Triangle, and the Fibonacci Sequence may be distant memories, but the concepts still intrigue you. If you’re a math geek like I am, reading the Ponderables Illustrated History of Numbers is the perfect way to capture the joy you once felt.

Mathematical principles have not always been known. They developed throughout the ages by some of the masterminds of the sciences. In this illustrated history, we learn who was responsible for significant discoveries, and how they came about. One hundred “Ponderables” are presented for our enjoyment and enlightenment.

I have to admit, I am very biased in reviewing this book. I have always loved mathematics. Its perfect logic, symmetry, and order have been constant companions for me. And if you also love this exact science, you’ll love this book. I felt like I had taken a trip back to my favorite high school math classes. This is the perfect gift for any serious math student or your favorite math teacher. And if math isn’t your favorite subject, look for Ponderables in Chemistry, Space, Physics, Philosophy, and Computing.

Reviewer: Alice Berger