If You Were Me and Lived in..China: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World, by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me and Lived in...China ~ A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

Series: If You Were Me and Lived in...

Author: Carole P. Roman

Illustrator: Kelsea Wierenga

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Date: May 14, 2015

Paperback: 30 pages




My Take
I really like this, If You Were Me and Lived in..., series. I think it is the most created line of books that were ever created for children. To have them be able to "travel" from country to country through a book is an awesome way for them to learn. These books are packed with a lot of information. I will honestly say that I have learn quit a bit, from reading these with my child.

If You Were Me and Lived in...China shows a boy and a girl pointing to a world where you would be able to find china on a globe. Inside you will find an outline of China with a star where the capital of China, Beijing, is located. Then, begins the journey into China and all that it offers.

Your child will first lean about the history of China and how it received its name. They will also learn about the vegetation and the amount of people that reside there. Next, they will learn about Beijing and all its glory. From its expressways to its gardens and even the Forbidden City. You will learn about the names of family members, some names of toys, and the currency that is used. I thought the part of history and the giant terracotta was interesting as my daughter just learned about that this year in school. Up next is food, games and holidays, most importantly, the Chinese New Year.

What I like most about these books, besides the wonderful information, is the colourful pages. Also I like how there are one or two pages that have real life pictures mixed with cartoon pictures. I think this gives the reader a really good feel for how something might actually look over there. The pronunciation guide is a nice thing to have in the book too. My daughter has picked up a couple of words from different countries by reading these books. That is always a good thing.

So, if you haven't already heard of this series, which I am sure you have, you need to start purchasing them to have for you child's collection.

About the Author

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswomen. She has successfully run a family business with her husband. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, "Captain No Beard - An Imaginary tale of a Pirate's Life" has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. Three more Captain No Beard books are in the works. Also available, "I Want To Do Yoga Too," a children's introduction to yoga.

A Flag for the Flying Dragon, by Carole P. Roman

Title: A Flag for the Flying Dragon

Series: A Captain No Beard Story

Author: Carole P. Roman

Illustrator: Bonnie Lemaire

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Date: April 9, 2015

Paperback: 46 pages




About the Book
It's business as usual on the Flying Dragon. Their mission is to find a flag for the ship. Captain No Beard sighs, "Being a captain is hard work," as he watches the busy crew preparing the vessel for their next adventure. Polly is giving out pretzels; Linus is polishing a lamp. Matie is cracking coconuts, Cayla is stuffing holes, and Hallie is swabbing the deck. High overhead, trouble is brewing, and it is not the weather. Mongo does not want any help from the newest crew member, and it is creating a hurricane of a mess on board. The team must come together and find a task that will fit Zachary without interfering with their own fun. On the way, they acquire a flag that will unite them as both friends and crew. Join the problem-solving crew of the Flying Dragon as they find a flag for their ship and a job for Zach.


My Take
I really love these books. Every time I get one, my daughter immediately picks it up and starts reading them. It is nice to see a book that is written for children that have learning lessons in them. It is simplistic enough for them to actually understand the lesson themselves.

This time around, the "crew" go out on the seas again. This time, the captain is looking for a flag to be flown from the ship. In the mix of all of this, a new crew member is trying to find his place amongst the crew. Everything that he is told to do doesn't go well. Then finally, the captain finds something for him to do. It is one of the most important jobs.

In this story, the crew learns how to get along. Every place that Zach (the new crew member) tries to help, he makes a mess and doesn't wind up helping. Most of the time, the other crew members don't want him to help. One thing they have to learn is how to all get along and find something for everyone to do. This is what makes a great crew.


About the Author

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Each book has won numerous awards, namely the NABE Pinnacle Award, ERIK Award for 2013, ForeWord Review Five Star, Rebecca Reads, and Reader's Views Children's Book of the Year 2013. Recently it was awarded the Marble Book Award for Best Illustration in a series for Bonnie Lemaire's stunning illustrations.

This complimentary book was given to me by Red Feather Productions for my honest review.

If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico...A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World, by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico

Series: If You Were Me and Lived in...

Author: Carole P. Roman

Paperback: 26 pages

Date: March 22, 2013





About the author: 
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the If You Were Me and Lived in... series, which won the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in 2012. She collaborated on this installment in the series with her five year old grandson, Alexander. Roman also writes the Captain No Beard series, the first of which was named a Kirkus Best of 2012, received a Star of Remarkable Merit, and won The Pinnacle Award in 2012.
  
About the book:
If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico...A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World is the first entry in an informative  and exciting new children's series that focuses on learning and appreciating the many cultures that make up our small planet. Perfect for children from Pre-K to age eight, this book is a groundbreaking new experience in elementary level education. Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.

My take:
I am a big fan of this series. I wish they had books like this when I was young or even if they did, I wish my parents found them. I know my daughter has learned a lot from this series. Every time I hand her one of these books, she comes back with more knowledge than she had before.

Like all the other books, it starts out with a had drawn picture of Mexico and it shows right where Mexico City is located. Then as soon as you turn the page, you see where it is located on the globe. Children will also learn about Mexico City and one of the historic buildings, Palacio de Bellas Artes. You also will learn what some children's names are and how you would address your parents if you lived in Mexico. You also get to learn about the different foods that they eat and the name they use for money. Children will also learn the popular sport that is played and what you would call a doll, if that is something that one liked to play with. There is also information regarding going to school and a famous holiday that they celebrate.

The pictures are just as engaging as the story. The cartoon like colorful characters will no doubt draw your child's attention to the book and keep them engaged in the story. Also, the actual pictures are in cartoon form, not just the characters, which I know a lot of children will like.

Toward the back of the book is a pronunciation guide to help you out with the words that are in another language. So not only do you get to learn about a new country, you can pick up on some of the words and use them in your every day life.

This complementary book was given to me for my honest review.

If You Were Me and Lived in... France: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the Wrold, by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me and Lived in...France

Series: If You Were Me and Lived in...

Author: Carole P. Roman

Publisher: CreateSpace

Date: May 2, 2013

Pages: 26

Ages: 3 - 7

About the author:

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. She just finished the first of six books in a groundbreaking new nonfiction series about culture around the world. "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us.

About the book:

"If You Were Me and Lived in... France: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World" is the second book in Carole P. Roman's remarkable series about countries all over the globe. Roman opens up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would e like from a child's viewpoint, she examines the diversity of the people who make up our planet.

My take:

My daughter is more of a sensory rather than a pencil and paper learner. So, when it came to me wanting her to learn about different countries around the world, the perfect book series is of course, If You Were Me And Lived In...A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World, by Carole P. Roman. 

This time we read the one on France. And like all the other books in this series that we have read, she learned from this one too. She woke up on the 14th of July and said, "Mom, today is a holiday for the people in France. Just like we celebrate the 4th of July, they celebrate on the 14th." I love how she does this.

A big picture of France and its capitol are at the beginning of the book, which is also shown on the next page on an actual globe. I really like how this is done because children are shown where to look on a globe and find it. Just like the other books in this series, this one has the brightly colour pictures with happy cartoon characters all throughout. There are hand drawn pictures of what France looks like and the places there. For example, a flower shop, a bakery, and of course the infamous Eiffel Tower.

The writing is very easy for children to read themselves, which I like very much. The fact that she can read it will give her a better understanding of it versus me reading it to her. The words on the pages go no longer than a small paragraph, so it doesn't make them feel like the book is super long. They learn something new on each page, so they are kept interested in what they are reading. At the end of the book there is a pronunciation guide. I must say, I was looking forward to seeing more french words that my daughter could have learned. All in all, this is a really great book and think you should add it to your collection.

This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Navy!, by Wigu Publishing

Age Range: 6 and up 

Series: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

Paperback: 58 pages

Publisher: Wigu Publishing

Date: April 10, 2014

Like I have stated before, these are really awesome books that everyone should own. With that said, here is my review for the next one in the series.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Navy! is a really great read. It seems likes these books get better and better each time a new title comes out. My daughter and I decided to read this one together. Most of the time I am the one reading and she is just listening, but there is a young girl in this book and she read her part while I read the other character's parts/main story. 

This story is about a young boy name Noah, his grandfather Ed and his sister Marina. Their grandfather decides to take them to visit a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier that has come and docked nearby. They tour it and the grandfather tells of his experiences when he was in the Navy.

Like the other books in the series, there is an educational aspect to the story. While you are reading, you are shown pictures of an actual carrier and the different compartments on it. My daughter and I were amazed at the different levels and compartments on the carrier. We also visualized the length of it and realized they are huge! As you are taken through each level of the carrier by the grandfather, there is a page to the right or left that explains in detail about what you are seeing. I thought it was really neat because it felt as though we were actually on the carrier. They did a really awesome job showing and having you understand everything. Toward the back of the book is a page that shows all the different boats (and their names) that might be part of a carrier strike group, which my daughter gleefully said reminded her of the game Battleship.

The other great part about this story is the fact that the characters are in cartoon form and the rest of the picture is in real life. My daughter thought it was funny how it showed "cartoon people" on a real carrier. The fact that it was very descriptive made it easy for her to truly understand what the book is about and stay involved in the story. And the comedic aspect kept her laughing through the whole story.

We have a cousin who is in the U.S. Navy, so she was able to see everything that he experiences on a day to day basis. The book is not only a great tool to help a child learn about what they can possibly achieve when they grow older, but also help out children who have fathers or mothers in the Navy. 

This book was given to me by Wigu Publishing for my honest review.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...in the U.S. Army!, by Wigu Publishing

 Age Group: 6 and up

Series: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

Paperback: 56 pages

Publisher: Wigu Publishing 

Language: English

Here is another great book to add to the series of When I Grow Up I Want To Be.... I really enjoy reading these books and so does my child. I love that they give her an idea of what is out there. There isn't a limit to what she can become and these books give her a chance to realize this very thing. 

We occasionally talk about what she wants to do when she becomes older, but I have to say, after she started reading this series, I think it really sparked something in her to take a broader look at what is out there and not settle for something typical. It never hurts to start thinking about what you want your life to be like, even though you are young. In this present time, I think it is becoming more and more imperative for one to start thinking about this sooner rather than later.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be... in the U.S. Army! is about a boy named Jake who has to do a school project and decides to do it on being a soldier. The book takes you on the journey of him learning what it all entails. 

Jake's father takes him to a local GI store, which is neat because we have one that I will be able to take my child to so she can see everything that he saw. This is where the book starts to give you background knowledge of what it's like to be a soldier. As Jake sees different things in the store, we learn right along with him what they are, like badges and their rankings, the different positions a soldier can hold (not just for fighting), types of soldiers and their equipment, and training. By the time Jake is ready to give his report, we have learned just as much as he has. There is also a glossary in the back to further explain some of the words that are in the story.

Like the other books in the series, they mix "cartoon" form with real life form. I believe the cartoon form pulls the children in and keeps them reading and the real life form helps them relate to life around them.

This book was really helpful because my child has a cousin that is thinking about joining the army and it gave her a better insight into what he was going to be going through. It would also benefit a child who has a parent in the army. It would also give them a better understanding and help answer any questions that they may have.

Like I stated in all the other reviews, these are awesome books and are very helpful in opening up a whole new learning world for young children.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be... a Firefighter, by Wigu Publishing

Age Group: 6 and up

Series: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

Paperback: 60 pages

Publisher: Wigu Publishing (February 22, 2014)

Language: English



 

I am extremely excited about writing this review. When I told my daughter that I was receiving another When I Grow Up I Want To Be... book, she got really excited. She said, "Yeah, now I can decide what to be when I get older from reading these books." Then she proceeded to list all the different jobs that are out there. How exciting for a parent to hear their child joyously speak about different positions they can possibly hold. That is the great thing about this series, it will spark something in your child that will put a smile on your face.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be... a Firefighter is just as amazing as the other books in this series. This story is about a boy named Will who had the field trip of his dreams. When he first heard his class was going to visit a firehouse he grew very afraid. One of his biggest fears was of fire. How could he possibly enjoy this trip? Unbeknownst to him, he wound up learning a lot about firefighting, as did I while reading the book.

Just like the other books, this one has the cartoon character kids placed in real life pictorial scenes. It also has pictures of firefighters in action along with informational pages. I have to say, two informational pages that I think are the most amazing are the one that actually shows and labels a fire station and the one that shows and labels a firefighter's gear. Now, if you have a child that wants to be a firefighter or loves fire trucks, they are going to love the pages that not only show the different kinds of fire trucks, but also tells you what they are called. Another learning lesson for me. Most importantly are the pages that contain the home fire safety checklist and the one that shows you how to create your own home fire escape plan. It was written in such simplistic terms that my child was able to go around our house by herself and utilize these two important pages.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be... a Firefighter has given my daughter a better understanding of what it takes to be a firefighter. It not only shows her the "fun" part of the job, but also the seriousness of it also. I highly recommend not only this book, but this series for any parent who has a child learning about different jobs, active imagination, or one who just likes to learn.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Pirate Treasure: Traveling Trunk Adventure, by Benjamin Flinders

Title: Pirate Treasure

Series: Traveling Trunk Adventure (Book 1)

Publisher: Flinders Press (September 1, 2010)

Pages: 111

Age Range: 7 - 9 years

Grade Level: 2 - 4

Language: English

When you were a young child, did you have a strong imagination? I know I did. Or possibly you have a child that has one. One thing a lot of young children imagine is being a pirate. That is what two young boys in the book, Pirate Treasure: Traveling Trunk Adventure, by Benjamin Flinders get to experience in this amazing story.

Ethan and Dallin are two young brothers who share a room. They enjoy imagination and playing together. This is the reason why their parents got them bunk beds that look like branches growing out of a tree. And when Ethan, the older brother, would get out of bed (the top bunk) he would swing from a rope to get down. How cool would that be? I know my daughter would love that.

The journey in this book begins when Ethan and Dallin's father comes home from a business trip and brings them a treasure chest to put in their bedroom. When their younger sister knocks on the door to play, the decide to hide in the chest so she cannot find them. While in the chest, they hear funny noises that shouldn't come from a bedroom. Upon opening the chest, they realize they are no longer in their room, but on a ship, a pirate ship at that.

At first, the pirates don't take too kindly to Ethan and Dallin. First for being stowaways on the ship and secondly, for having a "magic" watch. They are told that they have to walk the plank because of this. Luckily, they talk their way out of it and get thrown in "jail" instead.

After going through different adventures on the ship, they wind up on shore with the captain at his house. They find out the treasure chest can take them to different places and times, but only when adults aren't around. Once they make it home, they realize this was the best gift their father has ever given them.

Pirates Treasure is the first book in the Traveling Trunk Series. The other books: The Lost City of Atlantis, Excalibur and California Gold Rush. At the end of each book, there is some sort of learning tool. At the back of Pirate Treasure is Dallin's Pirate Dictionary. The pages cover different pirate terms that you find in the book.

I think Pirate Treasure is a really cute book and if you have a child that likes adventures, this is a book for them to add to their shelf.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be... a Teacher! - Wigu Publishing

 Title: When I Grow Up I Want To Be... a Teacher!

Age Range: 6 and up  

Series: When I Grow Up I Want To Be... 

Paperback: 60 pages 

Publisher: Wigu Publishing

About the book: Carlee always wanted to be a teacher when she grew up, until her mother is hired as a teacher at her school! Some of her friends are even in her mother's class. Carlee is worried. What will her friends say? Will her mother do something to embarrass her? Carlee vows never to become a teacher like her mother, but as she journeys through the first day of school with her own new teacher, Carlee makes some surprising discoveries.

My review: When I was younger, my mother taught at my school. Unlike Carlee, I actually loved her being there. But it does make me wonder what my daughter has thought about me going to her different classrooms and volunteering. Seeing how I am in the room she is in and not just on the campus. 

Off the bat, I can tell you my daughter absolutely loved this book. When she saw the book after I had pulled it out of the mailing envelope, she immediately said, "Wow, can I read that?" and sat down and started to read it. The illustrations on the cover with the young girl and her backpack, I believe is what drew my daughter's attention to the book. It made it relatable for her. The illustrations inside the book follow the same pattern where Carlee and her friends are in cartoon form and other things are real. Another thing that I felt made this book very interesting is that it has little sections of information on actual people. For instance, when Carlee's teacher is speaking about geography, there is a page about different travelers and all of their information, i.e. Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, and Lewis and Clark. Each time Carlee learns about something new, the reader also is treated to learning something new with a page showing historical people and what made them famous. Whether the reader realizes it or not, they are taken on a learning journey with Carlee.

When I Grow Up I Want To Be... a Teacher! is part of a series of books that let children know that there are an endless number of things waiting for them to explore in their future. I believe that every family should have this series in their home so that their children can be able to understand that there are options out there and other kids (like the girl in the book) are going through the same thing as they are when trying to decide what their future holds. As I stated before, the book is exceptionally illustrated and wonderfully written.

This book was given to me for my honest review.

Horses: Kids book of fun facts & amazing pictures on animals in nature (Animals of The World Series), by Kate K. Garcia

When offered a chance to write a review on this book, I quickly accepted. I knew my daughter would be thrilled to be able to sit and read a book about horses. Of course, every little girl loves horses and some little boys too. So, if you are one of them, you are going to want to check out a great children's book called Horses: Kids book of fun facts & amazing pictures on animals in nature (Animals of The World Series), by Kate K. Garcia.

     The book starts off with a basic history of horses. It goes as far back as when the first horse was domesticated and where. She then breaks it down into different sections like, eyes, nose, tail, teeth, legs, body color, and caring for the horse. With each section, she has multiple pictures to help your child or you follow along. And under each picture is a small synopsis to help you understand even more about each topic.

     I must say, I really enjoyed the book. One thing I'm not too keen on is the length. It is really short. I know it is for young children, but if all the pictures were taken out, there wouldn't be much to the book. I felt as though she could have elaborated a little more on the information that she presented.

     So, if you are looking for a great introduction book on horses this is a good one to include in your collection. You don't have to be a horse lover to enjoy this book. If the pictures alone don't draw you in, all the information she has to go with them will keep you interested.

Lily Hates Goodbyes, by Jerilyn Marler

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (March 8, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 146096070X

ISBN-13: 978-1460960707

Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 8.2 x 0.1 inches

Do you have a child who has to deal with a parent coming and going because of a job? Whether it is because they are a Truck Driver, in the Military, or an Airplane Pilot, they have gaps in being at home. Does your son or daughter have a hard time dealing with it? Well, if so, I have the perfect book for them. Lily Hates Goodbyes, by Jerilyn Marler and illustrated by Nathan Stoltenberg is about a little girl who has to deal with her father being gone all the time.

Lily is a little girl who doesn't quite know how to deal with the fact that her father isn't always around. Sometimes she gets angry and sometimes she is just plain sad. Because he is in the military, he isn't able to be at home with them like she wants him to. So, she has to learn different ways to deal with all her feelings. For instance, she draws pictures for him, punches pillows to get her frustrations out, keeps track of how long it will take him to come home with a calendar/sticker project, and creates songs for him on their piano.

This book was created to help your child realize that having these feelings is okay and that there are different ways of dealing with them. It also shows the parent how to use the book in order to help the particular child deal with their feelings.

When my daughter got home from school and saw this book, she immediately picked it up and started to read it. She didn't put it down until she was done. I asked her what she thought about the book and she told me that she really liked it. She actually sat there and told me what the book was about, from beginning to end. I honestly believe the simplicity of the storyline and the great illustrations kept her engaged in it.

If you have a child who doesn't quite understand how to deal with a parent's infrequent absents, then Lily Hates Goodbyes is the book for them.

I thank Jerilyn Marler and Bostick Communications for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Mubu & Mu-Mu (The Little Animal Doctor), by Peter Alexander

Mubu & Mu-Mu

The Little Animal Doctor

(click to proceed to website)

I really love reading children's books. I am sure you have read this before, but I do. I was given the opportunity to read and review a book called Mubu & Mu-Mu. I must say, after reading it, I was glad the opportunity was given.

Mubu is a little girl who lives in Thailand with her mother and grandfather. Most of her life is filled with fun and adventure. She spends most of her time playing with animals, running through a forest, etc. The one thing she likes the most is the she has been able to take certain animals under her wing and raise them as her own.

One day, Mubu's grandfather went into the forest to look for some herbs and came back with a gibbon. It was hurt and needed to be taken care of. So her grandfather instructed her on what to do. Of course, like most little kids, she did not listen to his three rules and almost got hurt along with the gibbon.

This story teaches children what happens when they don't listen to adults and how important it is to follow rules. It also shows them about life in another country.

The art in the book is also just as great as the story. The colors are vibrant and kind of pop of the page. The detail is right on point, which also helps to draw you into the story. Another wonderful aspect of this book is the little synopsis and pictures of Mubu as a child and all grown up.

I say people should own a lot of books because I love reading, but I really think this one is one that all kids should own.

I thank Bostick Communications and Kennebec Entertainment LLC for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob (Blue Ocean Bob Discovers His Purpose), by Brooks Olbrys

THE ADVENTURES OF

BLUE OCEAN BOB

(Click title to go to website)

I am a big fan of children books. I try to collect as many as I can for my daughter to read. I love to read. I am trying to get her to become one of those kids that love to read also. So far, I am proving to be successful.

This book is a great book. First, the story is written in the form of a poem. This makes it easy for kids to read and a great way to keep them interested because of the flow. Secondly, the illustrations are magnificent. They are brightly colored and percisely drawn. They pop out of the book as though they are real and not just a drawing that someone created. Thirdly, and most important, is the story. It lets children know that no matter what, they can achieve whatever they put their minds to.

Bob is a young boy who wants to figure out what he can do in life. Even though he lives on a beautiful island, he figures there is more to life than what he sees. His friend and companion, Xena - a bird, is concerned about him and the adventure he is about to take. But no one can change his mind and he sets out on this adventure. After asking a couple of sea creatures some questions, he makes up his mind about what he wants to be.

If you want to teach your child about believing and achieving a dream, then you should add this book to their bookshelf. I thought it was wonderful and think that anyone can learn a lesson from it. My daughter loved reading it and enjoyed looking at the pictures too. I highly recommend this book for every child to own.

Thanks to Brooks Olbrys for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Little Liza Freeze and the Magical Ice Cream Cone Tree, by Barbara Walker

About the book:

Little Liza Freeze and the Magical Ice Cream Cone Tree by Barbara Walker
ISBN: 978-1439243343
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Date of publish: Nov 17, 2009
Pages: 34
S.R.P.:$14.99

When Liza Freeze prepared to move to a new town, she expected one thing to remain exactly the same: that her shyness would prevent her from making friends. But her new home, Chill Junction, turned out to be a magical place where wishes come true. Liza soon asks for a magical ice cream cone tree that will bring children together and help make her new friends. The tree appears and children flock to Liza's yard, excited to meet her and play in front of the colorful tree.

About the author:

Barbara Walker is a care giver and writer. A recent graduate of the Children's Institute of Literature in West Redding, CT., Walker is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and illustrators. She resides in Oak Park where she is currently working on other projects.

My view:
I think this is a really cute book. The story line is a great one that every child who is moving to a new town could identify with. This book will allow a child to feel comfortable with the idea of moving and meeting new friends all over again. Also, the illustrations are drawn as though a little child drew them. I feel this can help them identify with and also stay intrigued when read the story.

The Adventures of Isaiah James: Beach Boy, by Sabrina K. Carpenter

About the book:

The Adventures of Isaiah James: Beach Boy by Sabrina K. Carpenter

ISBN: 978-0982773710

Publisher: Perfected Pen Publishing

Date of publish: Sept 25, 2010

Pages: 30

S.R.P.: $12.95

About the author:

Sabrina Carpenter is originally from Connecticut and currently resides in Vero Beach, Florida. She is the business owner of both Perfected Pen and Perfected Pen Publishing and strives to continually act as an advocate for children, education and non-profit organizations.

My thoughts:

Some say good children books are hard to find. I believe this to be true at times. Well, I just recently read a really cute children's book, The Adventures of Isaiah James: Beach Boy, by Sabrina K. Carpenter.

This story is about a little boy who's parents decide to take him on a trip, which happens to be a surprise. He eagerly wakes up and tries to figure out where they are going to go. Once he is given some clues as to what to pack, he realizes they are going to the beach. After they arrive, he sees beach balls, makes a sand castle, plays with crabs, etc. They realize how much fun they have had and then decide to go home.

This is a really cute book. It is a very well written story. Every young child should enjoy this story along with the beautiful, soft, colorful graphics that accompany it. I believe every child should have this book on their shelf, along with the rest of the stories that will come with this series.

I thank Bostick Communications and Sabrina K. Carpenter for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

"Big Red" Holy Bible - Contemporary 3-D Art, by Tommy Nelson

How old were you when you received your first Bible? Did it come from a parent or from a Bible class? Back when I was younger, the Bibles for kids weren't all that appealing. There were just the typical small little New Testament only books. Well, Thomas Nelson has come out with a really great revision of their International Children's Bible. It is the Big Red Holy Bible - Contemporary 3-D Art.  

When I first received this Bible I was in awe. First of all, the cover itself is very attractive. It has sparkly colors on the front and a couple of 3-D pictures of some of the Bible stories inside. The picture of Jesus in 3-D is also done very well. The way the Bible is translated for the kids to read is great also. My daughter is only 7 years old and she is able to read and understand it all by herself without my help. As stated before, the 3-D pictures are beautiful. They stand out and the detail in them are true to life. I caught myself looking at them over and over again and wishing that they had more. Also in the back of the Bible is a dictionary, Where do I find it?, a section of God's promises, memory verses, and a couple of maps.

I think this is a great Bible and highly recommend it for every kid to have. It is stated that it is for a Grade 3 reading level, but like I said, my daughter is 7 and can read and understand it on her own.

This book was given to me by Thomas Nelson for an honest review.