Review: Two for Joy

Product Details Age Range: 7 - 10 years Grade Level: 2 - 5 Hardcover: 96 pages Publisher: Candlewick (June 9, 2015) Language: English ISBN-10: 0763630101 ISBN-13: 978-0763630102

 About This Book

When an adored—and very independent—aunt suffers a fall and comes to live with them, Jenna and her mom discover what makes a family bond unbreakable.

Eight-year-old Jenna is dreaming of playing Olympic soccer when the phone call wakes her. Great-Great Aunt Tannie has broken her ankle, and Jenna’s worried mom decides Tannie should move in with them. Tannie is no delicate old lady—she does heavy chores on her Virginia farm, drives a huge pickup, and even rides her own motorcycle. Plus she’s full of joie de vivre, given to kicking a soccer ball and teaching Jenna all about the birds she’s collected on her life list. Jenna’s excited to have her favorite aunt and cat, Butt, come to stay, but with so many changes to get used to, tempers around the house soon start to flare. Maybe with all the caring and being taken care of, they’ve forgotten what Tannie is still so good at—and neglected to have any fun. In a familiar story told through a child’s eyes, Gigi Amateau reminds us that everyone needs help sometimes, especially those who least expect it.

The Friday #56

"Butt! Butt! Baby-Butt!" I called under the sofa. Then I made a kissing sound; I walked all through the house; Butt did not come out."

My Thoughts

This is a nice book for young girls to discover the joy and insights in caring for the elderly, especially when the family member lives in your home. At first, Aunt Tannie doesn't want to leave her large beautiful ranch but the young girl Jenna, and her mom lovingly persuade their great aunt to live with them. Facing a painful broken ankle injury, Aunt Tannie realizes and patiently surrenders to the idea of family support.  Woven throughout the story are difficult issues of emotions for everyone to face, like asking for help and yielding to one another's needs when you don't feel like it or just too busy. Children of multigenerational families will relate to Jenna's attraction to Aunt Tannie's cat, and together their love of soccer and bird watching. Throughout the short easy to read book, you'll find many pencil sketched illustrations to enhance the story. Overall, it's a good book for grades 2-5.

4/5 stars.

About The Author

Gigi Amateau's first book for young adults, Claiming Georgia Tate, was published by Candlewick Press in 2005. That title was selected as a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age and hailed by author Judy Blume: "It's rare and exciting to discover a talented new writer like Gigi Amateau." The Wall Street Journal called the book "an ambitious push into the young adult market."

She is also the author of A Certain Strain of Peculiar, a Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, and Chancey of the Maury River, A William Allen White Masters list title for grades 3-5. Come August, Come Freedom, her first work of historical fiction, was named a 2013 Jefferson Cup Honor title and chosen by Bank Street College as a Best Children's Book of the Year. In 2012, Gigi received a Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts from Richmond magazine.









“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis
© copyright 2015 – All rights reserved
LadyD Books

Blog Tour and Review: Superluke Faces His Bully

For ages 7-12

How would you like to feel brave and strong?

"Have you ever been bullied?  Or maybe you have bullied someone.  If you have never been either of these, I’ll bet that you have witnessed someone being bullied.

If we listen to and see bad things, it can make us mean and scared. The things I see and hear are like spiritual food that can change my attitude. God doesn't want His children hurt by bullies.

     "SuperLuke Faces His Bully", the second in the GiggleHeart Adventures series, takes us on a journey into the heart of a bully.  It then explores how to handle the bully from a Biblical perspective." Giggleheart.com

Super Luke Faces His Bully is a fun loving adventure spoken straight from the heart of a super-sweet eight-year-old bully victim, Luke Giggleheart.   The Word of God is used as a lens to examine some of the issues that can make a person act like either a bully or a victim. During this adventure, Luke, our tender-hearted bully victim, learns about fear, being courageous and getting adults to help, while praying for his enemies.

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com

 

Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell

Dr. Jackie Chirco Cogswell is a family physician, wife, mother, former school teacher, and author of a series of Christian children’s novels, the GiggleHeart™ Adventure Series. As a Christian mother, the issue of bullying became personal to her when her son was bullied at school. Through the many struggles her son had with bullies, Dr. Jackie learned from firsthand experience how to tackle bullying from a Biblical perspective. “Super Luke Faces His Bully” was inspired by her son’s personal struggle and the good Lord Who equips us for every battle and gives us strength.”
 

Excerpt:

"That day, my bully left me with a humongous problem.  Ever since I was two years old I wanted to be a superhero.  In fact, I used to stand in front of the mirror in my diaper, squeezing my muscles hoping they would someday be strong enough to turn me into a real super dude.  Now that I have strong muscles and a cool cape, I love playing Super Luke and saving my friends and family from big bad bullies.  But after getting stuffed into my locker, I know that it takes a lot more than a good looking cape, a superhero name and big muscles to make me strong and brave!  Learning how to be a real superhero is a major growing pain." -- Page 13

 My Review

I give kudos to Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell for writing a subject that is so relevant for today and greatly needed to assist young people. When I picked up this book, I was expecting a story more like the last one. Then I kept reading and soon discovered that this was over the top! The author did an excellent job; another beautiful book from Jackie. Valuable websites listed in the end notes for more information on bullying.

I enjoyed the character of Luke Michael Giggleheart, a sweet and shy 8-year-old boy and his friend Mario Martinez. Luke is not too sure how to handle the school bully Harry Jones, also known as Bulldog Jones, who is a mean 10-year-old. 

 The story begins with Luke experiencing one of his biggest fears, being stuffed inside a school locker by the local bully. Along the way, Luke meets a lion, a tiger and an angel with much excitement from dreams to pictures in his head, like a TV screen, where everything gets recorded. Then one day Luke becomes very brave and strong; finding his identity, purpose and value in Jesus.

This is a great book with a wonderful message, teaching on repentance and grace, connecting with God's heart, and having joy. I will be adding it to my "favorites." I highly recommend this one to all kids who have had an encounter with a bully at school, on the bus or in your neighborhood. Learn what the Bible says about fear, lying, attitudes and bullies in a super-fun and giggly way!

***** stars!

You may be interested in reading my review of the author's first book, A Heart Ready to Fly!  (GiggleHeart #1) 

Giveaway!

Dr. Jackie C. Cogswell will be giving one lucky winner a print copy of Super Luke Faces His Bully as well as a print copy of A Heart Ready to Fly!  To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below.  U.S. addresses only, please. Giveaway Form

Thanks Cheryl Malandrinos for the opportunity to review this very cool book.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: The Violin's Magical Melody (Scribbles and Friends)

The Violin's Magical Melody with Audio Book CD

It's Book Sharing Monday!

Product Description

Scribbles and his two friends Tiger and Gemma look forward to entering Greenvale County's annual kite race. However, their excitement fades after the mischievous Skunk Brothers, Randy, and Riley, plant seeds of doubt and fear in the minds of the three friends. Wanting desperately to run and hide until after the race, a talking blanket named Jorey appears and offers to take them to Imagination Land, a delightful place "Where Your Imagination Makes All Your Dreams Possible." Once there, they meet a teary-eyed musical prodigy, named Harmony, who has a terrible case of stage fright. Harmony believes the only way she will be able to perform is if she plays with an enchanted musical instrument. Vowing to help their new friend find her confidence, Scribbles, Tiger, Gemma, and Jorey accompany Harmony on an exciting adventure through Imagination Land in search of the legendary magical violin.

Scribbles & Friends Imagination Blanket Series

Product Details                                  

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: PediNatural (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982729448
• ISBN-13: 978-0982729441

Have a look and listen for yourself. I LOVE the music! It's so upbeat and alive!

If you're interested in the storyline, you can hear the audio book CD on YouTube.com  The violin is an amazing instrument and one of the most challenging to play!

My Review

Scribbles & Friends (The Imagination Blanket Series) is a wonderful, educational children's book. The author, Terica Lynn Swangin has brilliantly combined friendship, feelings, family, and music into one dynamic book. Parents and children will enjoy reading many of life's valuable lessons woven with courage and imagination. 

The illustrations by Maa Designs Limited capture the main character, Scribbles and secondary characters such as  Harmony, Tiger, Gemma and Riley & Randy who are warm and lovable amongst colorful surroundings. Jorey, The Imagination Blanket, is one of my favorite characters.

I was so impressed with this heartfelt story. It begins with an annual kite race, along with Scribble's parents affirming and nurturing ways of encouraging Scribbles to do his best. Plus, the winner receives their favorite ice cream sundae from Madame Moo. The seeds of doubt arise with heckles from the peers but the story takes a delightful turn and the journey of adventures begin throughout Imagination Land... "Where your imagination makes all your dreams possible."

Children will discover Harmony, a girl puppy whom I love dearly. Her feelings of vulnerability are shared here regarding her lack of confidence that her melody played on the violin will not be special enough to win. Haven't we all felt that way at times, no matter our age or what we're going through? I love this universal hook and I am pleased that my grandchildren turn the pages ever so quickly to find out what happens next. Wait 'til you meet Verity, a fairy who cares for magical instruments.

This is a most engaging book to share with children. Being a piano teacher myself and having joy in teaching children the piano and putting on recitals, it is rewarding to read about how Harmony conquers her fear and plays the violin ever so sweetly. 

***** stars! An enchanting book. I highly recommend it!

The Violin's Magical Melody

Meme: 5 Books a Day (All About Music)

1.  My Hands Sing the Blues.html

2. Mozart in the Future

3. Diamond Rio Beautiful Mess

4. The Story of Music

5. Morgys Musical Summer
 
Mellow Yellow Monday

I can hear the musical sounds in the neighborhood of a local market on the streets of San Francisco! 

Happy Monday!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Friday 56: McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm

McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm, Three Tall Tales: McBroom Tells the Truth, McBroom and the Big Wind, McBroom's Ear - First Scholastic Edition, 1st Printing 1998

Pg. 56

"Those hoppers had spotted our great ear from the sky and came whirring across the farm in a green blizzard."

-- Sid Fleischman  

 

 

Sid was awarded the 1987 Newberry Medal for The Whipping Boy. He was born in Brooklyn and grew up in San Diego! :)

 

He worked as a professional magician and newspaperman before turning to fiction writing. He is a master of the comic novel, and his books have been translated into sixteen languages. A number of them have also been made into motion pictures.

 

His popular books include The Whipping Boy, Jim Ugly, The Midnight Horse and so much more. His son, Paul Fleischman, is a writer also.

Quentin Blake does cartoons and illustrations that have appeared in Punch, The Spectator and many other magazines. He has illustrated many of the stories of Roald Dahl and others.

LadyD Books participates in this cool book meme each Friday.

Grab a book, any book. 
Turn to page 56. 
Find any sentence that grabs you. 
Post it. Add your (url) post at Freda's Voice.

 
LadyD Books is also participating in:
Hop Along Friday at Chubby Cheeks Thinks.

Happy Friday!







“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review and Blog Tour: Mineral Mischief

• Publisher:North Star Press
• ISBN-10:087839415X
• ISBN-13: 978-0878394159
• SRP:  $9.95

About The Book

Book 2 is titled Mineral Mischief. In the midst of having her friends visit her rock collection, Maple Moo’s rare mineral goes missing from underneath her large cow nose. She instantly turns to Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill, the most famous detectives in Acorn Valley, to find it. But they didn’t know the task was going to be an impossible one. 

The suspects were hard to figure out. Was it Candy Cardinal, who committed the crime? She collects various gemstones to make jewelry. Brutus and Betty Blue Beaver also collect minerals and have a fancy quartz collection. Liam the Llama looks suspicious with his igneous rocks and exploding volcano, or was it Huckleberry Moose with his sedimentary rock collection? Joe-Joe and Biscuit find themselves at a loss until some bullies roar into town.

Small Book Blurb

Joe-Joe and Biscuit found themselves in a dark and dreary cave, and in front of them, sitting on an ornately carved stone pedestal, was Maple’s mineral. To reach out and take it would be so easy. It glistened like stars in a midnight sky, attracting their attention, luring them. There had to be a catch somewhere. Something wasn’t right. 

Joe-Joe and Biscuit stood beside the pedestal, analyzing it. There was a circle in the center of the pedestal, and the mineral was placed in the center of that circle. A TRAP! Thought Joe-Joe as he glanced at his partner, who was wearing a russet-colored fedora, which matched his own—they definitely looked sharp. 

Joe-Joe glanced behind Biscuit, where he noticed a deep gap in the wall. The opening was barred like a cage. Barely any light shined through to reveal what was inside. Joe-Joe had an inkling that, if he removed the mineral, the cage door would open, unleashing a horrific Greek beast that would assuredly eat them both for dinner. Joe-Joe began thinking like an adventurer. He was suddenly consumed with the identity of Indiana Jones.

My Review

Thank you Cheryl Malandrinos for inviting me on the Virtual Tour for Mineral Mischief. I love Renee Hand's style of writing and enjoy her immensely.  Awhile back I posted a 5* review for Crypto Capers

I found the author's latest book, Mineral Mischief, to be a fun approach to learning all about rocks. Rock collecting is not boring, especially when a pair of funny detectives, Joe-Joe- Nut & Biscuit Bill (a squirrel and duck) help Maple Moo recover her favorite and very rare mineral. 

Kids from ages 7 and up will discover educational facts about sedimentary rock, volcanic and quartz. In addition, there are geological terms, charts, experiments and more towards the back of the book. This is a must-have for all science teachers, plus a great addition to school libraries, as well as home-school.

The humorous illustrations by Jake  Karwoski in black and white are a great addition to the story. Reading about the Greek Legend of the Onyx brought a smile to my face because I am Greek and will enjoy this wonderful book with my grandchildren.

What I especially like about this book is Renee's ability to help children learn about many of life's lessons, such as: You shouldn't have to handle the situation on your own when it comes to bullies and always remember to do the right thing when it comes to misunderstandings. ***** stars!

This review includes my honest opinion, for which I received no type of monetary compensation.

About The Author

Renee Hand writes because it is a passion in her heart. She is a homeschool parent and likes to create books that educate and inspire the children of today. She was born in Michigan and still lives there with her husband and two children. She has a degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Renee is the author of the amazing mystery series known as the Crypto-Capers Series that encourages children to read by incorporating several topics of interest. The reader participates into the story by solving cryptograms and puzzles to solve the case. 

She is also the author of the Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series, which focuses on animal detectives. This series is a great way to teach children about animals in a fun and interesting way that captures the reader’s attention and yet fills them with knowledge they will be learning about in school. All books are great to use in a classroom setting to supplement various topics or to just enjoy. 

Renee is an award-winning author, receiving awards such as a Best Book Award, a National Literary Award and a Preferred Choice award for her children’s series and adult books. She has just recently won a Seal of Excellence award in Storytelling for her Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series. 

She has been writing for over twenty-five years and has nine books published. When she is not spending time with her family or participating in author events, she is coaching and playing tennis, as well as doing research for her books and many other things that keep her busy. Not quite sure what a cryptogram is and want to learn more? Visit the author’s website at www.reneeahand.com to learn about cryptograms and how to solve the ones that are in the books.

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis