Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 17, 2010
Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000
by Eric Wight (author and illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 7-10
Paperback: 86 pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster (forthcoming)
Source of book: author
What to expect: Overcoming adversity, importance of teamwork Read more
The Trouble with Mark Hopper: Elissa Brent Weissman
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 17, 2010
The Trouble With Mark Hopperby Elissa Brent Weissman
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (July 9, 2009)
Source of book: Publisher
What to expect: Mistaken identity, Middle Grade, Family Read more
Giveaway: Personalized Signed Copy of Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 16, 2010
We first met Frankie Pickle in Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom, which Luisa LaFleur called “a rip-roaring good read!” This time, the imaginative character stars in Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000—an action-packed adventure that showcases the importance of teamwork. The author, Eric Wight, is a great guy—you can get to know him better, here. He has offered to give one of our readers a personalized signed copy of Frankie Pickle and the Pine Run 3000. Read more
The 39 Clues ® Global Reading Adventure Heats Up Today with Release of “Book 7: The Viper’s Nest”
Press Release: Scholastic
Published: February 2, 2010
NEW YORK, NY (February 2, 2010) – The global hunt for The 39 Clues®, the New York Times bestselling multi-media adventure series that combines books, collectible cards and an online game, continues with the release of “Book 7: The Viper’s Nest” by Peter Lerangis, in stores today. With the publication of this new installment, one of the key mysteries in the series—which branch of the Cahill family Amy and Dan belong to—will finally be revealed. Also today, Scholastic releases “The 39 Clues Card Pack 3: The Rise of the Madrigals,” a new wave of randomly assorted collectible game cards, to span Books 7 and 8, plus the simultaneous audiobook edition of “The Viper’s Nest” which includes exclusive bonus material. With the release of “The Viper’s Nest” and “Card Pack 3: The Rise of the Madrigals,” six new Clues will be revealed, bringing a total of 28 Clues unveiled to date. Read more
A humorous tell all: Jon Scieszka spills the beans on who will be the next National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature … or does he?
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 18, 2009
“There is no one book that is right for all kids. But there are all kinds of crazy, interesting, and amazing books out there. It’s our job to help kids find that book that will inspire them to want to become readers.” ~ Jon Scieszka
Star Wars Books for Kids
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 14, 2009
Star Wars is everywhere: t-shirts, Legos, figurines, table sets, bedding, posters … the list goes on … babies are dressed-up as Yoda for Halloween, and 4-year-old kids (sometimes younger, often older) are waving their pretend light sabers in a pretend battle in the yard at preschool. The commercialization of Star Wars can not be escaped; sooner or later your kids are going to ask that all important question, “Can I watch Star Wars?”
Now comes the hard part: how old should your kids be before you let them watch the movie? There are so many things to consider, including: violence and adult concepts. Some parents say 10-years-old, others are more lenient with 8- or even 6-years-old. No matter what you decide is right for your family—I do recommend reading this article by Daniel Donahoo, Geek Dad—reading some Star Wars books may be a good way to delay a viewing of the movies; it will also allow for some thoughtful discussions on good vs. bad, before the onslaught of the visual impact.
Here is a list of books and their synopsis’, starting at the youngest reader and ending in books for older readers:
2 Coffee Table Books that Encourage Family Reading
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 7, 2009
Two of the simplest ways to encourage children to read—the fundamental skill behind all learning—is to let your children see you reading and to keep books around the house where they are visible. Coffee table books are perfect for both scenarios.
What makes a good coffee table book?
If it’s going to be out on show they need to look good. Usually a hard cover with great great illustrations, or a color scheme that fits with your furnishings—it needs to look decorative. However, once you get past the aesthetics, it needs to be able to hold the attention of the reader and have the power to become a topic of conversation.
Typically, most coffee table books will only hold the attention of adults—and often not even past the first couple of pages. That is why I like the following two books. They’re both attractive, entertaining, and have true family appeal. Perfect for the coffee table in the playroom … and they also make good gifts!
Video: Million Dollar Throw: Mike Lupica
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 27, 2009
Author Mike Lupica is well known among sports-lit fans. His latest book, Million-Dollar Throw, a sports novel for kids ages 9-12, released this month and is already a best seller!
Add this book to your collection: Million-Dollar Throw
What’s Hot in November, 2009? Kids Book Trends, Kids Book Events, Best Selling Kids Books and more …
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 20, 2009
Here is the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site. From “Turkey Day” through to the “New Year”, see what November has to offer.
Christmas Gifts for Kids: Book Collections, Box Sets, & Toys
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 11, 2009
Giving the gift of reading is an excellent idea no matter which holiday you celebrate, but now that you have the idea … which book do you give? The following suggestions are some of our favorite collections and box sets for all ages. We’ve even gone as far as pairing them with an extra something-special to make giving books even more fun!
