By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 7, 2012

Over and Under the Snow

By Kate Messner; illustrated by Christpher Silas Neal

As a child skis down a mountain with her dad and spots a red squirrel disappearing down a crack, she asks the question: “Where did he go?” To which her dad responds: “Under the snow.” The little girl’s world suddenly expands as her mind is opened to a whole new natural world. Messner’s text appeals to the senses and her author’s note is educational and encourages children to take in their surrounding on their next snowy adventure. Neal’s mixed media illustrations have retro appeal and capture the wintery scenery well with the combination of cool colors and earthy tones. Animal, nature and science entusiasts will love this book—especially the facts provided in the back of the book about all of the animals featured in the story. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC)

Razzle-Dazzle Ruby

By Masha D’yans

Masha D’yans’ fantastical debut book Razzle-Dazzle Ruby is charmingly artistic. The illustrations are moving—literally. Every page of this novelty picture book offers a playful and enticing wintery wonderland for young readers to lose themselves in. Visit: www.razzledazzleruby.com (Ages 4-8. Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.)

I Am Small

By Emma Dodd

With an icy cold backdrop and splashes of shimmery silver on every second page, a little penguin manages to cope with the big obstacles in life—deep ocean and steep mountains—because of his mother’s warm love. Sweet with its repetitive text, I Am Small is a delightful little tale for mothers to share with their young ones. (Ages 0-3. Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.)

The Tree House

By Marije Tolman and Ronald Tolman

The Tree House is a wordless and imaginative wonder that enchants readers with its wide array of characters (Bears, pandas, rhinos, and birds of many feathers) that visit a tree house located in what seems to be the middle of nowhere.  Each character is so different, yet they all manage to co-exist in the marvelous tree house. Pastel and mid-hue colors splash across beautiful double-page spreads of mixed media that emphasize the differences between the various animals and highlight the bonds of friendship that form. A delicate but powerful message awaits those who choose to ponder the elegance of this treasure. (Ages 3-5. Publisher: Lemniscaat USA)

Little Bea and the Snowy Day

By Daniel Roode

Daniel Roode has created a pitch-perfect, playful day in the snow. The full-color art created with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop splashes brightly and lightly (the snowflakes gently flurry down) across every page. Large text and descriptive words evoke the senses so much that readers can easily imagine themselves playing along with Little Bea and her friends. When the day is over, Little Bea makes plans to see her friends tomorrow; my guess is that your little reader (or listener) will also be making plans for tomorrow: plans to read this book over-and-over-and-over again! (Ages 2-5. Publisher: HarperCollins)

Brave Irene

By William Steig

Those who are fans of award-winning William Steig will be excited to know that Brave Irene (the 1986 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year) has been rereleased in paperback. When Irene’s mother falls ill, Irene braves the harsh winter storm and its yodelling wind to deliver a dress to the duchess who lives over the mountain. Steig’s story showcases perseverance and the wonderful bond between a mother and her daughter. As the pages turn, the illustrations become progressively darker in tone adding dramatics to the entertaining text, before they lighten and brighten for the happy ending. A *cool* choice for winter reading. (Ages 4-8. Publisher: Square Fish)

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 6, 2012

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know what that means: time to read some love stories! Below are just a few selections with which you’re sure to fall in love. So snuggle up with your favorite little reader and share a good laugh, a cuddle, and a whole lotta love.

Mr. Prickles

By Kara LaReau; illustrated by Scott Magoon

Even though Mr. Prickles may be prickly on the outside, he’s warm and fuzzy on the inside and looking for someone to see past his rough exterior. Thank goodness for Miss Pointypants who knows a thing or two about being judged on her sharp appearance. The deeper message LaReau humorously imparts is how to control one’s anger when ostracized by friends. Little kids who have been banished from the sandbox will love Mr. Prickles. (Ages 2-6. Publisher: Roaring Brook Press)

A Giant Crush

By Gennifer Choldenko; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Ah, young love. This book is absolutely perfect for second and third graders confused by their beloved’s sudden mood swings. When a little bunny falls in love with another funny bunny, what’s a bunny to do? Leave it to a good friend to help him unravel the mysteries and agonies of a first crush. First rule of thumb: you have to speak to the one you love. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Penguin Group (USA))

Love, Splat

By Rob Scotton

This tale about two star-crossed cats is seriously funny. Scotton’s silly illustrations of Splat the Cat reminded me just a bit of Garfield, but his story is pure fun. Splat goes to great lengths to impress his lady love, Kitten, but when Spike intervenes, it seems all is lost. Leave it to Kitten, with her feline prowess, to choose the best suitor to win her affections. (Ages 4-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Hedgehug

By Benn Sutton; illustrated by Dan Pinto

Two books about pointy critters in one review? Yes, indeed. In this “sharp lesson in love,” Hedgehug discovers love hurts after his many failed attempts to share a hug. In Sutton’s playful yet tender story, Hedgehug will also find all you need is love. (Ages 4-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Henry’s Heart

By Charise Mericle Harper

Harper’s informative look at the functions and needs of a growing boy’s heart features amusing illustrations of Henry’s friends and family members’ running commentary on his predicament. In the end, Henry learns how to take care of himself, his heart, and his new canine friend. Harper sweetly dedicates Henry’s Heart to the students of Daniel Warren Elementary School (listing every student’s name in the front of the book). (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR))

 The Best Kind of Kiss

By Margaret Allum; illustrated by Jonathan Bentley

For daddy’s girls everywhere, the best kind of kiss is found in the arms of good ol’ pop. Whether making up, cuddling or bidding a fond farewell, you can say it with a kiss to build a dream on. Bentley’s imaginative illustrations will make you want to pucker up with your sweetie. (Ages 3-6. Publisher: Walker & Company)

Big Hugs, Little Hugs

By Felicia Bond

Bestselling artist of If You Give A Mouse a Cookie, Felicia Bond, has created a fitting tribute to hugs for all sorts of lovable creatures including hamsters, hippos, kangaroos, and penguins. Her cut paper artwork will inspire children to create their own designs. (Ages 3-5. Publisher: Penguin Group (USA))

Just Because You’re Mine

By Sally Lloyd-Jones; illustrated by Frank Endersby

Little Red Squirrel plays a guessing game with his father as to why he loves him. Endersby’s delicate paintings of the squirrels’ adventures are well-matched with Lloyd-Jones’s touching story. (Ages 3-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine

By Herman Parish; illustrated by Lynne Avril

Although Amelia Bedelia often misunderstands common expressions, (and thus provides children endless belly laughs) she resourcefully solves a problem and saves her Valentine’s Day class party. Perhaps best of all, little Amelia Bedelia has a very big heart and gratitude for her doting parents. Peggy Parish’s nephew Herman carries on the tradition with his modern update on the classic series of beloved books. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Time for a Hug

By Phillis Gershator and Mim Green; illustrated by David Walker

In simple yet playful rhyme, mother-daughter duo Gershator and Green insist that children know it’s always time for a hug. David Walker’s charming illustrations of the rabbit family’s routine day, working and playing together, offers comfort and reassurance to little readers. (Ages 3-5. Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books)

Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust, Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Best Kids Christmas Books of 2011

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 6, 2011

Home for Christmas

By Jan Brett

A new holiday favorite about the importance of family and working together. Jan Brett’s clever storytelling begs to be read aloud while eyes devour her wonderfully detailed illustrations. More wintery, holiday favorites from Jane Brett: The Night Before Christmas and The Mitten. (Ages 3-5)

The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree

By David Rubel; illustrated by Jim LaMarche

David Rubel, a children’s historian, captures the essence of giving and charity, showing the importance of compassion during the holidays. The colored-pencil illustrations by LaMarche are evocative of the 1930′s era, depression time, and warm the sol with their glow. (Ages 5-8)

A Bad Kitty Christmas

By Nick Bruel

Bad Kitty is a little on the greedy side; however, with the help of an old friend and  a new friend, he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Bruel’s alphabetical and lyrical format combine well with the busy and entertaining illustrations that fill the pages with a comical and epic Christmas journey. A Bad Kitty Christmas is for those that enjoy a good giggle. (Ages 4-8)

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

By Barbara Robinson; illustrated by Laura Cornell

Based on her 1972 bestselling novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, popular author Barabra Robinson delivers an amusing picture book about the Herdmans family (“the worst kids in the history of the world”), who single-handedly capture the true meaning of Christmas with their candid interpretation. Bestselling illustrator Laura Cornell, who is well known for her artwork in actor/author Jamie Lee Curtis’s books, adds to the authenticity of the Herdmans candidness with her pictures that are purposefully unruly and farcical. This book is lots of fun. (ages 4-8)

The Story of Christmas

Illustrated by Pamela Dalton

Pamela Dalton has masterfully created intricate artwork using her paper-cutting scherenschnitte skills to bring the Nativity story from the King James Bible story alive. This is a great selection for those that are looking for a respectful, spiritual book. (Ages 4-8)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Illustrated by Laurel Long

This is a splendid visual celebration of one of the most beloved Christmas carols, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Adults and children alike can get joyfully lost in the detailed oil painting illustrations as they search for hidden gifts from each of the previous verses. Destined to be a family favorite. (Ages 3+)

A Christmas Goodnight

By Nola Buck; illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright

Nola Buck has written a sweet, rhyming Christmas story that  doubles as a bedtime book for young readers. The illustrations are charming and offer a gentle visual introduction to the traditional Nativity story. (Ages 2+)

The Helpful Elves

By August Kopisch; illustrated by Beatrice Braun-Fock

The Helpful Elves is a classic German tale with a cautionary message that will discourage children from unnecessary investigation into the lives of elves. The retro illustrations are enhanced by ten die-cut elves, each with their own little personality, that are perched at the top of each page. This is quick read that lingers on the mind well after the last page has been turned. (Ages 3-7)

Here are a couple more suggestions for the youngest readers in your family: Santa’s New Idea by Nina Chen, What am I? Christmas by Anne Margaret Lewis, and Duck & Goose, It’s Time for Christmas by Tad Hills.

Add these books to your collection by clicking on the book cover images above.

Source of books: Some of these books were provided by the publishers. Submissions are evaluated based on the following particulars: literary value, illustrative quality, and over-all presentation. Our reviews are always positive because we only appraise those books with the strongest potential impact on the reader.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 29, 2011

During the holiday season it’s a great joy to share family traditions and spend time together. Every year, I look forward to reading these beloved books below to my daughter.

The Story of Holly & Ivy

By Rumer Godden; illustrated by Barbara Cooney

Rumer Godden begins The Story of Holly & Ivy with the sweetest line, “This is a story about wishing.” When an orphan named Ivy and a dreamy doll named Holly see each other through a toy shop window, magic happens. In this classic Christmas tale, Holly and Ivy both find a sense of belonging in their new home and to each other. Wishes come true in part thanks to Barbara Cooney’s tender illustrations of the festive village and toys. Godden captures the precious beauty of a brave girl unwilling to give up on her dream. (Ages 5-10)

Christmas Tree Memories

By Aliki

My daughter and I love returning to Christmas Tree Memories by Aliki each December just like the family’s tradition in the book of sitting by their tree with cookies and a roaring fire to recount each story behind their homemade ornaments. Aliki imbues such gentleness to each character, whether it’s Papouli or the children, the love this family feels for each other comes across with her every detail. (Ages 4-8)

Jingle Bells

By Iza Trapani

Jingle Bells (as told and illustrated by Iza Trapani) is a rollicking fun songbook filled with holiday customs and traditions from around the world. Children will enjoy learning about bearded little gnomes in Sweden, lantern parades in the Philippines, breaking the piñata in Mexico, and presents found in their shoes in Italy. (Ages 4-8)

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

By Gloria Houston; illustrated by Barbara Cooney

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston tells the story of Ruthie a little girl in the Appalachian Mountains whose Papa is called away to fight in the war. With the help of her resourceful mother, they cut down the perfect balsam tree from Grandfather Mountain and deliver it to the church on Christmas. Barbara Cooney’s pictures of the mountains and the determined characters sweeten and enliven this heartwarming tale. (Ages 4-8)

The Magic Dreidels: A Hanukkah Story

By Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Katya Krenina

Based on “The Tablecloth, the Donkey, and the Stick” Eric A. Kimmel retells this old tale in a Hanukkah setting. He originally wrote The Magic Dreidels: A Hanukkah Story for Spider, The Magazine for Children. Katya Krenina beautifully illustrates young Jacob’s adventures with his new brass dreidel and the goblin at the bottom of the well. (Ages 4-8)

The Night Before Christmas

By Clement Moore; illustrated by Jan Brett

Clement Moore’s classic poem The Night Before Christmas (illustrated by Jan Brett) comes to life with rich details, as she is well known for including in all of her books. That chubby old elf St. Nick and his sleigh full of toys promise a Merry Christmas for all! (Ages 4-8)

The Trees of the Dancing Goats

By Patricia Polacco

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco is a touching story of how two families combine their holiday traditions. When Trisha’s Russian family celebrates Hanukkah, they decide to surprise their Christian neighbors who are suffering from scarlet fever. A gifted storyteller, Polacco’s vivid illustrations of the family’s traditions, like candle-making and carving wooden toys, are also delightful. (Ages 5-8)

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree

By Robert Barry

Sharing the joy of the season in Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, Robert Barry charms readers with his clever lilting rhyme. Dissatisfied with the imposing height of his tree, Mr. Willowby orders his butler to chop off the top. The treetop is handed down to Adelaide the upstairs maid, Timm the gardener and various woodland creatures including Barnaby Bear, Frisky Fox, Benjamin Rabbit, only to return once again to Mistletoe Mouse and his family in the Willowby mansion. (Ages 4-8)

A Child’s Christmas in Wales

By Dylan Thomas; illustrated by Edward Ardizzone

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas is the wondrous story of a child’s Welsh Christmas as told by a doting grandfather to his grandson. Thomas’s lyrical tale honors his rich cultural heritage, but also offers us a peek back in time. Edward Ardizzone’s carefully detailed illustrations recall those magical long ago Christmases in the snow. (Ages 7-11)

Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust, Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 23, 2011

An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

By Louisa May Alcott (Author), Jody Wheeler (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4 and up

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Ideals Children’s Books (2010)

Source: Library

What to expect: Thanksgiving, Fall, Family, Tradition

Although Transcendentalist author Louisa May Alcott is primarily known as the creator of Jo March, the determined heroine in her classic novel Little Women, she penned over thirty books in her lifetime. Her short story An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a heartwarming selection for the holiday season. When the good-natured Barrett family are beginning to make preparations for their Thanksgiving celebration, Mrs. Barrett is called away suddenly to attend to her ailing mother. She puts her eldest daughter Tilly in charge of cooking the feast in her absence. Tilly undertakes this colossal challenge with confidence and the help of her siblings, but fails to pay attention when stuffing the turkey with catnip and neglects to add sugar and salt to the plum pudding. As her little sister Prue is prettily setting the table, her brothers discover a bear coming toward the house. Wielding axes and rifles out the door, the boys are shocked to find Tilly’s sweetheart in disguise. Disaster averted, Mrs. Barrett returns with cousins and aunts and uncles in tow and the happy news that their Grandma is well. The entire family savors the delicious dinner, despite its few shortcomings, and praise Tilly and her siblings for pulling off a Thanksgiving they will always remember. The Barrett family has much to be thankful for- their family and friends, good health, and love and laughter. Old-fashioned or not, you’ll enjoy reading this delightful tale with your family.

Add this book to your collection: An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

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Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust, Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: The Happy Elf Book and CD

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Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Video courtesy of HarperKids: “Based on his beloved holiday song “The Happy Elf,” Grammy Award-winner Harry Connick, Jr. presents The Happy Elf picture book, a new holiday classic for the entire family, with vibrant illustrations from Dan Andreasen and including a CD of the song “The Happy Elf.”"

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 27, 2011

Monster Comics

By Mike Herrod

Doodlers and fans of monsters and comics, unite! From freaked-out moms to thirsty vampires, using clean lines and minimal color, the talented children’s book author and illustrator Mike Herrod offers kids over 30 spook-tacular monster-pieces to finish off with their own drawings. However, it’s the “Magic Monster Pen” that steals the limelight. Kids can use the pen to compose their own secret messages or design their own hidden drawings; it also magically reveals 16 invisible ink picture pages throughout the book. This is an activity book that fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid are bound to enjoy. (Ages 7 and up)

Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful Skills

By Pat Murphy

Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs have put together a very unique book of activities for fearless explorers. Kids that enjoy experiments can make their very own mummy from a hot dog and a few other household items, such as toilet paper. Kids that really enjoy art and have a little patience will love turning an apple into a creepy, shrunken head. The well organized book includes fun facts and amusing photographs every step of the way. (Ages 8 and up)

PomPom Monster Salon: Create, Cut & Style Your Own Monsters

By April Chorba

This is an activity that really brings out creativity and personal style. Easy to follow instructions and simple tools make it really easy to customize homemade pompoms. Although the publisher (Klutz) recommends this activity book for 8-year-olds and up, parent or guardian participation makes it a great choice for younger children, too. (Ages 8 and up)

Wicked Cool Friendship Bracelets

By Karen Phillips

This Klutz activity book offers a spooky take on the classic friendship bracelet. Including cord, charms and beads, kids are introduced to the basics of the bracelet making process before taking on the task of creating bracelets with names such as Bitten and Cobweb. And, even when the provided supplies are all used up, you can easily buy more supplies at your local craft store. (Ages 8 and up)

You can add any of these books to your collection by clicking on the images or book titles.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 12, 2011

Looking for some spooky good reads this Halloween? Below is our family’s list of all-time favorites. Have a Happy Halloween!

A cautionary tale from 1829 The Spider and the Fly will capture your children’s imagination. Tony DiTerlizzi spins a masterful retelling of Mary Howitt’s poetic fable with his perversely charming pictures. It’s such fun and best read with a wicked voice… Ba ha ha ha ha! (Ages 6-9)

Humbug Witch is a little witch who can’t quite fly her broom or make her cauldron boil and bubble, but Lorna Balian’s surprise ending will delight your little ones. (Ages 3-8)

Diane Goode’s Book of Scary Stories & Songs is a fabulous collection of old folktales, poems, and songs that will either send a shiver down your spine or make you laugh out loud. Goode’s playful illustrations bring old favorites back to life like “The Ghost of John” and “The Green Ribbon.” (Ages 5-8)

From the creators of The Gruffalo, zooms Room on the Broom. Julia Donaldson tells the story of this enterprising witch and cat. Young children will become bewitched by the rhyme and have a silly time. (Ages 4-8)

The Witches’ Supermarket is a terribly clever book for ages 4-8 who will enjoy being one step ahead of the little girl in disguise who shops for all manner of shocking grocery items (like apples with worms and shake n’ bake snake) with her faithful dog. (Ages 5-8)

Ghosts in the House become repurposed by the new owner as lovely curtains, tablecloths and comforters. Decorating her cozy home with Kazuno Kaharo’s simple yet charming illustrations, kids might just want to move in. (Ages 3-6)

You’ll probably have to check your local library for copies of Adrienne Adams classic Halloween books A Halloween Happening and A Woggle of Witches. In A Halloween Happening, the witches throw a party for the children complete with special delicious things like toad tarts, wart soup and worm waffles. After their feast, they take to the sky on bat-wing gliders. Adams’ moonlit pictures enchant with originality and fun. (Ages 4-8)

And for more advanced readers:

Bed-knob and Broomstick by Mary Norton is a combined edition of The Magic Bed-Knob and Bonfires and Broomsticks. Best known for her novels about The Borrowers, Norton created a timeless classic in the forties when she wrote these two books about an apprentice witch named Miss Eglatine Price who befriends three young waifs who threaten to tell their aunt on her. After offering them a magical bed-knob in return for their silence, together they take adventures on a marvelous flying bed which becomes part of Miss Price’s witchcraft training. (Ages 8-11)

The Witches by Roald Dahl Enough said, right? He’s a genius. Mr. Dahl presents witches as ordinary women in plain-clothed disguise who loathe children. When an orphan boy discovers their terrible secret, he must risk everything to prevent them from turning more children into mice. Eeek! With his trademark humor and charm, Dahl casts a dizzying spell on us with his magical prose once again. (Ages 7-12)

Nicki Richesin is the editor of four anthologies,What I Would Tell Her: 28 Devoted Dads on Bringing Up, Holding On To, and Letting Go of Their Daughters; Because I Love Her: 34 Women Writers Reflect on the Mother-Daughter Bond; Crush: 26 Real-Life Tales of First Love; and The May Queen: Women on Life, Work, and Pulling it all Together in your Thirties. Her anthologies have been excerpted and praised in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle,The Boston Globe, Redbook, Parenting, Cosmopolitan, Bust,Salon, Daily Candy, and Babble.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 10, 2011

In recognition of Columbus Day …

My First Biography: Christopher Columbus

by Marion Dane Bauer (Author), Liz Goulet Dubois (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4 and up

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (August 1, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Publisher’s synopsis: Christopher Columbus dreamed of adventure and discovery. He sailed across an ocean to an unknown land. He showed the way. Many others followed. With simple, lyrical text and bold, kid-friendly illustrations, this book introduces Christopher Columbus to the youngest readers and inspires them to follow their dreams.

Add this book to your collection: My First Biography: Christopher Columbus

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Author Showacse

By Julia Drake, Julia Drake PR
Published: October 1, 2011

SCARY SCHOOL

By Derek The Ghost (aka Derek Taylor Kent)

A Harper Collins Hardcover published on June 21, 2011

Price: $15.99/Pages: 144/ISBN: 978-006196092

“Kent takes school integration to a new level with breezy tales of ‘learning, horror, and mayhem’ at a grade school attended by a mix of humans and monsters.” — Kirkus Reviews

Synopsis

HarperCollins is proud to present SCARY SCHOOL by Derek Taylor Kent, a brand new series of three books for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12). The first book of the series had been released June 21, 2011.

Narrated by recently deceased eleven-year-old Derek the Ghost, SCARY SCHOOL details the spine-tingling and outrageous happenings at a school where monsters and normal kids tread the halls together and just making it to lunch with all your limbs intact is considered a good day. Teachers include Ms. Fang, a 850-year-old vampire, Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess, and Principal Headcrusher, who… well, the name says it all. Things get extra scary this year when the school is chosen to host the annual Ghoul Games – a junior-olympic event between all the “scary” schools in the world. The winners get to eat the losers! Faced with their superior monster opponents, it’s do or die for the normal kids at SCARY SCHOOL. Together they hatch a plan that will change the future of SCARY SCHOOL forever.

Original, funny, and delightfully scary, SCARY SCHOOL teaches kids to find laughter in fear, to stretch their imaginations, and to discover that your smarts will always prevail over bullies.

****

Praise For Scary School

“This is a laugh-out-loud offering that should find a broad and appreciative audience among boys and girls alike.” –– Booklist

“This hilarious look at a school unlike any other will likely become a staple in homes and libraries across the country.” –– Cracking the Cover

“So be prepared to shiver in fear!  Of course, you’ll also be laughing your head off.” –– Books Kids Like

“This is a perfect book for getting ready for school.” — KidsReads

“Fun and packed full of adventures.” — MyLittleMe

Derek Taylor Kent Bio

Derek T. Kent is the son of Melanie Taylor Kent, a world-renowned artist and Los Angeles icon. Derek started writing children’s books at the age of 13. His first published book, RUDY THE BEAST, has recently been optioned by renowned film producer Colin Callendar. His other book, MICHAEL JORDAN’S MAGIC SHOES, became a one-man-show that Derek wrote and performed at UCLA’s School of Theater before touring with it across the nation. Kent has also written and produced many children’s plays with sold-out runs at the Westside Playhouse and Culver City Public Theatre and has acted in many stage plays, musicals and films. He’s been a mentor at many summer camps and children’s programs, overseeing creative storytelling and arts & crafts activities. In his spare time, Derek teaches Children’s Writing and Young Adult writing for The Los Angeles Writing Pad.

For more information about Derek T. Kent and SCARY SCHOOL, please visit: http://www.scaryschool.com/

For your enjoyment, here is [the SCARY SCHOOL book trailer]:

****

Scary School Fun Facts

•    Derek saved his sister’s life twice.  Once with the Heimlich maneuver, and once by pushing her out of the way of UPS truck.  An 8-year-old version of herself – still accident-prone–is now a character in the SCARY SCHOOL books.

•     A passionate foodie and hobby cook, Derek’s love of food and fine dining is illustrated in the SCARY SCHOOL most frighteningly delicious school lunches. The book also pays homage to some of his favorite “scary” chefs such as Mario Bat-ali, Werewolfgang Puck, and Scary Danko.

• As Derek the Ghost is literally an 11-year-old dead version of Derek, he plans to stage his upcoming bookstore appearances across the nation as Derek the Ghost’s “ghost whisperer.” Books will be signed in invisible ink.

The Author Showcase is a place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works. This article was provided by the author. Learn more …

Contact: Julia Drake
Julia Drake PR
julia@juliadrakepr,com
323-304-2433
www.juliadrakepr.com

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.