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
Pelican and Pelicant and Other Stories: Sarah Froeber
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 6, 2010
Pelican and Pelicantby Sarah Froeber (Author), Andy Thorn (Music)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Audio CD
Publisher: Shoofly Audio
Source: Author
What to expect: Intrepidity, Self-confidence, Friendship,
There is a clear and timely message in the story of Pelican and Pelicant: friendship, encouragement, and a little bravery, can really travel a long way.
The Giving Tree: Shel Silverstein: A story about giving and taking
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 21, 2009
by Shel Silverstein (Author)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (October 7, 1964)
Source of book: Bookstore
What to expect: Relationships, giving and taking
Not so long ago, I bought The Giving Tree on a visit to a great NY bookstore. I’d seen it before but never read it and thought it might be nice to read to my children. I based my decision to buy it on two things–I had a notion that it was an important book in the canon of children’s literature and I really liked the cover: a simple line drawing of a boy and a tree on a bright green background. Fast forward a few months and it has become one of the three or four books that *must* be read before bedtime. So I’ve now read it some 60-70 times, but here’s the strange thing: I’m still not quite sure what the moral of the story is. I realize that in this Internet age with sites like Wikipedia and Amazon and any number of blogs and review sites, I *should* be able to figure it out. But I haven’t yet and this makes writing a review a little more difficult than usual.
3 Kids Picture Books that Teach Good Manners, Just in Time for the Holidays
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 8, 2009
Manners, manners, manners. The oh-so important skill: manners! We need them all year round but somehow they seem extra important during the holiday season. Here are a couple of books that have an encouragingly humorous take on socially acceptable behavior. I have read each one and give my complete seal of approval. I’ve included the publisher’s synopsis for your benefit, thank you!
Finding new ways to connect with our kids
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 3, 2009
I think all parents have a moment when we wonder what happened to the little baby we used to cradle in our arms? I know I’ve had many of these and my kids are still preschoolers. Yet, time flies and those little defenseless babies now have minds of their own, with their own wants and needs–and boy do they let me know exactly what it is they want/need. But not all kids are the same and sometimes it takes work to figure them out and to reconnect with them. Two new books give us just such a chance–one book does so in form and the other in function.
Revisiting Favorite Fall Books
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 23, 2009
Before I post my 2009 list of books that celebrate or embrace the fall season, I thought I would take this opportunity to revisit two of my favorite selections from 2008.
by Patrick McDonnell
Reading level: Ages 3-6
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (September 1, 2008)
Review: South contains no words, yet manages to tell a very moving and compassionate tale of friendship, helping others, and saying goodbye. Read more …
Add this book to your collection: South
by Carin Berger
Reading level: Ages 3-6
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Greenwillow (August 26, 2008)
Review: This book is so gorgeous – visually and emotionally. Read more…
Add this book to your collection: The Little Yellow Leaf
2 Books to Ruffle Your Feathers with Ambition
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 14, 2009
“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow them.” ~ Louisa May Alcott (Author of the classic children’s book Little Women)
by Tammi Sauer (Author), Dan Santat (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Sterling (August 1, 2009)
What to expect: Talent Shows, Ability, Chickens, Domestic animals, Humor
In life, we always find groups. Groups of like-minded beings (animals and people). Groups typically stick together because of race or breed, some stick together because of shared talents. It is usually these shared talents that give us purpose and sheer enjoyment in life.
5 Reasons to Love Dr. Seuss
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 3, 2009
“If you never did you should.
These things are fun and fun is good”
One sunny day, while swimming in a pool, my husband and I overheard a lady proclaiming to the world that Dr. Seuss’ books were absurd and should not be read to children. Her reason: incorrect use of the English language. Oh lady, you’ve really missed the whole point, haven’t you?! Here are five reasons you should love Dr. Seuss, including their absurdity:
What is Hiding on Your Mother In-Law’s Book Shelf? Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 2, 2009
Happy, happy, joy, joy! This is what was hiding in a box of books at my Mother In-Law’s house:
Back-to-School Book Picks: 2009 Edition
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 1, 2009
Back-to-school is a season in itself and is currently in full-swing. Like me, you probably had an inbox full to the brim with back-to-school newsletters and shopping discounts. I have decided to share with you some of the great books that I picked out from my favorite e-mails, followed by a few additions made by yours truly.
