Author: Luisa LaFleur

Luisa LaFleur reviews bilingual books for The Children’s Book Review to help parents choose the best books for their budding linguists. She was born in Argentina, attended school in NYC and speaks three foreign languages–Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Formerly an editor in NYC, Luisa is currently a stay-at-home mom to two little ones.

By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 28, 2009 Everybody has days when we wish we could be someone else, or do something else. Kids, too. I know my three-year-old is always trying on new hats (figuratively and literally!). I recently came across a book that helps our little ones see it’s okay if they aren’t too good at one thing because that gives them the opportunity to try something else. Gone With The Wand by Margie Palatini (Author), Brian Ajhar (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Orchard Books (April 15, 2009) In Gone with…

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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 24, 2009 Little ones having trouble sleeping? Afraid of what lurks in the shadowy corners of their rooms? That puny night light isn’t enough? Then fear not! Two recently published books purport to help our little ones sleep soundly in the peace and comfort of their own beds. What sleep-deprived parent wouldn’t be interested in these? Especially given that both books were created with the help of developmental psychologists and other childhood experts. I know I was quick to try them out!

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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review Published: May 26, 2009 We’ve reviewed several titles from Chronicle Books in the past few months and we’re happy to report that the publisher has some interesting new websites to promote several of their most popular books. Duck! Rabbit!, a fun story about an optical illusion, geared to preschoolers, has made it to the NY Times bestselling children’s books list. It is also one of the lucky books to get its own mini website. The site, https://www.chroniclebooks.com/duck-rabbit.html has videos, desktop wallpaper, printable posters and a teacher’s guide for you to check out. The…

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Citizen Review: A place for moms, dads, grandparents, or any lover of children’s literature to gush about their favorite finds.* The Children’s Book Review Published: May 22, 2009 The Word Garden by Perdita Goodenow Available June 25, 2009 The Word Garden is a lovely book with a sweet message. The book centers on an analogy–how words are like seeds and both can result in something wonderful if they’re handled with care. The author’s thoughtful message is a gentle reminder that words can sometimes hurt and we should choose our words carefully lest they become weeds in our garden. It’s a reminder that…

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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review Published: May 9, 2009 Nico & Lola: Kindness shared between a boy and a dog by Meggan Hill (Author), Susan M. Graunke (Photographer) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Nico and Lola; 1st edition (April 2009) What to expect: Dogs, Relationships, Kindness Nico and Lola is a heartwarming tale about a boy and a dog–a simple premise that has been the basis for stories since time immemorial. Dogs, descendants of wolves, were domesticated some 15,000 years ago in Central Asia. According to anthropological studies, it is believed that the emigration of…

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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review Published: April 7, 2009 These three classics are told simultaneously in Spanish, giving the reader a good reason to revisit these lovely fairy tales. Beauty and the Beast/La Bella y La Bestia Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: Chronicle Books; Bilingual edition (July 5, 2007) Publisher’s synopsis: “Through her capacity to love, a kind and beautiful maid releases a handsome prince from the spell which has made him an ugly beast.” Review: In this version of the classic damsel in distress story, Beauty must make up for her father’s transgression and…

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By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review Published: April 7, 2009 Time for some oldies but goodies. Chronicle Books has found a way to breathe new life into some of our favorite fairy tales and fables. They’ve retold the stories with some slight modifications (by that I mean, they’ve lightened up some of the scarier endings) and included Spanish page-by-page translations. Coupled with very simple illustrations that serve the stories well, these new editions are a great way to reintroduce these tried and true favorites to young and old. I’ve reviewed three classics below. Stay tuned for more in my…

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Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight Reading level: Ages 7-10 Hardcover: 96 pages Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (May 5, 2009) Eric Wight’s soon-to-be-published book “Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom” is a rip-roaring good read! Combining the elements of a comic book with a chapter book, the author has put together a highly imaginative novel that is sure to lure even the most reluctant young readers. When Frankie’s dream of never having to clean his room again comes true (and really, who hasn’t dreamed of never having to do their chores again?) the…

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