Books by Topic

Title: They All Saw a Cat Author/Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2016 Editor:  Ginee Seo Book Type: Fiction Ages: 3 and up! (all ages should read it) Themes: Perspective, Subjectivity Opening Lines: The cat walked through the world,  with its whiskers, ears, and paws … and the child saw A CAT, and the dog saw… Read more »

Title: Beautiful Author: Stacy McAnulty Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff Publisher: Running Press Kids (September 13, 2016) Editor: Lisa Cheng Book Type: Fiction Ages: 3-6 Themes: Identity, Girl Power, Self-Esteem Opening Line: “Beautiful girls … have the perfect look.” Synopsis (from Amazon’s website): Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL. Much more… Read more »

I am thrilled to bring you today’s book review. I first ‘met’ Julie Falatko over the Internet back in 2012. She had just started doing book reviews on the Brain Burps podcast when I recommended Mathew Cordell’s ANOTHER BROTHER to her, hoping she would love it. I am so excited to see her witty, quirky… Read more »

Hope your summer has been relaxing and enjoyable. Can’t believe kids’ school starts in less than three weeks. In light of that I will be reviewing fiction and non-fiction books this month that can be used in classrooms. Enjoy!

Title: I’m My Own Dog Author & Illustrator: David Ezra Stein Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2014 Book Type: Fiction Ages: 4-8 Themes: Friendship, Humor Opening Lines: “I’m my own dog. Nobody owns me. I own myself. I work like a dog all day. When I get home, I fetch my own slippers.” Synopsis: Many dogs have human… Read more »

Can’t believe summer is already over. Where did the time go? Maybe I can find a rift in the space-time continuum, to blast us back to the start of summer. Until I can find that anomaly, I have a new kindergarten book which I think you will love. I have also included my Top Ten Books… Read more »

Welcome! It is my pleasure to review a wonderful series about a warm-hearted penguin from the super-talented picture book author/illustrator Salina Yoon. Also check-out my interview with Salina and Penguin!! The Penguin picture book series involves a cute little penguin that embarks on adventures and experiences new places through the lens of a young child…. Read more »

Title: Heart of a Tiger Author: Marsha Diane Arnold Illustrator: Jamichael Henterly Publisher: Dial Books, 1995 Book Type: Fiction Ages: 4-8 Themes: Bravery, Perseverance, Jungle Animals, India Excerpt: The Name Day Celebration was only one week away. “My name shall be Bahadur Shikari – Mighty Hunger,” declared Number One, scouting the veranda for mice. “I’ll choose Rang Birange Kapare… Read more »

Title: Looking at Lincoln Author & Illustrator: Maira Kalman Check out the interview (Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast) Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012 Book Type: Non-Fiction Ages: 5-10 Themes: Presidents, Civil War, American History Synopsis (from Amazon website): Abraham Lincoln is one of the first giants of history children are introduced to, and now Maira… Read more »

Title: One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale Author & Illustrator: Demi Check out the interview at Paper Tigers Publisher: Scholastic Press, 1997 Book Type: Fiction Ages: 5-10 Themes: Folklore, India, Social Responsibility, Math, Cleverness Synopsis (from book jacket flap): Long ago in India, there lived a raja who believed that he was wise and… Read more »