Book Review #49

 How To Train Your Turkey! 

Author: V. Moua
Publisher: Independently published, 2021
ISBN: 13 : 979-8716944688

Reading Ages: Beginning Readers

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Books, Beginning Reader, Pets, Humor

Main Characters: Sammy, the little red bird, and Turkey

Plot: Sammy is excited to teach Turkey Training 101. Sammy is working on training his turkey who happens to be named, you guessed it...Turkey! He is still working with Turkey on basics like sitting, shaking wings, and fetching. 

Settings: A classroom and a backyard with Turkey's house that resembles an ordinary dog house.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Critical Analysis: The story is fun and simple for young readers to understand and enjoy. Finding beginning readers can be difficult and this story is humorous and a great way to introduce the love of reading to little ones. It should be in more children's libraries. 

Why 5 Roars? This is a quirky little independently published story for young readers. Supporting independent publishers and authors is an important part of recognizing new and talented authors. 

The real question is, why aren't more publishers considering new authors?   

Connections: This story is part of the Sammy Bird Series for young readers. 

You can find more books like this one at https://vmoua.com/books/ along with free coloring sheets featuring Sammy Bird. 

Poetry Friday!

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Irene at Live Your Poem

Poetry Friday!

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Bridget at wee words for wee ones

and her Storytime Audio – Career Day!

Book Review #48

 What Not To Give Your Mom On Mother's Day

Author: Martha Simpson
Illustrator: Jana Christy
Publisher: Two Lions, 2013
ISBN: 978-1477816479
Reading Level: 3 to 6 years 

Main Characters: A little boy and his Mother

Plot: A little boy discusses what NOT to give your mother for Mother's Day. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is such a sweet book! The little boy in the story is helping the reader out by making sure you know what not to give your Mother for Mother's Day. 

Critical Analysis: The little boy gives the reader great advice on what not to give your Mom for presents on her special day. No mud puddles, sticks, worms, or rotting logs! He finds the perfect gift for her, "a big hug and a kiss." It is funny and very touching story for Moms with young sons. 

Illustrations: The illustrations are bright an colorful. 

Connections: This would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day for those Moms with young sons. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Star Wars Day! - May 4th

May the fourth be with you!

Happy Star Wars Day! 

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Book Review #47

 Among the Red Stars

Author: Gwen C. Katz
ASIN: B01N4M6QTT
Publisher: HarperTeen, 2017
Reading Level: 13 to 17 years

Main Characters: Valka Koroleva, her cousin Iskra, and Valka’s childhood friend Pasha.

Plot: Valka and her cousin Iskra join the 588th Night Bomber Squadron. The female squadron that would become known to the Germans as the “Night Witches.” It was Valka's dream to fly for the Red Army's Air Force as a fighter pilot. Pasha her male friend is drafted into the army. Pasha becomes a radio operator. Valka and Pasha send one another letters through out the war. 

Settings: World War II, Russia, Germany

Genre/Theme/Style: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Topic: Girls and women in military, war, female pilots, female military aviators

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? The characters are an interesting part of the book, but the actual story behind the fiction was captivating. The book is beautifully written, and I found the story interesting. However, I was deeply drawn into the actual historical information. 

I think good historical fiction does that; it points the reader to the most important story of all, the truth.  

The history of the real "Night Witches" is absolutely fascinating. They were called night witches or Nachthexen because of the sound that wooden planes they flew made. These women were so impressive! It is hard to believe all that they had to endure to fly for their country. 

Critical Analysis:

The book was based off of the true story of the "Night Witches." There is the narrative, and the letters between Pasha and Valka that tell the story. The author's note at the end is a great addition and gives the reader much needed facts. 

“This beautiful, emotional entry into a key moment in Russian history will appeal to lovers of adventure novels, as well as 

historical fiction fans.” 

~~ Booklist Online

Connections:

Meet the Night Witches

Poetry Friday!

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Catherine at Reading to the Core