Happy Father's Day!

Book Review #50

"Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't" 

Author: Christopher Lloyd
ISBN: 978-1912920488

Reading Level: 8 to 12 years

Publisher: Britannica Books, 2020

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Non-fiction, Kid's Encyclopedia 

Topic: Reference Information for Children

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? The book has a lot of pictures and interesting information for children that appreciate non-fiction. I realize that many kids might not enjoy an encyclopedia format.  However, the reader might not notice, because in this case, it reads as a picture book with facts. 

Critical Analysis: I do not typically consider encyclopedias for review, but this one struck me as something a kid might really enjoy and not recognize as an encyclopedia.   

Accuracy: The information is up-to-date and accurate. It was edited by over 70 world experts. 

"Well-illustrated and info-packed, this is a wonderful encyclopedia for the curious kids in all our lives." ~ Mary Pope Osborne

Organization: It is a single-volume encyclopedia that is arranged from the beginning of time to present day. Which is another reason it does not feel like an A-Z traditional encyclopedia. 

"This exciting single-volume compendium ranges across time and space, and it's packed with pictures." ~ Meghan Cox Gurdon, The Wall Street Journal

Design: The design is non-traditional. It uses photography, text, illustrations, and infographics to help children learn.  

"A refreshing transparency distinguishes Britannica’s All New Kids’ Encyclopedia, from the ultrasmart subtitle to the mini profiles of its experts. Visually driven, with factoids, lists, infographics, even quizzes." - The New York Times, Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Connections: Video by Britannica 

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!

Check Out:

Irene at Live Your Poem

Poetry Friday!

Check Out:  

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! 

Find a great Star Wars book at your local library!

 Support Your Local Libraries!