BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Adam Rubin

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Those Darn Squirrels!

Author: Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Publisher: Clarion Book Publishers
Ages: 4-8


Synopsis:

Old Man Fookwire has a plan. He'll build some birdfeeders and fill them with yummy seeds and berries. That way, the wild birds he loves so much will stick around for the winter...instead of flying south. But there are other hungry creatures in the forest, and they have plans too. 

Those darn squirrels!
 
Why you should read it:

Author Adam Rubin has created a wonderful story about one old, grumpy man whose only pleasure out of life is painting pictures of the birds flocking to his backyard. But soon it's man against beast as the old man decides to entice the birds to stay for the winter with bird feeders, only to find himself in the middle of a squirrel war as the crafty creatures devise their own plan to steal all the bird food.

Daniel Salmieri's hilarious illustrations compliment this squirrely tale of food fights and bird feeder domination as readers are left wondering who will win this silly bird seed war?

A great addition to any home library!
 
Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5...grab it!

***Rating Scale***
5 out of 5...grab it! 4 out of 5...think about it. 3 out of 5...take or leave it. 2 out of 5...maybe not for you. 1 out of 5...forget about it!

Children's book author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a 'ninja' writer of children’s picture books, middle grade chapter books and young adult novels by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books. She is also a book reviewer for Harper Collins, and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Donna is a lover of dark chocolate, good stories, and an adoptive mom to 20-pound guard kitty in Knoxville, Tennessee

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BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Coleen Salley

 

 

 

Title:Epossumondas

Author: Coleen Salley
Illustrator: Janet Stevens
Publisher: Harcourt Books
Ages: 4-8


Synopsis:

Who's Epossumondas? Why, he's his mama's and his autie's sweet little patootie, that's who. He's also the silliest, most lovable , most muddleheaded possum south of the Mason-Dixon line.

Better choose your words wisely when he's around, 'cause otherwise you never know WHAT will happen!


Why you should read it:

Author Coleen Salley's cute tale of one little possum's adventures living in the swamps of southern Louisiana brought back memories of my own childhood growing up among the Spanish moss and murky bogs of Cajun country.

Epossumondas tries hard to do what his Momma asks him to do, but he takes her suggestions quite literally which leads him into all sorts of silly messes! From learning how to carry a cake to holding a puppy and even handling a loaf of bread, the harder Espossumondas tries to listen to Momma's advice, the harder it is for readers not to laugh at what happens next in this whimsical picture book, written in the old style of a noodlehead story.

You'll laugh and shake your head at what trouble poor Epossumondas will get into next! This remake of a classic tale is a great addition to any home library.


Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5...grab it!


***Rating Scale***


5 out of 5...grab it!
4 out of 5...think about it.
3 out of 5...take or leave it.
2 out of 5...maybe not for you.
1 out of 5...forget about it!

Children's book author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a 'ninja' writer of children’s picture books, middle grade chapter books and young adult novels by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books. She is also a book reviewer for Harper Collins, and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Donna is a lover of dark chocolate, good stories, and an adoptive mom to 20-pound guard kitty in Knoxville, Tennesse

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BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Paul Rogers

Title: Funimals

Author: Paul Rogers
Illustrator: Charles Fuge
Publisher: Barron's Publishers
Ages: 4-8





Synopsis:





What's this animal? Do you know?
A speckledy-neckledy? A roly-pole?


A funny and inventive parade of almost familiar animals from author Paul Rogers and illustrator Charles Fuge to take readers on a whimsical journey through the land of their imagination.




Why you should read it:

There are some picture books that are so magical that illustrations almost aren't necessary in order to draw a reader into the world of an author's imagination. And then there are fun stories like Paul Rogers' FUNIMALS that seem to be driven by the very artwork the words have created.


Illustrator Charles Fuge has managed to elevate an otherwise cute story into a delightful visual journey through a montage of animals any child would love to call their own. Bright colors and expressive faces on each animal encourages readers to stop for a moment to study the details within the pages of this adorable children's book.


FUNIMALS may be an older picture book, but it is still a goody and a great addition to any home library!


Like-O-Meter Rating: 5 out of 5...grab it!


***Rating Scale***


5 out of 5...grab it!
4 out of 5...think about it.
3 out of 5...take or leave it.
2 out of 5...maybe not for you.
1 out of 5...forget about it!

Children's book author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a 'ninja' writer of children’s picture books, middle grade chapter books and young adult novels by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books. She is also a book reviewer for Harper Collins, and a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Donna is a lover of dark chocolate, good stories, and an adoptive mom to 20-pound guard kitty in Knoxville, Tennesse

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BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Linda Joy Singleton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Cash Kat

Author: Linda Joy Singleton

Illustrator: Christina Wald

Publisher: Arbordale Publishing

Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

Gram quickly folds up a pirate hat and places it on Kat's head to begin a mission to help clean up the city park. Volunteering turns into a treasure hunt as Kat uncovers money as she works her way through pennies, nickels, dimes and more. As Kat learns to count her money, will she spend it on ice cream or a good cause?

Why you should read it:

There is a big surge among publishers lately to provide quality nonfiction picture books for the educational market.  Author Linda Joy Singleton has written an environmentally aware book and added cash counting in an attempt to support some Common Core areas. While some educators might find a use in their classroom for this picture book, others might struggle to find the true connection between these two topics. Simple illustrations accompany this story and back matter provides additional environmental information or simple math worksheets. Might be worth checking out if you're looking to add to your environmental science or math curriculum.

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

**Rating scale**

 5 out of 5...grab it!

 4 out of 5...think about it.

 3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

 2 out of 5...maybe not for you.

 1 out of 5...forget about it!

 

 

 

Blurb: Addie comes from a long line of readers or "story catchers" as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own the wiggly words play tricks on her. She tries different ways to make those words sit still but it will take a little faith for Addie to become the next STORY CATCHER.

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BOOK NOOK REVIEW: Kevin Henkes

 

Title: Waiting

Author/Illustrator: Kevin Henkes

Publisherr: Green Willow Books

Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

Look at the owl

and the pig

and the bear

and the puppy

and the rabbit

What do you think they're waiting for?

A visitor?

A surprise?

Why you should read it:

I'm drawn to picture books with simply drawn illustrations showcasing a deeply thought out story line. This masterfully written story by author/illustrator Kevin Henkes reminds me of THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein; one of my favorite picture books of all time.

I can't help but be drawn to the facial expressions of everyone waiting on the window sill for different things. I was even touched by the artwork when I read, "Once a visitor arrived from far away. He stayed for awhile, then he left and never returned."

This beautiful book helps teach patience to those of us destined to have to wait. And for young and old alike, THIS lovely book was definitely worth the wait!

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5...grab it!

**Rating scale**

 5 out of 5...grab it!

 4 out of 5...think about it.

 3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

 2 out of 5...maybe not for you.

 1 out of 5...forget about it!

 

 

 

Blurb: Addie comes from a long line of readers or "story catchers" as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own the wiggly words play tricks on her. She tries different ways to make those words sit still but it will take a little faith for Addie to become the next STORY CATCHER.

Buy Links:Amazon Kindle ¦ Paperback ¦ B&N ¦ Smashwords

JOIN THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB!Membership includes:

 
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Bi-montly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news, and other goodies

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BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Peter Carnavas

Title: Jessica's Box
Author/Illustrator: Peter Carnavas
Publisher: Kane Miller
Ages: 4-8


Synopsis:

The first day of school can be scary. New teachers. New routines. Jessica wonders if she will meet any new friends and brings a mysterious box to school just to make sure she does. Everyone begins to wonder just what's inside?

Why you should read it:

This delightful picture book comes from down under, but every child around the world can deal with the same first-day jitters. 

I like how Jessica is encouraged by her family to solve her problem on her own. Author/Illustrator Peter Carnavas' wonderful drawings take the reader on a journey through Jessica's school adventure as she tries and tries to make some new friends. It's only when she believes she's destined to be alone that a special friendship comes along.

The fact Jessica has a disability will help children realize everyone needs a friend, no matter their situation. This author hides a valuable lesson inside an adorable story. A good addition to any home library.


Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5...grab it!

**Rating scale**

 5 out of 5...grab it!

 4 out of 5...think about it.

 3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

 2 out of 5...maybe not for you.

 1 out of 5...forget about it!

 

 

 

Blurb: Addie comes from a long line of readers or "story catchers" as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own the wiggly words play tricks on her. She tries different ways to make those words sit still but it will take a little faith for Addie to become the next STORY CATCHER.

Buy Links:Amazon Kindle ¦ Paperback ¦ B&N ¦ Smashwords

JOIN THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB!Membership includes:

 
Membership Certificate

Bi-montly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news, and other goodies

Reading Log for earning STORY CATCHER AWARD

 

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Elise Parsley

Title: If You Ever Want To Bring An Alligator To School, DON'T!
Author/Illustrator: Elise Parsley
Publisher: Hachette Book Group Inc
Ages: 4-8

Synopsis:

An alligator for show-and-tell sounds like tons of fun. What could possibly go wrong?

Magnolia is a one-of-a-kind girl who wants to share something at show-and-tell that really stands out from the crowd. But what if her teacher is right? What if alligators really are nothing but trouble?

 

Why you should read it: 

What a fun concept and such beautiful digital artwork! Every child (and their parents) can relate to the age old question of what to bring to show-and-tell. But how many people can say they brought a chomping, romping, stomping alligator to school?

Author/Illustrator Elise Parsley infuses humor and originality into a potentially hum drum topic and the result is a whimsical adventure into the world of young elementary children during what should have been a typical school day. While I was quite entertained by the storyline and liked how Magnolia solved her 'gator problem, it was the illustrations that I kept returning to.

Stunning colors and vivid detail kept calling me back and once I read the story, I returned for a much longer study of this illustrator's ability to draw me into Magnolia's world with her engaging drawings. Definitely a winner in my book and a great addition to any home library!

Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5...grab it!

**Rating scale**

 5 out of 5...grab it!

 4 out of 5...think about it.

 3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

 2 out of 5...maybe not for you.

 1 out of 5...forget about it!

 

 

 

Blurb: Addie comes from a long line of readers or "story catchers" as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own the wiggly words play tricks on her. She tries different ways to make those words sit still but it will take a little faith for Addie to become the next STORY CATCHER.

Buy Links:Amazon Kindle ¦ Paperback ¦ B&N ¦ Smashwords

JOIN THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB!Membership includes:

 
Membership Certificate

Bi-montly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news, and other goodies

Reading Log for earning STORY CATCHER AWARD

 

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Diane Z Shore

Title: This Is The Feast

Author: Diane Z Shore

Illustrator: Megan Lloyd

Publisher: Harper Collins

Ages 4-8

Synopsis:

This is the Mayflower, sturdy and strong,
Her sails skim the skies as she journeys along.
These are the Pilgrims, down on their knees,
seasick and frightened on rough, rolling seas.

Why I think you should read it:

And so the tale begins of the Pilgrims' voyage to a land of unknown opportunities. I'm a sucker for great rhyming picture books and when you combine it with richly detailed artwork like the ones provided by Illustrator Megan Lloyd, readers can't help but want to go along on the journey with these brave men and women of long ago.

Author Diane Z Shore weaves a wonderful lyrical story about searching for a new home, the adversity in struggling to survive that first winter ashore, the cautious friendships begun between Pilgrim and the Native Americans already living there, and the joyous feast of Thanksgiving when all come together to celebrate the bountiful harvest. THIS IS THE FEAST is a fabulous retelling of the historical voyage of Pilgrims coming to America for the first time and would be a great addition to any library!

Like-o-meter Rating scale **: 3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

**5 out of 5...grab it!

4 out of 5...think about it.

3 out of 5...take it or leave it.

2 out of 5...maybe not for you.

1 out of 5...forget about it!

Blurb: Addie comes from a long line of readers or "story catchers" as her family likes to call themselves. Every time Addie tries to catch a story on her own the wiggly words play tricks on her. She tries different ways to make those words sit still but it will take a little faith for Addie to become the next STORY CATCHER.

Buy Links:Amazon Kindle ¦ Paperback ¦ B&N ¦ Smashwords

JOIN THE STORY CATCHER FAN CLUB!Membership includes:

 
Membership Certificate

Bi-montly Newsletter full of mazes, puzzles, games, news, and other goodies

Reading Log for earning STORY CATCHER AWARD