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Author: Jessika Daly
Illustrator: Terdell L. Johnson
Publisher: Yourmom206
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-692-23251-4
Pages: 28
Price: $19.99
Author’s website
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Turkey is excited because tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there will be cake and presents and a big party. But when he shares his enthusiasm with Mr. Bear, he finds out that those things happen on his birthday, not on Thanksgiving. Running through each of the holidays and events over the course of the year, Turkey keeps coming back to Mr. Bear, only to find out that, once again, he’s mistaken.
Mr. Bear only shakes his head each time saying, “Silly Turkey.” Finally, Turkey comes back and asks about what will really happen on Thanksgiving. Mr. Bear’s parting line is priceless, and I won’t spoil the fun by revealing it. But kids will roar with laughter when they hear what he has to say.
Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, and we know this story can’t end well. But since Turkey and Mr. Bear concludes with a humorous line, kids won’t dwell on what might happen to Turkey, and can simply enjoy the joke. This book is pure Thanksgiving fun.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Lynda Berger
Publisher: Fuluji’s Publishing Ltd
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
ISBN: 9780957374300
Pages: 268
Price: £6.99
Author’s website
Buy it at Bookstore.co.uk
Tad Bailey can’t take much more. After another fight between his parents, he runs from his home, wondering if things can get any worse. When he discovers a mysterious gate leading to another world, he’s offered a chance at happiness. He doesn’t know it, but he’s been living in the Shadows, and now he has the opportunity to get out.
All he has to do is find three Keys in Shiladu before time expires. If he doesn’t succeed, he’ll be stuck there forever. While he’s there, demons prey on his vulnerabilities, another visitor tries to steal his Keys, and a permanent resident of Shiladu upsets the time continuum, making Tad the scapegoat. Seeking the Keys is his ultimate goal, but he’s even more concerned with making it out of Shiladu alive.
Demons and Thieves is an exciting fantasy and adventure novel that grabbed my interest from the very beginning. Tad faces dangerous situations that he needs to escape from, and he never knows what lurks behind the next corner. Evil comes at him from every direction, keeping the reader hooked to find out what happens next. I enjoyed this story very much, and I look forward to reading the next two books in this Seven Keys Trilogy.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Lisa Trumbauer
Illustrator: Jannie Ho
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1356-6
Pages: 32
Price: $6.95
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It’s the week before Christmas, and Santa is frantic. The reindeer are on strike and decide they won’t be pulling his sleigh this year. So Santa decides to hire some new staff. Surely there are other animals who would be willing to help!
But poor Santa doesn’t anticipate the many problems he’ll run into as he attempts test runs with his new crews. Dogs, cats, elephants, and kangaroos all try hard, but just can’t handle the job. What can Santa do?
Using rhyming verse in the style of “Twas the night before Christmas…” this wacky book details Santa’s frustrations in attempting to replace his striking reindeer. Kids will giggle with delight over the silly predicaments the replacement animals find themselves in. But all ends well, as Santa and the reindeer finally come to an agreement.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author & Illustrator: Simon Abbott
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-78325-053-0
Pages: 24
Price: $8.99
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Did you know that the tires on the biggest dump truck in the world each contain enough rubber to make 600 car tires? Or that Melbourne, Australia, has the world’s longest tram network, with 1763 stops? Or that car ferries have enough space to carry 180 trucks and 1,000 cars?
In Plains, Trains, and Cars kids will learn fun facts about many modes of transportation. Whimsical illustrations and quirky commentary fill the pages of this cute book. It’s sure to be a hit with kids.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author & Illustrator: Liz Ball
Publisher: Hidden Pictures
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9843088-1-1
Pages: 56
Price: $6.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
It’s always fun to look for hidden objects in a drawing. And it’s even more fun when kids can then color the rest of the picture and learn a bit about each of the fifty states. In this book, each state is featured on its own page, with color commentary and fifteen to twenty items to discover in the line drawing above.
50 States of Fun – Hidden Treasures is a great resource for improving eye coordination, spatial skills, memory retention and concentration. But kids will only see it as an enjoyable puzzle book that will keep them entertained for hours.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Philip Yates
Illustrator: Sebastia Serra
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-4549-1357-3
Pages: 32
Price: $6.95
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“Twas the night before Christmas aboard the Black Sark…” These pirates aren’t waiting for Santa Claus – instead they are hoping for a visit from Sir Peg. Riding a sleigh pulled by eight giant sea horses, and sporting an eye patch, peg leg, and hook, Sir Peg is a sight to see. But he comes bringing joyous gifts to all the crew.
With the same rhyming cadence as the original, A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas is an alternative and fun Christmas Eve read. Kids of all ages will enjoy it.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Taillefer Long
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9826165-8-1
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Howard B. Wigglebottom knows his friend, Buzz, is not happy, but he doesn’t know why. So he watches as Buzz is trusting friends he shouldn’t trust, having his things taken away from him, and getting into trouble for stealing. But when he starts to get into a stranger’s car, Howard steps in and yells, “NO!” Buzz doesn’t know how to say no to anyone, and Howard wants to help him.
Over time, Buzz learns how to determine if someone is trustworthy, and how to say no if they’re not. And he learns to never talk to strangers unless a trusted adult says it’s okay. Buzz is a lot happier now.
Kids (and even adults) have trouble saying no when they think people won’t like them. But this is an important skill best developed when children are young. Howard B. Wigglebottom on Yes or No is a great learning tool, giving kids an opportunity to observe the proper use of the word “No” and to discuss it in a classroom setting.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Lisa Marsoli
Illustrator: Keith Andrew Finch
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1-62686-197-8
Pages: 12
Price: $19.95
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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first appeared on television in 1964. In celebration of its 50 year anniversary, the original story has been reproduced in this pop-up book. These beloved characters – Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius, Hermey the elf, and the Abominable Snow Monster, as well as many others – are all recreated with actual images from the TV special.
Journey with Rudolph, listening to the other reindeer laugh at his nose, meeting Yukon Cornelius, visiting the Island of Misfit Toys, and finally guiding Santa’s sleigh in the blizzard. This book has been recommended for children ages three and up, but adults may want to handle this somewhat fragile pop-up book for young children. All fans of classic Christmas TV programs will love this book.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author & Illustrator: Dorothy Kunhardt
Publisher: New York Review Children’s Collection
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-59017-628-3
Pages: 72
Price: $16.95
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Junket is a milk-based dessert, made with sweetened milk and rennet, the digestive enzyme which curdles milk. It might best be described as a custard or a very soft, sweetened cheese. And in Junket is Nice, an old man with a red beard and red slippers is eating it from a very large, red bowl.
When all the people of the world assemble around him, he asks them to tell him what he’s thinking. The first one to guess correctly will get something nice. But first he tells them three things he’s not thinking of. As they all make their guesses, a young boy on a tricycle watches and thinks.
Junket is Nice is pure absurdity and nonsense in a whimsical package. It’s filled with repetition, silly pictures and concepts, and too much food at one time. Originally published in 1933, this classic has been out of print and only recently reintroduced by the New York Review. If this was one of the best-loved books on your childhood bookcase, it’s time to share it with your own kids.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Ted Dekker
Publisher: Center Street
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian
ISBN: 978-1-59995-418-9
Pages: 432
Price: $25.00
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Maviah was born of an illicit encounter by her father, Sheikh Rami bin Malik. Sold into slavery in Egypt, she lived there until the birth of her son, and was sent back to her Bedu people. Now her city has been taken by the Thamud, and her father has sent her on a mission to save them. With Saba, her father’s servant, and Judah, a Jew, she travels to see Herod, hoping for his help.
Saba and Judah are able-bodied and trustworthy men, and she soon comes to rely on them for her own well-being. But their mission runs into a snag. A side trip to Capernaum allows them to visit with Yeshua – a Jewish rabbi with a new and radical teaching. Maviah soon becomes convinced that this Yeshua speaks truth, and vows to follow his words.
Maviah is a broken woman who believes herself to be nothing more than a slave. But in speaking to Yeshua, she begins to believe she has value in her Father’s eyes. Can she trust him enough to overcome her fear and rescue her people?
A.D. 30 paints a wonderful picture of desert life at the start of the Christian era. We meet Jesus near the start of his ministry and share in the joy of those who have just found him. And we see, through Maviah’s eyes, exactly why he is so well-loved by his followers. Jesus loves her just as she is – even though she sees herself as unworthy.
I highly recommend this engaging and enjoyable book.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children / Cars
ISBN: 978-1-78325-046-2
Pages: 24
Price: $9.99
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Do you know the top speed of the fastest car ever made? Or the most popular pace car at NASCAR races? Or the car that won every racing competition it entered in 1965? My Big Fast Car Book details these fun facts and more with large, full-color pictures.
Kids who love playing with cars will find themselves drawn to the real thing, as they imagine driving at top speeds on open roads. Formula One, NASCAR, the Autobahn, or drag racing, kids can live them all through these pictures.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
The most popular
Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Jeremy Norton
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-098261657-4
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Howard B. Wigglebottom is afraid of creatures lurking under his bed, loud noises, dogs, and the first day of school. He decides he can’t face any of them, so he’s never coming out of his room again. But when he meets a young bird who bravely flies for the first time, Howard realizes he doesn’t always have to be afraid. In fact, he can only really be courageous in the face of fear.
Howard decides to face all his fears head-on. With supportive friends and family, he does the very things he fears the most, and finds out that they’re not as terrifying as he thought. And when the first day of school arrives, he’s ready to face it courageously.
Children face many fears as they encounter the world around them. Some fears are healthy, such as those that protect them from harm. But some fears are really just a worry about the unknown, and these only prevent kids from trying something new. Howard is a great role model as he faces his own fears, conquering them in the process.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author & Illustrator: Simon Abbott
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-1-78325-077-6
Pages: 24
Price: $8.99
Author’s website
Downloadable fun activities – coming soon!
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There are many kinds of habitats, and each supports certain animal populations. Animals Everywhere! is an illustrated guide which provides some interesting information about them.
Habitats such as the rain forest, mountains, desert, and ocean are each presented in a two-page spread. In these pages, various animals that live in the habitat are illustrated in cartoon style, along with fun facts about them.
Kids will be fascinated to learn about the goliath bird-eating spider, which is as big as a pizza, or the male narwhal, which is also called the “unicorn of the sea” because it has a long, spiral tusk. These and other fascinating creatures fill the pages of this fun and colorful book.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Jean M. Heimann
Publisher: Servant Books
Genre: Christian / Catholic
ISBN: 978-1-61636-845-6
Pages: 144
Price: $13.99
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Most of us are familiar with the seven deadly sins, but are we also aware of the seven virtues? These are charity, chastity, diligence, humility, kindness, patience and temperance. The fastest way to defeat the deadly sins in our own lives is to work on developing these virtues in their place.
Seven saints provide wonderful examples of these virtues in action. In Seven Saints for Seven Virtues, these saints are presented for us to emulate. Their lives and struggles may have been difficult, but each overcame weakness and developed strong character. In addition to the saints, modern-day people who embody these virtues are introduced, so we can learn how to model them in today’s world. Prayers, suggested Bible reading, and action steps are also provided for developing each virtue.
We are all called to be saints. The lives of the virtuous men and women in this book will guide us as we attempt to follow that calling. All those who try to live holy lives will benefit from reading Seven Saints for Seven Virtues.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Vassula Rydén
Publisher: Alexian
Genre: Christian / Spirituality
ISBN: 978-0-9830093-0-6
Pages: 224
Price: $24.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Vassula Rydén was not living a particularly religious life when her guardian angel first appeared to her. And when God spoke to her, soon after, she was completely unprepared to face her many sins and atone for them. Once she was cleansed, she willingly took on her new role in communicating God’s Messages to the people, as He commanded.
Heaven is Real But So is Hell is Rydén’s story of her ministry. It shares some of the visions God has allowed her to see, as well as many of the Messages she received. Organized loosely by topic, this book touches on all the important ideas God has commanded her to tell us.
Originally, the Vatican disapproved of Rydén’s Messages, issuing a warning against them. However, over time, these Messages have gotten support from priests, bishops, and even Cardinal Ratzinger, before he became Pope. Rydén also claims that many who have seen her speak or have read the Messages have come back to the Church as a result.
I admit, I approached this book with healthy skepticism. But as I’ve also read the Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, I realized there are interesting similarities. Both women issued dire warnings that come with potential blessings if we turn from our sinful ways, and both have been ridiculed and scorned by an unbelieving public. I have not read True Life in God, which is Rydén’s official publication of these Messages, but from what I’ve read in Heaven is Real But So is Hell, I see nothing that would be contradictory to my Catholic faith.
Prophets are often misunderstood in the era they’re living in, and their messages are only understood much later. If these Messages are truly from God, they will stand up to the test of time.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Dean Koontz & his dog Anna
Publisher: Center Street
Genre: Humor / Dogs
ISBN: 978-1-4555-3079-3
Pages: 96
Price: $20.00
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Dean Koontz was surprised to find that his dog, Anna, was giving advice to other dogs. In Ask Anna, she shares her advice with the furry and forlorn.
Trouble with the cat next door? Anna can help. Body image problem – legs too short, tongue too long? Anna knows exactly what to do about it. Behavior issue – digging, chewing, scratching? Anna has the answer.
Filled with photos of dogs along with their various questions, Ask Anna is the perfect Christmas gift for your canine companion. And if you’re curious what he’s thinking, it might be wise to get yourself a copy, too. This adorable book is perfect for anyone who loves dogs.
100% of what the author receives from the sale of Ask Anna will be donated to Canine Companions for Independence, the nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Tim J. Myers
Illustrator: Macky Pamintuan
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4027-7798-1
Pages: 40
Price: $14.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
How do you handle the dirty dinosaurs in the city? You send them to the Dino Wash Deluxe. They’ll be scrubbed and polished until they’re squeaky clean. Working there is a dream job, unless you’re a bit scared of Tyrannosaurus Rex.
As the dinosaurs come in, each is handled in his own special way. Even T. Rex! And if the employees play their cards right, they might even get taken for a ride.
Down at the Dino Wash Deluxe introduces kids to several dinosaurs, and even includes a glossary at the end of the story. As they each bathe, various unique characteristics are described, bring these prehistoric creatures to life. Science and story rolled into one book, this is a fun read for kids.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Ray Arata
Publisher: Highpoint Executive Publishing
Genre: Men / Self-improvement
ISBN: 978-0-9839432-6-6
Pages: 260
Price: $21.99
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Ray Arata’s wake-up call came when he was suddenly faced with a huge change at work and the end of his marriage. Although his circumstances had become unstable, he knew he needed to make adjustments to how he handled things, if he wanted to be happy. Wake Up, Man Up, Step Up shares some of the processes he went through to turn his life around.
Once a man has had his wake-up call, he will need to take action. In this book, Arata provides a roadmap of steps to success: create support for yourself, speak your truth, declare your want, identify blocks, break through old ways of being, embody responsibility, and integrate and manifest. These steps are explored with examples, explanations and journal entry questions, designed to help the reader get more in touch with himself and his underlying beliefs. Follow-up chapters help men focus on specific areas such as being a good parent, friend or spouse.
Wake Up, Man Up, Step Up is not a book men can simply read to absorb and understand the concepts presented. This is an interactive workbook, and the exercises won’t be effective without putting in the time and energy to get to the root of problems. But if you’re willing to make the commitment, this program will lead you to be the best man you can be.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Ann Downer
Illustrator: Shennen Bersani
Publisher: Sylvan Dell
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-1-60718-6342
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Shark baby is snug in his egg case, tied to a strand of kelp, wondering what’s outside. But when a storm hits, the rough ocean waves break the case loose, tearing it slightly. Shark baby can now see where he is and who he is encountering as he drifts about. But now he has a new question – what kind of shark is he?
Shark Baby introduces children to the life cycle of a shark and shows them a variety of shark species. A discussion guide with questions is also provided for classroom use. This book would be a great resource for science lessons.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Illustrator: Simon Abbott
Publisher: Ticktock Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-78325-185-8
Pages: 64
Price: $8.99
Illustrator’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Halloween is coming, and it’s time to have some fun! The Spooky Sticker Activity Book will keep kids busy until October 31st. There are puzzles to solve, pictures to color and draw, and lots of reusable stickers to attach to the illustrations inside. Nothing too scary for young children – all the ghouls are smiling and friendly.
This enjoyable activity book would be a great addition to any child’s Halloween celebration.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Howard Binkow
Illustrator: Susan F. Cornelison
Publisher: Thunderbolt Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-9826165-5-0
Pages: 32
Price: $15.00
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
When Joey joins Howard’s class, the peaceful atmosphere is suddenly disrupted. Joey does things differently, not sitting still, sharing, or waiting his turn. And when Joey brings chameleons to school and they get loose, Howard feels bad for Joey and tries to help him.
Joey doesn’t know how to fit in, since he doesn’t have good social skills. Howard is patient with him, as they both decide that it would be good if Joey learned from the chameleons to blend in with others. By the end of the school year, Joey is no longer a social outcast.
Howard B. Wigglebottom Blends in Like Chameleons teaches kids the importance of following social cues, in an effort to fit into groups. However, as the last picture suggests, maintaining one’s unique personality is still encouraged, and kids aren’t told to conform to the point they lose themselves in the group. A discussion guide is also provided for further classroom conversation.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Saviour Pirotta
Illustrator: Mark Robertson
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-4549-0414-4
Pages: 24
Price: $19.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Ahoy, mates, and welcome to The Buccanneering Book of Pirates! In this children’s book, six illustrated pirate stories are accompanied by a sturdy, life-size 3-D pirate poster, suitable for hanging in a landlubber’s bedroom. [Warning: Open at your peril.] Important pirate facts are also included on the poster.
Kids who are interested in pirate lore will love this fun and unique package.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: David P. Wagner
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0270-4
Pages: 236
Price: $24.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Rick Montoya is all set to enjoy a week off from his translation business, skiing with his old college chum. But when Luca Albani requests Rick’s assistance investigating the disappearance of an American businessman, Rick immediately agrees. Albani is looking for more than translation help, and Rick finds himself tagging along to visit everyone Albani plans to interrogate. The case quickly turns to murder, when the body is discovered.
Each meeting reveals additional information about the suspect’s and victim’s lives, and Albani and Rick find themselves more and more puzzled. The choice of murder weapon suggests the purpose of the man’s last actions, but who was he with, and why? Someone thinks Rick is getting too close to the truth – will time run out before he can find out who that is?
Death in the Dolomites is the sequel to Cold Tuscan Stone in the Rick Montoya mystery series. Like the first book, this one is also heavy on the Italian ambiance, and fine wines and delicious food are liberally sprinkled throughout the story. The author plays fair with the reader, and all clues are revealed before the final showdown. Another delightful reading – and vicarious dining – experience. I highly recommend this series.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Dennis Palumbo
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0254-4
Pages: 336
Price: $24.95
Author’s website
Buy it at Amazon
Lisa Harland, the wife of one of Pittsburgh’s richest tycoons, shows up at Daniel Rinaldi’s office, intending to commit suicide by 7:00 that evening. But Rinaldi doesn’t anticipate Lisa being kidnapped right from under his nose as she’s leaving his office. Her husband immediately summons the FBI and police, and Rinaldi is included as the last one to see her before she was snatched.
But the kidnappers are playing hardball with the authorities, and the violence escalates. Money is their primary aim, but Rinaldi senses they may also be looking for some kind of revenge. And until he understands what motivates them, no one is safe.
Phantom Limb is a fast-paced mystery-thriller, in the same mold as the previous Daniel Rinaldi mysteries. Rinaldi and the supporting characters are well-developed for a mystery, and the intricate plot made this a book I couldn’t put down. I highly recommend this series.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
Author: Mar Pavón
Illustrator: Mónica Carretero
Publisher: Cuento de Luz
Genre: Children
ISBN: 9788415619444
Pages: 30
Price: $15.95
Buy it at Amazon
Clucky, the mother hen, takes her three chicks to school every day. But, while learning to read and write, the chicks hear ugly things about themselves and others. As they bring these words home to repeat to Clucky, she reminds them to get that nonsense out of their heads.
After a while, Clucky uses a bit of her magic to create a bubbling brew full of the mean and nasty things others have said. Then she recycles it, turning it into love, support and gratitude instead.
Kids face harsh criticism and gossip every day at school, and it’s important for them to realize they don’t have to believe everything they hear or participate in those conversations. Clucky and the Magic Kettle shows kids that they can transform the ugly into the beautiful, making life more enjoyable for everyone.
Reviewer: Alice Berger
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