Author: Deborah Diesen
Illustrator: Dan Hanna
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 0-374-36098-7
Pages: 32
Price: $5.00 at Kohl’s

Author’s website
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I’m a pout-pout fish with a pout-pout face, so I spread the dreary-wearies all over the place. At least that’s what Mr. Fish thinks, as he speaks with his friends. As they try to convince him to cheer up, he repeats this dreary refrain, swimming away with a blub, blub, blub.

This adorable rhyming tale has a happy ending when a mischievous lady fish surprises him with a kiss. And suddenly Mr. Fish doesn’t feel so pouty anymore.

Kids will absolutely love The Pout-Pout Fish. And with these cute stuffed characters to accompany it, all for only $5.00 each, this set from Kohl’s Cares for Kids is a real winner. All proceeds go towards kids’ health and education.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Connor Wilson
Illustrator: Alyssa Machette
Publisher: Magic Dreams Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-937148-12-6
Pages: 52
Price: $12.95

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Billy is frustrated because everyone picks on him. One day he finds a magic pencil that lets him erase anything that annoys him. Over the course of the day, he erases them all, one by one. But suddenly he discovers he’s lonely and he misses them.

Luckily for Billy, pencils don’t just erase. He has to decide if he wants to draw these people back into his life again. After thinking things over, he makes the right choice and is finally happy.

A Giant Pencil was written when Connor Wilson was nine years old. This heart-warming story will remind kids how much friends and family really mean to them.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Sheri Safran
Illustrator: Emma Damon
Publisher: Insight Editions
Genre:  Children
ISBN: 978-1-60887-159-9
Pages: 12
Price: $12.99

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There are many religions, such as Buddhist, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, or Hindu. In this lift-the-flap book, children are introduced to some basic things that they may see in others of a different faith.

Focusing on clothing or head wear, types of buildings people worship in, things you might find inside those buildings, and holiday celebrations, it provides some idea about the religion. It doesn’t explain the actual beliefs, but instead shows kids that there are different faiths, and that kids who practice these faiths may look or act differently than they do.

In a multi-cultural world, kids will often see people of other faiths. All Kinds of Beliefs will give them the ability to recognize why people look different, and to treat them with respect.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Timothy Young
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4387-2
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
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Picture books can be trouble! If you read about the boy with the purple crayon and draw on your own walls, your mom will be angry. If you eat green ham, you’ll barf. And wishing really hard won’t bring you to the jungle. So this boy has had enough! He’s getting rid of all his picture books.

But wait, he really does like this one. And this one. And this one. In fact, he really likes them all! He won’t ever toss these books in the trash. They’re each special, and he’s going to read them all right now.

I Hate Picture Books! incorporates scenes and concepts from many of the best picture books of the last few decades. This cute story is a fun reminder of the joy these books continue to give us.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jayne Amelia Larson
Publisher: Free Press
Genre: Memoir
ISBN: 978-1-4516-4001-4
Pages: 224
Price: $28.99

Author’s website

When Jayne Amelia Larson hit a lull in her acting career, she turned to chauffeur work to fill the gaps. This provided her a unique opportunity to drive the Saudi family visting Los Angeles for their summer vacation. In Driving the Saudis, she relates some of her experiences in this unusual assignment.

There are some interesting moments in this narrative. When one of the princesses does not handle American currency properly, it’s obvious she feels some shame. There is a bond that develops between the nanny and Larson, while chaperoning the princess and looking out for her best interests. And there is unexpected kindness that the servants show her as they all become weary of the endless work. There is also lavish spending, elective surgeries, rudeness, and high expectations that all who serve the family will do so quickly and efficiently. The long hours and many demands take their toll, but the promise of a hefty cash tip keep Larson going until the very end.

Unfortunately, this book gets off to an extremely slow start. Larson shares too much about herself, her education, and her career. She offers her thoughts and opinions of the family and their behavior, but there are few actual anecdotes. These are brief, and leave no lasting impression of the individual family members. Instead, we are given just a sketchy overall picture of the family and their collective behavior.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

A series of educational books by Tick Tock Books featuring level two reading. A brief summary of the books and their word focus are included below. This is a fun series kids will enjoy, while also learning how to read. See level one information here.

Wish Fish
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Katie May
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-755-5
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-A: Meg catches a wish fish. When she Tim get their wishes, problems arise with a crafty fox.
Focuses on the sh sound.

Chuck and Duck
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Ann Johns
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-756-2
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-B: Chuck meets a duck, who follows him around, but his friend, Fred, thinks he’s a bad pet. Duck thinks otherwise. Focuses on the ch sound.

That Dog!
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Vian Oelofsen
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-757-9
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-C: Chip is a naughty dog. Good thing he’s at camp when Tim gets lost!
Focuses on the th sound.

Beth and the Bugs
Author: Sam Hay
Illustrator: Ann Johns
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-758-6
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-D: Beth wants to find bugs with her class, but she has no luck. But then she looks in her snack bag and gets a surprise. Focuses on the th sound.

Let’s Go to the Swings
Author: Lucy George
Illustrator: Andrew Geeson
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-759-3
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-E: Anna and Kit play on the swings, while the dog explores.
Focuses on the ng sound.

Pink Bunny
Author: Lucy George
Illustrator: Valentina Mendicino
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-760-9
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-F: Bunny has a run-in with a can of pink paint and needs a bath. Then dog the dog runs into the same problem. Focuses on the nk sound.

The Busy Lunch
Author: Melanie Hamm
Illustrator: Stefania Maragna
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-761-6
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-G: Dog and Rat visit Rabbit for lunch, but Rabbit doesn’t have a table, chairs or food! Good thing he has friends to help him out. Focuses on the sounds in the previous level two books.

Kyle in Trouble
Author: Melanie Hamm
Illustrator: Sue King
Publisher: Tick Tock Books
ISBN: 978-1-84898-762-3
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level 2-H: Kyle’s boat is attacked by a shark. Good thing his friend, Rich, is around to help.
Focuses on the le sound as in trouble.

Author: James Dillehay
Publisher: Warm Snow Publishers
Genre: Small Business / Arts & Crafts
ISBN: 978-0-9710684-7-6
Pages: 132
Price: $12.95

Author’s website
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Being profitable in a small arts & crafts business is not a matter of luck. There is a system to pricing merchandise to encourage people to buy your crafts. While covering your own cost to produce the item is important, there are other factors involved in making sure you get the best price for your merchandise.

James Dillehay is a craft artist, gallery owner, and author of nine respected finance books on this subject. In this book, he offers suggestions for an arts & crafts business owner to be successful. Topics such as studying the market and pricing your items appropriately, increasing perceived value, determining the cost per unit and your target profit margin, where to sell your merchandise, how to buy your supplies more cheaply, and working more efficiently are all covered in depth.

As an accountant, I reviewed the financial calculations and strategies closely, and Dillehay is accurate in his advice. However, in the realm of taxes, I would advise caution and the guidance of a tax professional, before implementing some of the suggestions offered. How to Price Crafts and Things You Make to Sell is a wealth of information that can ensure your small business is successful and profitable.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jennifer Keats Curtis
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Genre: Children / Animals
ISBN: 978-1-60718-6236
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95

Author’s website
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What happens to wild animals when they are no longer wild? Sometimes people keep exotic pets until they get too big, and then they need to find a new home for them. Other animals become injured and no longer able to fend for themselves. These animals can be cared for in animal sanctuaries.

Animal Helpers: Sanctuaries is a photographic journey to some of the sanctuaries providing homes for wild animals in the United States. Sharing some of the animals’ stories, it explains how they came to be living there and what kind of care they are receiving. Animals need food, shelter, veterinary care, and even mental stimulation and enrichment, and all of these are offered to them in the sanctuaries.

In a perfect world, all wild animals would roam freely, with no need of sanctuaries. But these safe havens give some animals a second chance at life, even though they won’t be living in their natural habitat. This interesting and informative book explains the importance of sanctuaries in caring for wild animals who can no longer return to the wild.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Barbara E. Mauzy
Illustrator: Bob Stuhmer
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4295-0
Pages:64
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
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In the land of Par-zee-no live the Schwoes. One of these, a boy named Franklin, is overweight. His many chins sag and his tummy shakes like a bowl of Jell-o. Franklin likes to eat… and eat… and eat.

One day his parents take Franklin to the doctor, who suggests Franklin exercise more and eat less. Then he whispers something in Franklin’s ear that makes him smile. Franklin decides to follow the doctor’s suggestions, and makes significant changes in his life. Motivated by the prize the doctor promised him, he returns to normal size, fit and healthy.

Don’t Be a Schwoe: Fitness is a story about an overweight Schwoe who makes healthy changes in his life to become fit. But these changes wouldn’t happen as quickly and easily as they’re presented in this book. An overweight child would face many obstacles to losing weight that aren’t addressed. I would rather see Franklin overcome these obstacles in his weight-loss journey, instead of jumping into this new lifestyle willingly and effortlessly.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jane Tesh
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4642-0061-8
Pages: 250
Price: $24.95

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When David Randall, private investigator, and his psychic friend, Camden, visit Jared Hunter’s house for a little construction work, they are surprised to find him brutally murdered in his garage. But even more disturbing is the way Camden is emotionally connected with Jared’s killer. Only two suspects are being considered, but Camden knows both are innocent. Randall is determined to find the killer and make sure the police don’t arrest the wrong person.

As the he gets more involved in the investigation, Randall explores the circumstances surrounding the case. Several crimes in the downtown area, which may or may not have been thwarted by the amateur superhero, the Parkland Avenger, may be connected. A museum break-in that Jared had participated in may shed some light. And what, if anything, does the Parkland Herald have to do with the murder?

Mixed Signals is a nice cozy mystery with some great characters. However, since this is the sequel to Stolen Hearts, it may be wise to read this series in order to fully understand and appreciate the interactions between them. Quirky and amusing scenes make this a fun read with a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

A series of educational books by Tick Tock Books featuring level one reading. A brief summary of the books and their word focus are included below. This is a fun series kids will enjoy, while also learning how to read.

Author: Karen Wallace
Illustrator: Rachael O’Neill
ISBN: 978-1-84898-747-0
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-A:  Bad Rat has stolen Pig’s bun.  Fat Cat helps him get it back.
Told in single-syllable words. Most are consonant-vowel-consonant.

Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Illustrator: Vian Oelofsen
ISBN: 978-1-84898-748-7
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Lebel I-B:  Dogs compete in the show.  The poodle shows off and wins top dog.
Focuses on certain consonants. Introduces two-syllable words and the silent e.

Author: N/A
Illustrator: N/A
ISBN: 978-1-84898-749-4
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-C: Book was not available at the time of this review – will be updated when it becomes available.

Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Illustrator: Florencia Denis
ISBN: 978-1-84898-750-0
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-D: Bess wants to marry the man who gives her the best gift. Jack wins with Sam’s help.
Focuses on consonant-vowell-consonant-consonant words

Author: Isabel Crawford
Illustrator: Sue King
ISBN: 978-1-84898-751-7
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-E: Bret and Grandma take a trip to the shore. They catch lots of crabs.
Focuses on consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant words.

Author: Isabel Crawford
Illustrator: Stefania Maragna
ISBN: 978-1-84898-752-4
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-F: Book was not available at the time of this review – will be updated when it becomes available.

Author: Louise Goodman
Illustrator: Alex Paterson
ISBN: 978-1-84898-753-1
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-G: Cowboy wants a star, but a man wants to steal it from him. Dog helps him stop the bandit.
Focuses on two-syllable words with consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant-vowel-consonant pattern.

Author: Louise Goodman
Illustrator: Inna Chernyak
ISBN: 978-1-84898-754-8
Pages: 24
Price: $3.99

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Level I-H: Lots of characters join a boy in the magic sandbox including a dragon and his dad.
Focuses on more complicated two-syllable words following the patterns learned in previous lessons.

Author: Anne Faye
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: Romance
ISBN: 9781482758214
Pages: 170
Price: $9.99

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Julia Manning is happy with her simple life. She has a job in a bookstore, volunteer work at the nursing home, and a quiet apartment. After being dumped at the altar ten years ago by Zach Richards, she has no intention of ever loving again or getting married. And now she is determined to solve the mystery behind a rose ring that one of the nursing home residents claims was once hers.

So when her mom arranges a date with a man she couldn’t tolerate when she was younger, Julia is less than thrilled. And when Zach suddenly appears out of nowhere, she doesn’t know how she’ll cope, especially when he ends up working at the bookstore with her.

Zach’s behavior when she first meets him is not praiseworthy. He is dating a questionable woman and he shows very little remorse for leaving Julia in her predicament. As Julia delves deeper into the mystery of the rose ring, she discovers a love that was once strong, but was ultimately lost. Would Julia also be throwing away her own love for Zach by not choosing to forgive?

The Rose Ring is a nice love story told from two perspectives. Although only one leads to a happy ending, the other brings a sweet sense of closure and forgiveness. I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to seeing more from this talented author.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Letitia Fairbanks
Publisher: Sandramantos Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0988784802
Pages: 66
Price: $24.00

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What kind of a world would you create if you had to do three good deeds to make it home again? Princess April Morning-Glory has ventured out of the safety of Fairlyland, and desperately wants to go home. But the wizard has told her that she must first perform three good deeds. As she wanders around the Great World, the Fairy Misery attempts to thwart her efforts.

Princess April is a kind fairy girl, and soon finds those along her way who need her help. But once she has finished her good deeds, Fairy Misery finds her and whisks her away to her castle. Then it will take someone else’s good deed to rescue her.

Princess April Morning-Glory is a sweet story with an unusual history. Created in 1939 by Letitia Fairbanks, daughter of Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, it uses Hollywood characters as inspiration for the illustrations. The text is printed in artful calligraphy with stunning drawings throughout. The message of this tale and the beauty of the illustrations make this book a great addition to any girl’s library.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author & Illustrator: Timothy Young
Publisher: Schiffer Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0-7643-4224-0
Pages: 40
Price: $16.99

Schiffer Books
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Street lights outside make shadows on a boy’s wall. Some of the shadows seem threatening, and he gets scared. Pirates, dinosaurs, and aliens appear, and his first reaction is to hide under the bed. But when he realizes he can play with the shadows, he loses his fear and starts to enjoy seeing them.

Shadows On My Wall is a great book on conquering fears. Rather than letting his fears control him, this boy makes up his mind to first face them head-on, and then turn them into something fun. In addition to the story, a guide is provided on how to make shadow images with your hands.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Hannah Harrington
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-0-373-21052-7
Pages: 288
Price: $9.99

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Chelsea Knot has just said some things she wishes she hadn’t, with dire consequences. She can’t undo the past, so she tries to make the future different – by not saying anything at all. Taking a vow of silence, she determines that no one else will ever suffer from her lack of discretion.

After this horrifying episode, she is no longer one of the popular girls – a status she’s come to take for granted. And not only isn’t she one of them, she’s also become the brunt of their hostility. Remaining silent will take every ounce of energy she has. But she doesn’t anticipate that one girl won’t hold everything against her, and that she’ll find a whole new set of friends.

Chelsea is a self-absorbed teen who has never given a thought to how she treats people. But after this experience, she awakens to the idea that everyone deserves acceptance and respect, no matter how different. Speechless is an absorbing tale of Chelsea’s transformation from a selfish girl to someone who really cares about others. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Naomi Kinsman
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Tween / Christian
ISBN: 978-0-310-72668-5
Pages: 224
Price: $7.99

Author’s Website
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Sadie is finally returning to California, now that her father’s job has ended in Michigan. Although a year ago she would have been thrilled, now she has mixed emotions. While she is eager to join her best friend back home, leaving her new friends behind will hurt.

But if Sadie thought her father’s work would get easier now, she is very wrong. His newest case has strong controversy, and she suddenly finds herself threatened by one of the parties involved. And when she lets her heart control her, she’s really in a predicament.

Sadie is a likeable girl with a heart of gold. She cares deeply for people and compassionately shares their hurts. But in this book, I thought the bounds of believability were pushed a little too far. I struggled with understanding how her parents gave in to her when she made her requests at the end of this story. And I really feel that twelve is much too young to be seriously thinking about a boyfriend.

Brilliant Hues is the fourth book in the From Sadie’s Sketchbook series. [See also Waves of Light, Flickering Hope and Shades of Truth.] Combining challenging situations with growing faith lessons, this series shows real life handled from a Christian perspective. Girls will love reading about Sadie and her friends, while also seeing a great role model.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Kathryn Rose Jacoby
Publisher: CreateSpace
Genre: Teen
ISBN: 978-1478289906
Pages: 126
Price: $5.95

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After graduating from flight school, sixteen year-old Dolores Fletcher is now ready to face her life’s mission. As official Cobweb Catcher, she will rid homes of the giant spiders nesting there. Coming from a long line of Cobweb Catchers, she is proud of her heritage and eager to begin her work. But sometimes things aren’t what they seem.

After her aunt has left for Florida, Dolores finds an outcast ghost inhabiting her home. Since he has nowhere else to go and she’s lonely, she asks him to stay. Then her great-great-great-grandmother’s ghost joins him. Triple-G, as Dolores calls her, fills her in on the family history, encouraging her to follow in her footsteps. Dolores is very good at what she does, and soon a new problem develops, forcing her to decide on her future as Cobweb Catcher.

Dolores Fletcher, Cobweb Catcher is a cute fantasy of a young witch trying to find her own way in the world. She is an endearing girl that readers will cheer for. I would have enjoyed a little more character development, which would have been helpful in understanding the motives behind some of their actions. But overall, this is a nice story with a happy ending.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: Nora Hilb
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Christian
ISBN: 978-0310720065
Pages: 32
Price: $14.99

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The weatherman predicted rain. So Nora built an ark. Just like Noah. Well… not just like Noah. Nora wants to follow Noah’s actions, but she’s limited by what she has on-hand. She goes ahead anyway, doing everything to the best of her ability.

Nora’s ark is made from items she finds in storage. She can only round up pairs of a few animals, and the people she invites on the ark have to leave. Even Nora sneaks off for a little while. The rain only lasts a short while, unlike in Noah’s day. But a magnificent rainbow appears after the rain, just like Noah’s.

The Bible story of Noah and the flood is one children are usually very familiar with at a young age. So it’s endearing to see a girl act out the story on her own. And God is still abiding by his covenant with his people, which we can be sure of when we see the rainbow. Nora’s Ark is a delightful story with lovely illustrations. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Brian Rock
Illustrator: Sherry Rogers
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-1-60718-6250
Pages: 32
Price: $9.95

Author’s website
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The animals are having a cake contest, and one of the cakes is missing! Who could have stolen the cake? Detective Duck is on the case, and he will determine the culprit.

Using deductive reasoning, Detective Duck eliminates each suspect, one at a time. As he discovers each clue, he is able to decide that one animal could not have stolen the cake, based on that clue. Narrowing the contestants down from twelve to just one, he solves the crime.

The Deductive Detective is a clever whodunit geared toward younger readers. As they follow along, they experience deductive reasoning for themselves, along with some clever puns by the animals cleared of the crime. Future mystery enthusiasts will enjoy this fun story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Anna-Christina and Adie Hardy
Produced by: Busy Bees Publishing

Free Download at Music Audio Stories

Sid is the smallest of the ants, and no one notices him at all. One day he joins the others in a march of the ants, and soon grows very tired. But when a storm suddenly soaks them with rain, it’s up to Sid to save the others from the rising waters.

This audio production of March of the Ants includes a lively soundtrack as a background for the march. The story is told in rhyme and includes character voices and nature sounds throughout the narrative. The pace is quick, as befitting a march, and will draw kids in with young Sid’s heroism.

As Music Audio Stories says on their website: “These special audio books can be enjoyed by children of all ages but are tailored for the blind as well. They can also be a useful learning tool for children with impaired vision or vision disabilities.” March of the Ants is a fun story that kids will love to hear over and over again.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Bible
ISBN: 978-0-310-73513-7
Pages: 32
Price: $4.99

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Zonderkidz presents The Beginner’s Bible version of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the message of His Resurrection. Told in a storybook format, this flip book shares the good news with kids.

Illustrations are colorful and the crucifixion is portrayed in a non-gruesome manner, suitable for very young children. Stickers of the various scenes are also provided, so kids can recreate the narrative for themselves.

The story of the first Easter is one every Christian child should be very familiar with. Zonderkidz has given parents a great resource in making sure their kids know how much Jesus really loves them.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Authors: Max Lucado, Randy Frazee, Karen Davis Hill
Illustrator: Fausto Bianchi
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Bible
ISBN: 978-0-310-73594-6
Pages: 32
Price: $6.99

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The Easter Story for Children is a fictional account of Jesus’ last days before his crucifixion, death and resurrection. Loosely based on the Bible, it attempts to share this account in a story format with graphic-style illustrations.

However, this story is not biblically accurate. The wording of the Last Supper is not only incorrect, it appears to be intentionally misleading. Matthew 26: 26-28 (NIV) states: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’” The Easter Story for Children interprets these words of Jesus as: Jesus told them that the bread was like his own body that would be given for them. Also: “This cup of wine is a reminder of my promise to be your Savior.”

While I can certainly understand there may be different interpretations of this Bible text, I don’t feel that changes to the actual words of Jesus should have been made in a book that is supposed to be sharing the Easter story with children. They need to hear the actual words Jesus spoke, not a misrepresentation of these words.

I really expected better from Zonderkidz and Max Lucado. I’m disappointed with this book, and I can’t recommend it to anyone who desires biblical accuracy in children’s Bible stories.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Crystal Bowman
Illustrator: Richard Johnson
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Genre: Children / Easter
ISBN: 978-0-310-72595-4
Pages: 40
Price: $7.99

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Lily’s parents are planning to hide eggs for Lily and her brother to find. Lily can hardly wait, so she invites her friends to join them. But when the big day arrives, they find a big surprise. These aren’t ordinary eggs – they’re Resurrection eggs.

No toys are placed inside these eggs – instead they find symbols of the Easter story. A guide for what each symbol represents, plus the appropriate Bible verses, is provided. As each egg is opened, Lily’s parents explain the item’s significance.

For me, personally, this was a nice story until the egg with the chalice was opened. At this point, Lily’s mom tells her that it represents the Last Supper. But her mother uses the word “like” in this explanation, which is not in the Bible. “…the wine was like his blood.” And “… the bread was like his body.” This wording is not biblically accurate.

For those who don’t take these words of Jesus literally and don’t mind a re-interpretation, this is a cute Easter book. But for those who expect the literal words and not a paraphrase of what Jesus said, this book is not a good choice.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Jane Murphy & Allison Fingerhuth
Illustrator: Neal Sharp
Publisher: Mutt Media
Genre: Adventure
ISBN: 978-0-615-38808-3
Pages: 145
Price: $16.95

Author’s website
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Pipper’s food blog is popular, and her readers expect her to dish up some tasty morsels. But Pipper is stumped, and doesn’t know what her next topic should be. When she meets with her friends, she stumbles on the idea of finding the “secret ingredient” to the best biscuit. They help her make arrangements, and off she goes on a trip around the world.

Unbeknownst to her, Bull Bogus of Bogus Biscuits has sent out a spy, hot on her tail. Bumbles follows diligently behind, leaving chaos in his wake. But Pipper has been warned about Bumbles, and she’s watching for him. Pipper meets some interesting characters and samples some wonderful food along the way. And when she finally discovers the secret ingredient, her friends agree. Her blog is a success, as is her newest enterprise.

Pipper’s Secret Ingredient blends adventure, friendship, and food in delightful proportions. Kids will enjoy Pipper’s travels, while cheering for her to outsmart Bumbles. And everyone will agree that the secret ingredient is perfect, and well worth the search. I highly recommend this entertaining adventure.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Erin Whitehead & Jennipher Walters
Publisher: Zest Books
Genre: Teen / Fitness
ISBN: 9781936976300
Pages: 128
Price: $12.99

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Teen girls have so much going on that it’s hard to make time for health. But to be happy and successful in all areas of life, it’s important to take care of themselves. In A Girl’s Guide to Fitting in Fitness, authors Erin Whitehead and Jennipher Walters show girls the changes they can make to be more active.

Fitness begins with healthy eating, and proper diet is presented, with an understanding that we all occasionally indulge in foods that aren’t good for us. But since teen girls are also prone to anorexia and bulimia, this book also shares the signs of an unhealthy eating obsession. Developing a fitness routine is encouraged, and sample fun workouts are included. We all know it’s harder to stick with a program when real life interferes, and tips are provided on how to succeed at school, on weekends and during the summer.

Today’s teen girls are busier than ever, so it takes some planning to fit healthy habits into their schedules. Speaking in their language, A Girl’s Guide to Fitting in Fitness is perfectly suited to their needs as they learn to take better care of themselves.

Reviewer: Alice Berger