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By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: July 10, 2009



Chaff n' Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Moskivvy

by Amanda Chin (Author), Luke Feldman (Author & Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 36 pages

Publisher: Immedium (June 1, 2009)

What to expect: Self-confidence, Voyages and travels, Fantasy

This is a modernistic and pleasing tale of courage and adventure. Mai, a young girl, helps a lost "Moskivvy" find its way home, but not without some much needed encouragement that she receives from some good friends. It's definitely the vibrant illustrations that win me over and bring this dreamworld to life. Feldman's art style has been desrcibed by Andrew Farago (Curator, Cartoon Art Museum, San Francisco, CA) as blends of the classic stylings of 1950's Disney with a modern design sensibility, which creates something both cutting edge and timeless. I appreciate that Feldman and Chin play homage to Feldman's Australian heritage, by including some colloquial language and native animals. Chaff n' Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Moskivvy will have lift imaginations, and is certainly an alluring feast for the eyes.

Publisher's synopsis: When a lost mosquito interrupts young Mai’s sleep, her friend Chaff suggests they escort Moskivvy home. So begins a courageous girl’s voyage into a fantastic, colorful world. Guided by Chaff, Mai’s incredible journey will kindle readers’ imaginations.

About Luke Feldman: Luke Feldman is an Australian artist, based in California, who creates for a multitude of platforms. His uniquely alluring characters, "Skaffs", have appeared on stickers, vinyl toys, custom skateboards and sneakers, and limited edition art prints. His clients include Microsoft, Coca-Cola, and galleries worldwide.

Add this book to your collection: Chaff n' Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Moskivvy

Additional information: http://www.skaffs.com/chaff/, Find coloring pages here.

You may also like this: The Octonauts & The Frown Fish

Published: June 29, 2009

The days are longer, the temperature is rising, and summer is here to stay a while -- it's time to hit the pool! Just in case you have a youngster who is a little timid when it comes to splashing around and getting their face wet, here are three books that feature lovable characters who all work at overcoming their fear of swimming:

Sergio Makes a Splash

by Edel Rodriguez

Reading level: Ages 2-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (May 1, 2008)

... "Sergio is a penguin. He loves fish, soccer, and water. He loves drinking water, bathing in water, spraying water, just about anything with water! But he has one big problem; he can't swim." ...

TCBR review: "... Sergio is such a like-able character, and he makes a wonderful role model for anyone learning to swim." Read more...

Add this book to your collection: Sergio Makes a Splash

Swim, Little Wombat, Swim!

by Charles Fuge

Reading level: Ages 1-6

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Sterling (August 1, 2005)

Publisher's synopsis: Little Wombat is back! Award-winning author and illustrator Charles Fuge--whose Sometimes I Curl Up in a Ball sold 106,000 copies and charmed critics and children alike--has created a new adventure for his ever-popular character. It's a fun-filled tale about discovering new friends and appreciating others' differences.

Fans of Charles Fuge's Little Wombat will rejoice at the adorable creature's return--and at the introduction of an appealing new friend for his hero. And what an unusual animal Platypus is: he waddles when he walks, has a funny fuzzy face, and most special of all, can swim just like a fish. Little Wombat would love to do that too. But are wombats meant for the water...or is he better off staying on dry land?

Every child who has ever eyed the swimming pool nervously will happily follow Little Wombat's success.

School Library Journal review: "... This story offers a good lesson about friendship. It is also reassuring to potential new swimmers." ~ Susan E. Murray, Glendale Public Library, AZ

Froggy Learns to Swim

by Jonathan London (Author), Frank Remkiewicz (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Puffin (June 1, 1997)

Publisher's synopsis: Frogs are supposed to be great swimmers. "Not me!" says Froggy, who's afraid of the water. But with a little encouragement, some practice, and the help of a silly song or two, Froggy becomes an expert frog-kicker! Full color.

School Library Journal review: "...Froggy's childlike dialogue and the sound words "zook! zik!"; "flop flop...splash!" make this story a wonderful read-aloud. ..." ~ Betty Teague, Blythe Academy of Languages, Greenville, SC

Add this book to your collection: Froggy Learns to Swim

We'd love to know which books you have used to tackle the fears that your child has! Why not leave us a comment?

Published: June 21, 2009

When Papa Comes Home Tonight

by Eileen Spinelli (Author) and David McPhail (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 1- 5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (April 28, 2009)

What to expect: Father and child, Rhyme, Bedtime

The smooth rhyming narration which tells the story of a papa's promises to his child, make this the perfect gift for any dad. So, no surprises that this review falls on Father's Day! When Papa Comes Home Tonight is Eileen Spinelli's beautiful sequel to When Mama Comes Home Tonight. Having a parent who works late regularly is a pretty common household occurrence; Spinelli helps relieve the anxiety that this can cause by highlighting all of the wonderful moments that can be shared when Papa does come home. It's a very gentle narration that makes for a very soothing story time. The illustrations, which are rendered in watercolor paint, pencil, and pen and ink, are warm and inviting for little eyes. A beautiful book.

Publisher's synopsis:

"When Papa comes home tonight, dear child,
(I promise - not too late)
you'll hear me whistling up the road.
You'll meet me at the gate."

It can be hard waiting for Papa to come home, but it'll be worth it because you'll both have so much fun when he does! From singing songs and making dinner to playing all the way until bedtime, just hanging with Papa is one of the most joyous ways to end the day.

Eileen Spinelli's highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, complete with gorgeous illustrations from David McPhail, is a soothing celebrtion of simple moments shared between parent and child.

About the Author: Eileen Spinelli is no stranger to the Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers list. Since her debut in 1991 with Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, an IRA/CBC Children's Choice book and Christopher Award winner, she has gone on to author numerous picture books, poetry collections, and chapter books, including the best-selling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, and the critically acclaimed Sophie's Masterpiece. Eileen lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Add this book to your collection: When Papa Comes Home Tonight

You may also like: Up! by Kristine O'Connell George. Take a look at George's "Happy Father's Day" video which includes artwork and text from her book:

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: June 17, 2009

Boo Hoo Bird

by Jeremy Tankard

Reading level: Ages 1-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press (April 1, 2009)

What to expect: Birds, Animals, Boo boos, Emotion

Jeremy Tankard has certainly found the right frequency when it comes to connecting with children. Bird, the star of two fantastic picture books, is a character whose personality has been developed with brilliant accuracy to portray the honest nature of children. Bird first appeared as his cantankerous self in Grumpy Bird. He returns to us in fine form for Boo Hoo Bird. The book shares many different ideas on making boo boos feel better. Tankards wording is precise, and his illustrations have perfect comedic timing. Perceptive parents should welcome discussions at the end of this book to talk about the camaraderie between Bird and his friends and their ability to express empathy even when Bird is at his worst. Tankard delivers an excellent message of compassion. This is such a relate-able book for children, and parents will find it hilarious. It's short, sweet, and easy to read over-and-over again--and you will have to!

Publisher's synopsis: Bird and Raccoon are playing ball, when Bird gets bonked on the head. "Boo hoo hoo!" he cries. What will make Bird feel better? A kiss? A cookie? A bandaid? Bird's friends Raccoon, Rabbit, Beaver, Sheep, and Fox are full of sweet and funny ideas.

Perfectly pitched and hilariously imagined, this charming story about a universal experience will put a smile on the face of every child who has suffered a boo-boo and every parent who has struggled to come up with just the right way to give comfort.

About the author: "After a childhood of drawing and writing I attended the Alberta College of Art and Design where I studied drawing and printmaking. I worked as a graphic designer and typesetter before embarking on a career in illustration. After a few years of commercial illustration I went back to storytelling and began writing and illustrating my own books."

Add this book to your collection: Boo Hoo Bird

You may also like: Grumpy Bird and The Pout-Pout Fish

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: June 8, 2009

_{Photo Credit: Sharon Stewart}

Hallie Durand, also known as Holly McGhee, is the author of Dessert First, the first book in her chapter book series staring a girl named Dessert. Dessert is a believable third-grade character with lessons to learn and energy to share -- you can check out our review here. The tone of Hallie Durand's debut novel is pitch-perfect, so I just had to know more about her background and her journey to becoming a published author. I hope you enjoy reading her answers as much as I did!

Questions on your works:

1.)  What was the inspiration for your debut book, Dessert First?

Well, I’ve been sharing dessert with a very dear friend for over a decade.  For the first several years, every time the dessert we ordered arrived, I would subtly turn the plate a bit this way or that, so that the best part of the dessert was facing me (the puddle of fudge sauce that went along with the ice cream, or the back side of the cake with the most icing, that kind of thing).  Then one evening, well into our friendship, I gently “shifted” the dessert as I always did, and she said to me, “WHY DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE THE BEST PART OF THE DESSERT?”  And I thought for a moment and couldn’t find a way around the obvious and unflattering reality, and so I said quietly, “Because I thought I was getting away with it.”  And that’s when we became friends for life, because we’d been honest with each other, which takes a lot of courage.

Years later we were sharing a slice of iced lemon cake (her favorite) and she was encouraging me to try writing. I said that maybe I would, but I didn’t really mean it.  It’s hard to believe what happened next, but it’s the truth.  That very evening, as I walking from my office to Penn Station, the character of Dessert boldly appeared in my head, and I saw her name written out in my mind, complete with the maraschino cherry after the “t” at the end.  As soon as I boarded my train, I opened up a spiral notebook and started writing down her story.  And I just kept writing, as fast as I could—I was afraid that Dessert might leave as quickly as she came.

2.)   How long did it take you to write? Where was your preferred writing location?

I began writing Dessert First in February 2007, and I wrote whenever I could (I have a full-time job as a literary agent).  I wrote on the computer in our kitchen fairly often (standing up), and in a notebook when I wasn’t near a computer.  I was obsessed with getting the story down, and I was grateful for every hour of quiet my loud family granted me!  I finished a draft a few months later, and then a second draft a month after that.  It was acquired by Atheneum Books, and the real work began . . . I wrote five more drafts, and during that time, with the help of my amazing editor, Kiley Frank, the book began to take shape.  From start to finish the writing took about a year and a half.

My very favorite writing place is in my living room, when the kids have gone to bed, on my red couch, in front of a cozy fire. That’s ideal.  But I can write just about anywhere, even on New Jersey transit.

3.)   The names of the characters have a ton of kid appeal, for example, Dessert and Mrs. Howdy Doody. Was it easy to choose names for them?

I’ve decided I must be weird, because the names never seemed odd to me!  Dessert came to my mind with her signature and the cherry, as I said above, and there was no question about it—I wasn’t going to mess with her.  And the name Mrs. Howdy Doody came like that too, and I didn’t realize until later that she was inspired by a teacher two of my kids had in preschool, Mrs. Normana Schaaf.  So those names didn’t feel like choices at all—they just arrived all together like that, without a doubt. 

4.)   In the book, there is a dessert called the "Double D's". Is there a real recipe for the "Double-Ds"? If so, I certainly hope you will share it!

I grew up in farm country, and there wasn’t a whole lot to do except go to 4-H meetings, so one summer I taught myself how to type. And for my sister Laurel’s birthday, I typed out a collection of recipes on index cards for her. Double-Decker Chocolate Bars were my very favorite, and the original recipe card I typed out is on the back jacket of the book (my sister kept the recipes all these years).  They’re easy to make, as long as you have plenty of confectioner’s sugar on hand. . . .  My ten year old Charlotte asks for them every year for her “classroom” birthday treat.  That makes me so happy!

5.)   The second book featuring Dessert is titled Just Desserts, what can we expect from our new favorite character?

I had a good time writing the second book.  The tables are turned on Dessert because her sister Charlie stops following Dessert’s instructions.  Dessert is unprepared for this turn of events, and it doesn’t please her.  We also get to know Emily V., Bonnie A., Donnie and Billy, Evan C., and Sharon S. more intimately.  Dessert gets a taste of power, too, and for a little while, she forgets what being a good friend is all about.

6.)   Whose ingenious marketing idea was it to send out advance review copies with a little chocolate cake treat?

That is the wonderful work of the Simon & Schuster marketing department.  I had been told that they were doing a “teaser mailing,” and I was asked to write a note to go inside it.  But I never imagined they would make such a delicious-looking bakery box with red-and-white string, and a special treat and all.  I love those boxes!

7.)   You have also written a picture book titled Mitchell’s License. What's it about? And when can we expect to see it on the shelves?

Mitchell’s License is about a three year old who doesn’t want to go to bed, so his father says he can drive there . . . it’s based on a game my husband made up called “Remote-Control Dad.”  It will be illustrated by Tony Fucile, whose first book Let’s Do Nothing was just published.  Karen Lotz of Candlewick is our editor and the three of us spend lots of time laughing with this story.  I think it will be published for Father’s Day 2011, but that could change.

Questions for Holly:

8.)   Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a published author?

In my regular life, I’m Holly McGhee and I opened a literary agency, Pippin Properties, eleven years ago.  Brainstorming with our authors and artists is something I love, almost to the point of obsession.  The editing I do comes naturally to me, but I never thought about writing much. And then Dessert Schneider burst into my life, and it truly felt that this package had my own name on it, and it was delivered right to me. So I gathered my courage and jumped in.  It surprised and delighted me that my story became a real book—that felt like a big bonus to me.

9.)   What is your favorite dessert treat?

I have so many!  I love a delicious scoop of vanilla ice cream with hot fudge sauce, but I also love Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Double-Decker Chocolate Bars (truly), Lemon Meringue Pie, and Rhubarb Cobbler.  I guess those are my favorites.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: May 29, 2009

Hopefully you had the opportunity to read my review of Mortimer's First Garden by Karma Wilson. Mortimer's tale inspired me to do a little gardening with my 3-year-old -- we planted some sunflower seeds.

Day One

Two Months Later

At the time of my review, I included this excerpt from the book not realizing that these words would actually save our little sunflowers:

In the morning Mortimer woke up to...

pitter, patter, pat, pat.

"Rain!" groaned Mortimer. Out in his garden he found...

brown, soggy dirt.

Mortimer stomped his paw. "Nothing! I knew the miracle wouldn't happen."

"I'm going to dig my seed back up and eat it!" Mortimer said. But then he stopped. "Maybe some miracles need more time."

He looked up at the sky, and down to his seed. "Please grow and turn green," he said.

Well, almost two months had gone past and we had seen no sign of anything green. We told ourselves maybe some miracles need more time. But how much more time? The instructions said we would see seedlings in around 10 days. So ... we dug our seeds back up. To our amazement our seedlings were growing, they were just growing in the wrong direction. They had turned themselves upside down. We gently straightened them, packed the soil back around them, and gave them plenty of water for a couple of days. Now they are healthy and growing UP!

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: May 19, 2009

Dessert First

by Hallie Durand (Author), Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 7-10

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: Atheneum (May 19, 2009)

What to expect: Desserts, Schools, Restaurants, Family Life

I don't think you'll be hearing any rejections from readers with a title like this: Dessert First. As a lover of dessert, I judged this book by its title and cover, I knew I was going to enjoy it. I should probably mention that I received a copy of this book with a lovely little chocolate cake treat -- ingenious marketing. With chocolate flowing through my veins I was destined to be a happy reader. However, the little treat was devoured long before I actually had a chance to read this book ... low-and-behold I was still a very happy reader, even without chocolate flowing through my body.

Dessert Schneider is a spirited third-grader. Durand's recipe for her character is good-natured with a little bit of cheeky, which has made for a completely identifiable leading role for the intended audience. When Dessert's class is encouraged by their teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody, to march to one's own drummer, Dessert takes us on a journey of contemplation that leads to sacrifice and remorse. During this story many entertaining events take place which include: convincing her family that dessert should be eaten before supper, and despite a warning from her mother not to "Stay away from the Double-Ds" (Double-Decker Chocolate Bars) she manages to devour the whole box. It is the latter that carries this well-paced story to a wonderful ending that sends a subtle message of encouragement to children: always communicate with you parents. Award-winning artist Christine Daveneir helps lift the story with scrumptious illustrations rendered in pen and ink washes, her artwork gives extra flavor. I enjoyed the visual of Dessert Schneider's signed name -- it's punctuated with an exclaiming maraschino cherry. This book is SWEET!

A very comparable series is Sarah Pennypacker's Clementine. Durand and Pennypacker have both created believable third-grade characters that have wonderfully supportive families and school teachers.

Publisher's synopsis:

Because all you really need in the world is a Maraschino cherry.... Plus something to put it on top of, like a hot-fudge sundae or a cornflake-cream-cheese cookie or a banana split.

But sometimes walking to the beat of her own drum means walking right into a heap of mischief, especially when it comes to the legendary family recipe (and Dessert's all-time favorite chocolate treat), Grandma Reine's Double-Decker Chocolate Bars. As the oldest child in a rambunctious, restaurant-owning family, Dessert seems to be better at getting into trouble than getting out of it. And that's because for this eight-year-old, saying sorry is definitely not a piece o' cake!

Add this book to your collection: Dessert First

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: May 10, 2009

My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life

by Kate Feiffer (Author), Diane Goode (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (March 24, 2009)

What to expect: Mother and daughter relationships, Father and daughter relationships, Humor

Oh, the humor! My Mom Is Trying to Ruin My Life essentially defines the quintessential spirit of parent-child relationships. It's a picture book that even adults will appreciate reading to themselves -- giving it to your own mother would certainly be a way to show her that you appreciate her now, even if you couldn't show it as a child.

Everyone likes her.

She looks nice.

She bakes great cookies and makes me feel better when I have a bad day.

But would a really nice mom do embarrassing things like kiss me in public and tell loud jokes that no one thinks are funny? Well, my mom does those terrible things and worse - that's why I am sure that I have the most embarrassing mom in the world and that my mom is trying to ruin my life...

Or is she?

By Luisa LaFleur, The Children's Book Review
Published: May 9, 2009

Nico & Lola: Kindness shared between a boy and a dog

by Meggan Hill (Author), Susan M. Graunke (Photographer)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Nico and Lola; 1st edition (April 2009)

What to expect: Dogs, Relationships, Kindness

Nico and Lola is a heartwarming tale about a boy and a dog--a simple premise that has been the basis for stories since time immemorial. Dogs, descendants of wolves, were domesticated some 15,000 years ago in Central Asia. According to anthropological studies, it is believed that the emigration of our forebears from Asia to North America across the Bering Strait might not have been possible without the use of sled dogs--so they've been an integral part of human life for ages, as pets, workers and aides. It comes as no surprise, then, that so many touching stories have dogs as main characters. Nico and Lola is one such tale. 

The story centers around the relationship between Nico, a young boy, and Lola, a pug, and the bonds they build over the course of a weekend. The story contains lessons of kindness and compassion and is filled with photographs that perfectly complement the author's sincere tale. It's sure to please parents and children alike--the lessons are ones that are important for kids to learn and the story reinforces them nicely. 

More information can be found at www.nicoandlola.com.

Add this book to your collection: Nico & Lola: Kindness shared between a boy and a dog

By Amanda Lynch, The Children's Book Review
Published: May 8, 2009

Too Perfect

by Trudy Ludwig (Author) and Lisa Fields (Illustrator)

Reading Level:  Ages 4-8

Hardcover:  32 pages

Publisher:  Tricycle Press (May 2009)

What To Expect:  Perfectionism, Self-Acceptance, Family, School

Maisie works hard in school, but no matter how hard she tries, she only gets B's and C's.  Despite the fact that her mother constantly reassures her, "Maisie, you are perfect just the way you are," Maisie really wishes that she could be like Kayla.  Kayla always gets straight A's, she's a star on the soccer team, and her hair is perfect and straight (unlike Maisie's, which is red and frizzy).  However, when Maisie and Kayla have to work together as partners on a project, Maisie begins to realize that there are disadvantages to being "too perfect."

I really liked this book.  There is a lot of pressure on kids today to be the best: at school, in sports, even in their appearance.  The underlying message here is that you need to work toward being the best you can be, but striving toward perfection is often debilitating.  Maisie's mom is portrayed as being extremely supportive of her daughter, constantly reassuring her that she loves her daughter for who she is. 

The book itself also contains discussion questions at the end of it, and suggestions to help out children who have let perfectionism hurt their self esteem. It also contains a list of recommended readings for young children, tweens, and adults. I think we can all take a reminder from Maisie's mom:  "Being happy doesn't come from being perfect.  It comes from trusting and accepting who you are--mistakes and all."

Trudy Ludwig is also the author of other books about the challenges kids face, such as My Secret Bully, Just Kidding, and Sorry!

Add this book to your collection:  Too Perfect

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: April 30, 2009

Recently I reviewed one of Karma Wilson's latest books, Mortimer's First Garden, and now I have two signed copies of Bear Feels Scared to giveaway. Bear feels Scared touches on many great topics suitable for preschoolers: friendship, feelings, feeling scared, and helping others. Using rhyme, which Karma does so well, and the repeated refrain  "And the bear feels scared," a beautiful story of compassion unfolds.

Thanks to Karma Wilson, I have two signed copies of Bear Snores On to give away to two individual lucky winners.

Here is what you have to do to enter (maximum entries, 3):

• Go to Karma Wilson's website (http://www.karmawilson.com/) and find out the name (but don't tell me yet) of her newest character who makes her debut in Where is Home, Little (fill in the gap)?, the story abut a baby penguin who finds her way home to her family. This is the first book in a new collaboration series with illustrator Jane Chapman. Once you know the name of the penguin leave a message in the comments field below. If you are one of the lucky winners, I will contact you directly and you will need to tell me the name of the penguin before the mailman will deliver the book.
• An extra entry will be given for each time you twitter about the giveaway and/or blog about it. Be sure to let me know if you do so by pasting a link in the comments section. Click here to follow me on Twitter. 
• Don't forget to leave me your contact information with your comment -- a valid e-mail address is a must (thechildrensbookreview AT gmail DOT com). Alternatively, you can provide your e-mail address by going to our contact us page after leaving your comment. Bloggers who have their e-mail address accessible on their blog profile need only sign-in before leaving a comment.
• The giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only (no PO Boxes please).
• The contest will run April 30th - May 5th, with the winners being drawn and announced May 6th. Winners will be picked at random using a random sequence generator and will have 72hrs to claim their prize. Unclaimed prizes will be awarded to an alternate winner.
• Comment away!

Disclaimer: Names, e-mail address and physical addresses of all winners will be used soley for the purpose of fulfillment of the giveaway.