Whaley's Big Adventure Author: Alexander Luke Illustrator: Alexander Luke Published: 2014 Publisher: Red Feather Publishing Genre: children's picture storybook 3-5 years Pages: 24 ISBN: 9781494845117
Source: a complimentary copy was provided by the author to facilitate this review. Receipt thereof bears no influence over my opinion nor this review.
"Join Whaley on his big adventure in the ocean as he meets whales of all different sizes.
Written by 5 year old Alexander Luke and presented by his grandmother, award-winning children's author Carole P. Roman, this oceanic adventure of whale sized proportions will teach youngsters about the different whales that live in the oceans."
My Thoughts:
This picture book, marketable to children age 3-5, is certain to entertain and educate children about the enormous mammals of the sea - the whales.
As young Whaley, a blue whale, explores the ocean he encounters several varieties of whale including the Orca, which is actually considered a dolphin; a humpback whale who likes to sing the same song hour after hour; and the beluga whale who lives only in the cold Arctic ocean. Whaley's Big Adventure introduces each whale in turn with a brief factoid and the author's very own artistic rendition of the variety of whales.
Whaley's Big Adventure is an entertaining and informative book sure to please young children, particularly those fascinated by these enormous creatures of the seas. Young Alexander Luke was assisted in the preparation of this picture book by his grandmother and, between the two of them, they've created a cute easy to read and understand story that children will surely want to explore again and again.
If You Were Me and Lived in Norway An Introduction to Learning About Other Cultures Author: Carole P. Roman Published: 2013 Publisher: Create Space Independent Publishing Platforms Pages: 32 Format: Trade Paperback Source: A copy was provided by the author and Bostick Communications in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. http://caroleproman.com
Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn about Norway- The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series, children are able to read about the many things we share in this great, big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many thrilling places and great people who share our planet.
My Thoughts:
If You Were Me and Lived in Norway is the third in the "If You Were Me..." series written by author Carole P. Roman. With a teaching background, Carole introduces children to a new country, new culture, and the wonders of living in another part of our fabulous world.
In If You Were Me and Lived in Norway, Carole takes you to Oslo, the capital city "surrounded by green hills and mountains. It has 343 lakes and two rivers." The reader learns new common names for a girl and for a boy, mom and dad. If you are shopping in Norway, you need to know a kroner is a type of money you might use to make your purchase. As well, you learn how to say a few words in another language. The book also contains a pronunciation guide.
This series is valuable as a teaching tool to introduce your child or your class to a new country and the people who live there. With colourful well-drawn illustrations and conversational text, children and parents alike will enjoy visiting a new land.
Carole P. Roman is a former teacher and an accomplished author. According to Carole Roman's website, there are three other books in this series including: If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico, If You Were Me and Lived in Asia, If You Were Me and Lived in France. She has also written and book for children about yoga, "I Want to Do Yoga Too." See her website http://caroleproman.com for a complete list of her published works.
As part of a fundraiser our store is running to assist a local school with no library to obtain books for the over 200 students, the staff are baking our hearts out. Today is the bake sale, one of two to be held over the next two weeks. I came across Chock Full of Chocolate, a child friendly cookbook, and chose to make the Candy-Covered Pizza as one of my entries for the bake sale.
All the recipes within Chock Full of Chocolate are easy to make and are recommended for children ages 8 and up with the assistance of a responsible adult. This recipe turned out very well however where the recipe stated to work the dough into a circle with your hands, I found mine to be too runny to do so, so I spread it on the pizza pan using a spatula. Other than that, it was an easy to use recipe. Children would love decorating the pizza with a combination of candies of their choice. I used Skittles and Smarties and another President's Choice candy (oblong shapes). If I were to make this again, I definitely would add colour to the icing to make it look more like pizza sauce.
Other recipes include:
triple chocolate cookies
shakes
s'more gorp
dirt dessert
If you're looking for a user friendly cookbook to enjoy with your child/ren, Chock Full of Chocolate is a good place to start.
There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place. Adri's mama and papa share some of their wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world. This exquisitely illustrated book explodes with colour and honest insights. Kranz's uniquely painted rockfish, set against vibrant blue seas, make an unforgettable and truly special impression. Only One You will inspire parents and children of all ages as they swim through the sea of life. (Amazon)
As a parent it is important to instil feelings of self-worth in our children and this book is an excellent tool to compliment that goal. I love the easy flow of the wording and the colourful illustrations will be sure to keep your child's attention. Excellent as a bed-time story or in a moment of need, Only One You is a quick means to reassure your special little one of his/her infinite worth.
I fell in love with this book and I am sure you will too!
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
Author: William Joyce
Published: June 19, 2012
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages: 56
Category: Children's ages 3-9
ISBN 9781442457027
Morris Lessmore loved words. He loved stories. He loved books. But every story has its upsets. Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds. But the power of story will save the day. Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children’s literature, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today’s world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it’s story that we truly celebrate—and this story, no matter how you tell it, begs to be read again and again.
I squealed with glee! Yes, I did! A co-worker showed me The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore today and I was thrilled to see this new release in children's books! I saw the animated Acadamy Award winning feature a while ago and fell in love. Needless to say, when I found this book upon which the animated featurette was based, I just had to have it. I read it....devoured it in minutes, and then returned to the beginning to appreciate the artwork! As you can see from the sample pages above and below, this book is a feast for the eyes. The way William Joyce wrote it, in a tale with messages that reveal themselves with the maturity of the reader, intermingled with terrific illustrations done by Joe Blum, it is a treasure!
Be sure to add this story book to your collection for your children, your grandchildren and yes, even for yourself. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a book you will keep for years, appreciating it often, and perhaps, if you can bare to part with it, you will pass it down to your children /grandchildren too.
William Joyce is the author of: George Shrinks (1985); the Rolie Polie Olie series; The Man in the Moon (2011); The Sandman, the Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie (2012). If you think you recognize the titles George Shrinks and Rolie Polie Olie, you are right. These were also television shows created by William Joyce, based upon the books. To read more about William Joyce and his work in various productions including Toy Story, read the Wikipedia article here.
Below is the 15 minute animated feature, based upon this children's book, that was awarded an Academy Award.
Hey Canada!
Author: Vivien Bowers
Illustrations: Milan Pavlovic
Publisher: Tundra Books, a division of Random House
Pages: 72
Format: Hardcover
Ages: Children 7-10 years
Genre: Children's books/non-fiction/history
ISBN 978-1-77049-255-4
Release date: May 8, 2012
Source: A copy was provided by the publisher. This in no way influenced my opinion nor this review.
From GoodReads:
"Gran has decided that she is taking nine-year-old Alice and eight-year-old Cal on a road trip across Canada “before she’s old and creaky.” With a sparkling combination of poems, silly songs, tweets and blogs, the trio records the trip for readers everywhere to share. Starting in St. John’s Newfoundland, where they have a “find-it” list that includes a moose and an iceberg and going all the way to the Pacific Ocean, the gang in Hey Canada! offers a delightful way to learn about vast, varied, and surprising Canada.
The book combines narrative, poems, photos, comics about historical events such as the battle at Fortress Louisburg, maps (including provincial flags, birds, and flowers), in a lively, easily accessible format. Not only great fun to read, this is a valuable resource for young Canadians and for visitors across the country."
My Review:
Beginning in St. John's, Newfoundland, Gran and her two grandchildren, Cal and Alice, embark on a marvellous journey and adventure. Their goal: to travel across the country of Canada, Coast to Coast! The trip is sure to be a fun time for Cal and Alice, you, the readers, and, yes of course, for Gran too!
Site-seeing accompanied with facts about history and historical sites, even native wildlife, makes the country-wide trip fun and informative. Hey Canada doesn't come across as a text book, rather like a travel-log filled with kid friendly adventure.
Filled with photography, graphic illustrations, "find it", and factoids, Hey Canada has a lot going on. For example, here's a factoid Cal shared: "Why is PEI sand red? Because it's full of iron. When iron gets wet and rusts, it turns orangey-red." (p. 17)
Children can play the "find it" game as they read along. For example, for the province of Saskatchewan the items to find are: wheat field, bison, grain elevator and RCMP. Hey Canada is an interactive novelty that parents and children will enjoy spending hours reading together.
I would highly recommend that each school library has a couple copies, that Hey Canada becomes part of the curriculum in elementary schools, and that parents adopt this book for use during family vacations too! Hey Canada makes learning fun!
Meet the Author:
Vivien Bowers was born in Vancouver, Canada in 1951, the second of four children. She received a B.A. in English (honours) from the University of British Columbia followed by a teaching certificate, and was a grade 5 teacher for several years in Nelson, BC. Vivien has been a freelance writer for more than twenty-five years, writing elementary and secondary school materials, as well as non-fiction books and magazine articles for both adults and children. She has been invited to do presentations on her children's books in hundreds of schools and libraries across the country. Bowers has two sons, now grown up, and lives at the base of the mountains outside of Nelson, BC. She loves to escape into the wilderness to ski, hike or canoe.
Titanic The disaster that shocked the world!
Reader Level 3
Author: Mark Dubowski
Published: January 24, 2012
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
Pages: 48
Format: Trade Paperback
ISBN 978 0756690823
About the book:
This Titanic Level 3 Reader tells a story of tragedy and courage from the Titanic's maiden voyage, which celebrates it's centennial in 2012. She was the biggest ship in the world and they said she was unsinkable...
DK Readers are part of a five-level highly pictorial reading scheme, with lively illustrations and engaging stories to encourage reading. Level 3 have a rich vocabulary, challenging sentence structure, additional information, an alphabetical glossary and index to build literacy skills - ideal for children who are just beginning to read alone. (from the publisher site http://www.dk.co.uk/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9781405393348,00.html)
My Review:
From the launching of the unsinkable vessel, the Titanic, to the journey and her tragic sinking and then to the discovery of the wreckage, Mark Dubowski takes the young reader back in time to the setting of the world's most memorable ocean tragedy. Full colour illustrations enrich the experience as young readers learn the details, from the size of the Titanic and her mechanics, to travellers and accommodations, and to the night of April 14, 1912. For the enthusiast and the curious, Titanic The Disaster that Shocked the World is brimming with colourful detail and accurate reference in this non-fiction book for children ages 7-9 years.
a sample illustration from Titanic The Disaster That Shocked the World!
"Pippin, a helpless baby fawn was abandoned by her mother on the property of Isobel Springett. Isobel's Great Dane, Kate, adopted Pippin immediately and they have been best friends ever since.
The story of Kate's and Pippin's loving relationship is charmingly chronicled in a handsome book featuring the beautiful photography of Isobel Springett." (http://www.kateandpippin.com/index.html)
My Review:
Kate and Pippin is the story of unlikely friendships that endure time and differences. Oddly, this is the story of an orphaned fawn who is befriended by a female Great Dane. Mothered by the giant dog, bottle fed by the dog's owner, this little fawn named Pippin grew up not knowing she was different. She was loved and played with and cared for and she grew up under the loving eye of an enormous dog named Kate.
Touching in its infinite wisdom, Kate and Pippin demonstrates to all children and people everywhere that differences don't matter. Friendships can endure distance and differences. This book is based upon the true story of Kate and Pippin. The author visited Kate and Pippin with his sister, who collaborated in presenting the story for the book, and recorded this endearing story for all to share in the marvel of this unlikely friendship.
Recommended for ages 9-12 and for parents to read to children of all ages. The lessons learned from Kate and Pippin are timeless and ageless.
About the Author and Photographer:
Equestrian and photographer Isobel Springett has been documenting the unlikely love story of Kate and Pippin for over two years. She lives in the Comox Valley, British Columbia, with her husband and son.
Martin Springett is an author, illustrator and musician who has won numerous awards for his illustrations, including two Aurora Awards for Artistic Achievement. He lives in Toronto.
War Horse
Author: Michael Morpurgo
Published: First published in the UK in 1982, this edition published 2011 by Egmont UK Limited
Pages: 182
ISBN 9781405259415
Genre: fiction (YA, children)
Source: I own this copy
Separated by war,
Tested by battle,
Bound by friendship.
A powerful tale of war, redemption, and a hero's journey--now available in paperback!
In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again? (from Barnes & Noble)
My review:
After all the hype on this blog (here, here, and here) about War Horse, I have finally read the book! True, I was enamoured with the prospect of the film by Steven Spielberg and the video clips I found of the theatre production astounded me, and the interview with the author, Michael Morpurgo reinforced my desire to read the book. Finally, this weekend, Friday evening and Saturday morning, I sat down with it and immersed myself in the tale of the famous horse, Joey, and his journeys through the war, separated by time and space from his beloved Albert. I love that it is written from Joey's perspective! Another favourite of mine, Black Beauty, remains so still and I am sure it is because the story is told from the perspective of the horse. (I am a horse lover, after all). Michael Morpurgo descriptively shares the devastation of war, the English countryside, the love of horse and master(s), and the story that twines it all together. One can easily imagine the cold and brutal weather, the sucking mud, the fire of rifles and cannons that penetrate the air. In all this, one horse and one boy persevere, desperate to find each other again.
War Horse is action packed (though not gory), touching, and illustrative of a master's hand at work. War Horse is one of those too few books that boys and girls alike will read and enjoy, adults too. It can be read in one sitting, though I spread it over two. War Horse is a fabulous timeless story that is sure to become one of your favourites, particularly if you are a horse lover, like me.
Rated 4.5/5 Recommended for ages 10 and up. Boys and girls. Adults too.
This is such a cute story and a childhood favourite of one of my co-workers who kindly shared the story with me. Not every child will have the luxury of having Grover read it aloud, but I bet you can do a pretty good imitation now, can't you?
The world has not seen the sun for 1728 days and little Liesl has been locked in the attic for 13 months. Her father had been ill in the hospital and died three days ago when the story begins. Liesel's wicked stepmother keeps Liesl locked up, telling her it is unsafe to come out. Young and naive, Liesl believes...that is...until she meets Po, a shadowy form of a figure, an "it", neither boy nor girl, and its pet Bundle which is neither cat nor dog or perhaps it is both. Po and Bundle are ghosts from the Other Side. Since her father's death, Liesl has ceased to draw, her grief is to great. This is what draws Po and Bundle to her. It is also what draws Will to her.
Will is a young orphan working in slavitude for the Alchemist. Beaten and near starvation, he is a prisoner too. When sent on an errand one evening, he stops to look up at Liesl's window, where she once sat while drawing. He has seen her there before but tonight she is not to be seen. This is also the night Will mistakes a box for another at the mortician's and changes the events of his life and Liesl's and countless others.
Liesl & Po is written for middle grade, ages 10 and up, but its whimsical and sweet message and beautiful artistry captures the imagination and attention of the older child and even the adult reader. Though it is not adult fare, I did enjoy reading it. I found this story quite charming, particularly when I read the author's note at the end of how her own personal experience with a friend's death left her feeling like she was in a sunless world, all grey and dreary, and somewhat alone, as Liesl and Will felt. I enjoyed the parallels and how Lauren Oliver pulled it all together in an intense climax. There is a happy ending. Would I recommend this book? Without a doubt, yes!
Wonderstruck (a novel in words and pictures)
Author: Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Published September 13, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press, an Imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 640 in the advanced reader's copy
Genre: fiction/general ages 9 and up (grades 4 and up)
Source: borrowed http://www.wonderstruckthebook.com
Interesting note: this novel is dedicated to the children's author Maurice Sendak.
Author Brian Selznick is the award winning author/illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret (now in theatres as of this posting).
My review of Wonderstruck:
Rose keeps a scrapbook with news clippings of a famous actress, Lillian Mayhew, her mother. Deaf and left behind, Rose yearns for a feeling of belonging. Her adventures begin when she leaves home in search of her mother.
Ben is alone. Well, not really. He does live with his aunt and uncle and cousins. His mother was killed in a car crash and he has never known his father. Feeling particularly lonely one day, during a storm, Ben goes to his former home, to his mother's room, cherishing memories and the feeling of her near. He finds here clues which he believes will lead him to his father. As lightning strikes the house, Ben is subsequently struck and cannot hear. He awakes in a hospital in another city. As luck would have it, he makes his escape and goes on a hunt for his dad.
Fifty years apart, the two stories, Rose's told in pictures and Ben's told in written form, are told separately but together until they converge as one meets the other in a happy union. (spoiler alert)
Having not read The Invention of Hugo Cabret, I wasn't sure if this book was a continuation of the same or a stand alone. The two are indeed separate. Brian Selznick incorporates his incredible artistry through both books which is sure to capture the attention and imagination of young and older readers alike. Wonderstruck is suitable for boy or girl and many a parent will enjoy reading and discussing this story with their child/ren. That's one thing I particularly enjoyed - the potential for discussion as parents and children share this wondrous story. If you know a reluctant reader, I recommend Wonderstruck. The illustrations will grab their attention and the story will anchor it.
The Wizard Who Saved the World
Author: Jeffrey Bennett (Big Kid Science)
Illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
Genre: Children
Pages: 32 Hardcover
ISBN 9780972181952
Release date: November
Source: Lissy Peace & Associates Ltd
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The Wizard Who Saved the World will be released simultaneously in both English and Spanish.
"The Wizard who Saved the World: by award winning author Jeffrey Bennett teaches children about the magic that can happen when we work together to curb global warming, develop renewable energy, and pursue education.
Have you ever wondered what you can do to help save the world? In the delightful new story from Big Kid Science, The Wizard Who Saved the World by award-winning author Jeffrey Bennett, a young boy named Diego takes a journey from his daydreams about glory and wizardry to real-life inspiration about what he can do to help build a better future. Beautifully illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales, children can't help but be inspired to form their own dreams about how they can contribute to our collective future, and to make those dreams come true." (from Lissy Peace & Associates, Ltd, publicity)
My Review:
When you ponder things in life that you could change if only you had the "magic" to do so, what would those things be? For young Diego, he would save the world! In brilliant colour, The Wizard Who Saved the World illustrates the physical ailments of our planet including climate change and global warming complete with easy to understand descriptives of the problems and possible solutions that have been scientifically verified. All of this is found in a text box on each page which, I found, does not detract from the visual appeal of the story.
Empowerment to the reader is a powerful "gift" that author Jeffrey Bennett shares, allowing the elementary to middle grade (junior high) student to envision the positive influence they can offer through means as simple as turning off unused lights and recycling to as big as studying for university to make a career of affecting positive change.
The Wizard Who Saved the World is a powerful teaching tool, great to read on a singular basis, but potentially effective in classrooms as a means of inspiring the leaders of the future! Every library, personal or school/public, should have at least one copy!
Meet the author:
Jeffrey Bennett holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics and is well known for his college level textbooks in the sciences, mathematics and statistics. He also authored award-winning Beyond UFOs and the Max Science Adventure series for children. Max to the Moon was read aboard the final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery by astronaut Alvin Drew and is being developed into a planetarium show that will be distributed across the states. Jeffrey Bennett is frequently asked to speak at schools, universities and science museums worldwide. Bennett's website is www.JeffreyBennett.com. Big Kid Science is also available on the web at www.BigKidScience.com.
Abe's Lucky Day
Author: Jill Warren
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
Illustrations by Kalpart
Pages: 31
Genre: Children's fiction
Source: A complimentary copy was provided by the author with Bostick Communications in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
ISBN 9781432773052
"Abe's Lucky Day. Any day could be your lucky day. Story description: Abe is a homeless man who lives in the alley behind a bakery and winter is coming. What will happen on his lucky day that could change his life forever?" (from the back cover)
My Review: Abe is a kind-hearted homeless man who has a lucky day. He continues to come across blessings which he pays forward. Will he be rewarded for his kindness?
A children's book about homelessness, Abe's Lucky Day, is a rare find and Jill Warren puts a warm spin on the tragic life of a homeless man, showing him in a new light as a man with genuine heart who is down on his luck. Surprisingly, though Abe has needs of his own, he gives that which he could use to benefit another, putting a touching spin on his story.
Awareness is the first step for positive change. Our children will inherit this society and perhaps early awareness will affect positive changes for all society. This book can be one of the first steps in the right direction.
Illustrations are colourful and beautifully rendered by Kalpart.
Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure
Author (s): Kathryn Cloward with Ginny Hornby
Illustrated by Christine Winscott
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Kandon Unlimited, Inc.
Pages: 44
ISBN: 9780982927717
Source: A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Note: the review copy I was given includes a colourful post card, bookmark, a business card, and colouring pages.
"Did you know you are colorful? Come along with Kathryn the Grape and Maggie on an imaginative colourful adventure and discover how to make your colorful rainbow shine. BLING! It's going to be fun! Let's go!
With this second Kathryn the Grape book, Kathryn Cloward and Christine Winscott combine creative talents with co-author Ginny Hornby. Inspired by the desire to help children build their self esteem and learn important lessons through dynamic stories and vibrant illustrations, Cloward, Winscott, and Hornby help children learn to SHINE and remind them that everyone is magical and colourful!" (from the cover)
Review:
Kathryn the Grape books were designed to help build children's self esteem. In Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure, the second Kathryn the Grape book, Kathryn is given a charm bracelet by Maggie the butterfly. Each charm is a colour in the rainbow and represents one of each of the following: Belong, Excitement, Trust, Love, Say, See, and Learn. Maggie takes Kathryn on a magical journey to show her how each of these are a part of her and how to use them to her best advantage. It is a lesson in building self-esteem that parents will welcome as they teach their own children how wonderfully special each of them truly is. Kathryn the Grape's Colorful Adventure is a welcome tool to help children realize their own self-worth, with colourful entertaining illustrations that will grasp attention and a short memorable story that children, especially girls, will relate to.
Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure
Author: B.K. Bostick
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an Imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc.
Copyright: 2011
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Pages: 256
Edition: ARC (advanced reader's copy)
Source: a copy was supplied by Cedar Fort, Inc. and the author for review. This in no way influences my opinion nor requires a positive review.
(from the publisher's site) "When his grandfather dies, Huber Hill is devastated---until he opens Grandpa Nick's mysterious box. An old gold coin and directions to a hidden Spanish treasure send him and his friends off on an mind-blowing adventure, but he's not the only one on the hunt. Filled with dangerous animals and cryptic puzzles, this book will have you on the edge of your seat until the last page."
My Review: We are introduced to 15 year old Huber Hill in a classroom where he endures bullying from fellow classmates. He is small for his age, brilliant at math, and tries to keep a low profile. His twin sister, Hannah, on the other hand, excels at sports and is popular. Huber reminds himself, 'let it slide off your back' with each insult and spit wad that comes his way.
While school is rather unbearable, home isn't much better as his parents quarrel about finances. He often seeks refuge in his room, friendless, just trying to get by. His only ally is his maternal grandfather, Grandpa Nick, a spunky elderly fellow, who lugs around with him his respirator, his medicine and his nurse/housekeeper while his tales of gold mines and hidden treasures stir the imaginations of the two grandchildren. Huber's life dramatically changes when upon his grandfather's death, Huber and his sister Hannah, are bequeathed a small box of treasures including old letters, mementos, and a treasure map. A map that proves the existence of a hidden Spanish treasure. A map that may prove the truth of Grandpa Nick's tales.
Together with the most unlikely of friends, Scott McCormick, Huber and his sister, Hannah, endeavour to find the treasure, trekking through mountainous terrain amidst fearsome wild life, Spanish corpses and cryptic messages which they must decipher. They find much more than they are looking for - adventure, wild animals, and a most dangerous adversary. They go it alone, no one knows where they are, or do they?
B.K. Bostick writes a fast paced page turner in Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure. The reader will cheer for the boy who makes an about face and takes on danger in his pursuit of the truth and treasure. The book ends with such a cliff-hanger that you know the story will continue further, and that's a good thing. This is one story where a series or at least another book is more than welcome! I enthusiastically recommend this book to readers of the middle grade, junior high level. If you are looking for adventure, you will definitely find it here!
I am participating in the virtual book tour for Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure hosted by Cedar Fort, Inc. To see other participants' reviews of Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure, you may find the links to their reviews by visiting Huber Hill Tour at Cedar Fort Publishing, Inc.
Author's Mock Interview for Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure (link supplied by the author). Enjoy:
******Join me tomorrow for a guest post written by none other than B.K. Bostick!!!******
Read about the inspiration behind Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure, discover how proceeds from pre-orders of his novel will help an ailing child, and join him on Facebook for a chance to win!
Buddy's Tail
Author: K. Anne Russell
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 171 (39 Chapters)
ISBN 978-1456411954
Genre: Children's Fiction
http://www.buddystail.com/home.html
Summary: Buddy's story teaches young readers about the bonds of love and friendship, the role of free will in building character, the importance of responsibility in our lives, especially as it relates to animal welfare, and the acceptance of death as part of life's journey for ourselves and our pets. (from www.buddystail.com)
My Review: Buddy is a standard poodle living with a family who neglects his needs. Buddy longs for a home where he will be loved, with humans he can care for but his end is near. That's when Buddy and the Good Shepherd strike a deal and Buddy is given another chance for happiness. Six years later, the deal's conditions must be met and Buddy must leave his earthly life behind. In Haven, Buddy's talents are recognized and he becomes the best guide dog, helping other dogs find their way to Haven when their time comes. Until one day when Buddy must make a decision that alters his position in Haven and Mackenzie finds herself acting as defence for her friend Buddy. This day changes Haven forever.
Of all the dog books I've read and reviewed on this blog, Buddy's Tail has truly found a place in my heart. Buddy's Tail is a tale of love; friendship; the bond between humans and their pets; loyalty and doing what's right, even if it is difficult. K. Anne Russell wrote Buddy's Tail for an audience of children, nine and up being the recommended age group. But as I sat with this book this morning, enjoying Ms. Russell's incredible talent as a diverse writer, I marvelled at the depth and the messages of Buddy's Tail. On the surface it is a dog's tale, but it is deeper, with resonating lessons for all. Lessons that not only children need to know.
Buddy's Tail, in its unpublished version, was part of the curriculum for a group of children. The children and moms of Coachella Valley served as reviewers for Buddy's Tail. I'd like to have been there to hear their response to the valuable recital of human/dog bonds. I'm sure they were as taken with it as I am.
Rated 4/5
Katharine A. Russell writes under the names Kath Russell (see review: A Pointed Death a Pointer Mystery), Katharine A. Russell (see review: Deed So) and K. Anne Russell (Buddy's Tail).
Author Biography
Katharine A. Russell received a BA degree in history from Northwestern University, holds an MS degree in journalism from Boston University and an MBA in marketing from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern. She finished her certificate in creative writing through the U.C.L.A. Writer's Program in 2009.
She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Women's National Book Association, and the Palm Springs Writers Guild. She also is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Association of Business Communicators, the Association for Business Communication and Women of Higher Caliber, a women's shooting club.
Russell divides her time between Palm Desert, California, and Baltimore, Maryland. russellwrites.blogspot.com http://www.russellwrites.com
