the Review
Source
Chronicle Books
 |
Eye-Popping 3-D Pets Authors - Barry Rothstein |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes two pairs of 3-D glasses
-
excellent and interesting information on what a Phantogram is and how 3-D works
-
includes information on each pet - origin, care and type of pet along with incredible phantogram 3-D photos
-
While I absolutely could have done without the tarantula as the only good spider is a completely dead spider, everything else about this book is amazingly awesome! When you look at a pet you feel like you should be able to reach out and touch it! Tremendously well done, this book would make a great gift, excellent family gift or one to add to your own library!
Sterling Publishing
|
|
Baby Fingers: I'm Feeling Author - Lora Heller Ages - up to 3 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
board book format
-
photos of children making each sign
-
signs for feelings such as happy, sad, curious, angry and more
-
encourages understanding, language and bonding!
-
Parents will love this book as it will help them teach their young child how to communicate with them before they begin to talk! Great book as a baby shower gift or for any gift occasion! Tremendously well done!
|
|
Sleepy Dog Author - Frances Gilbert Ages - 1-3 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
board book format
-
adorable photos of sleepy dogs
-
one-word one each page of this story - simple and perfect for little ones
-
This is the perfect bedtime book - begins with being sleepy and progresses all the way to dreaming . . . children and parents will love this book! I love the basset hound on the cover! Combine with a pair of comfy pjs for the perfect grandparent gift! Tremendously well done!
Harper Collins
|
|
Me and the Pumpkin Queen Author - Marlane Kennedy Ages 8-12 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
chapter book for developing readers
-
encourages conversations about working hard to reach a goal, families, friends and not giving up
-
reader will learn quite a bit about growing giant pumpkins
-
This is an excellent book for children to read or for families to read together - and talk about! The story develops and flows quite well and the characters are engaging with a unique setting/theme. Extremely well done!
|
Fisher Price |
|
||
|
|
How Big? |
Look at Baby |
|
|
|
Do You Like? |
Snuggly Time |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
board book format
-
books have extra features like lift the flaps, mirrors or textures to touch and feel
-
encourages fine motor skills, color, animal and every day things recognition, words and activities
-
These board books make excellent first books for little ones to enjoy with their parents! Colorful illustrations and "extras" make learning and together time fun! Tremendously well done!
|
|
|
Biscuit's
Walk Biscuit
Visits the
Petting
Zoo Author/Illustrator - Alyssa Satin Capucilli Ages 2-6 |
|
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
board book format
-
each book has five textures to touch and feel
-
encourages recognition of animals and things
-
beautiful illustrations
-
Excellent books for little ones with simple, short stories, colorful illustrations and activities - parents and little ones can learn together while spending time together cultivating a love for books and learning! Tremendously well done!
|
|
What A Day it Was at School Author - Jack Prelutsky Illustrator - Doug Cushman Ages 5-10 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
17 poems about school and the things that may happen there
-
colorful fun illustrations
-
My kid reviewers found these poems funny and enjoyed this book quite a bit. I think the illustrations are excellent and the poems to be good tools to interest elementary age children in reading. Extremely well done!
|
|
Yes Day Author - Amy Krouse Rosenthal Illustrator - Tom Lichtenheld Ages - 4-8 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun, unique and imaginative story
-
excellent illustrations
-
Children will love this short story about the one day a year when the answer to their every question and desire is "yes"! Fun book for children and parents to read together - may encourage them to celebrate their own "Yes Day"! Extremely well done!
|
|
Blueberries for the Queen Authors - John & Katherine Patterson Illustrator - Susan Jeffers Ages - 4-8 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
beautiful illustrations throughout
-
engaging story
-
encourages children to try to help, not give up on doing good for others
-
I found this story to be absolutely delightful, even more so because it is a true story! Even a young child can do something to encourage others as this story so beautifully shows! Tremendously well done!
|
|
Roscoe Riley Rules #4 Author - Katherine Applegate Illustrator - Brian Biggs Ages - 7-10 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun illustrations
-
story encourages following directions, friendship and responsibility - at least after Roscoe breaks rule #4!
-
10 Competitions With My Big Brother I am Pretty Sure I Could win - by Roscoe!
-
This is another excellent story that begins where we have come to expect . . . with Roscoe sitting in the corner! Fans of Roscoe will find this story silly and fun . . . what else could it be? Tremendously well done!
|
|
A Recipe 4 Robbery Author - Marybeth Kelsey Grades - 3-7 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
strong messages about friendship and not jumping to conclusions
-
fun book for a family to read together
-
I found this book to be a fun mystery novel with a few unexpected twists! Give as a family gift with your favorite veggie recipes and encourage the family you give it to, to try the recipes while they enjoy the book! Extremely well done!
 |
The Diary of Ma Yan Ages 10+ Author
- Ma Yan |
-
Favorite Features -
-
first-hand look at the lives and struggles of desperately poor people in China and how they value education and family.
-
photos of Ma Yan and her family and community
-
I like how Pierre fills in background and culture information and found Ma Yan's story to be engaging - excellent read for children to help them understand how important their family and education really are. Read this with your children and talk about the important topics it coveres.
 |
Roscoe Riley Rules #6 - Never Walk in shoes that Talk! Ages - 7-10 Author - Katherine Applegate Illustrator - Brian Biggs |
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun new Roscoe Riley Rules story
-
encourages conversations about friendship, sharing and making right choices
-
Once again we find Roscoe in the time-out corner and then enjoy the ride hearing how he got there! Extremely well done!
 |
Fancy Nancy
The Show Must Go On! Pajama Day
Ages 4-8 Author - Jane O'Connor Illustrator - Robin Preiss Glasser |
 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
"I Can Read! Beginning Reading #1" books
-
fun, colorful, fancy illustrations
-
Fancy Nancy Words in the back of each book with their meanings
-
These books give families a lot to talk about concerning friendship and doing your best! Extremely well done!
 |
Jake
Ransom Ages - 10+ Author - James Rollins |
 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
excellent description of people, places and things - you feel like you are there!
-
excellent beginning - you will be caught up and engaged from the first sentence!
-
This is the book for families to read together this summer! You will not be able to put this book down as the story, characters and masterful storytelling combine for a tremendous read! Combine this book with some popcorn for a truly excellent and affordable family gift! Tremendously well done! I can't wait for the next book to be released!
 |
Farley Follows his Nose Author/Illustrator
- Lynn Johnston Ages 4-8 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun, engaging illustrations full of color and detail
-
excellent story will capture children through to the end
-
fun story to involve kids in "sniffing" and re-telling
-
This book is sure to be a family favorite as dad and mom will enjoy it as much as the kids! Tremendously well done! I hope to see many more "Farley" books!
 |
1000 Times no Author/Illustrator - Mr. Tom Warburton Ages 3-8 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun look at the many ways to say, "no"!
-
pronunciation for the word "no" in other languages
-
fun, colorful illustrations
-
All children go through a time when they enjoy saying "no", this book takes a fun look at one such time! Extremely well done!
Silver Dolphin Books
 |
amazing baby peekaboo, puppy Ages 6-18 months Text by - Beth Harwood Graphics by - Mike Jolley & Emma Dodd |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
sturdy board book format - perfect for little ones
-
peekaboo cut out adds to the fun
-
photos and drawings will engage little ones
-
encourages animal recognition
-
short, simple text is perfect for little ones
-
Great first book will encourage interaction between parents and children . . . parents can use the book to help teach colors, animals, sounds and counting for fun early learning together! Tremendously well done!
 |
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Ages 4+ Illustrator - Christiane Engel |
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun lights, music and movement with the moving window add to the fun of this book
-
pop-up on the final page is sure to be enjoyed
-
Children love pop-up books - they want to touch and discover all the additional aspects they bring to a page. This book in addition to being a pop-up book, has the unique music and movement . . . combined with charming illustrations this book will engage children in unique ways! Extremely well done!
 |
Solar System 3-D Explorer Ages 7+ Author - Ian Graham |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
five pop-up scenes throughout the book
-
each pop-up scene includes a 3D key for fun facts
-
incredible photos throughout add to the quality of this book
-
info and facts on space
-
This is an amazing book! The pop-ups add a "dimension" and help children picture space in an entirely new way - beyond just photographs! Educational and interesting this book makes a great gift for the child learning about space or for anyone who finds themselves captures by space! Tremendously well done!
 |
Learning in Action - Dinosaurs! Ages 8+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
book includes lights, sound, motion, lift-the-flaps and pop-ups along with info and drawings
-
"walks" through each type of dinosaur providing information on each
-
I personally believe in Intelligent Design by God, the Creator and see evolution as an unproven theory. While this book presents it's information from an evolution perspective it does provide a lot of information on dinosaurs and helps the readers see what amazing creatures they were. With the exception of the evolution information, this is an extremely well done and beautiful book.
 |
Robotic T-Rex Ages 8+ Author - Paul Beck |
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes a book about the amazing T-Rex and robots as well as parts and directions for building a T-Rex robot
-
illustrated, step by step directions for building robot are easy to understand and follow
-
excellent illustrations throughout the book make the text easy to understand
-
Unique combo of a book about dinos and robots, but clearly an excellent combo! Well written and beautifully designed this book makes a great gift for the child who is interested in dinos and robots! Extremely well done!
 |
World of Inventors - Leonardo daVinci Ages 8+ by Lorraine Jean Hopping |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes a 40 page book, parts for building a mini ornithopter, display stand and stickers
-
info on the life and work of Leonardo daVinci was very interesting and written to encourage curiosity and imagination
-
prints of some of Leonardo's paintings and drawings throughout
-
helpful time-lines
-
illustrated step by step instructions for building the ornihopter
-
Interesting, informative and engaging this book encourages children, and adults, to never stop asking "why"! I love the directions throughout for experiments and projects . . . this book would make a great family gift! Tremendously well done!
|
Planet Earth Ages 8+ Author - Jen Green |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes a globe and book
-
54 page book has interactive quizzes, activities, full color photos, charts and diagrams
-
amazing photos throughout
-
text takes a complete look at our planet - from how to use a globe, what the earth is made of, it's weather and regions and more
-
activities to use the globe throughout - fun and interesting
-
Beautifully written and designed . . . although I absolutely could have done without the photo of the hideous spider . . . this book would make a great family gift as the entire family can enjoy and learn from this book! Tremendously well done!
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publications
|
|
The Little Prince Author - Antoine DeSaint-Exupery Ages - 7+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
classic story
-
beautifully designed book with a variety of lift-the-flaps and pop-ups from simple to complex
-
This is a strange story with beautiful pop-ups and much for parents to talk about with their children concerning imagination, caring for others, keeping your word and even about depression. The pop-ups in this book are absolutely delightful! Extremely well done!
|
Curious Baby Curious George Counting - based on character created by Margret & H.A. Rey Illustrator - Greg Paprocki Ages Birth + |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
sturdy board book
-
beads a big plus
-
simple text and illustrations
-
encourages counting, number and animal recognition
-
This is a wonderful first book for parents to share with their little one! Tremendously well done!
 |
Sheep in a Jeep Author - Nancy Shaw Illustrator - Margot Apple Ages Birth + |
-
Favorite Features -
-
bright, colorful illustrations
-
simple text
-
sturdy board book
-
Parents can engage their little ones by having them tug, pull and yelp with the sheep! Extremely well done!
Candlewick Press
 |
Andy Shane and the Barn Sale Mystery Author - Jennifer Richard Jacobson Illustrator - Abby Carter Ages 5-8 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
great illustrations
-
short, easy-to-read story
-
encourages imagination, creative problem solving, giving to others, being attentive and working hard to get what you want
-
Excellent story with lots for parents and children to talk about! I especially like the focus on loving others more than the things you have! Tremendously well done!
 |
Oscar and the Bird - Author/Illustrator - Geoff Waring Ages 4+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes important safety information on not touching power lines
-
excellent thinking about electricity info - what it is, how it works and what it is made from
-
colorful illustrations
-
simple text explains electricity
-
Unique book on explaining the basics about electricity to young children. Extremely well done!
 |
The Circus Ship Author/Illustrator - Chris VanDusen Ages 4-8 |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
excellent illustrations
-
I love the "hidden picture" page
-
lots for parents and children to talk about - being kind instead of being rude and helping others rather than being selfish
-
Loosely based on an actual event, this is a fun, new story children will love! Tremendously well done!
 |
Bears on Chairs Author - Shirley Parenteau Illustrator - Dave Walker Ages - 2-6 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
fun illustrations
-
short, simple story
-
encourages counting skills, sharing and problem solving
-
Fun story for parents to read to their little ones. Team up with a plush bear for a great gift for a little one on your gift list! Extremely well done!
 |
Where's Waldo? Author/Illustrator - Martin Handford Ages 5-8 |
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes fold-out Muddy Swampy Jungle Game with pieces and circus figures
-
10 different searches with check list for super seekers
-
encourages paying attention
-
Fun for the whole family, this "Where's Waldo?" book will have everyone looking and looking to find the hidden items/characters! Unique gift for a family on your list! Extremely well done!
 |
Cars - A Pop-up Book of Automobiles Author/Illustrator - Robert Crowther Ages 6+ |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes a history of cars
-
pop-up's, pull tabs, flaps and more add a tremendous amount of "fun" to this book!
-
unique pop-up's combined with pull tabs so the pop-up moves!
-
This is the most unique and technically coolest pop-up book ever! Tremendously well done! Great gift for anyone who loves cars . . . combine with automotive tools for the mechanic on your gift list or with a toy car for the boy on your list!
 |
A Treasury of Princess Stories Author - Amy Ehrlich Illustrator - Gary Blythe Ages 7+ |
-
Favorite Features -
-
six stories - The Frog Prince, the Princess and the Pea, Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, Snow White, Twelve Dancing Princesses, and the Wild Swans
-
Each story begins with a pop-up
-
The girl on your list who loves princess stories, will treasure this book! Extremely well done!
 |
A Walk Down Sesame Street Pop-up Book Ages 3+ |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
eight double page spreads with pop-ups, pull tabs and more
-
features loved "friends" from Sesame Street - Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Count, Super Grover, Abby and Zoe
-
Encourages letter and number recognition, counting, matching, rhyming, reading and opposites
-
Any fan of Sesame Street will love this pop-up book, but I particularly appreciate not only the technical design, but the activities woven throughout to help parents and children interact and learn while they enjoy this book! Tremendously well done!
 |
Swan Lake Ballet Theater Author - Jean Mahoney Illustrator - Viola Ann Seddon Ages 6+ |
|
-
Favorite Features -
-
includes fold out mini stage, interchangeable scenery, figures, full color book, cd and storage drawer
-
encourages reading, imagination, music appreciation and creativity
-
Fun for girls to play with on their own as well as for them to present their own "ballet" for their family and friends! Creative, unique and lovely! Tremendously well done!
