BOOK REVIEW - Children's
 

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10 Little Rubber Ducks Author/Illustrator - Eric Carle Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 2-6

• Favorite Features -
• Illustrated with bold, bright primary colors
• story involves children in counting, identifying animals and colors
• simple text encourages interaction by giving directions, quacking and more
• book "squeaks" for added fun and surprise

    Involve kids in counting, calling with the captain, making storm sounds and more as you read this wonderful book together.  I love the imagination and creativity that built on a new article to end up with such a captivating and fun story book for children!  Tremendously well done, Eric and Harper Collins!
 

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Shhhhh!  Everybody's Sleeping Author - Julie Markes Illustrator - David Parkins Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 3-6

• Favorite Features -
  
• bright, vibrant, bold, jewel-tone colors make illustrations a true delight
• simple storyline is easy for young child to remember and enjoy
• incredible dimension to thoroughly creative illustrations

    This will be one of my all time favorite young children's books!  Great story and incredible illustrations combine for a book every child should have in their own library of books!  Parents, involve your child in the reading of this book by having them identify the character on each page, count items, make animal sounds, etc.  Tremendously well done, Julie, David and Harper Collins!
 

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Biscuit and the Baby Author - Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrator - Pat Schories Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 3 - 5

• Favorite Features -
• colorful, fun illustrations
• simple, repeating text - great first, "I can read book"
• great book for families with a dog and a new baby

    Biscuit has been around for years delighting young children with stories read to them and encouraging young children as they begin to read for themselves.  Tremendously well done, Alyssa, Pat and Harper Collins!

 

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Where do Chicks Come From? Author - Amy Sklansky Illustrator - Pam Paparone Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 3 - 6

• Favorite Features -
• colorful, fun, realistic illustrations
• combines reading skills and science concepts
• includes activities for families to learn more together - excellent!

    This book will encourage learning and interesting conversations between children and parents!  Very nicely done Amy, Pam and Harper Collins!

 

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I Love You All Day Long Author - Francesca Rusackas Illustrator - Priscilla Burris Publisher - Harper Trophy Ages - 3 - 5

• Favorite Features -
• bright, fun, colorful illustrations
• simple, encouraging text

    This is a wonderful book and makes an excellent choice to reassure a child of your love as they go to kindergarten or pre-school.  The colorful illustrations and comforting text will be enjoyed and appreciated by children and parents!  Tremendously well done, Francesca, Priscilla and Harper Trophy!
 

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Most of All, Jesus Loves You! Author - Noel Piper Illustrator - Debby Anderson Publisher - Crossway Ages - 3 - 7

• Favorite Features -
• colorful illustrations show families and children of variety of races and some with physical challenges
• simple story of Jesus' love
• free poster included

    This book will provide comfort and opportunities for parents and children to talk together not only about how Jesus loves them, but how Jesus truly loves all children.  Tremendously well done, Noel, Debby and Crossway!

 

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Mix & Match - What's A Bear To Wear? Author - Julia Simon-Kerr Illustrator - Mimi Ahn Publisher - Harper Festival Ages - 4 - 7

• Favorite Features -
• mix and match makes fun, unique stories children can create to be their "own"
• colorful, fun illustrations
• eight different bears dressed as doctors, ballerinas and more
• each picture of a bear is cut into three parts to allow child to "mix & match" their own special story!

    What a fun, interactive book for young children to be creative, use their imagination and enjoy!  Tremendously well done Julia, Mimi and Harper Festival!
 

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	Princess Bear		Ballerina Bear
Friends Furever		Talent Show
Author - Catherine Hapka Illustrators - Jim & Kara Valeri Publisher - Harper Festival Ages - 4 - 8

• Favorite Features -
• each book encourages conversations about friends and how they help each other
• colorful, fun illustrations
• stories about the build-a-bear workshop toys

    I like how the stories reinforce positive behavior and provide opportunities for parents to talk with their early elementary age child about important lessons.  Extremely well done, Catherine, Jim, Kara and Harper Festival!
 

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VeggieTown Values - The Spoon in the Stone Author - Doug Peterson Illustrator - Michael Moore Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 4 - 8

• Favorite Features -
• new books with favorite veggie friends
• fun story teaches important lesson about serving others
• colorful, fun illustrations
  

    Creative twist to take old story and set Veggie characters in it to teach an important lesson kids will understand and remember.  Tremendously well done, Doug, Michael and ZonderKidz!
 

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Amelia Bedelia Helps Out Author - Peggy Parish Illustrator - Lynn Sweat Publisher - Harper Trophy Ages - 4 - 8

• Favorite Features -
• fun, wacky, loved character, Amelia Bedelia is back for another story kids will love
• encourages conversations about doing your best, helping cheerfully and understanding directions
• fun illustrations throughout

    You can't go wrong with an Amelia Bedelia story and this one is sure to delight as well as encourage conversations!  Extremely well done, Peggy, Lynn and Harper Trophy!
 

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The Legend of the Sand Dollar Author - Chris Aver Illustrator - Rick Johnson Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 4 - 8

• Favorite Features -
• colorful, real, almost photo-like illustrations
• explains the special features of a sand dollar

    The illustrations in this book and the story behind the sand dollar are sure to delight!  Very nicely done, Chris, Rick and ZonderKidz!
 

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Amazing Whales! Author - Sarah Thomson Photos from - the Wildlife Conservation Society Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 4 - 8

• Favorite Features -
• incredible photos throughout
• an, "I Can Read" book
• informative and interesting

    Wonderful way to combine science, real photos and simple text for beginning readers!  Extremely well done, Sarah and Harper Collins!

 

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Dear God, It's Me! Authors - Lynn Hodges & Sue Buchanan Illustrator - John Bendall-Brunello Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 6 and under

• Favorite Features -
• includes a bonus music cd
• starts with a verse
• simple text repeats throughout
• colorful, fun illustrations

    Comforting, encouraging story of God's love and presence all through the day!  Extremely well done, Lynn, Sue, John and ZonderKidz!
 

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Friendship Book - Build-a-Bear Workshop Designed by - Mimi Ahn Publisher - Harper Festival Ages - 5 - 9

• Favorite Features -
• encourages journaling, writing skills and thinking as well as interaction between children and their parents
• photos throughout of bears as well as space to add your own photos
• space for a child to save their memories

    Great way to help a young child learn about and value who they are by journaling what they like and can do!  Tremendously well done, Mimi and Harper Festival!
 

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The Beary Best Paper Doll Book - Build-a-Bear Workshop Illustrator - Jim Valeri Publisher - Harper Festival Ages - 5 - 10

• Favorite Features -
• set includes four bear paperdolls and 18 outfits
• outfits are colorful and printed on sturdy paper
• encourages imagination and interactive play

    I'm so glad to see quality paperdolls again - when my daughter was a young girl, it was nearly next to impossible to find paperdolls.  These paperdolls are creative and will provide hours of imaginative play!  Extremely well done, Jim and Harper Festival!
 

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Dr. Devo's New-Fangled Lickety-Split Devotions Author - Tim Wesemann Illustrator - Dana Thompson Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 8 - 12

• Favorite Features -
• NIV and NIrV for ease of understanding
• questions/answers from kids throughout
• Bible verse fill in the blanks throughout
• prayer ponder points with ideas for kids to pray about
• LOL throughout - jokes with a point

    Extremely well done, Tim, Dana and ZonderKidz!  These interesting devotions for kids will get them thinking, learning and even laughing!
 

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Daughters of the Faith Series - Shadow of His Hand, the Anita Dittman Story Author - Wendy Lawton Publisher - Moody Press Ages - 8 - 12

• Favorite Features -
• real-life account of holocaust survivor, Anita Dittman
• great job of drawing the reader into the story and setting
  

    Powerful, challenging and gripping - readers will not be able to put this book down.  Extremely well done, Wendy and Moody Press!
 

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the Review Source - Children's Books Reviews

Copyright © Lynda Freeman

Last Updated April 24, 2005

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