the Review Source
If your child is not signed up for a summer reading program, find one to involve them in! There are so many excellent books available for children to read and for families to read together! Gather some friends, grab some new books and encourage your children to spend time reading every day!
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Does God Have a Job? Author/Illustrator - Jeannie St. John Taylor Publisher - Kregel KidZone Ages - 5+ |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, colorful, interesting illustrations
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interesting story of a girl, her dad and an important conversation about God
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ideas for parents to help them interact with their children and learn together from this book
Young children are aware or becoming aware of what their father does for a job. This is a fun book to help children better understand Who God Is and what He does! Extremely well done, Jeannie and Kregel KidZone!
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If You Give a Girl a Bible Author/Illustrator - Andy Holmes Publisher - Kregel KidZone Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun storyline and illustrations
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encourages children to think about what they can do with and learn from their Bibles
Children are familiar with this type of story and will find the things the girl learns about her Bible to be interesting and fun. Extremely well done, Andy and Kregel KidZone!
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How I Pray for My Friends Author/Illustrator - Jeannie St. John Taylor Publisher - Kregel KidZone Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, bright illustrations
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tells 14 times real kids can pray
Clearly makes prayer real for children - adults, too, by telling situations children experience and how they can pray! Tremendously well done, Jeannie and Kregel KidZone!
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The Case for a Creator for Kids Author - Lee Strobel Illustrator - Rob Suggs Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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clearly, simply walks through science and creation
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fun illustrations throughout
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definitions and questions throughout
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Excellent book on creation for kids. Understandable and makes sense! Parents should read this with their kids and talk together about what they learn. Tremendously well done, Lee, Rob and ZonderKidz!
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Ben Hurry Author - Doug Peterson Illustrator - Michael Moore Publisher - ZonderKidz/Big Idea Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun story about patience
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return of favorite Veggie characters
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fun, colorful and silly illustrations
Parents should talk with their children about times when they need to show patience and enjoy this book together. Extremely well done, Doug, Michael and ZonderKidz/Big Idea!
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Larry Boy & the Mudslingers Author - Doug Peterson Illustrators - Greg Hardin & Robert Vann Publisher - ZonderKidz Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, colorful illustrations
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loved friends help children learn about forgiveness
Read and enjoy this book with your kids and then talk together about forgiveness. Makes a great point that anger and revenge is a "sticky" mess and only forgiveness will allow it to be cleaned away. Extremely well done, Doug, Greg, Robert and ZonderKidz!
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Dancing Dinos Go to School Author - Sally Lucas Illustrator - Margeaux Lucas Publisher - Random House Ages - 4-6/Step 1 |
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Favorite Features -
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ready to read book with easy, repeating words encourages beginning readers to read
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fun, colorful illustrations
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silly, enjoyable story
Tremendously well done! Our five year old reviewer, Gabe, loved this book because he could, "really read it by myself!" A truly fun story, great illustrations and simple text combine to provide a book that is very readable - encourages children to develop the confidence they can really read themselves! Tremendously well done, Sally, Margeaux and Random House!
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Nate the Great Author - Marjorie Sharmat Illustrator - Marc Simont |
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Nate the Great and the Monster Mess Author - Marjorie Sharmat Illustrator - Martha Weston |
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Publisher - Random House Ages - 6-9 |
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Favorite Features -
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Nate the Great is a "great" first mystery book for young readers! Our seven year old reviewer, Brienna, "really liked the animals in the stories and found the stories to be funny and fun to read!"
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Additional Nate the Great mysteries encourage children to continue to read so they can find out about Nate and the mysteries he solves!
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Encourages children to stick with it, keep trying and think through the clues
Extremely well done, Marjorie, Marc, Martha and Random House! Books like this help create a love for reading in young children!
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Pinky Dinky Doo: Back to School is Cool! Author/Illustrator - Jim Jenkins Publisher - Random House Ages - 6-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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One of my reviewers, seven year old Brienna, found this book to be, "funny and liked the little brother and the bossy big sister" - it is possible Brienna is a bossy big sister with a younger brother!
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colorful, fun illustrations add to the enjoyment of this book
Enjoyable characters, situations children can identify with and a truly "silly" touch to storytelling combine to make this a book children will love to read for themselves as well as have read to them! Tremendously well done, Jim and Random House!
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Elmo Says Achoo! Author - Sarah Albee Illustrator - Tom Brannon Publisher - Random House Ages - 4-6/Step 1 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun story with loved characters from Sesame Street
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easy to read, great book for beginning readers
New readers will love that they can read this book about their "friend", Elmo! Involve children in identifying colors, counting and making sounds for things they see in the pictures! Extremely well done, Sarah, Tom and Random House!
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How to Give a Wedgie! Authors Dave & Joe Borgenicht Illustrator - Matt Phillips Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 6-9 |
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Favorite Features -
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truly unique title! The title is enough to get even those who do not enjoy reading to pick this book up and read
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step by step instructions for how to thumb wrestle, spin a basketball on one finger, hang a spoon on your nose and more - 24 "kid skills" in all
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fun drawings throughout add to the book
Tremendously well done Dave, Joe, Matt and Harper Collins! Fun, silly book kids absolutely love! My reviewers loved that they could balance the spoon on their noses while I couldn't! Parents, get this book and enjoy learning "kid skills" with your kids!
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Ramona Quimby, Age 8 Author - Beverly Cleary Illustrator - Tracy Dockray Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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classic book young girls will identify with
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detailed drawings throughout add to the fun
We all get to follow along as Ramona goes to school, learns to deal with teachers, other kids, siblings and parents! Provides excellent opportunity for parents and kids to talk about real struggles they have with some of the same things. Extremely well done, Beverly, Tracy and Harper Collins!
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Joe Sherlock, Kid Detective - |
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Case #000001 - the Haunted Tool Shed |
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Case #000002 - the Neighborhood Stink |
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Author - Dave Keane Publisher - Harper Trophy Ages - 7-10 |
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Favorite Features -
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kid humor throughout
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imaginative mysteries involve kids and engage them in the story
As Sherlock figures the mysteries out and solves the problems, young readers will be able to try and figure out the clues at the same time. Another great first mystery book for young readers! Boys will find this series an enjoyable choice! Extremely well done, Dave and Harper Trophy!
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The Chocolate Touch Author - Patrick Skene Catling Illustrator - Margot Apple Publisher - Harper Trophy Ages - 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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new twist on the story of King Midas and his golden touch
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healthy eating messages throughout
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Gabe, my five year old reviewer, especially liked the part where the trumpet turned to chocolate and wouldn't play
Young children find this a truly enjoyable story to listen to and beginning readers will be happy they can read this as a "first chapter book"! Imaginative and fun book encourages creativity and imagination in children! Extremely well done, Patrick, Margot and Harper Trophy!
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Flicka - the Movie Novel Based on a novel by - Mary O'Hara Screenplay - Mark Rosenthal & Lawrence Konner Novelization by - Kathleen Zoehfeld Publisher - Harper Kids Entertainment Ages - 8-12 |
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Favorite Features -
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includes eight pages of color photos from the movie
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exciting story about a girl and a horse and how she discovers who she really is
Provides opportunities for parents and kids to talk about obeying, making wise choices, trust and what their passions really are! Tremendously well done Mary, Mark, Lawrence, Kathleen and Harper Kids Entertainment!
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I Already Know I Love You |
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Grandpa's Little One |
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Author - Billy Crystal Illustrators - Elizabeth Sayles & Guy Porfirio Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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incredible illustrations, full of color add to the fun and capture the message of the books - love!
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touching, powerful look at the heart of a grandfather and his love and dreams for his grandchild
Must have books! Tremendously well done Billy, Elizabeth, Guy and Harper Collins! Everything about these books tells the story of Billy's love for his granddaughter! Great book for grandparents - give to soon-to-be grandparents, or to announce your own pregnancy!
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Once I Ate a Pie Authors - Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest Illustrator - Katy Schneider Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, "real" illustrations
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13 dogs "tell" their "secrets" in this unique book
Fun, imaginative, unique! Children will enjoy "meeting" these dogs and learning their "secrets"! Extremely well done Patricia, Emily, Katy and Harper Collins!
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No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teacher's Dirty Looks! Author/Illustrator - Diane deGroat Publisher - Harper Collins Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, colorful illustrations of the last day of school
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story shares how each child is special
Great book for families to talk about important topics like how each child is special, helping others, feelings and more! Extremely well done Diane and Harper Collins!
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the Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew Author - C.S. Lewis Illustrator - Pauline Baynes Publisher - Harper Collins/Zondervan Ages - 4 - adult |
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Favorite Features -
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special read-aloud edition with large print
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drawings throughout add to the enjoyment and encourage imagination
Classic, must-read book! Great choice for kids and families to read over the summer! Tremendously well done!
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Bear Snores On Author - Karma Wilson Illustrator - Jane Chapman Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 2-6 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, imaginative illustrations
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truly enjoyable story
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sturdy board book - great for little ones
Involve kids in saying, "but the bear snores on" and in making sounds for the different animals. I love this book - kids will find it surprising and enjoyable! Tremendously well done, Karma, Jane and Simon & Schuster!
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Animals Should Definitely NOT Wear Clothing! Author - Judi Barrett Illustrator - Ron Barrett Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 3-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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14 silly reasons animals should definitely NOT wear clothes
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fun illustrations throughout
Simple, silly, enjoyable - great book for children to enjoy on their summer break! Extremely well done, Judi, Ron and Simon & Schuster!
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On the Go with Dora and Blue! |
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Just Like Dora Author - Alison Inches Illustrator - Dave Aikin |
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Blue's Beach Day Author - Jeff Borkin Illustrator - Karen Craig |
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Dora in the Deep Sea Author - Christine Ricci Illustrator - Robert Rope |
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I Love My Papi! Author - Alison Inches, Illustrator - Dave Aikin |
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Say Cheese Author - Christine Ricci, Illustrator - Steven Savitsky |
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Hooray for Polka Dots Author - Alison Inches, Illustrator - Ian Chernichaw |
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Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 4-6/level pre1 and 1 |
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Favorite Features -
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sold in a box with six books and three bookmarks
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loved friends help children think about friends, helping, family and fear
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two pre level easy readers and four level one with rebus icons
Excellent set! Use with beginning and new readers over the summer as these are great books to encourage children that they really can read! Gabe's face absolutely lit up with joy when he was able to really read these books! Books like these help children become readers at a young age! Tremendously well done Alison, Dave, Jeff, Karen, Christine, Robert, Steven, Ian and Simon & Schuster!
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100th Day Worries Author - Margery Cuyler Illustrator - Arthur Howard Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 5-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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fun, colorful illustrations
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brings the reader along as Jessica tries to think of 100 things to bring to school
Tremendously well done Margery, Arthur and Simon & Schuster! Amazing story about how a family shares 100 bits of love! Definitely have your kids read this book over the summer and ask them what 100 things they would bring to school!
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Moose Tracks Author - Karma Wilson Illustrator - Jack E. Davis Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, imaginative illustrations of animals and moose tracks throughout the book, from cover to cover!
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fun, silly surprise ending!
Everything about this book is completely enjoyable! Involve children by having them (or helping them) count and identify animals and even the moose tracks throughout the book! Talk about the different rooms in your own house and what you like to do in them. Tremendously well done, Karma, Jack and Simon & Schuster!
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When the Library Lights Go Out Author - Megan McDonald Illustrator - Katherine Tillotson Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 3-6 |
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Favorite Features -
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illustrations make you want to reach out and hug the rabbit and lion
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two puppets go on an adventure through the library at night in search of their missing friend
Imaginative story - ask your children what adventure they could imagine having in a library at night. Extremely well done Megan, Katherine and Simon & Schuster!
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The Bobbsey Twins |
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The Mystery of the Ghost in the Attic |
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The Mystery of the Dinosaur in the Forest |
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Author - Laura Lee Hope Illustrator - Larry Ruppert Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 4-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, quality illustrations
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return of the twins for new, exciting adventures
I grew up with the Bobbsey Twins and am absolutely thrilled to see these new books for children to enjoy - they surely will! Mystery, putting the pieces together and family all combine for great new additions to the Bobbsey Twins books! Tremendously well done, Laura, Larry and Simon & Schuster!
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Raggedy Ann & Andy - A Read-Aloud Treasury Author/Illustrator - Johnny Gurelle Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 4-8 |
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Favorite Features -
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10 loved stories in the 90th birthday book
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original artwork/illustrations throughout
Stories of love, friendship, helping, caring - absolutely share these with the children in your life! An absolute must-have classic! Tremendously well done Johnny and Simon & Schuster!
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Raggedy Ann & Andy and the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees Adapted from - Johnny Gruelle Illustrator - Jan Palmer Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 3-7 |
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Favorite Features -
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colorful, fun illustrations
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great story about helping a friend and making new friends
Tremendously well done, Johnny, Jan and Simon & Schuster! Children need to grow up with Raggedy Ann and Andy! This book shows how easy it is to help others and in so doing, make new friends!
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When the Cows Got Loose Author - Carol Weis Illustrator - Ard Hoyt Publisher - Simon & Schuster Ages - 3-6 |
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Favorite Features -
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unique, colorful illustrations - I like that all 26 cows are different/unique
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silly story - creative way to use all 26 letters for the cow's names
This book shows unique imagination and creativity from start to finish! Great way to encourage children to be creative and use their imaginations, too! Ask children to come up with 26 different names for the cows using a different letter from the alphabet for each name! Extremely well done Carol, Ard and Simon & Schuster!
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the Review Source - Children's Books Reviews Copyright © Lynda Freeman Last Updated July 3, 2006 Web Page by Lynda Freeman Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@thereviewsource.netMain Table of Contents