(Note on language levels: 1. Nothing objectionable; 2. Common euphemisms; 3. Some cursing or profanity; 4. A lot of cursing or profanity; 5. Obscenity or vulgarity.)

 

     Aldrich, Dawn.  Auntie's House (Halo Publishing International, 2009).  Do you have a favorite aunt with whom you like to stay?  Or if you are older, did you have one when you were young?  A little girl's mommy is going to work, so the little girl must stay to Auntie's house for the day.  Together she and her aunt go upstairs to where the toys are and find books, blocks, trains, trucks, and pretty tea cups.  Next, they go back downstairs and have a tea party.  Then they go outside to play on the swings and the slide.  When they get tired, they go back inside and play with the blocks and a train.  After that they climb into Auntie's favorite rocking chair where Auntie reads "The Three Little Bears" and other books, "one book and then another."  Finally, the little girl begins to wonder where Mommy is, but it is time for her to take a nap.  What will she find when she awakens from her nap?  Author Dawn Aldrich uses a fun, rhythmic text to tell about the adventures of a child at an aunt's house from the child's perspective.  These adventures are accompanied with whimsical, full color illustrations by Michael Aldrich, who is Dawn's nephew.  The basic theme of Auntie's House is trust.  There is the child's trust that her mother will come back at the end of the day.  Also, there is the mother's trust in Auntie to take care of the child.  In answer to every question from the child, the aunt replies, "Of course little one.  Let's have some fun!"  What a wonderful way to help a child learn how to adjust to staying with a relative while a parent is away!  Children will find it entertaining, and parents will like its reinforcement of strong family ties.  I say that it's a keeper!  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Ages Pre-K through 3rd grade.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Bingham, Jane.  Alexander the Great (published in 2004 by Usborne Publishing Ltd., Usborne House, 83-85 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8RT, England; republished in 2005 in the US by EDC Publishing, 10302 E. 55th Pl., Tulsa, OK  74146).  Oliver Stone's 2004 movie Alexander was the nearly pornographic (and perhaps somewhat warped) chronicle of the life of this great figure in history (there was also a 1956 blockbuster Alexander the Great that starred Richard Burton and Frederick March which probably omitted Stone's homosexual undertones).  Jane Bingham's Usborne book is a chronicle more suited for children.  From Alexander's birth as son of King Philip of Macedon, through his growing up years including his friendship with Hephaestion and studies with Aristotle, his becoming king at age 20, and his conquest of the known world, to his marriage with Roxanne of Scythia and his death a few years later at age 32.  While the book does not try to hide Alexander's faults and failings, neither does it go into all the gory details, but simply presents Alexander as a historical personage who deserves to be studied, and does so in a fashion that will be enjoyable to children.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: grades 5-6.  GOOD.

 

     Bond, Douglas.  Guns of Thunder (published in 2007 by P & R Publishing Co. P. O. Box 817, Phillipsburg, NJ  08865).  What would you have done if you dwelt on the Connecticut frontier in 1740-1745 when the French and Indians were attacking settlements?  Young Ian M'Kethe, who lives with his mother, younger sister, baby brother, and grandfather, hopes to avoid war and go to Yale, but his older cousin Roland wants to join the militia and fight.  Unfortunately, Roland has such bad eyesight that he can hardly see to shoot, while Ian is a great shot.  But Ian is also good at raising corn and makes enough money to buy Roland some glasses, so Roland goes off to battle in Canada but his colonial unit is promptly captured by the French.  Hence, Ian feels a responsibility to join the militia so that he might rescue his cousin.   Is Roland still alive or not?  And will Ian survive to achieve his dreams?  We have previously read the excellent "Crown and Covenant" series by Bond about the M'Kethe family (Ian's ancestors) in Scotland during their struggle to maintain their covenantal faith when the English crown was trying to stamp it out (see the 1/04, 6/04, 11/04, 7/07, and 5/08 issues of this newsletter for reviews and previews of these books, Duncan's War, King's Arrow, and Rebel's Keep).  Some of the M'Kethes emigrated to the New World, and the story continues with Ian and his family.  If you are looking for good historical fiction to complement a study of the French and Indian War period of American history, this is it!  Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield even play a part in the story.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Ages 9-12.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Cohen, Deborah Bodin.  Nachshon, Who Was Afraid to Swim: A Passover Story (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2009).   Nachshon, along with the rest of his family and all the Israelites, is a slave in Egypt.  His parents, grandparents, and even great-great- grandparents had been slaves, and he is afraid that he may be a slave for his whole life too.  However, Nachshon remembers the stories of how long ago his ancestors had been free, and he dreams of freedom every night.  Nachshon's father and brothers make straw and mud into bricks, but Nachshon slips past the taskmasters to bring them cool drinking water.  He also spies on Pharaoh and his royal courtiers to give reports to the Israelite elders.  Everyone begins calling him "Brave Nachshon."  However, Nachshon does have one fear.  When the other slaves take a cool dip in the Nile River each evening, he is afraid of water.   One day, a stranger named Moses comes and promises the Israelites freedom.  That evening, when the slaves jump in the river, Moses sees Nachshon's hesitation and says, "Real freedom means facing your fears and overcoming them."  Many people can tell the story from here.  Moses calls on Pharaoh to let the Israelites go.  At first the king refuses, but after ten terrible plagues, he finally agrees, and the Israelites march to the Sea of Reeds.  Then, they look back and see the armies of Pharaoh chasing them.  When Moses tells them to march forward into the sea, what will Nachshon, who is afraid to swim, do?  According to a note by author Deborah Bodin Cohen, the Torah does include brief references to Nachshon ben Aminadav who was a leader in the tribe of Judah (Naashon or Nahshon in English Bibles; see Numbers 1:7).  However, in the Midrash or Rabbinic lore, his story is more fully developed as an example of faith and courage.  Jewish parents will certainly find this book useful for their children especially during the Passover season, but any parent who would like a good book to accompany their children's study of the Scriptural story of the Israelites' Exodus from Egyptian bondage should like it.  The attention-grabbing illustrations of Jago and the added lesson of working to overcome fear help make Nachshon, Who Was Afraid to Swim stand out as a book that children will truly enjoy.   Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 3-8 (grades PreK-2).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Cohn, Scotti.  One Wolf Howls (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2009).  What do you know about wolves?  Most people would recognize them and understand that they are relatives of the domesticated dog, but there are many aspects in which the wolf remains a mysterious creature.  Scotti Cohn's gentle poetic text tells how one wolf howls in the January moonlight, two wolves play in a February snowfall, three wolves bark on a brisk March morning, and so on. Can you guess how many wolves sing a December chorus?  The luscious, full-color drawings by Susan Detwiler which accompany are a feast for the eyes.  One thing that makes Sylvan Dell books so great is that they are aligned to state standards in math and science.  Thus, they are not only fun and enjoyable to read, but also educational at the same time.  The "For Creative Minds" educational section at the end of the book, which may be photocopied or printed from Sylvan Dell's website by the owner of the book for educational, non-commercial uses, includes a Wolf Communications Matching Activity, Fun Facts about wolves and their life cycle, a Wolf Calendar Activity, and information about hunting and endangered wolves.  Besides the knowledge concerning wolves, additional benefits for very young children in having this book read to them are counting from one to twelve and becoming familiar with the months of the year.  Cross-curricular "Teaching activities," interactive quizzes, and much more are available online at the Sylvan Dell website.  One Wolf Howls will delight all youngsters, especially those who like to learn about nature. Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 4-8 (grades P-3).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Cox, Carol.  A Test of Faith (published in 2007 by Guideposts, 16 E. 34th St., New York City, NY  10016).  Another in the "Mystery and the Minister's Wife" series from Guideposts, this book is about Paul and Kate Hanlon, who move from San Antonio, TX, where Paul was minister with a large church, to Copper Mill, TN, where Paul is minister with the Faith Briar Church and Kate finds that she has a talent for solving mysteries.  Kate is awakened by a phone call in the middle of the night from her friend LuAnne Matthews, who is a waitress at the Country Diner.  Someone has driven a red mustang through the front window of the diner.  Why did LuAnne call Kate?  Kate's wallet was found on the front seat of the car!  As Kate investigates, she has no end of suspects.  Roland Myers, the car's owner, never reported it missing and some think that he might be running a "chop shop."  Avery, the new janitor that Paul hired for Faith Briar Church, has a past record of alcoholism and criminal activity, and has been acting suspiciously.  Then, there is the new teenage boy in town, Cody, into whom Kate keeps running--literally!  And finally, there is the favorite suspect of everyone in town--Kate herself!  On top of it all, Paul breaks his ankle while warming up for a basketball game, and Kate must wait on him.  Will Kate ever get to the bottom of this one?   Other than a few "religious" items that those associated with churches of Christ would not endorse (instrumental music in worship, church sponsored meals in the "fellowship hall," the church's having a basketball team in a local church league, and calling Paul the "pastor") there is almost nothing objectionable, and it is always good to see god-fearing people portrayed in a positive light as they go about their daily activities.   Language level: 1.  Reading level: adults and older teens.  GOOD.

 

     Davidson, Susanna.  The Story of Hanukkah (published in 2007 by Usborne Publishing Ltd., Usborne House, 83-85 Saffron Hill, London, EC1N 8RT, England; republished in the US by EDC Publishing, 10302 E. 55th Pl., Tulsa, OK  71416).  Even though Christians do not observe the Old Testament Jewish feasts, our understanding of Bible history and even the life of Christ is enhance by our knowledge of the Hebrew festivals.  Hanukkah was not one of the feasts specifically mentioned in the law of Moses but came later, during a very exciting period of Israelite history, between the testaments, as recorded in the books of Maccabees.  The Persian Empire having been conquered by Alexander the Great of Macedon, Judah passed from Persian rule to Greek rule.  At his death, Alexander's empire was divided among his generals.  Judah first went to Ptolemy of Egypt but was later ruled by Antiochus III of Syria.  Antiochus's son, Antiochus IV, was a tyrant who demanded that the Jews abandon Jehovah and worship the Greek gods.  A priest named Mattathias and his sons rebelled.  When Mattathias died, his son Judas carried on the fight and became known as Maccabeus, "the hammer," with his followers known as the Maccabees.  Under Judas, who entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple, and his brothers, the Jews freed themselves from Antiochus and established an independent state.  Hanukkah commemorates the cleansing of the temple and appears to be referred to in the New Testament (John 10:22).  Language level: 1.  Reading level: grades 3-4.  GOOD.

 

     DuPrau, Jeanne.  The City of Ember (published in 2003 by Random House Books for Young Readers, a division of Random House Inc.).  A recommendation for this "First Book of Ember" given by Kathy Davis of HomeSchoolBuzz. com appeared in the 5/05 issue of this newsletter, and further information about the book and the entire series appeared in the 11/08 edition.  While Kathy's review was positive, I really had no immediate plans to read the book, but last year I found some books on sale at Wal-Mart, and this was one of them, probably left over from a promotion concerning the film based on the book, so I picked it up.  I shall tell you right now that it is a good book!  In this science-fiction fantasy book, Ember is a futuristic city that has a mysterious beginning.  It depends on a generator for light and storerooms for food.  In the "Year 241" Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow graduate from school and get their jobs.  Lina is to go to the pipeworks under the city, and Doon is to be a messenger.  However, each wants the other's job, so they trade.  Unfortunately, the generator begins to fail and the storeroom supplies are running low.  Lina and Doon learn some secrets that alarm them about the future.  Lina's granny, with whom she and her sister Poppy live after their parents died, is the descendent of a past mayor and is searching for something that she thinks will help but does not remember what it is.  It turns out to be a black box with a frayed ancient parchment.  Lina and Doon figure out that it contains clues about how to leave the city.  But the present mayor and his guards feel that the young people are a threat to their power.  Will Lina and Doon escape?  And if they do, what will they find?  The book is well written in an exciting style that will easily keep one's interest.  And I agree with Kathy Davis who noted, "I am happy to say I came across no red flags to warn you about."  Concerning language, there are a few common euphemisms and one childish word for worm manure.  This is one contemporary book that I would highly recommend for children.  There is a sequel, The People of Sparks.  The third book, The Prophet of Yonwood, is actually a "prequel."  The story concludes in The Diamond of Darkhold.  Language level: 2.  Reading level: ages 9-12.  GOOD.  (Note:  We have since seen the movie; it is good, but, as usual, the book is much better.)

 

     Edmonds, Walter Dumaux.  The Matchlock Gun (published in 1941 by Dodd, Mead and Co. Inc.; republished in 1998 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, 345 Hudson St., New York City, NY 10014, a division of The Putnam Berkley Group Inc.).   If you want great historical fiction for younger children, The Matchlock Gun, which won the 1942 Newbery Medal, by Walter D. Edmonds, who also wrote the classic novel Guns Along the Mohawk, is it.  Set in 1757, when New York was still a British colony during the French and Indian War, it tells the true story of ten-year-old Edward Van Alstyne, who lives with his father Teunis, mother Gertrude, and little sister Trudy, outside of Albany in upper New York.  Father is called away with the militia to watch for an Indian raid from the north and leaves Edward to protect Mama and Trudy.  The only gun left in the house is an old Spanish matchlock gun which is twice as long as Edward and much too heavy.  Even Papa has never fired it, but he shows him how to use it, and Edward is determined to fight for his home and family.   Will any Indians come?  And if they do, will Edward be able to do anything about it?  There is one reference to Papa's wanting his schnapps.  Otherwise, there is nothing objectionable.  The size (just 62 pages) makes it perfect for early readers who are ready for chapter books.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Ages 9 to 11.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Goldeen, Ruth.  Alef-Bet Yoga for Kids (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2009).  Would you like for your children to become more familiar with the Hebrew alphabet?  Do your children enjoy yoga?  In Alef-Bet Yoga for Kids, Ruth Goldeen, who is a pediatric occupational therapist and has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education with a Special Needs emphasis, gives kids an opportunity to recognize the Hebrew alphabet in an experiential way by using traditional and modified yoga poses to become the actual letters.  Not only can they see how to make alef, bet, and the following twenty symbols, as shown by Bill Goldeen's eye-catching photographs superimposed on the letters, but they also gain the physical benefits of stretching, strengthening, and balancing their bodies.  There is a glossary that explains the different poses.  Some parents object to yoga, but those for whom it is not a problem might find this book to be a good tool for both educational purposes and physical activity.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 3-8 (grades PreK-2).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Hutmacher, Kimberly.  Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2009).  What would you do if you woke up and found all kinds of animals in your bedroom, your yard, and all over the place? Kimberly Hutmacher's rhyming text and Sherry Rogers's colorful illustrations show young readers how a couple of children find a squirrel in their bedroom, a monkey up a tree in their yard, and a spider hanging from their window. They get to see frogs and fish in a pond, penguins in the Antarctic, elephants and lions in Africa, kangaroos in Australia, a gigantic turtle on an island, an eagle with its young in their nest, and a panda in a cave. But did they really see it all, or were they just dozing and dreaming?  Sylvan Dell books for children are wonderful because they combine an interesting story that youngsters will enjoy with facts that they can readily absorb. They will be fascinated as they join the animals in running, jumping, leaping, hopping—all of which kids like to do anyway—and then resting. I especially appreciated the closing picture of the boy asleep with the open book on his bed, which subtly encourages children to find adventures in reading. At the end of Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet, there are four pages of "For Creative Minds" activities. Parents and teachers can find further information about "Related Websites" and "Teaching Activities" at Sylvan Dell Publishing's website to help them expand the learning possibilities. I really like this book!  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 3–7.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Jules, Jacqueline.  Benjamin and the Silver Goblet (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2009).  Benjamin and the Silver Goblet is a genuinely enjoyable retelling of a familiar story from the Scriptures.  Benjamin is Jacob's youngest son who resents that he is being treated as a baby and left behind as his older brothers leave for Egypt to buy grain.  However, his father has already lost one son, Joseph, and will not risk losing another one.  Yet, when the brothers return from Egypt, Simeon is not with them.  Reuben explains that the governor of Egypt had accused them of being spies and kept Simeon, demanding that they bring Benjamin when they come back to prove that they were telling the truth.  When the time comes, they have no choice but to take Benjamin, and Judah promises their father to see that nothing happens to him.  On the way, Benjamin accidentally overhears the brothers conversation about what they had done to Joseph.  He had always been told that Joseph was killed by a wild animal.  Benjamin is shocked and wonders if he can ever trust his brothers again.  Then, when they arrive in Egypt, the governor does some strange things that puzzle Benjamin and his brothers, but they are finally able to leave with their grain and with Simeon.  However, after they have departed, a messenger comes from the governor and demands that they be searched to see if anyone has a silver goblet that has been stolen from the governor.  Benjamin gasps as the goblet is found in his sack. They are taken back to Egypt where the governor demands that Benjamin remain as a slave while the others go home.  What will happen to Benjamin?  Will his brothers help him or just leave him there?  Anyone who has read the Scriptures knows the end of the story.  Author Jacqueline Jules says that she has always been fascinated by Joseph's test of the silver goblet to see if his brothers would abandon Benjamin in the same callous way that they had sold him years before or if they had changed.  She tried to stay as faithful as she could to the original plot, but referred to traditional sources for some details and flavor.  A book like this is an excellent choice to help youngsters understand the great stories of the Scriptures.  Picturing the situation from Benjamin's point of view and imagining the feelings of this boy in the center of a drama that he did not quite understand help to make things real for children, and Natascia Ugliano's full-color illustrations help them visualize the action. This tale is a wonderful example of remorse for past mistakes and the love of a reunited family.  I highly recommend the book.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 5-9 (grades K-3).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Kramer, Jennifer Evans.  Ocean Hide and Seek (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2009).  Have you ever looked out at the wide sea and wondered what kinds of things lie beneath it where there are so many places to hide?  There are clownfish who swim among the poisonous tentacles of the sea anemone.  Catsharks hunt prey, and whale shark swims into sight then fades away, both protected by their disruptive coloration.  A leafy sea dragon mingles in with seaweed.  The great white shark is a sneaky foe.  The deep-sea bristlemouth seems almost invisible because of its counter illumination.  Blue tangs blend in with the colors of the coral reef.  Tiny crabs hide in kelp.  An octopus mimics a deadly sea snake.  Pipefish look just like blades of sea grass.  And queen parrotfish can make a clear, mucus "cocoon" to cover their scent when they sleep.  Whether people live on the coast or far inland, I think that everyone is fascinated with the ocean and the great variety of life that teems within it.  Jennifer Evans Kramer's lyrically rhyming text will give children a sense of wonder at what lives beneath the rolling waves, and the illustrations by Gary R. Phillips will provide a feeling of what it is actually like to be down there.  The "For Creative Minds" section has four pages of activities about animal hide and seek, animal classification, and "Food for Thought."  Additional information about "Related Websites" and "Teaching Activities" may be found at Sylvan Dell Publishing's website to help parents and teachers to expand the learning possibilities.  Furthermore, the author is donating a portion of her royalties to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.  Ocean Hide and Seek is a wonderful resource for youngsters who are interested in the sea.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 4-8 (grades P-3).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Lemire, Leigh-Ann (aka Ilia). The Bouncing Boy (CreateSpace, 2008).  What would you think if you saw a boy who was so big that he would actually bounce if he fell?  Jack is a big bouncing boy.  That's what his mother called him when he was born, and that's what he has become.  He was a big baby, a big toddler, a big child, and now a big pre-teen.  As a result, the other children, and even many of the adults, in the small town where he lives have teased him unmercifully.  Unfortunately, Jack's resentment only leads to behavior that continues to make him more unpopular.  Then his old, frail parents pass on, and his life goes from bad to worse until Jack is finally chased out of town to live in the nearby woods.  Then one day, a "Sad Situation" arises in the town.  The people's heads start growing flowers instead of hair, and the flowers smell very, very bad.  The townsfolk begin ridiculing each other rather than trying to work out a solution.  Only one old rickety frail man realizes that something needs to be done, and he needs Jack's aid to cross the land and the desert so that they can get help from the healer in the next village.  At first Jack doesn't want to help the very people who have been so mean to him, but "the elder" appeals to the memory of Jack's parents, and Jack agrees to go with him.  Will they make it?  Will they find a cure?  Will Jack and the townspeople learn any important lessons  The Bouncing Boy is the third in a series of modern day fairy tales written by Leigh-Ann Lemire, who goes by the penname of Ilia.  It is designed to appeal to both adults and children from one to a hundred years old.  Any child, or adult for that matter, who has ever been teased or ridiculed should be able to identify with Jack.  Some of the important values depicted in the story include respecting parents and elders, being persistent in achieving one's goals in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds, and the necessity of forgiveness.  Youngsters will have fun reading about some of the "gross" and "yucky" things that Jack does, but they will be learning some vital life lessons at the same time.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: 5th-6th grade.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Little, Jean.  Spring Begins in March (published in 1966 by Little, Brown and Company, Boston, MA).  Last month's issue contained a review of Jean Little's Mine For Keeps, about a girl named Sarah Jane (Sally) Copeland who walked with braces and was in a special school but came home.  This book is a sequel about her younger sister, Margaret Ann (Meg), who has trouble concentrating and is always doing poorly in school.  When their older sister Melinda gets ready to go to college, Sally, who shares a room with Meg, can move into Melinda's old room and leave Meg with a room of her own.  Then their Aunt Janet gets married, and their grandmother, who had lived with Janet, comes to live with the Copelands, taking Meg's new room.  On top of her troubles at school, Meg always seems to be having problems with Grandma too, and her friend Charlotte does not seem to be helping matters any.  Then when her parents decide to get Meg a puppy to help teach her some responsibility, the dog seems to turn out as incorrigible as Meg.  How will it all work out?   There is little objectionable in this book, other than perhaps a few common euphemisms.  It is good to read about a family where all the members care for one another and when a problem arises work together to solve it.  I especially liked the growing relationship between Meg and her grandmother that develops at the end of the book.  My wife read this book first, and I was going to have her do a review of it, but she is really busy right now so I decided to go ahead and do it.  Language level: 2.  Reading level: ages 8-12 and up.  GOOD.

 

     Love, Donna.  Henry the Impatient Heron (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2009).  Have you ever been driving by a wetlands area and seen a heron standing in the water on one foot?  Why do they do that?  Henry was a young Great Blue Heron who had a problem.  He just couldn't stand still.  He tried, but it seemed that his legs would twitch and his neck would itch and he would end up having to scratch himself.  When the time came that Henry was able to fly away, he tried to catch a fish to eat.  He went after a salamander for a tasty treat.  He spied a plump little frog.  But he was too impatient and lost them all.  Finally, he came across The Great Blue Heron who was the King of Camouflage.  Will he be able to help Henry learn how to stay still and get some food?  It seems that most children really enjoy learning about nature, especially different kinds of animals.  Who would believe that the activities of a Great Blue Heron would be so interesting?  In Henry the Impatient Heron, Donna Love gives youngsters an eminently readable story, accompanied by Christina Wald's life-like and eye-catching illustrations, that will acquaint them with all kinds of information about herons.  Following the actual text, there are four pages of "For Creative Minds" exercises, including "Great Blue Heron Facts," explanation of "How Did Henry Hunt?", and a heron life cycle matching activity.  Even more information about "Related Websites" and "Teaching Activities" can be found at Sylvan Dell Publishing's website to help parents and teachers to expand the learning possibilities.  I found this book to be absolutely fascinating.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 4-8 (grades P-3).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Marvel, Robin.  Awakening Consciousness: A Girl's Guide! (Loving Healing Press, 2009).  Both of our children are boys, so I may not be the best qualified to review this book, but I know many parents of daughters who are looking for books to help them in guiding their girls to see the big picture.  Awakening Consciousness, which is book #4 in Loving Healing Press's "Growing With Love" series, is intended as a workbook for girls and young women to learn about their own spiritual self-awareness.  The Library of Congress Cataloging-in- Publication Data lists it under the categories, "Children--Psychic ability" and "Parapsychology- -Juvenile literature."  Author Robin Marvel begins her note to parents by saying, "There is a shift taking place in our world and Universal Awareness will prevail."  This book does contain some generally good advice.  "Always be true to who you are even if it isn't what everyone else is doing.  You get to make the choices that affect you.  So what if you aren't the most popular in school?  You are your own person" (p. 9).    All children need to know that.  There is also practical information about hygiene, being thankful, apologizing to others, and similar things.  The book is divided into twelve chapters, and each one has exercises or activities to reinforce the material in it.  Families from traditional Christian, Jewish, and Muslim backgrounds may not find reading about energy fields, auras, chakras, karma, yoga, mindful meditation, aromatherapy, grounding, reiki, pendulums, mind reading, tarot cards, crystals, and past lives particularly beneficial, but those who are interested in such subjects might come across something that they can use.  Personally, while I try to be as objective as possible, I thought that most of it was superstitious new-age claptrap and mumbo-jumbo.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: girls ages 8-12.  POOR.

 

     Meredith, Dawn.  The Wobbly Wombat (Rigby Harcourt Education, now Pearson, 2007).  Do you know what a wombat is?  Woody is the littlest wombat in the entire Grey Gums Forest.  He is short and wobbly.  Whenever his three sisters, two brothers, and neighboring wombats all tease him, he runs away, hides under a tea tree bush, and cries himself to sleep.  He has no friends at all.  However, one day he decides that he must find a way to live in harmony with everyone else rather than running away and hiding.  Therefore, he asks advice from the possum, who is clever and calm; from the koala, who is particularly well liked; and the dingo, who lives in a pack and gets along well with everyone.  Based upon their suggestions, Woody formulates a plan.  What do the three animals tell Woody?  What is his plan?  And does it work?  In this short chapter book for young readers, Dawn Meredith takes a fun story that children will enjoy reading and uses it to teach some important lessons.  First, of course, there is the general educational benefit in knowing about the wombats, possums, koalas, and dingos of Australia.  But second, beyond this, there is the value of learning how to deal with conflict with its resultant feelings of anger, frustration, and sadness.  Youngsters will be impressed by the facts that all of us are special with things that we like doing and are good at, and that we need to keep lines of communication open with others.  Also, the illustrations of the animals by Nick Watson are absolutely cuddly and adorable.  This book is a real keeper! Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 6-10 (middle primary grades).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Noble, Diane.  Through the Fire (published in 2007 by Guideposts, 16 E. 34th St., New York City, NY  10016).  This is the first volume in the "Mystery and the Minister's Wife" from Guideposts.  Mention was made of it in the 1/08 issue of this newsletter.  Paul and Kate Hanlon, now that their children have all left the next, move from San Antonio, TX, where Paul has been minister with the large and prosperous Riverbend Church and Kate has lived all her life, to Copper Mill, TN, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, where Paul is to be minister with the small, rural Faith Briar Church.  However, as they arrive in town, the Faith Briar Church building is on fire and the Sheriff declares it to be arson.  Kate begins to investigate.  There is a corporation with a ruthless reputation which has purchased the old hotel next door to turn into a resort and wants to buy the church property too.  There are threatening e-mails, mysterious packages, and a life and death chase.   The mystery aspect will certainly keep the pages turning.  Other than a few religious concepts and practices with which those of us associated with churches of Christ would not agree, there is nothing objectionable in this book.  And it is always nice to read interesting books where people strive to see that all their actions are guided by their faith in God.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: adults and older teens would be most interested.  GOOD.

 

     Phillips, Dixie.  Stubby's Destiny (Guardian Angel Publishing Inc., 2008).  Could a boring donkey ever be chosen for something great?   Stubby is an orphaned donkey colt who wants to be like the horses whose steady hoof beats go "Clippety-clop" down the cobblestone street.  His friend, Sly the stallion, tells him to change his posture and tries to give him some lessons to help him reach his divine destiny, but Stubby continues to have trouble and wonders if he will ever be used in the royal service of the king.  However, one morning, when he goes to get a drink, he is grabbed by two men who say, "The Lord has need of him."  Someone lays a cloak across his back, and a strange man with the kindest eyes gets on him while people shout, "Hosanna!  Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord."  Can you guess what important event in history this is?  What a wonderful way for children to hear or read about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, by looking at it from the animal's viewpoint!  This kind of approach helps to make Bible stories more personal for youngsters.  Author Dixie Phillips and illustrator Kim Sponaugle, whose Angel Eyes was previously reviewed in the December, 2008, issue of Stories for Children and is still available on our website under "Past Reviews," combine their talents to tell an irresistable story about a defeated donkey who feels that he was born wrong and is just about to give up but finds that he is at the right place at the right time.  Children will find it delightful.  Also, it can bring hope to youngsters who are hurting and might feel that their situation is hopeless.  I give it five stars.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Ages 3-7.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Ring, Susan.  Where Should Turtle Be? (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2009).  If you were a newly hatched turtle, where do you think that you would need to go?  Little Turtle breaks away from his nest on the beach and heads for the bay.  However, the lights that he ends up following are not the moon and stars but houses and cars, so he turns too soon and gets lost.  He needs some assistance.  A bear in the woods suggests that he might be a box turtle, but he isn't.  A frog at the pond thinks he might be a painted turtle, but he isn't.  A beetle at the marsh wonders if he is a diamondback terrapin, but he isn't.  Where can he turn for help?  And will he ever find where he belongs?  In Sylvan Dell's Where Should Turtle Be?, the poetic text by Susan Ring and the very realistic illustrations by Laurie Allen Klein together tell an exciting adventure story for young children that is also filled with interesting facts about turtles.  At the end of the book, there are three pages of activities "For Creative Minds," such as "Turtle Fun Facts."  Did you know that sea turtles find their way to the ocean by moving toward the brightest, most open horizon, which under natural conditions is toward the ocean?  There are also exercises in matching turtle adaptations and turtle habitats.  In addition, further information about "Related Websites" and "Teaching Activities" can be found at Sylvan Dell Publishing's website to help parents and teachers to expand the learning possibilities.  This is a great book that is both fun to read and instructional at the same time.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 4-8 (grades P-3).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Rouss, Sylvia A.  Sammy Spider's First Day of School (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2009).  It is Josh Shapiro's first day of preschool.  Sammy Spider, who lives with his family in the Shapiro's house, wants to go with Josh.  Mrs. Spider says that Sammy is silly because spiders don't go to school.  However, Sammy sneaks into Josh's backpack.  Sammy gets to listen to a story about Noah's ark, hear the children tell about their pets, and watch them as they learn about kindness to animals.  He does not go outside with the children to the bird feeder because, well we know that some birds like to eat spiders!  When they return, he crawls near Josh, but some of the children who are afraid of spiders see him and want to step on him.  What will happen to Sammy?  Will anyone save him?  This is the eleventh book in the Sammy Spider series that includes Sammy Spider's First Passover and Sammy Spider's First Shabbat.  Sammy Spider's First Trip to Israel was named a Sydney Taylor Honor book by the Association of Jewish Libraries. In Sammy Spider's First Day of School, author Sylvia Rouss tells a really cute story, augmented by Katherine Kahn's colorful, stylized illustrations, that will appeal to all children, especially those who might be getting ready for their first day of school.  Parents, both Jewish and otherwise, will appreciate the lesson on kindness to animals.  We need to remember that even spiders have their place in God's order because they keep down other vermin which could be dangerous to humans.  It was a pleasure to read and review.   Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 3-8 (grades PreK-2).  EXCELLENT.

 

     Selden, George.  Tucker's Countryside (published in 1969 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York City, NY  10003; and republished in 1989 by Dell Publishing, a division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc., 1540 Broadway, New York City, NY  10036).   The author's full name is George Selden Thompson.  His Newbery Honor winning book The Cricket in Times Square (see the 11/02 and 12/03 issues of this newsletter)was on Jeremy's reading list for this year.  Jeremy loved it so much that he wanted all the other books in the "Chester Cricket and Friends" series.  We just happened to have Chester Cricket's Pigeon Ride (see the 1/04 issue), but all the others are out of print so I had to order them used from Amazon.  Tucker's Countryside is the first sequel.  After Chester returns to Connecticut from New York City, he learns that the Old Meadow where he lives near Hedley, CT, is going to be turned into an apartment complex, so he sends for Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat, his friends from New York, to come and help him stop the development.  Some neighborhood children, led by Ellen Hadley, are also working to save the meadow.  Besides the fact that it is a fun book to read, there is one thing that I especially liked about the book, and one thing that I especially did not like.  First, I liked the fact that by it young people are encouraged to be interested in preserving natural habitats for animals without getting into the environmental extremism that is characteristic of similar children's literature of today.  What I did not like was the "benign deception" involved where people were led to think that the meadow was the site of the homestead of Joseph Hedley, original founder of Hedley, CT, rather than what it really was, the farm of Joseph Henry, and the stealing of the Hadley's old wooden yard sign which was changed to read "Hedley."  Parents may want to discuss with their children how that the end, however desirable, does not necessarily justify the means.  This was a bit disappointing, but aside from this, the vast majority of the book is quite enjoyable.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Ages 9-12.  GOOD.

 

     Steer, Dugald A. (aka. Ernest Drake).  Ernest Drake's  Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (published in 2003 byCandlewick Press, 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA  02140).  Under various pseudonyms, Dugald A. Steer has produced ("edited") many interesting volumes for children on different subjects, including Wizardology by Master Merlin, Mythology by Hestia Evans, Egyptology by Emily Sands, Piratology by William Lubber, Spyology by Spencer Blake, Explorer: A Daring Guide for Young Adventurers by Henry Hardcastle, and Monsterology also by Ernest Drake; Oceanology by Ferdinand Zoticus de Lesseps is due out in August of this year.  His book on "knightology" Knight : A Noble Guide for Young Squires by Geoffrey De Lance was reviewed in the 12/07 issue of this newsletter.   Many of these also have guidebooks and handbooks to go along with them, but the Dragonology series seems to be the most popular, with Dragonology: Field Guide to Dragons; Tracking and Taming Dragons: A Deluxe Book and Model Set: Volume 1, European Dragon; Dragonology Tracking and Taming Dragons Volume 2: A Deluxe Book and Model Set: Frost Dragon; The Dragonology Handbook: A Practical Course in Dragons; and Dragonology Code-Writing Kit: From the Desk of Dr. Ernest Drake.  In fact, two novels, The Dragon's Eye (reviewed 9/07) and a sequel, The Dragon Diary (announced 2/09) with Ernest Drake as the main character are available.  Jeremy loves all things dragon-related, and having done The Dragon's Eye as a read aloud, he saw Dragonology in a bookstore and had to have it.  It is hard to know how to categorize it.  A note says, "This book purports to be the facsimile of an original, published on a print run of 100 copies in 1895, of which a copy was recently found in a bookshop near the Seven Dials in London.  Unfortunately, the publisher has been unable to ascertain whether a real Dr. Ernest Drake ever lived in St. Leonard's Forest or wrote a book called Dragonology and so, with regret, is unable to make any claim as to the truth of this and must present this volume merely as an interesting curiosity."  Of course, the book is fiction, but it does present many true facts about what people have believed concerning dragons through the centuries.  There are references to the magical abilities of dragons and also dragon evolution, with a nod to the theories of Charles Darwin, but otherwise if a child is really fascinated with dragons, he or she would probably enjoy this book.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Ages 9-12.  GOOD.

 

     Stewart, Crista.  The Little Frog (Halo Publishing International, 2009).   How do you think that a frog who has only three legs would feel?  One day in September, Little Frog was born in the town of Mudville, but he was different from all the other Mudville frogs.  He was much smaller.  His skin was not as beautiful a shade of green as that of the others.  And he had only three legs.  The other frogs would play and jump, but they never invited Little Frog to join in their games.  In fact, sometimes they would tease him.  All he wanted a friend who liked him the way he was.  At first, Little Frog never prayed because he thought that God didn't like him.  But one night he decided to pray, and God answered his prayer.  Little Frog wanted to know why he was made different, and God responded, "Someday you will understand.  Rely on me, I am your friend."  One day after that, Little Frog ventures away from his home and becoming tired falls asleep under a bench.  Suddenly, he is awakened by a boy named Chase.  He tries to hop away, but Chase picks him up.  Then he notices that Chase has only one arm.  Is it possible that Chase might be able to help Little Frog and Little Frog help Chase in return?  This lovely story by Crista Stewart will be very useful not only for children who are physically challenged in some way to help improve their self-image, but also for other children to help them understand better those who "different."  "FROG" stands for "Fully Rely On God."  The Parent Resource Guide that follows the story contains an activity for parents and kids to do together, some amazing facts about frogs, a prayer, and a place for children to write their own prayers.  There are also a couple of kid's pages that remind us that we are all different in some way.  Children are asked to write what is different about them, think about why God may have made them the way they are, and draw a picture about their feelings.  The whimsical full-color illustrations by Sarah Cressler will attract youngsters' attention and assist them in visualizing the action.  The Little Frog is both a heart-warming tale and a great resource for children with special needs.  I highly recommend it.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: Pre-K through grade 3.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Takac, Esther.  Genesis--the Book with Seventy Faces: A Guide for the Family (Pitspopany Press, 2008).   How much do you and your children know about the first book of the Scriptures, Genesis?  Would you like to learn more about different explanations of the book?  Esther Takac, a psychologist and children's author, has provided this wonderful guide to the Book of Genesis for the whole family, with beautiful illustrations by Anna Pignataro.  Written in multiple layers, it is intended for parents and children to examine together.  The first layer of each segment, in large colored type, is a simple and sequential retelling of the story that is suitable for younger children.  The second layer presents some of the "seventy faces" of the story as based on commentaries in a form that is user-friendly for the family.  The third layer appears as margin boxes that provide historical background, source material, and further commentary for older family members, such as teenagers and adults, to consider.  There are also questions for children and parents to discuss.  I found it well-written and fascinating to read.  Primarily written from a Jewish standpoint for Jewish people, Genesis--the Book with Seventy Faces will still appeal to Christians as well who want their families to delve deeper into the meaning of Genesis, since I believe that there is a great benefit for Christians in understanding the Jewish background of the Torah.  If you have spent any time studying Genesis before, you may not necessarily agree with all the observations and suggestions that are made.  The author herself wrote, "The material in the second and third layers reflects a multitude of voices: not all voices express my personal view but have been included to reveal the richness of different ways of looking at and understanding the text."  However, again, it is good to have different views available for consideration.  This book was awarded the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Family Literature by the Jewish Book Council, and I can well see why.  Parents and children will find it a rich and imaginative resource for studying the Book of Genesis together.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: children ages 8-14 and their parents.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Titus, Eve.  Basil of Baker Street (published in 1958 by Whittlesey House, a division of the McGraw Hill Book Company Inc., New York City, NY).  Can mice solve mysteries?  Sir Basil of Baker Street is the greatest mouse detective and lives in the cellar of Sherlock Holmes's house.  When the twins, Angela and Agatha, go missing, it is up to Basil to find them.  But where are they?  Why have they disappeared?  And can Basil save them in time?  Find out in Basil of Baker Street.  (Review by Jeremy Walker, age 13.  Note:  This series of books is the basis for the Disney movie The Great Mouse Detective; unfortunately, the book is apparently out of print, but used copies are available at Amazon.  Both mom and dad read it too, and we really liked it!)  Language level: 1.  Ages: 8-11.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Worton, Barbara.  Too Tall Alice (Great Little Books LLC, 2009).  How do children feel when they are different and sort of stick out from others?  Alice is a girl who is four inches taller than the other eight-year-old girls at the Cherry Tree School.  In fact, she is the only girl to stand in the back row with the boys for the school picture.  Her parents and her doctor all tell her that she is perfectly normal, but she still wishes that she were four inches shorter.  Then one evening, after she has gone to bed, she overhears some remarks by people at her parents' card party which do not make her feel any better.  However, later that night, she has a dream.  What happened in her dream?  And will Alice ever learn to see herself for who she really is?  Unfortunately, we live in a society where anyone who is not the "norm" is often singled out for embarrassment and sometimes even outright abuse.  Just ask the girl who is "too tall," or the boy who is "too short," or the child who is a little overweight or extremely thin, how others have sometimes reacted.  Barbara Worton has provided a great resource about developing a positive self-image that will help children appreciate their own uniqueness and also will encourage them to accept the distinctive characteristics of others.  Dom Rodi's eye-catching illustrations reinforce the message of the text.  While the story is about a girl, boys can benefit from reading it as well.  It gets a high five from me.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: ages 7-10.  EXCELLENT.

 

     Zelinger, Laurie, Ph.D., R.P.T.-S.  The "O, MY" in TonsillectOMY & AdenoicectOMY: How to Prepare Your Child for Surgery (Loving Healing Press, 2009).  Did you know that tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies (T&As) account for the second most common surgical procedure performed on children in the United States, and that they account for one-third of all surgeries performed under general anesthesia in the U.S.?  Thus, if you are a parent of young children, there is a great possibility that your child may have a T&A.  Based upon her own actual experience with her son Jordan's T&A, author Laurie Zelinger, who is a school psychologist and a private practice licensed psychologist, offers this manual to help navigate the necessary preparation by both parents and children for these common surgical procedures.  This preparation is divided into four phases.  Phase 1 is "Introducing the Topic to Your Child," which occurs one to two months before surgery.  Phase 2 is "Tackling the Subject," and explains what to tell the child three to four weeks before surgery.  Phase 3 is "Getting Closer, Getting Ready," with one to two weeks to go.  And phase 4 is "The Day of Surgery--It' s Here!" and what will follow in the recovery.  Neither of our sons have had a T&A, but when our older son Mark, who is now 18, was five, he had to undergo a year-long series of four surgeries to correct a problem with his left ear, so my wife and I are well aware of the need for young children to be properly prepared for such operations.  The author does note, "If you do not have the luxury of several weeks of preparation, read through this manual in its entirety and select those recommendations that are practical for your lifestyle and time frame, condensing and accelerating the suggestions to fit your schedule."  Also, while the book specifically deals with T&As, the book says, "Her time lines may also be used as a guide for children undergoing other hospital procedures."  The "O, MY" in TonsillectOMY & AdenoidectOMY, which is Book #3 in the "Growing with Love" series from Loving Healing Press, is a great resource for any parents who have a child facing a surgical procedure to help prepare both the child and themselves for it.  Language level: 1.  Reading level: for parents of children especially ages 3-7.  EXCELLENT.

 

     [Editor's note:  Many of my book reviews used in this newsletter also appear on a couple of websites that I would encourage you to check out regularly if you do not already.  They are Stories for Children Magazine at http://storiesforchildrenmagazine. org , and Home School Buzz at http://homeschoolbuzz.com .  Thank you.  WSW.]