Super Books for Kids

I am dubbing this week Super Hero Week on the blog.  I will be posting books about kids who posses super powers which they are using for good!  Now, after reading these books, kids will realize that being a super hero may not always be as good as it sounds, but a cool outfit (with or without cape) is always in style.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss any of the books that have kids tackling the bad guys.  Now if only they didn't tackle back!

Check out my One Minute Book Talk below if your super power is listening instead of reading my review.

Title: School for Sidekicks

Author: Kelly McCullough

Target: Grades 4-8

Series: Not at this time

What this book is about: 

Evan Quick has been living in a world of Masks (good guys) and Hoods (bad guys) who have superpowers.  His dream is to one day become a Mask so that he can serve and protect.  When super villains attack during a school outing, Evan finds that he does posses some unique abilities and lands in the school for sidekicks.  However, he quickly learns that nothing about the world he believed in is quite as it seems.

Why I love this book:

• Evan Quick is such a believable and likable kid.  He totally had me in the first chapter when he says, “Nobody tells stories about kids like me who slide through school with no real connections and no real enemies.  Kids who are just there.”  I think so many kids see themselves that way.  But fear not, Evan is smart and realistic and when his superpower banter kicks in, quite funny.

• There are a lot of super heroes with a lot of different powers.  I got a little lost from time to time but if you can handle the vast array of unique abilities, then this book is a page turner.  I had to go back occasionally to remember who was who.

• This book is about superheroes!  Do I really have to say more?

Who this book is for:  

This book is for kids who like action and adventure.  Kids who enjoyed Percy Jackson should give this one a try.  Also great for kids who enjoyed the Cloak series, John David Anderson books or stories by Mathew Cody.

Final thoughts: 

When the old timers in this story are basically my age it hurts …. it just hurts.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: School for Sidekicks A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk:

Spark Creativity in Girls

I get a lot of requests from publisher and PR companies to review books.  I rarely accept for two reasons.  First off I don't review books, I recommend the books I think kids will most enjoy.  So if I read something and I hate it, there is no reason for me to bother you with a book you will never pick up.  But I also find that if a book falls into my gray area where I am not sure if I will recommend it or not, I tend to give books I have been given a more favorable review.  So to avoid any bias, I rarely say yes.

Well, this is one of the few times I grabbed a book from a publisher sight unseen.  I just had a feeling that it would be perfect for tween girls, and thankfully I couldn't have been more correct.  This book didn't fall into my grey area, it fell squarely into my must have pile and my daughter confirmed that when she set to work doodling away as soon as I gave it to her.

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Title: Girl Plus Pen

Author: Stephanie Corfee

Target: Grades 3 - 8

Series: No

What this book is about:
This is a book that helps kids explore their doodling style.  The author has given them plenty of doodles to inspire them and then provided ways to create art using those doodles.  The instructions include swirls and patterns as well as how to transform lettering, flowers and objects.  She shows girls how to make everything prettier and more interesting with their artistic flair.

Why I love this book:

• Who doesn't love a book that will keep girls occupied for hours using only a pen and piece of paper?             
• I was amazed at all the designs my daughter created and she was inspired by the objects around her.  She created this doodle after being inspired by a mirror in the condo where we were staying while we skied.
• This is a fabulous gift for tweens for birthdays or even upcoming Easter baskets.   I will be giving this to my daughters friends for parties wrapped up with some cool pens and pencils.

Who this book is for:
Any girl who is interested in art.  Because it is doodling, girls can have limited talent and still create really amazing things, because lets face it, not all kids are amazing artist, but we do want to nurture their creative side.

Final thoughts:
This is not a coloring book or a finish the drawing tome.  This book is a lovely way to spark a creative flair in readers to swish, swirl and stripe their way to creative designs.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Girl Plus Pen: Doodle, Draw, Color, and Express Your Individual Style (Craft It Yourself)  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

What to Read After Big Nate

Have your kids discovered Timmy Failure yet?  If not, what are you waiting for?  He is absurd, nonsensical and always seems to come out on top, despite himself.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss another book that pays homage to Calvin and Hobbs but in the most original and creative way!

And if you are completely overwhelmed by reading this amusing and articulate review, hop on down to the end of the page where I have condensed my review into a One Minute Book Talk.  You can relax in comfort while I pontificate on this story - but only for one minute!

Title: Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection

Author: Stephan Pastis

Target: Grades 3-6

Series: Yes, this is the fourth book in the series

What this book is about: 

This book has Timmy on a road trip to Chicago and solving a crime, that really isn’t a crime, long distance.  Of course the criminal mastermind Molly Moskins is traveling with him, so he can never let down his guard.  The Failure Detective Agency is as clueless and arrogant as ever as Timmy hunts down clues and makes declarative statements that are as nonsensical as they are funny.   

Why I love this book:

• It isn’t often that I laugh out loud at books. I mean I chuckle quite a bit and smile a lot, but really laugh, that’s unusual.  This book had the man sitting across from me at school pickup looking over every few minutes as I burst out laughing!  Embarrassing!

• The issues and emotions Timmy is trying to avoid are actually quite real in this book, but his bravado in covering them up is at times so clever in its absurdity that it makes the book quite sophisticated.  This is a humorous book with heart and substance.

• This one was actually my favorite of the series.  

Who this book is for: 

Great book for kids who like Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Big Nate.  Timmy’s polar bear companion also makes this book reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbs.  You do not have to read the books in order to understand the story, but kids will be more familiar with the characters and their nuances if the go sequentially.

Final thoughts:  

I loved the hotel housekeeper!  Yep, you just have to read the book to find out why.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection  A portion of each purchase goes to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk

Action and Adventure for Kids

It is always nice to recharge with a week away skiing and come back ready with more reviews and new books to share with you.  My TBR pile is huge, which means there are way too many books that have the promise to get your kids reading and keep them entertained with a can't put down story.  How nice is that?

Today I have a book full of intelligent action and adventure.  I like to think of it as the Da Vinci Code for kids.  Secret societies from centuries ago, lost relics scattered across the globe, and inventions that defy imagination make up this thrilling story.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you won't miss a single story where solving word games and puzzles means the difference between success and failure.

And if you need a little extra incentive, listen to my One Minute Book Talk below!

Title: The Copernicus Legacy: The Forbidden Stone

Author: Tony Abbott

Target: Grade 4-8

Series: Yes

What this book is about: 

Wade and his family and friends attend the funeral of Uncle Henry in Germany.  Turns out Uncle Henry was murdered and he was the guardian of 12 objects that were assembled by Copernicus, the 15th century mathematician and astronomer.  Wade was given a star chart by Uncle Henry to help find these 12 relics but he and his family aren’t the only ones looking for them.  The nefarious Knights of the Tectonic Order want to assemble them for evil purposes, so Wade and friends must solve clues and puzzles to get to them first and save the universe.

Why I love this book:

• Action from the start.  I like a book that gets things going immediately and keeps the intensity high, and this one is a can’t put down read.

• It was quite interesting learning about Copernicus and Ptolemy and their work.  I felt smarter after reading this story, which is always nice to say.

• I enjoyed the cast of characters.  It is lovely to have both boys and girls with smarts and the evil villain is quite a piece of work.

Who this book is for:

Great book for kids who are fans of Percy Jackson or 39 Clues.  Tony Abbot is the wonderful author of the early chapter book series The Secrets of Droon, so if your kids where fans of that series when they were younger, they will probably enjoy this one as well. 

Final thoughts: 

Of course only three books in the series are out, and I assume with twelve relics we will get one per book, so kids will no get immediate resolution to this adventure.

To purchase this book:
Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: The Copernicus Legacy: The Forbidden Stone  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk:

Persuasive Arguments for Kids

I really enjoy a great picture book that entertains, expands kid's vocabulary and teaches them how to formulate an argument to their audience.  I mean, I get lobbied for things on a daily basis, and sometimes I wonder if those kids just changed their approach how much more successful they would be.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you won't miss a single book that will have you saying yes to your children's clever pleas a lot more often.  I think that's a good thing?

Title: One Word from Sophia

Author: Jim Averbeck

Target: Kindergarten - Grade 2

What this book is about: 
Sophia wants a giraffe for her birthday, but she must persuade her mother (a judge) her father (a businessman) her uncle (a politician) and her grandmother (who is very strict).  Her arguments play to her audience as she produces polls, profit analysis and even a foot rub!  However, it is the one word “please” accompanied by a particularly compelling pair of pleading eyes, that garners her the most support.

Why I love this book:

• First off this is a lovely story that shows kids both the power of a persuasive argument as well as simply the politeness that life often demands.  Of course, “thank you” comes in handy as well, as the ending shows!

• I love that the book includes challenge words for kids such as “effusive” and “verbose.”  The words are deftly defined in the context of the story, but I think it is great to challenge kids and expand their vocabulary with them being none the wiser.

• I like it when books expand our views of family and in this case Sophia is biracial.

Who this book is for: 
Wonderful book for kindergarten and up since the text is a bit more sophisticated than preschool.  Most kids should enjoy seeing how Sophia goes about getting her “one true desire”.

Final thoughts: 
This may inspire some clever arguments in your household, but thankfully they will start with “please” and end with “thank you.”

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: One Word from Sophia  A portion of each purchase goes back to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

Science Fiction for Kids

Science fiction continues to be a fun theme in kid's literature of late.  I think it's great.  Getting your children to imagine using science for innovative and imaginative ideas is always a win in my book.  These stories are also full of action and adventure, showing that even a science nerd can be apart of daring escapades.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you won't miss any stories that might actually get your kids to sit down and watch Star Trek with you.

Also, check out my One Minute Book Talk below for those of you who just want to sit back and be entertained by my book musings.

Title: Six

Author: M. M. Vaughan

Target: Grades 3-7

Series: Not at this time

What this book is about: 

Parker and his sister Emma have moved to the States from England after the death of their mother.  Their father is involved with a top secret project and Parker and his sister are given almost no information about it’s nature.  When their father goes missing and manages to leave them a cryptic message about finding a man no one has seen for three years, they must enlist the help of a very generous friend and open their minds to the possibility of technology they thought was only in the movies.

Why I love this book

• I am always a fan of science fiction for kids and this story helps kids imagine a world with teleportation and habitable planets in another solar system - very cool.

• This book is full of action.  Kidnappings and car chases kept me turning pages and I really liked the main characters.  They were nice, a little nerdy but always kind.

• This book is longer than it needs to be with a lot of extra information and story plots that don’t seem to tie back to anything, but that is a quibble with a story that I found quite engaging.

Who this book is for: 

If you have a child who likes science fiction or books like Tesla’s Attic, then this would be a great title to give them.

Final thoughts: 

The cover was a little strange to me.  The kids seem quite young and the pig, who didn’t play much of a part in the story, is oddly featured.

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Six  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk

Great Read Aloud for the Whole Family

Today I have a book that is either a wonderful read aloud or a fabulous early chapter book.  Whichever way you present it to your kids, however, it will be a hit.  This one is laugh out loud funny and the humor will engage the adults every bit as much as the kids.  Ohh ... I like it when that happens.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss a single story where quick witted humor is the name of the game.

And if you find reading this post way too perilous for your health, check out my One Minute Book Talk at the end of this post so you can sit back in comfort while I tell you about this book.  No more reading required.

Title: The Perilous Princess Plot

Author: Sarah Courtauld

Target: Grades 3-5

Series: No

What this book is about: 

Eliza and Lavender are sister who live in the Middle of Nowhere - literally.  It is actually called the Middle of Nowhere.  Lavender has one interest, being a princess.  Eliza has many interest, but we don’t know what those are since she does all the chores while Lavender plays at, you guessed it, being a princess.  One day Lavender decides to run off in search of her prince and gets kidnapped by the evil Mordmont who mistakes her for a real princess.  It is up to Eliza and her trusty stead Gertrude, who did I mention happens to be a goat, to save Lavender.  Well, good luck with that.

Why I love this book:

• Oh, this one is funny, and I don’t mean a chuckle here and there funny, I mean smart, silly, even adults can’t keep a straight face funny.

• The creativity abounds in this story.  Think bedtime stories that end in death and mayhem, sisters who save the day and singing that will take you to new heights of revulsion.  

• The language choices in this story are brilliant.  If you want to expose your child to a broad and interesting vocabulary, this book will have them using vanquish, pluck, calamity and chasm and those are just from the first chapter!

• This book won oodles of award in the UK, and those folks know funny.

Who this book is for: 

Please don’t let the Princess in the title dissuade you from selling or reading this book to boys.  This story falls squarely in the anyone will enjoy it category.  It makes an incredible read aloud or simply read the first chapter to your kids and they will be clamoring for the more.  Well, you might be too.  You have been warned. 

Final thoughts: 

I really wish they hadn’t changed the name from Buckle and Squash and the Monstrous Moat Dragon when it was published in the UK.  I mean come on, who doesn’t love a a good moat dragon and a monstrous one at that!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Buckle and Squash: The Perilous Princess Plot  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk

Kid Books for President's Day

President's Day is right around the corner so I thought I would share some of my favorite books on the subject.  With the impending election, this is a great time to talk with kids about the role of the Presidency and our government.  Just how does the someone get the job and what role did our Founding Father's play in the government that exists today?  Heady stuff, but I know you can handle it.

Don't forget to Follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don't miss an opportunity to explain just why that guy on the $5 bill is actually pretty important!

Looking at Lincoln by Maira Kalman

I adore the quirky style of the author Maira Kalman as she tackles our 16th President.  Kids will learn about his beliefs in freedom, the cost of war and Lincoln's search for justice and truth.  They will also learn that he loved vanilla cake and that his tall hat held his notes.  A book that perfectly marries the humor of the man with seriousness of the times.  It is a permanent addition to our home library.

Where Do Presidents Come From?: And Other Presidential Stuff of Super Great Importance by Michael Townsend 

This is a hilarious comic book version of the founding of our democracy all the way to explaining what presidents actually do!  Kids learn about the daily life of a president, the pros and cons of the job, how Washington scored the position and even some very useful things including the three branches of government, the electoral college and the Constitution.  The best part is that the book is so well done that kids will read it willingly!  It's a President's Day miracle.

See How They Run: Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, and the Race to the White House by Susan E. Goodman 

This book is a lighthearted civics class on the history of our democracy, how the system works and interesting facts on the road to the White House.  It is filled with anecdotes, colorful illustrations and side bars with interesting tidbits.  This is the perfect example of how a complex topic can be written in a funny and comprehensive way for kids.  One of my sons has read this book three times - just for fun!

Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America's Presidents (Kid Legends)by David Stabler

This book is filled with stories about the American Presidents when they were kids.  We learn about Teddy Roosevelt’s obsession with natural history, Bill Clinton’s musical abilities and Herbert Hoover’s time living with the Native Americans, to name a few.  These future presidents plucked chickens, scooped ice cream, played pranks on their teachers and got into fights with their siblings.  This is a fun way to show our children that no matter what, they too can grow up to be President!

Girl's Guide to Paris

Well, in the theme of love and impeding Valentine's Day, what could be more romantic than Paris, the city of lights1  In the book I am profiling today, girls get to follow a treasure hunt through this fabled city.  It may inspire a few pleas for a trip, but summer vacation is right around the corner ...

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Title: My Secret Guide to Paris

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Target: Grades 4-7 

Series: No 

What this book is about: 
Nora’s grandmother has fostered a love of Paris in Nora.  They have planned a trip together, but before they can go, Nora’s grandmother is taken from her in an accident.  Nora is heartbroken, but when she finds the tickets and a treasure hunt planned by her grandmother around the city of lights, she knows she needs to make the trip.  Convincing her mother to take her, however, is another story.  Her mother and grandmother didn’t have the best relationship, so maybe this trip can help heal all of them, and provide some delicious chocolate and macarons in the process!

Why I love this book: 
This book was a cute and fun romp around the city of Paris.  I loved the treasure hunt aspect of the story.  Each place is somewhere you can visit if you are fortunate enough to make the trip.  Howe fun would it be to find the many places in the story and taste many of their delicious delicacies?  But even if you don’t have a trip planned, any Francophile would love to hear of Nora’s adventures.

I have to admit that the rift between the mother and grandmother in this book felt a bit forced.  I had a little trouble understanding why the mom was so reluctant to do anything associated with the grandmother, and the explanation didn’t quite seem adequate.  But this is a small quip and the story itself was quite entertaining.

Who this book is for: 
This book is for any girl who dreams of Paris!  It is a light quick read that will have kids dreaming of chocolate chaud and croissants.

Final thoughts: 
This would be such a fun book to give kids before a trip to Paris, although you might get roped into seeing The Musee de la Poupee (Doll Museum).

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: My Secret Guide to Paris  A portion of each purchase will got support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

A Can't Miss Valentine's Day Book for Kids

Well Valentines Day is just around the corner and along with chocolate hearts and cards, why not get your children a book that puts a little love in their hearts?  Today I have a wonderful new addition to the Here Comes Cat series that is just as delightful as the other books and perfect for any kid who thinks Valentine's Day may not be for them.

Please check out my One Minute Book Talk below for more on this fabulous story.

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Title: Here Comes Valentine Cat

Author: Deborah Underwood

Target: Preschool - Grade 3

Series: Yes!

What this book is about: 
Cat is back and this time he is rejecting all the mushy confines of the holiday.  Add to that a new neighbor, Dog, who is howling and chucking bones and balls over the fence, and Cat is in no mood to send a Valentine.  However, when Cat gets a Valentine from Dog, he learns that perhaps Dog’s mean behavior was really something else after all.  Just maybe Cat can craft a Valentine for Dog that might not be too mushy!

Why I love this book:

• This story is told as a conversations between the narrator who speaks and cat who expresses himself through signs and well placed facial expressions.   Their back and forth is priceless as the narrator tries to convince Cat that Dog isn’t that bad and Cat remains convinced that a trip to space for Dog is the only option.

• I always think there must be a dud in this series, but with four books each one is as charming as the next.

• I love it when a book has intelligent humor that translates so well for both kids and adults.

Who this book is for: 
Any kid who loves the other Cat books will not be disappointed.  If your kids like Pete the Cat, this one will also be a hit.  Of course, readers have to like laughing or forget it, this is not the book for them.

Final thoughts: 
There should be a gift set with all four books which I would buy in bulk for baby showers.  Every kid should get to know Cat!

To purchase this book:

Click on the following link to connect to Amazon: Here Comes Valentine Cat  A portion of each purchase will go to support this blog at no cost to you.  Thank you for your support.

One Minute Book Talk