Review: Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9780385387880

Review: Oliver And The Seawigs, by Philip Reeves and Sarah McIntyre, is such an amazing book. It's an adorable book that will keep you entertained all the way through reading it.

In Oliver and the Seawigs, the Crisp family loves to explore. They are explorers and have been around the world to unknown places. When they decide to settle down at their home in Deepwater Bay, they notice something new. They find islands that were never there before. They go to explore the island and a few hours later, Oliver notices his parents have been lost at sea and plans to find them. In his search, he meets Iris the mermaid, Cliff and Thurlstone the Rambling Isles and goes on the biggest adventure with them.

Oliver and the Seawigs is a great book for anyone who loves to read fantasy. It seems to be a book for young readers. Oliver and the Seawigs is funny and written in a style that makes you feel what the characters are feeling. It was a short book with a fun story jam packed inside. Oliver and the Seawigs is definitely a book I recommend for any reader age 7 and up.

Review written by Faith (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Oliver and the Seawigs for this review.

Have you read Oliver and the Seawigs? How would you rate it?

Review: I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison

I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison.

Abrams Books
Publication Date: October 2014
List Price: $14.95
ISBN-13: 9781419713828

Review: Have you ever seen you cat run around and try to catch his tail? Then you will love I'm Going to Catch My Tail. I'm Going to Catch My Tail by Jimbo Matison is a hilarious picture book about a cat that wants to catch his tail.

The cat has a bad dream and so his tail wakes him up. Then the cat wants to catch his tail, he goes under the blankets, through mountains of toilet paper, and into a laundry basket but cat still can't catch his tail. What will this poor cat need to do to catch his tail?

I'm Going to Catch My Tail is a great book for 3-7 year olds. Little kids will love this book and they may even want to have their own cat. In I'm Going to Catch my Tail Jimbo Matison has written a great has engaging illustrations and a fun story line that preschool kids will want to read them over and over again.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Abrams Books for providing a copy of I'm Going to Catch My Tail for this review.

Have you read I'm Going to Catch My Tail? How would you rate it?

Review: Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin

Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin. A Katie Woo Book.

Picture Window Books
Publication Date: August 2012
List Price: $4.95
ISBN-13: 9781404879089

Review: If you're looking for a book that younger kids would enjoy then Katie Woo Rules the School by Fran Manushkin would be the perfect choice. In this book there is a girl named Katie Woo, and she goes through a lot in school. She has a lot of problems but always finds the answer in the end.

In Katie Woo Rules the School she is faced with four different challenges. In the first one she loses the class pet. In the second one she gets teased and called names. In the third one she lies to someone about taking his or her toy. And in the last one she wants to get the lead in the school play.

Katie Woo Rules the School is good for children ages 5-7. They would like this book because there are not many words per page, so it would be easy for them to read. The character in this book Katie, who is the main character who is in every book in the series. The words are very big on each page and they appropriate for young readers. Plus, the sentences are short and are written with small words like it, she, got, etc. The lesson taught is to never give up on a situation even if you feel like you have to. Most likely a girl would like this book because the main character is a girl and there is only really one main boy character. Because this book is about teaching lessons, little kids would know how to handle challenging situations. So if you need a book to teach lessons about real situations, Katie Woo Rules the School is the perfect book.

Review written by Kerstin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Capstone Publishing for providing a copy of Katie Woo Rules the School for this review.

Have you read Katie Woo Rules the School? How would you rate it?

Review: FRAIDYZOO by Thyra Heder

FRAIDYZOO by Thyra Heder.

Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 2013
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781419707766

Review: If your looking for a book that little kids would enjoy then the book Fraidyzoo by Thyra Heder is a perfect choice. In this book there is a little girl named Little T and there is an older girl.

In Fraidyzoo Little T is scared to go to the zoo but the older girl REALLY wants to go to. When they do go, it's not the little girl that's afraid; it's the older girl.

Fraidyzoo is a good book for children ages 4-6. They would like this book because of how the words are written the words are written like a little kid would write it so it would be easy for them to read. There is not much characterization so kids can better understand what is going on. There are only a few words per page so it is a short and easy book to read for little kids. Most of the sentences are questions and they are short. For example WAKE UP, LITTLE T! The lesson taught is that to never be afraid of something before you try it. A girl or boy would enjoy Fraidyzoo because it is not completely girly or boyish. There are things boys and girls would both like. Because the book is about a zoo little kids would be interested because little kids love animals. So if you have a little kid at home you should buy this book.

Review written by Kerstin (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Abrams Books for providing a copy of FRAIDYZOO for this review.

Have you read FRAIDYZOO? How would you rate it?

Review: Oliver and His Egg by Paul Schmid

Oliver and His Egg by Paul Schmid. An Oliver Book.

Disney-Hyperion
Publication Date: July 2014
List Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9781423175735

Review: Have you ever wished for a friend who would go on adventures with you? If so then you can relate to the book Oliver and His Egg by Paul Shmid. It's a good book to read to a child who is six or seven years old.

Oliver imagines this egg will hatch and grow into his best friend. He believes that they will go on adventures to places. But then, he realizes he needs his other friends too. So he adds them in his imagination and they all go on exciting adventures together.

This is a great book for kids six or seven because it's not very hard to read. It uses basic words that a six or seven year old can read. Even a boy or girl can enjoy this book. They'll love the fact that this boy has an active imagination.

Review written by Isabella (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing a copy of Oliver and His Egg for this review.

Have you read Oliver and His Egg? How would you rate it?

Review: Why There is Always Room for Dessert? by Lynn Fielding

Why There is Always Room for Dessert? by Lynn Fielding.

The New Foundation Press
Publication Date: March 2014
List Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 9780966687545

Review: If you've ever been full of dinner but always have room for dessert, you'll want to read Why There is Always Room for Dessert by Lynn Fielding which will answer this age old question.

This book is about two kids who are complaining about being full of vegetables but have plenty of room for dessert and don't know why. So they ask their mom and she doesn't know, so they ask their dad and he tells them a story about why there is always room for dessert.

This is a perfect book for kids ages 3-6 because they will find it very interesting. Parents might even enjoy it! After all, doesn't everyone have room for dessert? Lynn Fielding is a great children's book writer. Why There is Always Room for Dessert will fill the young readers minds with imagination as to why they always have room for dessert.

Review written by Max (6th grade student).

We would like to thank New Foundations Press for providing a copy of Why There is Always Room for Dessert? for this review.

Have you read Why There is Always Room for Dessert?? How would you rate it?

Review: Make Me A Princess by Nicola Baxter

Make Me A Princess by Nicola Baxter.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: June 2014
List Price: $12.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250851

Review: Have you ever wondered why you see little girls running around in princess costumes on Halloween? Well, the best ones get their stylish look from the book Make Me A Princess by Ticktock. Make Me A Princess will leave little girls everywhere looking pretty as a princess, and it is perfect for the little princess in your life!

Make Me a Princess is a Do-It-Yourself book with tips on hairstyles, fashion, and many more tips that will leave your little girl as polite and pretty as a real princess. It includes hair treatments, styles for all seasons, and party tips. It even shows your little princess how to throw a party and always look her very best. So let your little girl be polite and pretty. She (and you) will be the envy of the neighborhood!

I think Make Me A Princess is a perfect book for princesses of all ages, but some younger readers might need help because the vocabulary is a bit advanced for younger readers. It has every princess tip a girl could ask for, and more! Mothers, Older Sisters, Aunts, and Grandmas, you may even get good fashion choices and advice from this book! Does she need help with manners? No problem! Fashion? Helps with that. Long story short, Make Me A Princess has it all! Little girls will love this book of pink, sparkles, and fashion! It will help your little princess with all her fashion needs.

This book is a good book for young girls. I think they will find it interesting because it is about things like fashion, palaces, carriages, and all things princess. It is also helpful for moms because it has easy 5- minute hairstyles for when you are running late. Parents could get great tips and tricks from this book for throwing the perfect princess party. It can also help young girls change their ÒGIMME THAT!Ó to ÒMay I please have that?Ó because it shows little princesses the magic words - please and thank you. In conclusion, this book is perfect for your little princess and you should buy it today!

Review written by Alison (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock Publishing for providing a copy of Make Me A Princess for this review.

Have you read Make Me A Princess? How would you rate it?

Review: Squirrels on Skis by J. Hamilton Ray

Squirrels on Skis by J. Hamilton Ray. A Beginner Book.

Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780449810811

Review: When squirrels get Popsicle sticks and toothpicks, they become Squirrels on Skis. In this swirling whirling tale about squirrels racing on skis, author J. Hamilton Ray has written a kid friendly book based on a famous author, Dr. Seuss. A rhyming book as well, as can be swell little kids are sure to enjoy.

In this adventurous tale, people in the town see that there were squirrels on skis. First there is one, then 2, then 100. No one knows where the squirrels have found their skis, but it is up to Sally Sue Breeze to figure out this mystery. The mayor is about to send Stanley Powers to take the squirrels away, and Sally Sue Breeze does not want this to happen. Does Sally solve the mystery? You are going to have to read Squirrels on Skis by J.Hamilton Ray to find out.

The book Squirrel on Skis is great to teach little kids about going for what they believe in and thinking in their own way. I think that the author describes the setting very well. I also like that the author, J.Hamilton Ray was influenced by Dr.Seuss and is bringing books like that back. I love the rhyming, and little kids will love it too. This book is fun, interesting and teaches kids a lesson. Who wouldn't want this book? Sally Sue Breeze is a very well-rounded character. She sticks to one thing and doesn't give up on saving the squirrels - even though she has no clue at the beginning. This book will teach kids in a fun way. Squirrels on Skis is a fun rhyming book with easy words for kid to read, so what are to waiting for? Get Squirrels on Skis by J.Hamilton Ray.

Review written by Devanshi (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Random House for providing a copy of Squirrels on Skis for this review.

Have you read Squirrels on Skis? How would you rate it?

Review: Animals Everywhere! by Simon Abbott

Animals Everywhere! by Simon Abbott.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: May 2014
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250776

Review: Have you ever wondered, how many animals there are and what they can do? In Animals Everywhere! by Simon Abbott, readers can learn about every animal they can imagine. If you want to know about a harp seal, or a polar bear it's there. This book is filled with all sorts of interesting facts about animals, habitats, and more!

In Animals Everywhere, you can learn about exciting facts about unusual animals, and what habitat they live in. For example, in the book you find out that, "Toucans have bills that can be longer than a banana!" You also learn that, "an ostrich egg is about as big as 24 hen's eggs." These are just two interesting facts from the book! If you want more facts like that, you'll just have to read Animals Everywhere!

Animals Everywhere! is a fantastic book about animals. I personally enjoyed it because it had a lot of amazing facts about animals. My favorite fact was that a gray wolf's howl could be heard up to 6 miles away. I also really liked the way the author organized the book. First of all, the author put the name of the habitat at the top of the page and had all the animals that lived there on that page. Animals Everywhere! is filled with a vast amount of wonderful pictures that kids would love! The pictures are drawn in a way that children would understand. Overall, the book has a great purpose to it, which is to inform and entertain kids about animals in a fun way that will make kids want to read more!

Review written by Annika (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock Publishing for providing a copy of Animals Everywhere! for this review.

Have you read Animals Everywhere!? How would you rate it?

Review: My Big Fast Car Book by Ticktock

My Big Fast Car Book by Ticktock.

Ticktock Publishing
Publication Date: April 2014
List Price: $9.99
ISBN-13: 9781783250462

Review: Do you like looking at fast cars and envy the people who have them? If so this is the book for you. It shows a couple of the fastest cars in the world. You see muscle cars, hot rods, and sport cars all made by top of the line retailers.

My Big Fast Car Book has a lot of interesting facts; did you know that a Bugatti Veyron goes 267mph and costs 2 million dollars, and that the most expensive car sold for 35 million dollars? These are some of the things that I liked about My Big Fast Car Book. This is one of my favorite picture books I have ever read; this book shows the price of fancy cars, how fast they go, and what they look like.

I recommend My Big Fast Car Bookto preschoolers and nearly anybody under the age of 10 who loves cars because it is filled with cool cars and a lot of details.

Review written by Patrick (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Ticktock Publishing for providing a copy of My Big Fast Car Book for this review.

Have you read My Big Fast Car Book? How would you rate it?

Review: My Bibi Always Remembers by Toni Buzzeo

My Bibi Always Remembers by Toni Buzzeo.

Disney Publishing Worldwide
Publication Date: September 2014
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9781423183853

Review: Is your grandma the best? If so read about the adventure of a little baby elephant, Tembo, and his family In the book My Bibi Always Remembers by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka.

One day thirsty little Tembo hears her grandma Bibi, calling. When Bibi calls, Tembo knows to come. Tembo goes on an adventure to search for wetlands and water with his family. But then Tembo gets distracted and decides to go to the jackalberry tree and play. When Tembo notices they are gone, she squeals and waits until Mama comes back to get him at which pint they continue their journey. But then Tembo wanders off again and this time chases storks. Then again when Tembo realizes they are gone, Tembo squeals and waits. Tembo continues to wander off, and her family has to return for her. But in the end, Tembo learns how much he wants to be like Bibi because she always remembers the way.

My Bibi Always Remembers should be told to kids in grades 1-3, because the vocabulary is simple. Also I think that it is unique that the author chose to write about a grandmother unlike other books that are written about a mom or dad. The book, My Bibi Always Remembers is a cute story. The setting of the book is very realistic, and the main character is adorable. The author is a very descriptive writer. For example, when Tembo starts the journey they walk step by step and one by one and when Tembo had berries she has a mouthful of berries. The plot of the story is very reasonable and realistic because the elephant family is in a very dry place in the wilderness with no water around. So they all go to search for some wetland and water. This lesson teaches kids a very important lesson. Kids should not wander around without an adult supervising. Also, it's important to stick on task and do what you have to do or go where you have to go. A boy or girl could be recommended to this children book.

Review written by Alexa (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for providing a copy of My Bibi Always Remembers for this review.

Have you read My Bibi Always Remembers? How would you rate it?

Review: Yankee Doodle Dandy by Callista Gingrich

Yankee Doodle Dandy by Callista Gingrich. An Ellis the Elephant Book.

Regnery Kids
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $14.95
ISBN-13: 9781621570875

Review: Do you want a book for little kids that will teach them about the American Revolutionary War? Well in Yankee Doodle Dandy (the third book in Ellis the Elephant series), Ellis the Elephant takes you on an amazing journey during the American Revolutionary War.

The book Yankee Doodle Dandy is about events before, during, and after the American Revolutionary war. Readers learn about exciting events such as the Boston Tea Party, and when Paul Revere warned the colonists that they were going to be attacked by Britain. These are just some of the things that you will learn and read about the American Revolutionary War with Ellis the Elephant.

Yankee Doodle Dandy is intended for readers age 6-9, because the character Ellis the Elephant makes it fun and easy to read and understand. The author put the time order of the story correctly so the cause and effect makes sense to the readers. So if a boy or a girl has a question about why things happened like they did in the story, it would be easy to find. If you want to get your children to learn about the American Revolution war this is the perfect book for them.

Review written by Ashley (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Regnery Kids for providing a copy of Yankee Doodle Dandy for this review.

Have you read Yankee Doodle Dandy? How would you rate it?

Review: The Little Woman Wanted Noise by Val Teal

The Little Woman Wanted Noise by Val Teal.

New York Review Children's Collection
Publication Date: October 2013
List Price: $4.95
ISBN-13: 9781590177112

Review: Honk, Honk! The Little Woman Wanted Noise by Val Teal and illustrated by Robert Lawson is about a little, exhilarating, old woman who moves to a farm and creates the noises she misses from the city.

The Little Woman Wanted Noise is a charming book. The beginning is very descriptive and focuses on a happy, old woman who lives in the city where there is a lot of noise all around her. She doesn't mind, in fact she loves the noise. When her cousin calls saying he is moving away, he tells he that she could have the farm. This sounds like a great idea until she finds that she misses the city noises. So, the creative old woman recreates the city noises with animals on the farm; but something is still missing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The Little Woman Wanted Noise is an exceptional book for little kids. I'm certain that if I read it to little kids on my street, they would love it. Val Teal certainly writes very good children's books as can be seen in The Little Woman Wanted Noise. The intended audience is young children such as preschool. But even older kids, like me, will like the story as well. Robert Lawson contributes greatly as well, because his illustrations help bring the story to life. Overall, Val Teal's imagination in The Little Woman Wanted Noise goes wild, and I love that. Hopefully Val Teal will keep making books that kids love and will always love and keep making kids smile.

Review written by Christian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of The Little Woman Wanted Noise for this review.

Have you read The Little Woman Wanted Noise? How would you rate it?

Review: Frog Trouble by Sandra Boynton

Frog Trouble by Sandra Boynton.

Workman Publishing Company
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $16.99
ISBN-13: 9780761171768

Review: Sing along as you listen to the many songs in Frog Trouble. Sandra Boynton is the songwriter, but professional artists actually sing the songs. Frog Trouble is just one of the many great songs in this book.

Eleven songs comprise the book Frog Trouble. Each song is set to country music and is a long enough length to keep the audience entertained. There is also a little section in his book that has good country names for your pets. Finally this book is divided into three parts lyrics, music, and performers.

Any younger kids could enjoy Frog Trouble. It is a fun book because the readers can read along either in story format or with the actually music. Having the actual music is also fun for the young budding pianist. Also the language and the format of the book will be entertaining with the slang or country words. This would be a great book for the intended age group.

Review written by Sean (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Workman Publishing for providing a copy of Frog Trouble for this review.

Have you read Frog Trouble? How would you rate it?

Review: Now Open the Box by Dorothy Kunhardt

Now Open the Box by Dorothy Kunhardt.

The New York Review Children's Collection
Publication Date: September 2013
List Price: $16.95
ISBN-13: 9781590177082

Review: My dearest little Peewee what will happen to you? Dorothy Kunhardt renowned as author of Pat the bunny wrote a new adventure Now Open The Box is about Peewee, the little joyful red dog and the circus! But what will happen when Peewee grows will it affect the whole circus?

Now Open The Box is a book about the littlest, cutest dog in the world Peewee and he stars in a circus. Even though Peewee doesn't know any tricks people still come to see the most, adorable little dog they'd ever seen. But when Peewee starts to grow does the ring master have to make a shocking choice and have Peewee be forced to leave the circus and say goodbye to all his friends the fat lady, the thin man the elephants and so many more of his friends? But what will happen to the circus will they be forced to close down the circus because they have no main attraction? Find out in Now Open The Box.

I liked that fact that Dorothy Kunhardt used age appropriate words for the readers because 2 year olds would love this. I also liked that they came up with some creative illustrations for the characters for the circus from the lady hanging in the air just by her nose tied to rope to the donkey with two head. They are colorful pictures that two year olds would love. The characters are also very creative like a strong little baby, a very tall but thin man and so much more! Now Open The Box is perfect for little toddlers in fact I read the book to my little sister and she loved it after I finished it she asked me to read it again. Then once I was finished the seconded time, done she got toys and pretended it was a circus. So toddlers would be the perfect audience for this book. So if you read this to toddlers I think they would love just like my little sister. Also if you are looking for a book that demonstrates that things can get better or to always look at the bright side of life, this is the book you are looking for.

Review written by Ian (6th grade student).

We would like to thank Media Masters Publicity for providing a copy of Now Open the Box for this review.

Have you read Now Open the Box? How would you rate it?

Book Review: Meet Einstein by Mariela Kleiner

Meet Einstein
by Mariela Kleiner
Non-series

Meet Books, LLC
ISBN-10: 0615389732
ISBN-13: 9780615389738
Publication Date: March, 2011
List Price: $15.95

Review: Einstein and preschoolers? Sounds incredulous, but Mariela Kleiner has found a way to bring to those precocious toddlers and preschoolers who are constantly asking, "Why?" in her book Meet Einstein. Complete with a question guide for parents, Meet Einstein is the perfect story to get young children thinking about the science that surrounds them.

Einstein and his dog greet the children on the first page as they begin their discovery of science and the scientists - who they are, what they do, and how they are just like the readers themselves. This is shown on a two-page spread of inquisitive children with question marks floating over their heads. Even at a very young age, children can identify with that! Then the book continues to focus on Einstein and his discoveries about light and gravity. Though these concepts are far above the children's cognitive development, the author does a nice job relating them to what the children see everyday - like lamps and food falling from the tables. And in the end, she invites all the children to one day be scientists too.

I wish this book had been around when my son was a toddler. It is absolutely charming and the illustrations are colorful and appealing. Inside the jacket of the book, it claims that Meet Einstein is intended for ages 2 - 4, however I think it is valuable beyond those years. Inside the front and back cover is a collection of scientific tools with proper names and purposes. I can see elementary school students having fun learning about them. And, I do believe that as children start to get into science at school, Meet Einstein might be a good introduction in the primary grades. Honestly, I don't think the book would appeal to all audiences, but if you know a child that seems to overwhelm people with questions and have a thirst for knowledge that is insatiable, the Meet Einstein is a perfect choice. Who knows, one of the readers just might be another little Einstein!

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank JKSCommunications for providing a copy of Meet Einstein for this review.

Have you read Meet Einstein? How would you rate it?