Genies

Genies is a book written for tweens that strongly resembles the Harry Potter series. In this book, Orchid Bloom is a young girl who, after being orphaned, is sent to live with her Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom. Naturally, they absolutely despise her and can't wait to send her away.

One day when out shopping, Orchid comes across a beautiful bottle that she thinks will perfectly match her aunt's collection. She purchases it for her, hoping that it will win her residency for a longer term at their house. Instead, she discovers that when she opens it, Stardust comes out of it, causing her to sneeze. And with the Stardust is a Genie.

The Genie is named Willow. Willow informs Orchid that she, too, is a genie, and helps her get all of the belongings that she requires for that first day of school on.....September 1st.....to which she arrives via.....train.

Of course, Orchid meets her new best friends on the train, as well as running into her arch-nemesis, a blond-haired genie named Storm.

The tweens have to take several magical classes at school as well as preparing for a magical sport, called Yowstick. Orchid is, of course, a natural.

While balancing all of this, Orchid and her friends also find out about a diabolical plan by the evil Jinn to steal a magical stone that will allow him to wish for anything in the world forever.

Despite the glaring similarities to the Harry Potter franchise, the book is an easy read and should delight tween readers, particularly girls. I did find it somewhat enjoyable and read it quite quickly. At that age I would have been grateful to have something else in the genre to read, especially now that Harry Potter is over.

Also fun in this book are numerous puns and plays on words. For example, upon arriving at the school, Orchid is informed that she is going to be read the "Riot Act," which is a list of school rules. Anything that the genie girls say, actually happens. When they say that they have seen things that would make your hair curl, their hair curls, then straightens again. The puns are great for a grin interspersed throughout the text. They could also be used in an English class.

The copy that I received from the author unfortunately has some typos and formatting errors that were very noticeable to my eye. I am hoping that the copies available for purchase have been corrected!

Stay tuned for an interview with Olivia C. Grosser.

Purchase Genies

Jingles the Elf

Jingles the Elf by Krissy Smith is Elf on the Shelf amplified. He comes in a special box containing the book and a little elf, but then so much more.

The story of Jingles is similar to that of Shelf, as it's about Santa's little helper who comes to watch over children in the days leading up to Christmas, to report all naughty and nice behaviors to the man in charge up North. He plays hide and seek with the children, hiding when they are sleeping, so that they can find him when they are awake. But he also does even more.

Krissy Smith's book contains two versions of the story of Jingles. One is written in prose, to tell how his game works. The second is written in rhyme and tells the history of how the game came to be. It is followed by a hot cocoa recipe, for families to share. The other recipe is for sweet-smelling homemade ornaments made out of dough. Jingles also provides an activity to help families build literacy over the holiday season.

Most touching and unique in this book package is ways for families to help others in need. Jingles shares how he and his friends decorate "The Giving Tree" that helps to feed wildlife. There are also links to numerous websites that tell how families can give around the world, or to their own local communities.

The book is very sweet, and the stuffed elf toy that accompanies it is actually cute. This is a great memory-building activity that will stay with families for years to come.

Purchase Jingles softcover from Amazon.

To purchase the entire set that includes a hardcover copy of the book, with a little Jingles plush toy, visit Krissy's website at www.doodots.com. From now until the end of December 2009, enter the coupon code SAVEFIVE to save $5 off the retail purchase price of $24.95.

I received a copy of this book to review via my association with BookPleasures.com.

I Can't Want To

I Can’t Want To by Michelle Shillings is the story of a young boy whose parents are divorced. The book starts when Mommy picks him up from Daddy’s house. He is happy to see her, but sad to leave Daddy, and that makes him mad. He is conflicted in his feelings, no matter what happens. The confusion is very frustrating, so he lashes out in anger.

Mommy finally pulls him aside and explains to him that it is okay to miss Mommy when he is at Daddy’s house, and to miss Daddy when he is at Mommy’s house. It is okay to feel angry that his family is broken up. The situation they are in is a sad one and he is going to have a lot of hurt feelings. It’s important to let them out.

This book is one that is meant for children whose parents are going through a separation or a divorce. Ms. Shillings wrote the book because her son, Roman, was having all of these confusing emotions during her divorce from his dad. She was looking for a way to explain his feelings to him, while letting him know that these feelings were okay. It is her hope that these words can help another child going through a similar situation.

The story is told from Roman’s point-of-view, which should echo the thoughts of other children. The illustrations by Brenda Lovejoy perfectly capture the emotion being expressed in Ms. Shilling’s words. I like how she uses a mix of pictures of Roman’s face, as well as the physical representation of his anger in his discarded belongings.

Parents should read this book with their children, whether they are the father or the mother. They also need to talk about the book with their children, asking how he feels, or if he feels the same as Roman. They need to remember that the children are being impacted by their decisions and their fighting. Also, if the children are acting out, it could be because they are unaware of how to properly express their conflicted emotions.

Purchase I Can't Want To

I was sent a review copy of this book for the purposes of an honest review.

Our Orphaned Owls

Our Orphaned Owls is one of the True Stories About Saving Animals series by Samuel Lopez. He and his wife Cheri live on a one hundred year-old farm known as the Compassionate Pet Sanctuary. It is their mission to rescue lost, abandoned, and injured animals. Those who cannot find a new permanent home are always guaranteed a home on the farm.

Our Orphaned Owls is the story of a couple of owls who were nesting on their farm for several years. Finally, in their sixth year, Mr. and Mrs. Owl hatched two baby owlets. A few days later, a terrible storm comes in, with raging winds and a cold rain.

Cheri is very worried about the owlets. When the storm subsides, she goes to check on them. She finds that Mr. Owl has left some food for them. But the next day, there is no sign of either parent. The larger owlet is frantically trying to fly out of the nest, while the smaller one lies motionless on the bottom of the nest.

Cheri brings them both back to the farmhouse, to warm them up. She and Farmer Samuel decide they are going to raise the owlets themselves, because Mr. Owl will be unable to do so by himself.

They feed them homemade, healthy food to help them grow big and strong. As the owlets grow bigger, Samuel and Cheri create a safe environment for them to learn how to fly and to develop the skills they would require to live in the wild.

Eventually, the time comes when the compassionate couple needs to say goodbye to their beloved birds. They set them free and say goodbye. But the owls return year after year to sit in the tree and to sing to their beloved surrogate parents.

A few illustrations grace the pages of this book, followed by numerous photographs that document the growth of the birds from owlets to juvenile owls to full-grown adults. My personal favorite is one in which it appears the two owls are hugging each other.

This is another book that is great for teaching children how to be compassionate toward animals. They learn how to care for birds, as well as a glimpse into the life cycle of the owl. It will make a good addition to any scientific study about birds in general, or specifically owls.

Purchase Our Orphaned Owls (True Stories about Saving Animals)

I received a copy of this book through my association with BookPleasures.com

Stinky Little Scroungy

Stinky Little Scroungy is one of the True Stories About Saving Animals series by Samuel Lopez. He and his wife Cheri live on a one hundred year-old farm known as the Compassionate Pet Sanctuary. It is their mission to rescue lost, abandoned, and injured animals. Those who cannot find a new permanent home are always guaranteed a home on the farm.

Stinky Little Scroungy is the story of a puppy who is found abandoned in a cardboard box filled with rags by the side of the road near the farm. She is young and tiny, missing all of her fur. Instead, she is covered with a red rash.

Mossy, the little boy who discovers the box, rushes her to his aunt and uncle’s farm, where he knows she’ll be given good care. Cheri isn’t sure they will be able to do anything to save the puppy, but says she will try.

After a few weeks, the puppy’s rash goes away, and her fur starts to come back. Mossy names her “Stinky Little Scroungy”. Even though she isn’t the cutest little puppy, her loyalty to the family who saved her and desire to play with all of the other animals has made her a permanent part of the family at the Compassionate Pet Sanctuary.

Most of the accompanying illustrations in this book are real photographs of the animals who live on the farm. Just a few of Samuel Lopez’s signature illustrations are in there. But these photographs bring a strong sense of truth and reality to the story.

The story demonstrates the kind of cruelty to animals that exists in this world, and shows how love and compassion can bring about miracles. It’s a great learning tool for children.

Purchase Stinky Little Scroungy

I received a copy of this book through my associated with BookPleasures.com

The Three-Legged Kitten

The Three-Legged Kitten is one of the True Stories About Saving Animals series by Samuel Lopez. He and his wife Cheri live on a one hundred year-old farm known as the Compassionate Pet Sanctuary. It is their mission to rescue lost, abandoned, and injured animals. Those who cannot find a new permanent home are always guaranteed a home on the farm.

The Three-Legged Kitten is the story of a kitten who is thrown out of a speeding car and crashes into a bunch of automobiles in the Ontiveros Junkyard. The impact breaks one of her legs, and she must resort to hobbling around on the remaining three.

After a couple of days, she finds her way to the owner of the junkyard, and meows to get his attention. That same day, Farmer Samuel and his nephews stop by and notice the poor kitten. They ask to take her back to the farm, to care for her.

Unfortunately, the leg has been so badly damaged that the veterinarian is unable to save it. But the kitten is able to heal in no time, running around the farm and climbing up the trees. The boys decide to name her Tri-Ike.

When they call Miss Paula, the pet shop owner in town, to see if anyone may be interested in adopting her, she tells them that it is unlikely anyone will want a three-legged kitten. But she comes out to the farm to meet Tri-Ike, anyway, and ends up falling in love with her. Tri-Ike now resides at Miss Paula’s pet shop, amazing people with her speed and dexterity, despite missing one leg.

This book is a great example of the mission of the Little Five Star division of the Five Star Publication company. Their goal is to teach children to be tolerant of diversity and differences, as well as to learn the consequences of their decisions.

Children can see how even a perceived disability does not necessarily mean that one is limited. Though Tri-Ike is missing a leg, she is still able to run and frolic like any other cat. This can lead to a conversation about disabilities in humans, as well.

The story also teaches how to care for animals, no matter what, and to love them.

Again, Samuel Lopez provides colorful illustrations that will appeal to children. The end of the book is filled with real photographs of the real-life Tri-Ike, playing and having fun. You can’t help but fall in love with her spunk and vitality.

Purchase The Three-Legged Kitten

I received a copy of this book through my association with BookPleasures.com.

The Miracle of the Little Kitten

The Miracle of the Little Kitten is one of the True Stories About Saving Animals series by Samuel Lopez. He and his wife Cheri live on a one hundred year-old farm known as the Compassionate Pet Sanctuary. It is their mission to rescue lost, abandoned, and injured animals. Those who cannot find a new permanent home are always guaranteed a home on the farm.

The Miracle of the Little Kitten is the story of one particular kitten that came to Farmer Samuel’s farm. For four days, Farmer Samuel could hear the cries of the kitten, but was unable to locate him. Finally, their dog found him and brought him to the house to be cared for. He was very young and tiny, requiring bottle feeding with kitten formula. They named him “Miracle”.

Caring for Miracle for over a month, Samuel and Cheri helped him grow big and strong, until he was ready to be adopted. They take him to town where he can find a good, loving home.

The story uses a mix of child-like illustrations, interspersed with real photographs of Miracle. I think children will enjoy the illustrations and go crazy for the adorable pictures of the baby kitten.

The book can be used to teach children to be compassionate toward animals. It can also be a springboard for discussion about care of kittens.

Purchase The Miracle of the Little Kitten

I received a copy of this book through my association with BookPleasures.com.

Mrs. Nosy: A Composting Story

Everyone has had that nosy neighbor always interfering in their business. In Mrs. Nosy: A Composting Story by Lily A. Goldman, Sooz and her mother get to play a little trick on the inquisitive observer over the fence.

Mrs. Nosy is amazed at how beautiful Mrs. Laura’s garden is. When she asks her for the secret, they tell her that a fairy comes at night to sprinkle gold dust on everything to help it grow. Mrs. Nosy decides to try to stay up every night, waiting for the fairy to come, because she wants her garden to be as beautiful. But alas, every night, she falls asleep, instead.

While she sleeps, Sooz and her mom are creating their own “fairy dust” by taking out their kitchen scraps to their compost bin. As the worms and bugs help break down the organic waste, they leave behind a rich organic fertilizer that makes everything grow more lush and beautiful than before.

After a few days of teasing Mrs. Nosy, Sooz and Mrs. Laura take pity on the prying lady next door and decide to share their secret with her. At first she is skeptical that nasty things such as bugs and worms can help create such beauty. But after a few days of applying the “fairy dust,” she begins to see the benefits and embraces the idea.

Mrs. Nosy is appealing to young children with the idea of a fairy dusting gardens at night. The brief explanation of how composting works suffices for a younger audience. Mrs. Goldman also accompanies her words with colorful and dreamy watercolor illustrations.

In this day of “Going Green,” parents and educators can use this book as an introduction to composting. For further study, they can rely on the resources listed in the back.

I received a copy of this book through my association with BookPleasures.com.

Nana, What's Cancer?

When eight year-old Tessa Mae Hamermesh came to her grandmother, Beverlye Hyman Fead with questions about her cancer, they realized that there was little information available for children to help them understand it. They decided to work together to create a book that families can share with their children to promote conversation and understanding about this disease that affects the entire family.

Tessa asks her grandmother 12 questions about cancer, that children typically have. These include questions about what cancer is and how you get it, who can get cancer, and what to do if someone you love has cancer. Nana took time to candidly, yet carefully answer each one of Tessa's questions. Her responses include both personal experience, as well as a wealth of research. Included throughout are bold-faced terms that are clearly defined in a glossary in the back. Also included is a list of resources used, to which readers can turn for more information.

Shennen Bersanti has captured the essence of the bond between grandmother and granddaughter through her realistic illustrations of the two that are interspersed throughout the book. They add to the message of faith, love, and support in which families must share as they ride the cancer roller coaster.

The book is sponsored by the American Cancer Society, because it is so thorough and honest. I would recommend it to any family going through a cancer battle. Parents should preview it and think about their own answers to the questions contained within. Children will learn a lot by reading the book, but then will want to expand upon the information to better fit their own situations.

I would say it is geared more toward children who are a little bit older, as opposed to children under the age of 7. Even teenagers and adults can learn from it, though.

Purchase Nana, What's Cancer?

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it on my blog. I have given my honest opinions of it.

Lil Glimmer

Lil Glimmer by Angela Muse is a charming story of a little star of the same name. He desperately wants to run around the sky to play, and is very frustrated when his mommy tells him he has to wait his turn. Right now, the sun is out shining and playing. Lil Glimmer has to wait until night comes for his turn.

Mom talks to him about taking turns and being patient. He tucks into a cloud to go to sleep until Mom wakes him up at nightfall. She reiterates the concept of sharing with Mr. Sun, then sends Lil Glimmer off into the night.

He plays hard, swinging on the moon, riding comets, and having a lot of fun. When daytime begins to break, he realizes that Mr. Sun is back up, and it is time to let him have his turn.

The story is absolutely adorable. It teaches the values of patience and sharing in a way that speaks clearly to young children. The vibrantly colored illustrations exhibit the bright glow of the sun and the stars. The characters are cute and relatable to children, as they have all had to take turns and share with others.

This is a book that parents can share with their children and refer to during discussions that emphasize the values of patience and sharing. It's a delightful story that will entertain young ones during story times both at school and at libraries. It could also easily segue into a science unit on the solar system, as there are stars, the sun, the moon, a comet, and pictures of planets.

This is the first collaboration between author Angela Muse, and her illustrator brother James McCullough. I look forward to seeing their future projects come to life!

Andrea Coventry is a reviewer for Bookpleasures.com, and received a copy of this book through that venue.

Purchase a copy of Lil Glimmer