Review: Xoc: The Journey of A Great White by Matt Dembicki

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Explore the ocean's wonders through the eyes of a great white as it treks from the Farallon Islands off the coast of California to the warm waters of Hawaii some 2,300 miles away. Along its journey, the 17-foot shark encounters natural prey and predators-from skittish seals to brazen orcas- as well as man-made impediments that threaten not only the giant fish, but the balance of ocean's ecology.

MY TAKE:

Before reading this book, I was under the impression that it would be literally through the eyes of a great white, kinda like stepping into their skin. Well, it's not exactly like that.

The book is a look at the life of Xoc, a great white shark. The story is not just about Xoc, though, as we do get to see a little about what life is like for other sea creatures.

I'm not really a fan of the illustration style, which is more realistic than I prefer, but the style is good for action sequences. The coloring was beautiful too, especially for the deep-sea creatures.

The story line and the style is generally okay. I did, however, notice a line that was repeated in succeeding panels/pages, plus a couple of typos, incomplete sentences, and one wrong tense ("This time, the whale drives the disoriented shark deeper, hoping to drowned it."). This is understandable for an ARC, though, so hopefully, this will be fixed by the time the book goes to print.

Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing me with an e-ARC. Publication of Xoc: The Journey of A Great White is on July 25, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Illustrations are able to evoke movement.
   
2. It's a great way to introduce kids to marine life or to get acquainted with life under the sea.
3. Realistic coloring.

THE BAD:

1. Font is a little bit hard to read.
2. There were a few typos.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

It is dawn. Light cracks the cold, dark waters of the Pacific.

READ IT IF:

1. You like sea creatures.
2. You would like to learn more about sea creatures, but don't want to read textbooks.
3. You're looking for a well-inked educational comic book.

RATING:

Review: Luca Lashes and His First Trip to the Dentist by Nicole and Damir Fonovich

SUMMARY FROM AMAZON.COM:

Prepare for your child for their first trip to the dentist with Luca Lashes! Please enjoy your reading experience with this multilingual, educational eBook series.

This eBook reintroduces Luca Lashes as he experiences his first trip to the dentist. Immerse yourself in this eBook, which includes parent suggestions and focuses on a relatable character.

“Luca Lashes and his First Trip to the Dentist” is intended for 0-4 year olds, and promotes literacy in children while highlighting key concepts to help children through new experiences. By combining the original text and artwork with features that entertain and promote reading, this eBook appeals to beginning readers of all ages.

MY TAKE:

I am terrified of dentists, although when I was a kid, I wasn't. Maybe it was because my dentist gave me free stuff like toothbrushes and cute VHS tapes. If this book existed back then, I'm sure she would have given me a copy.

Luca Lashes and His First Trip to the Dentist is obviously about Luca's first trip to the dentist. The book makes use of rhymes and illustrations to tell Luca's story.

Lucas is cute and reminds me of my nephew. The story didn't have as much of a plot as what I would have wanted, but since this book is aimed at toddlers and young kids, it's just right.

Thanks to NetGalley and Luca Lashes, LLC for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. There are tips for parents regarding their kid's dentist visit.
2. Luca's magic lashes seem like a great trick for parents to try on their kids.
3. Luca is cute.

THE BAD:

1. Some people might not like the illustration style.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

So Luca did blink

twice, just right

before

They got to the

dentist's office and

opened the door

READ IT IF:

1. Your child is scared of the dentist.
2. Your child is going to the dentist for the first time.
3. You need tips before you go to the dentist with your child.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame by L.L. Samson

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

A hidden attic. A classic story. A very unexpected twist. Twin twelve-year-old bookworms Ophelia and Linus Easterday discover a hidden attic that once belonged to a mad scientist. While relaxing in the attic and enjoying her latest book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ophelia dozes off, and within moments finds herself facing a fully alive and completely bewildered Quasimodo. Ophelia and Linus team up with a clever neighbor, a hippy priest, and a college custodian, learning Quasimodo's story while searching for some way to get him back home-if he can survive long enough in the modern world.

MY TAKE:

I'm not really a fan of The Hunchback of Notre Dame but I did like the premise of this book.

Thanks to magic, Ophelia and Linus find themselves face-to-face with Quasimodo. Meeting a literary character is fun but keeping him a secret is another matter entirely.

I really liked this book. It has an old-timey feel to it, thanks to the style of the narrator. It gives me a sort of nostalgic feeling, kinda like the one I get when I read The Boxcar Children.

Something that sets this book apart is the way it writes the definitions of difficult words. Some may find it distracting, but its very useful for children who want to widen their vocabulary.

The plot is not particularly deep, but it's very interesting in its own right. There's a lot of potential in the premise of the book. It's something that any book lover would definitely want to try. I'm not sure if this is part of a series, but if done right, this could be a very successful series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for the e-ARC. Publication date of Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame is on May 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. The plot is interesting.
2. The writing style is very whimsical.
3. It works as a teaching tool for kids.

THE BAD:

1. The definitions can be distracting.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

There is room for only so many talentless pop stars and reality TV nincompoops, believe it or not, and thank goodness for that.

READ IT IF:

1. You like The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
2. You like the idea of literary characters coming to life.
3. You like books wherein the narrator interjects a lot.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: The Beauty Book by Nancy Rue

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Learn with Lily and her friends just what it means to be beautiful in God’s eyes—inside and out!

In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what “true” beauty is all about. This unique and creative book for girls ages 7–11 answers the common questions girls ask during this often confusing and overwhelming stage in their lives in an inviting and conversational manner.

Filled with fun quizzes, imaginative activities, and cool illustrations, The Beauty Book offers cool, relevant information about everything from great hair styles to tattoos, from skin care to clothes, and much more. Above all, the message that God-confidence is beautiful is highlighted on each and every page.

MY TAKE:

There are a lot of books that offer beauty advice to young girls, but I don't think any of them are like this.

The Beauty Book is sort of a companion book to the Here's Lily book and series. It contains tips and tricks and step-by-step guides to enhancing your God-given looks. There are also activities, like fill-in-the-blanks, and Bible verses and reflections that explain how each lesson relates to God. If you've read Here's Lily, you'll be familiar with the girls in the Girlz Want to Know sections.

This is a useful guide for young girls who are just learning to love their body and make themselves prettier.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the e-ARC. Publication date for The Beauty Book is on May 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. It has step-by-step guides.
2. Moms will find this a great help when teaching beauty and hygiene to their daughters.
3. It's easy for young girls to understand.

THE BAD:

1. Some of the Bible verses does not fit the topic exactly so they seem just a tiny bit forced.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Does that mean somebody who was beautiful forty, fifty or four hundred years ago wouldn't be beautiful today? How much sense does that make?

READ IT IF:

1. You have a daughter.
2. You are trying to balance the idea of being pretty and not being vain.
3. You like books that apply Bible verses to modern life.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Here's Lily by Nancy Rue

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Grow with the spirited, sometimes awkward, but always charming Lily as she learns what real beauty is.

In this fun, entertaining story, readers meet awkward sixth grader Lily Robbins who, after receiving a compliment about her looks from a woman in the modeling business, becomes obsessed with her appearance and with becoming a model. As she sets her sights on winning the model search fashion show, she exchanges her rock and feather collection for lip gloss, fashion magazines, and a private “club” with her closest friends. But when the unthinkable happens the night before the fashion show, Lily learns a valuable lesson about real beauty.

This best-selling, biblically based fiction series for girls—with a fresh new look and updated content—addresses social issues and coming-of-age topics, all with the spunk and humor of Lily Robbins as she fumbles her way through unfamiliar territory. As readers come to love Lily and her stories, they’ll also benefit from the companion nonfiction books that will help them through their own growing pains.

MY TAKE:

These days, people place a lot of emphasis on looks. This book is a good way for young girls to differentiate between primping just to be pretty and emphasizing your looks to enhance it.

Here's Lily tells the story of Lily Robbins, a young girl with some self-confidence issues due to her classmates' bullying. As with what you see on shows like America's Next Top Model, awkward can translate to high fashion, and Lily finds herself in a modeling class run by a modeling agency.

For young girls with an interest in modeling, this is a great way for them to get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at a modeling agency. However, this book isn't just about physical beauty. It's also about having faith and trusting in God's love for us.

Lily got a little bit annoying sometimes because of the way she constantly put herself down, but as she became more confident, she got easier to like. I also didn't like the way that her parents just let her brothers tease her. Some of their comments were beyond mean. Of course, by the end, her mother did straighten them out, but still, it's not nice.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the e-ARC. Publication date for Here's Lily is on May 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. It has a good lesson.
2. It encourages girls to have more faith in God's love for them.
3. Girls will find it easy to relate to Lily.

THE BAD:

1. Some people might find this book a little bit preachy.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"I taught you to look at the special gifts and qualities God gave you."

READ IT IF:

1. Your daughter feels she's not pretty enough.
2. You want your child to be closer to God.
3. Your child loves modeling and fashion.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10 by Ami Rubinger

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10 takes readers through a world of playful pups that love to count! Each spread's rhyming text leaves out the last word, allowing little ones to chime in and shout out the missing number. The amusing illustrations provide countable clues for the numbers that have been left out.

MY TAKE:

Just like Ami Rubinger's other books, I enjoyed this one.

Dog Number 1, Dog Number 10 is part-storybook and part-activity book. Rubinger brings his usual fun rhymes to the book and illustrates them with cute, colorful illustrations. If you're a fan, this is a must-have for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Abbeville Kids for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. It has a plot, of sorts.
2. It's educational.
3. The coloring is pretty.

THE BAD:

1. Some kids might prefer a different illustration style.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Ten dogs and ten cats-- I think that's plenty!

Count them all

and you get...

READ IT IF:

1. Your child like dogs.
2. You're teaching your child how to count.
3. You want something you can read with your child.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: I Dream of An Elephant by Ami Rubinger

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

I Dream of an Elephant takes readers through a wondrous world where they will encounter elephants of many colorful shades that sing, dance, and play - each in its own way! These illustrations provide the hints needed for children to chime in and complete the missing word (the color) from each rhyming couplet. I Dream of an Elephant teaches children about colors with an interactive, fill-in-the-blank challenge that encourages participation.

MY TAKE:

Children's books that are part activity books are such a good idea.

In I Dream of an Elephant, the narrator is saying how he or she dreams of different colored elephants. What's great about this book is that the colors are left blank and the child fills in the missing word based on the color of the elephants in the image and what completes the rhyme.

It's a fun way for kids to learn about colors and rhymes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Abbeville Kids for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. It's funny.
   
2. It's a creative way for kids to learn something new.
3. The illustrations are cute.

THE BAD:

1. There's really only so much you can do with colors.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

The animals all love

a rockin' routine!

I dream of an elephant

whose color is ...

READ IT IF:

1. Your child likes elephants.
2. You're teaching your kids about colors.
3. You like activity books.

RATING:


SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: The Arctic Incident (Artemis Fowl #2) by Eoin Colfer

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS.COM:

Artemis Fowl receives an urgent e-mail from Russia. In it is a plea from a man who has been kidnapped by the Russian Mafiya: his father. As Artemis rushes to his rescue, he is stopped by a familiar nemesis, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. Now, instead of battling the fairies, Artemis must join forces with them if he wants to save one of the few people in the world he loves.

MY TAKE:

This book is part 2 in the galley I received from NetGalley.

Picking up a year after the first book, The Arctic Incident finds Artemis Fowl trying to save his father from the Russian Mafiya. But before he does, he has to work together with the fairies to stop a rebellion that could make saving his father pointless.

I was looking forward to reading this and this book did not disappoint. Artemis remains as witty as ever and even better, he shows his vulnerability as well. Captain Holly Short, whom I didn't like in the first book, started to grow on me.

As usual, the plot is awesome. Not exactly unexpected, but interesting enough for me to continue reading. Mr. Colfer's writing style propelled the book forward, so to speak.

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. Interesting characters.
2. Fast-paced story.
3. Original concepts.

THE BAD:

1. The book is kind of short and packs maybe a little too much in one book.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

When would people learn that a mind such as his could not be dissected?

READ IT IF:

1. You liked the first book.
2. You like war movies and books.
3. You like books with intelligent characters.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Artemis Fowl (Artemis Fowl #1) by Eoin Colfer

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS.COM:

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius, and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't fairies of bedtime stories; these fairies are armed and dangerous.

Artemis thinks he has them right where he wants them...but then they stop playing by the rules.

MY TAKE:

I've been meaning to read the Artemis Fowl books for some time now but I've been putting them off because I still had plenty of books to read. However, when I saw that NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion were releasing special editions of the book, I immediately took the opportunity to get started on the series.

Artemis Fowl is the story of 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl's attempt to divest the fairies of gold.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Artemis is a charming and interesting anti-hero and I was rooting for him the entire time. He's a clever kid and I liked how he was able to come up with such amazing ideas and deductions ala Sherlock Holmes.

Part of the reason I was cheering Artemis on was because I couldn't stand Holly Short. There was just something about her that rubbed me the wrong way. I did like the Root and Foaly, though. They were funny and not caricature-ish at all.

Thanks to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. Artemis is clever but lovable.
2. The plot is interesting.
3. The world-building is incredible.

THE BAD:

1. Some characters can get annoying.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

He cast his eyes upward, along the stairs. It had been too much to hope for that he could trust the fairy.

READ IT IF:

1. You like clever anti-heroes.
2. You like new takes on old mythologies or folklore.
3. You like thrillers.

RATING:


SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Out of the Blue by Vanita Oelschlager

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Out of the Blue shows children the magic of idioms - words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Children are curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh ("Tickled Pink"), sound silly ("Shrinking Violet") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd ("A Red Letter Day"). Out of the Blue uses outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally.

MY TAKE:

I enjoyed this book.

Out of the Blue's strength is the hilarious drawings that take idioms literally. There are also explanations for each idiom that are written upside down at the bottom of the page. There's also additional information about idioms at the end of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and VanitaBooks LLC for the e-ARC. Publication date of Out of the Blue is May 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Good learning tool for kids.
2. Cute illustrations.
3. Explanations are present.

THE BAD:

1. Too short.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

In the pink

READ IT IF:

1. You want to teach your child about idioms.
2. You like cute picture books.
3. You want a book that you can read with your child.

RATING:


SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Knees: The Mixed-Up World of a Boy With Dyslexia by Vanita Oelschlager

SUMMARY FROM NETGALELY.COM:

Knees shows the ups and downs of life with dyslexia. We have done this book in the style and size of a chapter book so that younger children and older children at low reading levels can read what seems to be an older child's book. We cover dyslexia's symptoms and the reasons school can be hard for dyslexics. We talk about some famous people who had or have dyslexia.

MY TAKE:

Most people already have a vague idea about dyslexia, but for children who have it, it's something that can be very frustrating for them.

Knees: The Mixed-Up World of a Boy With Dyslexia is told from the point-of-view of Louis the Third, a young, dyslexic 4th grader. Through rhymes, Louie brings up the symptoms of dyslexia

and examples of dyslexic people, such as Einstein, in a language that is easy for young kids to understand.

It has a very encouraging message for kids, dyslexic or not, so it's worth a read for any young child.

Thank you to NetGalley and VanitaBooks LLC for the e-ARC. Publication date of Knees: The Mixed-Up World of a Boy With Dyslexia is on May 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. It's an important topic for kids to learn about.
2. Beautiful illustrations.
3. Easy to understand rhymes and storyline.

THE BAD:

1. The illustrations are not colored.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

My mom understands me,

But that's a mom's job.

READ IT IF:

1. You or your child is dyslexic.
2. You know someone who is dyslexic.
3. You have young children.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Big Cat, Small Cat by Ami Rubinger

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Big Cat, Small Cat takes readers through a fantastical world of felines where they will encounter many different pairs of cats, from good and bad to happy and sad. The book's sing-song text leaves out the last word of each page, allowing little ones to chime in and complete the rhyme. Captivating, colorful illustrations provide clues for the words that have been left out. Introducing words like "dirty," "clean," "nice," and "mean," Big Cat, Small Cat teaches children about rhyming and opposites with a fun, fill-in-the-blank challenge that encourages participation.

MY TAKE:

I was intrigued by the idea of a children's book that was part activity book too.

Big Cat, Small Cat is a children's book wherein kids are shown drawings of cats that are opposites (big, small, short, ..., etc.). The fourth adjective is left blank for kids to fill in.

It's such a cute idea! This way, kids can actively participate while their parents read to them. It's also a great way for kids to learn new words.

Thanks to NetGalley and Abbeville Kids for the e-ARC.

THE GOOD:

1. It's imaginative.
2. Kids will have lots of fun with this one.
3. It's educational.

THE BAD:

1. Some people might not be a fan of the illustration style.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

This cat is dark

This cat is fair

This cat is here

This cat is...

READ IT IF:

1. You're looking for a children's book that you can read with your child.
2. You like activity books.
3. You or your child likes cats.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin

SUMMARY FROM GOODREADS.COM:

In this warmhearted middle-grade novel, Oona and her brother, Fred, love their cat Zook (short for Zucchini), but Zook is sick. As they conspire to break him out of the vet’s office, convinced he can only get better at home with them, Oona tells Fred the story of Zook’s previous lives, ranging in style from fairy tale to grand epic to slice of life. Each of Zook’s lives has echoes in Oona’s own family life, which is going through a transition she’s not yet ready to face. Her father died two years ago, and her mother has started a relationship with a man named Dylan—whom Oona secretly calls “the villain.” The truth about Dylan, and about Zook’s medical condition, drives the drama in this loving family story.

MY TAKE:

The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook is a lovely, bittersweet story and you don't even have to like cats to like it.

The story revolves around Oona, her brother Fred and their cat Zook. Zook is sick, but as Oona points out to her brother, cats have nine lives and Zook is only on his fifth.

Majority of the story is about the previous lives of Zook, plus what happens to Oona and her family.

There were plenty of things I liked about this book. For one thing, I liked Oona's philosophies and theories. I particularly liked her rainbow whopper theory. It made me think of Burger King whoppers, but actually whoppers aren't burgers. Whoppers are stories, exaggerations or lies. Oona talks about different-colored whoppers, but my favorite is the green whopper, which she describes as:

That's why stories are green whoppers, because they're alive and growing and changing all the time.

The story contained lots of quotable quotes and smart observations, and I like the idea of telling original stories to kids. Most parents just read from books nowadays, which is too bad because some of them may have a little bit of J.K. Rowling in them.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amulet Books for the e-ARC. Publication date of The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook is on April 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Lots of quotable quotes and smart observations.
2. Good premise.
3. Intelligent characters.

THE BAD:

1. It's a little bit predictable.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

She was always smiling. That's because you get a happy feeling helping someone read. You feel sort of like a wizard.

There is something wonderful and incredible about people's names. You are given a name when you are born, and some people are given one before they are born. Your parents know nothing about you, except that you are very small, know how to yell, need your diaper changed a lot, and enjoy drinking milk. [...]

The wonderful thing is this: After awhile, it becomes clear that your name is the perfect name, the only-name-for-you name.

READ IT IF:

1. You love cats.
2. You would like to introduce your children to the magical world of storytelling.
3. You want to feel like a kid again.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Puffling Patrol by Ted and Betsy Lewin

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Every April, the Westman Islands off the coast of Iceland become home to hundreds of thousands of puffins, small black-and-white seabirds with colorful bills. They spend the summer on the rocky cliffs of the islands, caring for their newly hatched chicks. By the middle of August, it is time for the young puffins, called pufflings, to make their way to the sea. And that is when the children of The Puffling Patrol are called to action.

Ted and Betsy Lewin have journeyed to the Westman Islands to experience The Puffling Patrol's endeavors firsthand. In the company of Erna, Dáni, and their father, they drive through town at night, carefully searching for confused little birds that have glided down onto the streets instead of out to sea. Will the children find the pufflings before the birds encounter danger? Will the pufflings ever make it to the sea to spend their lives with other puffins in the North Atlantic Ocean?

The fascinating story of this unique annual rescue, combined with Ted Lewin's dramatic paintings and Betsy Lewin's lively field sketches, is sure to make Puffling Patrol a hit with animal lovers of all ages.

MY TAKE:

I am a huge fan of books which have beautiful illustrations and a good story.

Puffling Patrol talks about the authors' experience with the Puffling Patrol in Ireland.

My favorite thing about this book are the realistic paintings that look almost like photograph sometimes. The story didn't really grab my attention and I would find my focus shifting every now and then. It has a great concept, though. It's mostly about raising awareness about what is happening to the puffins in Ireland.

The book is pretty long too, and more suited to older kids and for bedtime reading for younger kids.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lee and Low Books for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. Beautiful, realistic paintings.
2. You learn a lot about puffins.
3. It raises awareness about the plight of puffins.

THE BAD:

1. Some people might find it boring.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

Group of puffins, called rafts, ride the waves like toy ducks.

READ IT IF:

1. You like puffins.
2. You like realistic illustrations in children's books.
3. You love the environment.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Baby Flo by Alan Schroeder

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Straight up:

Florence was a remarkable child,

and that's a fact.

Pint-sized dynamo "Baby Florence" Mills was singing and dancing just about as soon as she could talk and walk. She warbled a tune while her mama did laundry. Everywhere Flo went, she strutted through the streets of Washington, D.C. with a high-steppin' cakewalk. Flo's mama and daddy knew they had a budding entertainer in the family, so they entered Florence in a talent contest.

Baby Flo went on to become an international superstar during the Harlem Renaissance-but first she had to overcome a case of stage fright and discover that winning wasn't everything. Here is the spirited story of that spunky young girl learning to chase her dreams with confidence. A sensation in her time, Baby Flo is back, dancing and singing her way into hearts and history.

MY TAKE:

I like reading biographies and children's books, so I was excited to read this book.

Baby Flo is the story of Florence Mills, a famous singer and dancer from the early 1900s, and her humble beginnings.

Most of the children's books I review are really quick reads made up of a couple or so sentences per page, so I was surprised to find that the text was so long. This book is meant for the older kids or for parents to read to their younger kids.

The story is easy enough to follow. It's very entertaining and Flo is very endearing. The illustrations are also very pretty and old time-y.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lee and Low Books for the e-copy.

THE GOOD:

1. Beautiful, whimsical coloring.
2. Great storytelling.
3. You can read Florence Mills story at the latter part of the book.

THE BAD:

1. Younger kids might have a hard time reading this.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"You're pretty good," John remarked. "You must have got that from my side of the family."

"In your dreams!" said Nellie. "She got it from me, that's who. Fool!"

READ IT IF:

1. You have a child that loves to sing and/or dance.
2. You want to introduce your kids to longer books.
3. You like pretty children's books.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?

Review: Magical Monty by Johanna Hurwitz

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

First grade is almost over, and Monty will soon be seven. He's now a big brother, too, which makes him feel very grown-up. But when he tries to use the magic set his grandmother gave him, he has a little trouble. Maybe the card trick would work if he were eight years old? Mother's Day is coming, and Monty wishes he had something better to give his mom than the picture frame he made out of ice cream sticks at school. But how is he supposed to guess from the TV call-in ad how much flowers cost, or that you need a special card to get them? Whether involving his baby sister in his library project, losing a sneaker while marching with his karate class in the parade, or learning that an exciting afternoon isn't always a good thing, Monty's familiar adventures embody the gentle humor of everyday life.

MY TAKE:

Magical Monty is a cute story about the life of young Monty.

Each chapter is like a mini story, but the connecting thread of the stories is Mandy, Monty's little sister, and Monty's interest in magic.

Monty is a charming kid. He's only 7 years old but he acts wise beyond his years. This would be a great book for young kids to read on their own, rather than for their parents to read to them. After all, the book is about Monty being able to do things for himself without the help of his parents.

Thanks to NetGalley and Candlewick Press for the e-ARC. Publication date of Magical Monty is April 10, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. Nice stand-alone chapters.
2. Promotes good values.
3. Pleasant characters and manner of writing.

THE BAD:

1. It could have had more chapters.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

"I like being big enough to be a big brother," he said softly.

READ IT IF:

1. You have a child that likes magic.
2. You have just added a new baby to your family.
3. You want a book that you can read in parts over several nights.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?