All Year Round

All Year Round
Author: Susan B. Katz
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Julie H.

 

Summary: A colorful book with fun, cheerful illustrations, All Year Round will help children learn shapes, colors, and the months of the year! 

Review: This book, written by an experienced educator and early literacy consultant, is a great story to read with your little one! The rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations will keep kids interested and help them learn important words that they’ll need for school.

The Fast and the Furriest

The Fast and the Furriest
Author: Andy Behrens
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Reviewer: Deb

SUMMARY: Kevin Pugh hates sports.  When his overweight beagle, Cromwell, sees a dog agility show on TV, he begins to act strangely by jumping through hoops, running and dragging Kevin to obstacle courses.  With some financial support from his best friend and mentoring from the mysterious trainer at Paw Patch, Kevin is on a mission to help his crazy dog reach his dream.  Yay for Team Cromwell.

REVIEW: I loved this book.  I had the audio version and it was really done well.    It is set in Chicago and of course Kevin’s dad is an ex-player for the Chicago Bears.  This doesn’t bode well for Kevin since Kevin hates sports and dad is constantly trying to get him to participate in various sports classes.  The dynamics of the family with his sister who is a fantastic soccer player, a mom who tries to understand Kevin, dad who doesn’t understand why Kevin should be in involved in dog agility, and then amazing Cromwell the dog, all  together makes this a fun read.

Time for Bed, Fred!

Time for Bed, Fred!
Author: Yasmeen Ismail
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Leslie

SUMMARY: Meet Fred--a mischievous, playful, loving dog. It's time for Fred to go to bed . . . but Fred really, really doesn't want to! From hiding up in trees, to splashing in muddy puddles, to hiding behind bookshelves, Fred will do anything to avoid bedtime. He would even rather have a bath than go to bed . . . but all of this running couldn't possibly have possibly made Fred sleepy--could it? Bound to strike a chord with parents and children with their own bedtime distraction techniques, Yasmeen Ismail's hilarious text and cheerful, vivid illustrations will have every reader shouting by the very last page, "Time for Bed, Fred!"

REVIEW: This was a very funny book and a quick read. I enjoyed it because as a parent it is easy to relate to because just like Fred, kids will stall bedtime! I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book as well.

I Want A Monster!

I Want A Monster!
Author: Elise Gravel
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Reviewer: Christi

SUMMARY: Winnie wants a monster! Some monsters smell like pirate feet and some might read your diary, but they are so darn cute! All Winnie's friends have one. But how much do Oogly-Wumps eat? Don't they ever sleep? Can monsters get lonely?

REVIEW: An adorably silly book that was fun to read with great illustrations. If you in the market for a new pet this book is for you. Read why a monster might just be the perfect fit for your household. But be careful your monster just might get lonely and you know what that means…another monster to keep it company!

Usborne First Skills: Starting Chess

 Usborne First Skills: Starting Chess

Author: Harriet Castor

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Reviewer: Denise Z.

Summary: Starting Chess covers everything a young player needs to know, from how to set out the pieces to special moves and tactics.

Review: I never played chess before and thought it was about time I learned…with a children’s book. This is a helpful book for beginner chess players of all ages. The basics are introduced and the practice examples are especially helpful. This book should give confidence to the beginner player enough to have him or her say “checkmate!” at the end of a fun game.