Books for Children
Review: Tiffy's Tango
Review: My Shadow Is Missing
Review: Topsy Turvy Land
Review: Nine for the NightLight
Review: The Mountain of Stone
Review: Angel's New Friends
Review: Squeaky Squirrel
Review: Flying Freddo
Review: A for Aliens
Review: Christmas Stars
Review: The Bully
Tiffy is a giraffe at the Circus Tortolli.
How interesting, yes? Actually, no. She doesn't
make anything interesting: no difficult exercises, not acrobatics, not even
clowning. Tigers jump through the burning hoop, sea lions balance a ball on
their nose, chimpanzees roar on motorbikes around the ring… she alone isn't
able to do anything exciting, only to stand near the box office and look at
people.
Well, Tiffy decides to find an exercise right for her, maybe… to stand on
her head! So, she begins to practice secretly, night after night, week after
week.
In vain.
She doesn't succeed to stand on her head at all. Never. Until a night...
"Tiffy's Tango" is a recommended story, full of humor and vitality, suitable
for children and very well told. Without preaching, it shows the importance
of finding a goal and struggle to reach it.
Full of bright colors, the drawings by Sonal Panse perfectly accompany the
narration. So, little children, too, can enjoy the tale, skillfully flowing
from the pen of the "mysterious" author Tina Zang.
Definitely… giraffommended!
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"Tiffy's Tango" (22 pages) is published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing and is available in Pdf and Html formats.
My
Shadow Is Missing by
Kristen Halter and
Kevin Scott Collier
Keegan Windsor is a loser. No one wants to stay with him, not even... his shadow!
Actually, one night Keegan catches his dark shape sliping out of his home, fleeing away from his life. He runs after the shadow, but it refuses to return to him, because he is no longer the boy it was a reflection of.
His shadow saves his life from a deadly peril, but not even then it's willing to return to him. It agrees to re-unite only when Keegan begins to feel sorry for his errors and decides to work harder, to seek new opportunities and to rise over his present condition.
Now he won't forget that God loves him always, and
that the right way for his life is to stay in touch with Him.
"My Shadow Is Missing" is a smooth tale, with enough details to entertain and capture the reader's attention.
But it isn't only a simple tale. In a few pages it
presents a profound metaphor, that make it suitable for people of different
ages.
Children of elementary school will be interested in following the tale of
Keegan and his chase, mainly in the first and second chapters. The last
chapter, instead, is more suitable for grown-ups, because it contains a more
demanding reasoning ability.
Whit this book, Kristen Halter and Kevin Scott Collier have created a true
parable, with different reading levels, similar to those evangelical.
Actually, who's missing his own shadow? Keegan, the protagonist, obviously.
But that question involves the reader, too: "Maybe God is missing His
shadow, His image on Earth, that am I?".
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"My Shadow Is Missing" (24 pages) is published by Tangerine Sky Productions and is available in electronic and print format.
Topsy Turvy Land
by
Donna J. Shepherd
Donna Shepherd’s “Topsy Turvy Land” is a beautiful book about the wonders God
made in our world.
With playful rythm, the verses make the reader imagine a world with “messed
up” colors, shapes and sounds: pink hippos, green chimpanzees, chirping snakes,
flying cows, vegetarian lions…, well represented by Kevin Scott Collier’s
shining illustrations.
And then, once the imagination play ends, the reader goes back to the reality to consider that God made a world more perfect than the one we may ever
imagine.
“Topsy Turvy Land” is a perfect read for young children (along with the not so young and their parents, too), who look at the world with wide open eyes, wondering about its many surprises - a world full of bright hearts, where it isn’t difficult to find God’s love for all of his creatures.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"Topsy Turvy Land" (16 pages; ISBN 0-9678159-6-7) is published in paperback by Hidden Pictures Publishing.
Nine
for the NighLight by
Maria Perry Osborne
The Table of Contents lists the nine creepy tales.
"Messages in the Lunch Room" is a spooky tale featuring a teacher who should never be allowed near a classroom. While in the lunch room one child after another reads the words, "There will be a terrible accident," in their bowl of soup. And, sure enough, there is.
"Mushed" relates how Jason and Pinch O Luv Nanny, Mrs Cutshaw, get along while Jason’s Mom and Dad are caring for his Grandmother.
"Ashburger" tells the story of Kyle, his parents and Aunt Tanith.
"Missy Mage and the Mean Old Lady Down The Street": Jayona 10 and Tyler 6 have moved to a new town, before long they meet the mean old lady down the street. Tyler’s favorite toy is Ace, Missy Mage belongs to Jayona.
"Cal and the Birthday Party" is the tale of Cal and his behavior at Mandy Whitemore’s birthday party. Cal was not a pleasant party guest.
"The Parrot": Jake Swafford likes the cookies his neighbor Mrs. Harrison bakes. Before long the cookies stop and Jake is not happy to find Mrs Harrison is now busy with a new interest. Her nephew brought her a parrot. There must be something Jake can do.
In "The Overanxious Paddler" Tina and Bobby often feel the whack of Father’s paddle and then one day the children disappear.
Russell and Aunt Olympia know how to handle bullies in "Stone Jimmy".
The last tale is "The Ghost of Jacob Abel": it is moving day and the family soon learns that a mysterious jar of coins, a table and a ghost are part of the deal.
Writer Perry, mother of 4 youngsters, and respected author of erotic romance has tried her hand at writing for the juvenile market. On the pages of "Nine for the NightLight: Nine Creepy Tales Just For Kids" Perry cleverly captures the pith of the genre with a shrewd adroitness for presentation. Author Perry puts to worthy use her burgeoning writing aptitude as she pens the nine anecdotes meant for the adolescent reader. The narratives offered are easily read, are fast paced and are action packed. Each tale is kept to 4 – 5 pages, vocabulary is within the sphere of most middle school to Young Adult Readers and the anecdotes are eerie enough to fascinate the most picky reader within the target age.
Nine for the NightLight: Nine Creepy Tales Just For Kids is sure to prove a winner for ‘the sitting around the campfire telling spooky stories,’ or ‘the supernatural stories at slumber party’ set.
Spooky read, true to the genre. Not for everyone: readers who do not care for gothic tales will not care much for the yarns, those who love the genre will find much to delight their reading senses.
(Reviewed by: Molly Martin)
"Nine for the NightLight" (ISBN: 1-4116-3245-1) is published by SwanBeauty Books and is available as eBook download or paperback at LuLu.com.
The
Mountain of Stone by
Christy Davis
The narrative opens with Jenny smiling on the first day of summer vacation. At last the school year has ended and next year Jenny will be starting High School. When Jenny’s parents announced they were planning a move from San Francisco to Millersville, Jenny was less than thrilled. That was two years ago and now Jenny has a new best friend Laura and loves her new life. Everything is pretty great except when Jenny and Laura must deal with Laura’s little brothers Alan and Casey the boys are only six and seven however, they are less problem than Laura’s older brother John and Jenny’s older brother Ben.
It is when the girls find a bottle in the river that an unexpected summer adventure begins. The bottle holds a key and a note signed by ‘Gus’ telling of a cache of treasure, misfortune and even death. Jenny decides to show the note to her brother John’s friend Ben and that is when the hunt for the treasure cache begins. Backpacks filled with supplies, an unexpected slide into the interior of the mountain, a skeleton, another bottle, a trapdoor, more skeletons, something that growls, and more notes all figure in the adventure before the kids find their way out of the cave.
Writer Davis has crafted a quick, fun read meant for kids in middle grades. Repartee between the siblings is typical, believable and real. That The Mountain of Stone is a kid’s adventure that might well take place is a good part of the draw for kids in the target audience. Writing is good, fast paced and easily read. Characters are detailed enough to give the reader a clear picture of who and what the kids are all about without being over done. Siblings squabble as youngsters do, grumble over chores and having to watch over ‘tag along’ little brothers, also as youngsters do. The kids also work together when the situation calls for it and they care for one another when the going gets tough. The storyline itself is believable and acceptable.
Writer Davis throws in a little quiet teaching as the kids consult the dictionary for help in deciphering the cryptic note left in the bottle, or when they decide what supplies might be needed to ensure the success of their adventure.
Reader interest is captured from the opening page as Jenny faces summer vacation with a smile on her lips and is held fast right down to last paragraphs as the kids make it home in time to avoid being grounded.
Sure to please both boys and girls in the target audience The Mountain of Stone is a good choice for the home pleasure reading shelf, the home school reading list and the classroom library.
Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.
(Reviewed by: Molly Martin)
"The Mountain of Stone" (ISBN 1-4184-1796-3) is published by AuthorHouse and is available as both print and eBook.
Angel's New Friends
by
Susan K. Droney
Angel is a little bunny, living in a garden with her family. A garden full of
lettuce and good things to eat. But Angel is bored. Her parents, her brother and
sister, too, don’t want to do anything other than sleeping all the day. So,
Angel decides to find new friends to play with.
In the forest she encounters Lou the cub, on the beach Danny the walrus, in the
farm Herman the calf and also ducks, chickens, dogs, cats, sheeps, pigs... All
of the animals are different; but outside only; inside they are all similar, all
nice, ready to be friends and play joyously together. And their families, too,
at the story ending, will learn to live peaceful together.
“Angel’s New Friends” is the first of a book series presenting Angel, the little
bunny (the other titles, up till now, are “Angel’s Band”, “Angel and the
Watchdog”, “Angel’s Wish”, “Angel’s Parade”, “A Secret for Angel”, “Angel’s
Glasses” and “Angel’s New Sister”). The Author, Susan K. Droney, wrote them to
remember her domesticated pet bunny passed away.
“Angel’s New Friends” is a tale narrated with delicacy and, sometimes, with
humour. The little readers will like reading and re-reading the story of Angel
and her adventures. They will be encouraged to look beyond the appearances, to
assume some little risks, to bravely face new experiences and to friendly accept
any other people.
Beautiful illustrations, by artist Gail Balga, accompany all of the pages. They
enrich the tale with clear, skilled traits and bright colors.
“Angel’s New Friends” is a delightful and likable book, that 3-5 old children
will love, and repeatedly listen and look at. But that older children also will
pick and read with pleasure.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"Angel's New Friends" (22 pages; ISBN 1-920741-90-9) is published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing in Pdf and Html formats.
Squeaky Squirrel
by
Susan K. Droney
Because of his voice, Simon the squirrel is named "Squeaky". He lives in the
forest and is a little shy and fearful.
He spends the whole summer playing with his brother and sisters and enjoying
every type of game... And even back to school he loves looking to picture books
and above all being near to Sally, the new girl squirrel in his class.
For him, the life is simply wonderful.
But one day he must face the first difficults of the life. And he isn't happy
with that, because "there are too many scary things out there".
But at the end he will discover that, when the "scary things" hit, there is
always someone ready to help. And always there will be someone, who loves him
just the way he is.
"Squeaky Squirrel" is a little, delicate story. The tale closely follows the
experiences of a child, so that we can substitute "Squeaky" with "David" or
"Claire" and the story would fit perfectly.
The book teaches the little readers about the pleasant news and events,
happening at unexpected moments. And about the fact that there is always someone
who, in spite of their errors and naughty things, loves them.
The accompanying illustrations, by Gail Balga, are beautiful and detailed. The
delicate colors and the abundance of details invite to scan the images, to find
new details and to uncover the unique element that appears in all of the
drawings.
"Squeaky Squirrel" will entertain the children and teach them an important
message: to accept and befriend themselves as well as the other people.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"Squeaky Squirrel" (18 pages; ISBN 1-920741-48-8) is published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing in Pdf, Rtf and Html formats.
Each one of the tigers at Circus Tortolli has a stage name: Roaring Rondo,
Hopping Harry, Chubby Charly, Old Orlando... And each one masters a difficult
exercise and can perform it perfectly.
Each one, that is, except Freddo, the youngest tiger, that doesn’t have a
special exercise, nor a “distinctive” name.
Freddo dreams of performing as the other tigers, but their exercises involve
disagreable aspects, and the young beast continually gives up.
Will Freddo succeed to overcome his fears? How he will be capable to conquer a
stage name and become a true circus performer?
“Flying Freddo” is a delightful book for very young children, and children a
little growed up, too. The Author is Tina Zang, known and appreciated also as
mystery writer under the name of Christine Spindler. The illustrations, by the
gifted artist Sonal Panse, are well drawed, attract with bright colors and
perfectly complement the narration.
The book is distributed as a simple pdf or html file. But, since the children
surely will want to read and re-read it, it’s advisable to print the pages for
leaf through them together. And maybe for bring to school during the reading
hours.
A book recommended. Also because the children, while enjoying the story of
Freddo the tiger, will learn the importance of helping others, the value of
self-confidence, the power of aiming always higher.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"Flying Freddo" (18 pages; ISBN 1-920741-41-0) is published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing in Pdf and Html formats.
Troy's Amazing Universe: A for Aliens
by
Sharon Kennedy Tosten
Troy Tomler doesn’t speak well (he only utters vowels) and sometimes hears
imprecisely (“nine” or “mine”? “phone” or “bone”?...). And, most of all, he is
afraid that his parents will divide because of him. Actually, his father doesn’t
understand him and brings him from one doctor to another; his mother, always
worried about his health, disapproves and constantly quarrels with her husband.
During their umpteenth trip to a doctor, a spaceship kidnaps Troy and his
father. On a planet far away, they have to represent the Earth, in the “All
Galaxy Olympics”, in many different matches against aliens races. Matches that
will put to the test, not only the speaking ability of Troy, but all of his
senses, resources and intelligence.
Will Troy and his father succeed in learning to understand one another, and also
foil a dangerous conspiracy against the Earth?
The children will like this first book of Troy (other books in the series are:
“M for Mall”; “T for Toy”...), because his adventures are interesting, and
induce the reader to keep turning the pages to find out more about the evolving
plot. Spontaneously, the reader will support Troy, a child who accepts his
problems as facts without crying, but instead searches for a way out.
The Author, Sharon Kennedy Tosten, gives Troy a unique voice that describes his
parents relationship with candid, naïve expressions that make the reader smile,
as she builds up some desperate situations, that Troy later solves with smart
and interesting solutions.
The comments and first person narration allow the reader to understand the
feelings of a child who reasons normally, but cannot wholly express himself, so
resigns himself to answering with a “huh?” or a smile.
But the most important lesson of this book, is a remark that Troy says almost
without thinking, and yet is treasure-worthy: “You can just tell what people are
saying if you really listen”.
In conclusion, Sharon Kennedy Tosten shows great talent for developing interesting characters, a captivating plot and a flowing, articulated narration.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
You can find "Troy's Amazing Universe: A for Aliens" as paperback in bookstores
or Booklocker, and as e-book visiting the websites Troy's Amazing Universe.
Christmas Stars
by
Rita Y. Toews
Catherine is excited: this year she is big enough to help her father put
Christmas lights on the trees in the front and back yards of their farm. She
soon learns that the snow is so deep some animals aren’t able to find enough
food. So, a bale of hay is the perfect gift for a couple of hungry deer who have
chosen her yard to rest and sleep.
Several days later the trees with their shining stars will become the more
useful lights the deer have ever seen in winter.
With “Christmas Stars” Rita Y. Toews write a little jewel of a tale, perfect for
children up to 9-10 years of age. The illustrations – watercolours by Jennifer
Macaire – are a nice complement to the story.
The decorated evergreen trees and the gift of hay make this a story filled with
the spirit of Christmas. But the story also teaches positive attitudes and a
lesson to care, respect and consider nature – a lesson children will remember
the entire year.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"Christmas Stars" is published by Books Unbound E-Publishing.
Many years ago as fresh-faced shy little boy I was
bullied in school and during the noon break. And I wasn’t alone. I watched as
others were bullied, too. Because of this background I appreciated reading “The
Bully”, by Rita Y. Toews. “The Bully” is an almost “true” e-book whose pages
“turn” on the screen.
The first portion of the book is the story of Jason, a child who encounters a
bully at school, loses his lunch, is ashamed of his fear and tries to hide the
problem from his parents because of the trouble they can cause. The story is
simple, but perfectly illustrates the feelings – fear, inadequacy, anguish – and
reactions of a bullied child.
The second and third part of the book are a series of questions – one for
children, one for parents – with answers and a brief comment.
“The Bully” is suitable for children of elementary age and their
parents/educators. It can be read alone, but to be most effective it should be
read with the adult to encourage conversation on the subject.
The e-book of “The Bully” is free, however it is also available as a print book
with added activities, illustrations, and links to more resources.
The book is recommended for home and school libraries. Because, despite their
name, the bullies don’t just vanish with a simple, magical “boo!”.
(Reviewed by: Gianfranco Cazzaro)
"The Bully" is available as free e-book at TheBullyBook. In the same site you'll find also informations about the new printed version.
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CARIBOOKS Reviews with care
