Archive for May, 2022

CARE AND BEWARE

Millie the Cat Has Borderline Personality Disorder

Written by Jessie Shepherd

Some reviewers have criticized the book for being too simplistic. The author uses a cat named Millie as the protagonist with a borderline personality disorder. Using simple illustrations, Millie first explains the disorder by revealing the opposite emotions it brings on.

The second part of the book is my favorite part. Millie points out certain skills may be learned to control her emotions and then provides concrete examples of how persons suffering from this disorder have significant strengths and advantages as well as weaknesses and disadvantages.

I believe this book can be a valuable tool when used in conjunction with a skilled therapist or teacher. If read independently by a child, it will need adult explanation and elaboration to ensure there are no misunderstandings.

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DINOSAUR DELIGHTS

The Dinosaur Who Discovered Hamburgers

Written by Adisan Books

A fanciful picture book for young readers who are obsessed with dinosaurs. The protagonist is a dinosaur who loves to eat. One day he ventures forth to discover the perfect food.

Readers follow him through deserts, mountains, forests, swamps, and rivers. After selecting what he believed to be the perfect ingredients, our dinosaur friend returns home to cook. Something seems to be missing so he visits Dr. Ham’s food technology factory to work on the missing ingredient. Will that dinosaur succeed in finding the perfect food?

Children who love silly humor and/or dinosaur tales will enjoy this picture book. Adults who read the book to children may want to remind them that many parts of the story are not factual.

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FAMILIAR AND FUN

Piano Made Easy: Learn to Play Nursery Rhymes

By Piano Made Easy Press

This book lives up to its title. It is a learning guide that focuses on familiar tunes from cultures across the world. The introduction section is important to spend time learning the basics. There are clear visuals and simple text explanations. This section must be mastered to proceed to the next level.

The book can be used with very young children with parent or teacher guidance. The songs are familiar to school children and fun to play. As the student gains more confidence, she can move up to level two in the series or graduate to more difficult sheet music.

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IF ONLY WE COULD MEET…

My Dad, My Rock, Children’s Picture Book

Written by Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos

Illustrated by Anna Forlati

A warm and sensitive picture book that will captivate dads, granddads, and grandchildren alike.

Oliver reminisces about the grandfather he has never met. He decides to tell his grandfather about the son he has never known. As Oliver talks about his dad, readers learn about a father’s many roles as a friend, advisor, teacher, and playmate.

The soft, pastel watercolors of the illustrations perfectly complement the tale. I highly recommend the book for families of children ages four through eight.

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A THRILLING WWII ADVENTURE

Command (Lt Peter Harding Book 1)

Written by Antony Melville-Ross

The author is a veteran submariner in the British navy. This book benefits from his experience and attention to detail.

As the tale opens, a British submarine is en route to Norway to target German ships, when it is badly damaged by an Arctic storm. Already under stress, the crew struggles to maintain composure and teamwork because they are being pursued by the Nazis.

The adventure is fast-paced and the characters intense. Readers experience life as a submariner. Fans of World War II history and naval warfare will enjoy the first book of this series.

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BOUNDLESS LOVE

Adventures Into the Heart: Playful Stories About Family Love for Kids Ages 3-5 (Perfect for Early Readers)

Written and illustrated by Eric Klassen

A read-aloud or bedtime story for toddlers and preschoolers. Papa Bear attempts to explain there are no limits to his love. Written in rhymes with vivid illustrations, the book is a feast for the eyes and a joy for the heart.

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FAST, FASCINATING, AND ENLIGHTENING

The Magic Volcano: Molly’s Magical Adventures: Book One

Written by V. K. May

Although this book is targeted at a middle-grade reading audience with short chapters, it contains all the elements that will please young adult and adult audiences.

Molly Marsh possesses an insatiable curiosity and strong determination to get to the bottom of things. As the book opens, she has departed Australia for Papua, New Guinea. Upon landing, a blue butterfly lands on her nose assuring her things will be okay. Let the adventures begin.

Molly teams up with Michael to explore the island. The characters are well-defined, and the action is continuous. Readers discover all types of useful information. I won’t spoil the plot but will say once you start reading, you will not be able to put the book down.

A delightful chapter book for readers eight through eighty.

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THREE TIMES THE FUN

Scaredy Bat Books 1-3 Series Collection: Illustrated Vampire Detective Stories for Kids (Scaredy Bat Collection)

Written by Marina J. Bowman

I previously reviewed the first book in this series and enjoyed it so I jumped at the chance to obtain the boxed series.

Ellie is a vampire detective who is very smart, but she is limited by some very real fears. She has a crew of friends who supplement her weaknesses and team up with her to get to the bottom of each mystery.

This is a wonderful detective series for beginning or intermediate chapter book readers. There are lots of supplementary illustrations to keep the story interesting, along with a few puzzles and bonus pages to make the books interactive. Most children enjoy becoming involved with characters in a series as they are well-developed and interesting.

Highly recommended for budding detectives who love a good mystery with interesting characters and questions to answer.

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GO INWARD THEN FORWARD

The Change Guidebook: How to Align Your Heart, Truths, and Energy to Find Success in All Areas of Your Life 

Written by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino

Most people would agree we would like to become the best we can be, but how many of us, are willing to put in the effort to achieve that lofty goal?

Guarino has made it possible by providing a simple framework to make it possible for us to grow and change as we move through life. She provides ten points of change in three phrases to help the reader become happier.

These three phases align our heart, our truths, and finally our energy. As one discovers herself, she must act. Guarino provides assessments that help us to think, write, talk, and finally, act. The reader learns to create power phrases and then complete exercises to practice implementing those actions. Practical suggestions help us manage our time and energy. For those who enjoy a challenge, a discussion quiz allows a way to gain certification in completion of the course in recognition of the arduous work and progress made on the path to change and true happiness.

Take the first step to becoming a better you.

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