The Douglas Bastard: A Historical Novel

Written by J R Tomlin

An interesting choice for young adults and adults who enjoy medieval history. Narrated from the perspective of a nine year old boy, Archibald Douglas, who is orphaned in fourteenth century Scotland and exiled with the Scottish king to France.

It follows the career of Douglas as he passes through the stages of knighthood and eventually returns to Scotland to revenge the king. The author has a lot of experience with nonfiction so there is much attention to historical detail. The language with Scottish inflection is sometimes difficult to follow. Tomlin attempts to remedy that with an extensive glossary.

This book is part of a series. Readers who seek a satisfying ending may be disappointed. For readers who enjoy history with interesting characters and battle scenes, this series will fit the bill nicely.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO GET NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

A Bee or Not a Bee (Early Science Books)

Written by Audrey Sauble

A wonderful nonfiction picture book that encourages elementary age school children to become young scientists.

The illustrations are colorful and fun but the biggest value of the book is the amount of information crammed into its short length. Readers not only learn about the types, habitats, and daily lives of bees but they are contrasted with many different types of insects. Children will learn about the likenesses and differences as well as learning about both bees and insects.

The author includes the scientific names for each and provides an interactive activity for matching pictures with information. They are also given a bee survey chart that they might complete by exploring bees in their own neighborhood.

A wonderful resource for parents and teachers to place in their home or school libraries.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

The Mirror Box

Written by Wade M. Bergner

Illustrated by Alan Brown

This is a tender picture book dealing with a topic families dread facing, the death of a loved one. In this book, the protagonist is a young boy who loves and enjoys spending time with his grandfather playing football, taking walks, sharing memories, and telling jokes.

One day his parents tearfully approach him with the news that his grandfather has passed away. The message confuses him. How could his grandfather leave without saying goodbye. Suddenly he remembers a gift that his grandfather gave him with the promise the boy would not peek. Will that gift be the key to relieving his grief?

I believe this book could be an important tool for parents or teachers with children who are grieving a personal or community loss.
Recommended for elementary grade readers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily decided to read and review it with my honest opinions for no compensation.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Ruby Loves Halloween

Written by Steven Zollars

Ruby loves Halloween. In this short picture book, Ruby tells readers about some of her favorite costume choices, and the things she likes to do on Halloween with her friends.

The drawings are simple child-like creations. This book might be a good choice to introduce the Halloween holiday in a non-scary way to toddlers and preschoolers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG TO GET NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

I Can Eat a Rainbow

Written and Illustrated by Olena Rose

Illustrated by Indira Zuleta

This rhyming picture book might be useful for parents of toddlers and preschoolers. The plot is more practical than exciting. A young girl moves through different types of foods and explains how each can become enticing. If read as a bedtime story or read aloud to an individual child or class, it could be an effective guide to a discussion about the benefits of a varied diet.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Barnabee Believes (in Himself)

Written and Illustrated by Cazzy Zahursky

Another well-done book in the Barnabee series.

Barnabee loves to spell. He is thrilled when he learns his teacher has selected him to be in the spelling bee. He practices with Buster, another classmate.

Barnabee does not understand why every time he gets a word at practice, he freezes and cannot spell. Buster makes fun of him. Can Barnabee find the courage to be brave and perform when the big day arrives?

I enjoyed the clever puns, alliteration and on-spot analogies that add humor and make reading the story aloud fun. Not to mention children learn how to handle anxiety and cope with competition by turning it into friendship.

Recommended for elementary age readers.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Phoenix Down: (The Naturalist Book 1)

Written by Brooke Hatchett

Remy is a quiet, introverted child who suffers from disfigurement. He spends most of his time reading and hanging around his adopted father, Clint’s shop. Clint holds lots of secrets and magic in a special room that keeps Remy intrigued. Remy has benefited from the knowledge gained from patrons visiting the shop.

As Remy grows older, and ventures outside into the world with Clint, he will discover danger in many forms. Interesting characters, mythical creatures like dragons, ice-horses, and Phoenix lie in wait at every turn to trap and ensnare them.

This is the first book in a series. The fact that this book is part of the Vella program is a bit disappointing for those readers who prefer to binge read a series.

Recommended for older middle school, young adult, and adult audiences, particularly in the fantasy and coming of age genres.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

When I Caught You

Written and illustrated by Izzy B

Little Bear and his father go fishing. As the day wears on, Little Bear becomes impatient. On their way home, Dad tells his son how wonderful the day has been. Little Bear does not understand. After not catching anything, he sees it as a waste. Father Bear teaches him about the beauty of nature and the importance of simply spending time with loved ones.

The soft colors, simple text and sweet message remind elementary grade readers to appreciate our world and especially those who love us.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOF TO GET NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

How I Saved the Ants

Written by Joyothsna Raju

IIlustrated by Vijitha Senadeera

Cheeku is a mischievous boy who lives with his grandmother. He tries to avoid getting up for school but reluctantly rises and steals mangoes from the monkeys on his way. But the monkeys chase him and he falls into a tunnel where his adventure begins.

Cheeku meets an ant colony. The queen grants him magic powers to be both a boy and an ant. In the following days, Cheeku discovers the value of friendship, the meaning of forgiveness, and the definition of teamwork.

Can a naughty little boy learn a valuable lesson from these tiny creatures?

Colorful, expressive illustrations that evoke strong emotions link the story effectively to the lessons taught. A multicultural tale that teaches and entertains elementary school children.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.

Team Supercrew Emotions and Powers (4 Box Set)

Written by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn

Illustrated by Sergio De Giorgi

This multicultural picture book assists elementary school readers to discover positive ways to discover and understand their emotions.

In the first book, the author introduces Sarah, who is about to attend her first day of school. Sarah is talking to her favorite superhero Benny who assures her fears are unfounded. He points out the positive situations and new experiences that could lie ahead in school.

Sarah understands the power behind, “What if?”. As a brave member of team supercrew, she has the power to be brave and unafraid.

I like the addition of an exercise for readers about how to build their own superpower skills. Look forward to reading the rest of the series.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG FOR NEW BOOK REVIEWS EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY.