The Apollo Program: The History and Legacy of America’s Most Famous Space Missions

Written by Charles River Editors

I have read several historical collections by Charles River Editors and have found them informative and useful, particularly for younger audiences. In my opinion, this one was a bit disappointing.

The book is jammed packed with information about every aspect of the Apollo Program focusing mostly on the Apollo I disaster, Apollo 11 and Apollo 13. But that strength is also its weakness. In many sections of the book, one feels as if she is reading a textbook. In an effort to present an accurate picture, the reader becomes lost in a sea of technical information.

The biographical sketches of the astronauts proved interesting as well as the tie in with the Cold War and the space race with the Soviets. The discussion of how NASA decided on spacecraft design and the team effort of government and private sectors is interesting for any reader. Most of the Charles River Editions are geared toward middle grade and young adult readers, but I think this one will turn most of that audience away. The diagrams and photos are an asset, but most readers will lose interest in the myriad of details. If the book had been written more as a story and less as a cut and paste collection of facts, it would merit a higher rating. The graphic detail of the Apollo I accident is too overwhelming for readers under age ten. Recommended especially for readers who have a definite interest in space science.

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Mindfulness for Children: The Natural Way to Cure ADHD, Improve Focus and Schoolwork, and Have a Happy and Healthy Child

Written by Tony Robson

This title is a mouthful; it seems like a magic formula. The author promises to explain the technique without a lot of extra boring information, and the book is less than thirty pages. He focuses on strategies that can be especially helpful for parents of children and teens who struggle with ADHD.

Robson begins with the definition of mindfulness which is meditation based on accepting and focusing on emotions and thoughts that are occurring in a person’s present moment in time. He lists the benefits of practicing mindfulness: better sleep and health, less stress, improved schoolwork, and keeping emotions in check. Next, he briefly explains how to determine when and where to meditate, how to influence your child and how to do the meditation. Robson suggests making it active, perhaps a superhero walk for a young child or a pretend driving lesson for teens. The parent must keep the child away from distractions, and search for what things worry the child. It is important to learn how to choose battles and when to respond. This will allow a child to better control emotional outbursts. Finally, teach children to be grateful so they remember the good things rather than the bad.

While these suggestions are helpful, parents need to understand that they must be able to meditate and stay in control if this technique is to be successful with their child. Robson refers them to another of his works for more detailed information. Anyone who is serious about learning and using this technique should know that this book is probably not sufficient for mastery of the technique. Certainly recommended to parents and teachers of ADHD children who are interested in finding non medical alternatives for their children

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Toby’s Tails: Still Wagging (Fantasy Farm Tales Book 4)

Written by Susan Keefe

Toby, the Border Collie, narrates his adventures at Fantasy Farm in France. He lives with two humans and an assortment of farm animals with whom he shares many adventures. Readers learn a lot about Toby as well as real life facts about life on the farm.

The first book tells about Toby’s first year of life and how he was trained to be a proper border collie. In this book, readers are treated to adventures on the farm throughout the seasons from spring, summer, autumn and back to winter. Toby meets Scarlet, a squirrel who introduces us to her drey and new babies. On a car trip, Toby explains what log lorries are, we meet some bees in the meadow pollinating plants, and noisy baby goats who are growing fast. Young readers learn about the differences between a mouse and a vole, the arrival of the swallows and the wrens. At the market, mum buys fresh vegetables and guinea fowl. Of course, there must be a mystery adventure. When Henrietta, a brown hen is missing, Toby is on red alert. Readers learn about rabbits and how they breed in the spring. Toby has quite a strange experience when the family decides to go on a picnic and Mum has an interesting experience with stick insects. Mum is excited when a horse named Marine comes to live on their farm. As the season turns to autumn, the slow worms emerge to do their work. In practically no time at all, frost has returned and winter is just around the corner. How will the animals on the farm adapt and change?

Love this approach to teaching children about animals and life on a real farm in the countryside. The photos are beautiful and charming. This chapter book of a little more than fifty pages could be broken up in sections as a classroom read aloud. There is a lot of information packed within the pages. Perfect choice for an eight to ten year old who loves animals.

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MY FIRST TRIP TO ITALY

If You Were Me And Lived In…ITALY: A Child’s Introduction to Culture Around the World

Written by Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga

This book was provided to me in return for an honest, unbiased review.

The book is part of a series that introduces young children to the geography and culture of different countries around the world. As with other books in the series, readers are provided with simply drawn maps and multicultural images of families. They discover tidbits about the history, customs, food, holidays, public places and currency.

In this book, readers learn that charcoal burners spaghetti was the favorite dish of local coal miners, and that Rome is the only city in the world that has another country within its own borders, the Catholic Church. They read about the ancient Colosseum and the Roman gladiators as well as the modern Olimpico Stadio where Italians go to watch football games today.

The simple, large and colorful illustrations allow young children in preschool and kindergarten to follow the book through the pictures as an adult reads the text. Text is in large font which is helpful for beginning readers who can read independently. The pronunciation to explain unfamiliar Italian words  is given within text . I enjoyed the interactive questioning approach that is integrated into the story.

I recommend that parents, teachers and librarians collect this book as part of the whole series to introduce elementary school students to the culture and geography of countries around the globe. Best used as a read aloud so that children can ask questions as they share and assimilate information.

More About the Book

Join Carole P. Roman as she visits the Republic of Italy. Learn what it is like to live in Rome, see the famous architecture, celebrate a favorite holiday and discover popular names for both boys and girls. Be fascinated with it’s diverse and rich history and colorful traditions. On the way, you might learn a word or two in Italian! The If You Were Me and Lived In … Series is available on Amazon. Ages 4-8 | CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform | 2015 | 978-1519241412

About Carole P. Roman

Carole P. Roman

Carole P. Roman’s is the award winning author of the nonfiction If You Were Me and Lived in… series of children’s books. The first title in the collection, If You Were Me and Lived in…Mexico, won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children’s Nonfiction in 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia and If You Were Me and Lived in…France were finalists in the Indie Fab Foreword Review Book of the Year. Norway and South Korea have also been named as Book of the Year with Rebecca’s Reads and Children’s Reader’s View Book of the Year. Roman has also found success with her Captain No Beard children’s books. Her debut, Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life, was named a Kirkus Best of 2012, received a Star of Exceptional Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award in 2012. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and very near her children. CarolePRoman.com | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Captain No Beard Tour Giveaway

Enter to win a complete autographed set of the If You Were Me series, written by award-winning author Carole P. Roman and illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga; including If You Were Me and Lived in … Italy: A Child’s Introduction to Culture Around the World! Plus, the grand prize winner will also receive the Educational Insights Geosafari Jr Talking Globe. Giveaway begins January 10, 2016, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends February 16, 2016, at 11:59 P.M. PST. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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If You Were Me and Lived In … Italy Tour Dates

Sunday January 10 2016 The Children’s Book Review If You Were Me and Lived In … Series Giveaway Sunday January 10 2016 It’s Fundamental Author Interview with Carole P. Roman Wednesday January 13 2016 Teacher Dance Book Review of If You Were Me and Lived In … Italy Monday January 18 2016 The Fairview Review Guest Post with Carole P. Roman Thursday January 21 2016 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of If You Were Me and Lived In … Italy Monday January 25 2016 5 Girls Book Reviews Author Interview with Carole P. Roman Tuesday January 26 2016 Icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of If You Were Me and Lived In … Italy Wednesday February 3 2016 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog, Author of The Little Miss HISTORY Travels to…book series Book Review of If You Were Me and Lived In … Italy Sunday February 7 2016 Inspired by Savannah Author Interview with Carole P. Roman Tuesday February 9 2016 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Book Review of If You Were Me and Lived In … Italy

BIRD LIFE FUNNY &WEIRD FEATHERED ANIMALS Funny & Weird Animals Series

Written by P.T. Hersom

Nonfiction book of approximately sixty pages features more than twenty of our feathered friends. The author first presents an overview of the characteristics of birds and then considers the reasons why some birds are considered strange. For each of the books considered readers are informed about the size, habitat, diet and a few paragraphs that make that bird particularly interesting. While I was familiar with a few of them like the pelican, grouse and hawk, there were many I had never heard of like the Hoatin, Cassowary, and Red-footed Booby.

I came away with some fascinating details. Did you know that Helmeted Hornbills are hunted for their casque (helmets) that are carved like ivory and their feathers are used in ceremonial dances? The Frigatebird acts like a pirate because it attacks other birds which have their lunch in their mouths, stealing it for a free meal. Even though they soar over the sea for their prey, Frigatebirds hate the water because their feathers become easily waterlogged.

Readers can test their memories by answering the What Did You Learn Today? Questions following the profiles of each bird. The answers are included, but don’t cheat! This is a fun feature for siblings or groups of children to use as a game or for a parent/teachers to use as reinforcement for a classroom lesson. Children eight and older who love birds or who are looking for an animal science project will find this book a good starting point. Available in kindle and paperback format.

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Books in the Adventures of Monte Series: Book 1 Monte Travels the Rainforest

Written by D.J. Thomas

Monte is a monster with a penchant for travel. He takes the reader on a journey through the African rain forest. Monte takes photographs as he departs his campsite and walks through the forest. Readers gain knowledge of twenty animals including size weight, habitat, breeding, food choices, communication and distinguishing features. Each animal’s description is accompanied by a photograph of the animal.

The book is advertised as an interactive book. This author offers readers and subscribers activities to accompany the books. The first kindle book in this series is just over fifty pages and targets readers ages three to nine. Young children might enjoy looking at the pictures, but they will have difficulty understanding the text containing sentences with as many as thirty words. The book needs some editing; there are too many adjectives and exclamation points.

Monte the Monster is pictured on the cover, but does not appear inside the book. He is narrating the story, and I think that children would like to visualize him doing so. This book contains information that could be useful for elementary school children, but the text is difficult for children under age ten to read independently. Parents, teachers or librarians might want to break down the information and simplify for easier understanding.

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I would like to wish all my friends and followers a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Feliz Año Nuevo

Frohes neues Jahr

Bonne année

un felice anno nuovo

I could go on and on, but my wish is sincere in any language.

During this past year, I have shared and reviewed more than 100 books with you, and I hope that you have enjoyed exploring them with me. My Little Miss HISTORY Travels to….series  added two new adventures one to Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and a trip back in time to Ellis Island, the pathway to a new world and life of opportunity. To find out more about these books and where to purchase, please visit http://Littlemisshistory.com

Looking ahead to next year, Little Miss will guide us through the home of George Washington at Mount Vernon, revealing a different side of America’s first president.

She is carefully laying out plans to travel way back in time and land in a place where few humans have set foot. That’s about all I can say right now, but I do want to make sure that parents, teachers and students are aware of some tremendous opportunities available through 2016……..

2016 is the Centennial of the National Park Service. National Park System comprises 401 areas called “units” covering more than 84 million acres. These units include national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House.

Find Your Park is about more than just national parks! It’s about the National Park Service working in your community through education programs, community assistance projects, and more. It’s about state parks, local parks, trails, museums, historic sites, and the many ways that the American public can connect with history and culture, enjoy nature, and make new discoveries.

Join in the action. Visit FindYourPark.com to sample upcoming centennial events near you, share your stories, and find your park! Participate in Find Your Park Experiences to learn, discover, be inspired, or simply have fun in national parks.

To help engage and create our next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates, the White House, in partnership with the Federal Land Management agencies, launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative. The immediate goal is to provide an opportunity for each and every 4th grade student across the country to experience their federal public lands and waters in person throughout the 2015-2016 school year.

Beginning September 1st all kids in the fourth grade have access to their own Every Kid in a Park pass at www.everykidinapark.gov. This pass provides free access to national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and more!

The Every Kid in a Park pass is good for the 2015-2016 school year, until August 31, 2016. Information on obtaining the pass is available by visiting www.everykidinapark.gov.

PLEASE JOIN WITH ME BY READING AND EXPLORING in 2016!

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Title: Oregon Clippings

Written by: Karen Ballentine

Interesting collage of state, local and international news posted in the Lincoln County Leader weekly newspaper posted in Toledo, Oregon. At that time the population consisted of 300 inhabitants. The 1899 eight page newspaper covered a plethora of subjects which paint a portrait of life in 1899. The postings range from what you would expect in a local newspapers, births, deaths, weather and local gossip to a larger view of the state, country and world. For example, readers learn that Venice is sinking and that the Yellow River in China has overflowed. On the local side, a reporter tells of a local woman who is able to locate her missing husband in a dream, and a murderer who has hung himself in his cell. We learn that the US government has more gold coin than it knows what to do with, and that paper money cannot be used for exchange in the Philippines because the bugs eat it. The paper reports that a rosary in the British museum is made of the vertebrae of a snake, and another one is made of rat’s teeth.

Sundry and varied for sure, but the tiny paper presents a remarkable picture of life in 1899 both here and abroad. An interesting, if random, arrangement of facts that makes for a pleasant afternoon of nostalgic fun.

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Spiders: Fun Facts and Amazing Photos of Animals in Nature Book 6

Written by Emma Child

Another entry in the Amazing Animals series of kindle books. The photos can be enlarged for closer inspection by young readers. I enjoyed this nonfiction book; facts were presented in an easy to read and interesting format.

Readers learn what a spider looks like, how they spin webs, the venom they engender, what they eat, and the families in which they live. The book is packed with little known information. I learned that crab spiders often live in tree trunks and that the diving bell spider lives entirely underwater. Tarantula spiders are even kept as house pets. Some spiders actually live in colonies with as many as 50,000 spiders who hunt and share food together.

The books in this series are targeted for children ages six through twelve. I would recommend collecting them as good nonfiction resource for the study of animals. Teachers and parents can use them as a starting point in research study. Too bad they are not currently available in print versions.

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Drawing for Beginners: From Dot to Drawing Shapes and Forms

Written by Renee B. Williams

This author has a passion for explaining how to do things, and she displays a definite talent in this area. Adults who have always wanted to learn how to draw or those interested in helping children learn will find value in this book. The step by step approach laid out in the Table of Contents sets the tone for this book of approximately fifty pages.

Williams tells her readers that drawing begins with a dot, then connecting the dots and proceeding to lines. She encourages us to surprise ourselves by allowing ourselves to scribble. Later we can train our eyes to see shapes in the objects around us. I found the section on artist tools helpful. Williams explains the need for an artistic pencil, erasers, sharpeners and the importance of using drawing paper with the proper weight. She cautions the budding artist not to draw from memory, train your eyes and always keep a drawing pad near you. The section on mistakes to avoid includes not throwing away your drawings and not to be afraid of darker values or outlines. As you become more proficient you can learn more about three dimensional forms as well as light and shadows. Drawing can be a fun activity; you do not need to possess great talent. It is a wonderful way to connect to the world and release your frustrations.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in learning to draw or to understand the basic elements of drawing Children ages ten and up should be able to handle the text independently or the book can be used as a joint adult and child teaching tool.

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