Posts from the ‘read aloud’ Category

COLORING THE RAINBOW – A VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

This post is sponsored by Catherine Rose. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Coloring the Rainbow: The Power of Connection

Written by Catherine Rose

Illustrated by Jeff Dale

Ages: 3-8 | 32 Pages

Publisher: Beaver’s Pond Press (2023) | ISBN: 9781643436371

Publisher’s Book Summary: Coloring the Rainbow: The Power of Connection tells a story of the magic created when the unique talents of a diverse group of children are shared in a colorful adventure.

The adventure begins when we see through a boy’s window to find a young trombonist pausing his practice to wonder if other musical voices exist. When an alluring treble note wafts through his window, he begins an excited quest to find the answer. Playing his horn through his neighborhood, the boy draws other curious children to play their unique instruments along with him.

Together, they played:
“Lend your voice, play your part!
Something grand is beginning―
join us for the start!”

The procession of music makers is touched with magic when their combined voices, raised in harmony, orchestrate a colorful miracle.

The ease of poetry and vibrant illustrations make this book a perfect keepsake for any gift-giver wishing to explore the values of diversity and inclusion with young, loved ones.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Rose is enjoying that time of life when one thinks of creating a legacy.  What are the lessons learned from living life’s adventure that would benefit generations to come?

As a pediatric nurse, she wrote therapeutic stories to help children cope masterfully with injury and illness.  Her present stories weave tales with similarly empowering messages to support children’s development of resilience, confidence and empathy. 

Rose writes from the back porch of her log home, inspired by the profile of Mount Jefferson in North Carolina. Married to her high school sweetheart, they now enjoy perpetual recess with their two grandchildren, whose favorite activity is to read a book written by Nana!

For more information, visit www.catherinerose-childauthor.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Jeff Dale’s foray into artistic design began when his boss at a printing shop asked him to design a logo for a client. While the logo was an impressive design, creating the art had an even more impressive effect on motivating a true passion for creative design.

Educated in the design world of Washington, DC, Jeff’s wide scope of interest and talent has inspired him to design, create, and build just about anything one can conceive of creating, including this debut as an illustrator of a children’s book. Jeff is the founder of Dale Design, situated in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he resides with his wife and two grown children.

His varied talent in artistic design can be appreciated by visiting his website: www.daledesign.com.

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Coloring the Rainbow and a $100 Amazon gift card!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

https://gleam.io/oYrzB/coloring-the-rainbow-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 23, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Tuesday, October 24, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Wednesday, October 25, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Thursday, October 26, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Friday, October 27, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Catherine Rose
Monday, October 30, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Tuesday, October 31, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Wednesday, November 1, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Catherine Rose
Thursday, November 2, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Friday, November 3, 2023Book Bug CABook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Monday, November 6, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Tuesday, November 7, 2023Me Two BooksA Book Activity Paired with Coloring the Rainbow
Wednesday, November 8, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Thursday, November 9, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of Coloring the Rainbow
Friday, November 10, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Monday, November 13, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of Coloring the Rainbow
Tuesday, November 14, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn article by Catherine Rose

 

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY

Coloring the Rainbow: A Story about the Power of Connection

Written by Catherine Rose

Illustrated by Jeffrey Dale

What a beautiful message for children in the primary grades but appropriate for any reader! This beautiful rhyming picture book features a young boy who enjoys playing his trombone. One day he ponders how much more enjoyable it might be if it were combined with the voices of other instruments. He walks through the streets searching for other children who play different musical instruments. Sounds high and low ring out from all parts of the world. What a beautiful symphony they create when blended. Just as music, the unique talents of each child combine to form a gorgeous tapestry creating harmony from individual differences.

Simple, soft colors in conjunction with crisp rhymes suggest this multicultural picture book to be a top choice on a parent or teacher’s bookshelf.

FISTON TELLS IT ALL!

FISTON TELLS IT ALL

Fiston’s Secrets

Written and illustrated by Lieve Snellings

I was elated to receive book five in this author’s stunning picture book series about groundhogs, chipmunks, and squirrels. In this edition, adorable Fiston reveals the secrets of life as a chipmunk.

I love watching these adorable creatures prance around my backyard in the northeastern U.S. Snellings taught me how they eat, move, hibernate, raise their young, and protect themselves.

It is fascinating that these creatures can weigh only two to four ounces yet manage to collect as many as 165 acorns a day when preparing for hibernation! As a history buff, I was delighted to learn about the Iroquois myth connected to them and the analogy of their coloring to the uniforms of the Swiss Guards at the Vatican. The photography is spectacular. Children can visually understand and relate to the fascinating facts that Fiston reveals to his new friends.

I highly recommend adding this beautiful book both to a home or classroom library as a gem of knowledge and a beautiful piece of photography.

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

The Monsters of Marymount – a virtual book blog tour and giveaway

This post is sponsored by Gregory G. Allen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Written by Gregory G. Allen

Illustrated by Shelby Goodwin

Ages 7+ | 128 Pages

Publisher: ASD Publishing | ISBN-13: 9780996102940

Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Toby: a young monster who has skin like a fish, fur like a dog, and smells like cotton candy when he gets excited. He lives with his family in the basement of Marymount Mansion and once a year ventures out into the real world when everyone is dressed for Halloween. Toby becomes frustrated with hiding below ground and sets off on an all-important quest.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gregory G. Allen is an award-winning author, screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor. His children’s books include Chicken Boy: The Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut! He is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and The Dramatist Guild. The idea for his monster book goes back to the first musical he ever wrote, which was produced for the stage when he was 15, with the message that it’s okay to be different.

For more information, visit gregsimagination.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Shelby Goodwin is an illustrator, letterer, graphic designer, and all-around creative living in Hoboken, NJ. She is extremely passionate about children’s media and the power of art to romanticize the everyday. When she is not making things, she can be found with her spouse and three cats exploring new places, eating pastries, or cuddling up in her favorite reading chair.

For more information, visit heartonmysleevedesign.com.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion, a signed paperback copy of each of the author’s previous picture books** (Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism, Chicken Boy: A Superhero with Autism Deals with Doctors & Dentists, and Irving the Theater Nut!), and a $50 Amazon gift card to buy other books! **All books teach children not to fear those who are different and to be proud of themselves FOR those differences.

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

– A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

– A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Superhero with Autism

– A signed paperback copy of Chicken Boy: A Superhero Deals with Doctors and Dentists

– A signed paperback copy of Irving the Theater Nut

– A $50 Amazon Gift Card

Four (4) winners receive:

– A signed paperback copy of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/B1Uur/the-monsters-of-marymount-mansion-book-giveaway

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Celeste lives in an old mansion that has belonged to her family for years. She hides a secret. There are monsters living inside that no one else knows about. Toby is an eight-year-old who lives there with his younger sister and parents.

Most of the time it’s boring because he must hide whenever anyone visits the house. But this year Toby is excited because Halloween is coming an he is old enough to disguise himself among human trick or treaters on Halloween and venture outside the house.

This book contains adorable black and white illustrations that will captivate beginning readers. (as well as adults) Allen knows how to move the story along for beginning chapter readers. I appreciate the message that monsters (like humans) are unique and special. Children learn to appreciate our differences produce our strengths. Certainly, it’s what inside that counts.

As a parent and retired educator, I would recommend the book as a read aloud discussion for homeschool or classroom. Warning! Adults will enjoy this one as much as the kids.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, October 10, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Wednesday, October 11, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Thursday, October 12, 2023Me Two BooksBook Activity Paired with The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Friday, October 13, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Gregory G. Allen
Saturday, October 14, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Sunday, October 15, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Monday, October 16, 2023Froggy Teach ReadBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Tuesday, October 17, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion and Little Free Library Drop
Wednesday, October 18, 2023Twirling Book PrincessBook Giveaway of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Thursday, October 19, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Friday, October 20, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Monday, October 23, 2023My Reading GetawayAn Interview with Gregory G. Allen
Tuesday, October 24, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article Written by Gregory G. Allen
Wednesday, October 25, 2023Book Bug CABook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Thursday, October 26, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAn Interview with Gregory G. Allen
Friday, October 27, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Saturday, October 28, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion
Sunday, October 29, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

SAFETY FIRST

Rosie and the Dancing Butterfly

Written by Jo Beth Cairns

Illustrated by Beenid

Don’t wander off is the lesson young children receive from this picture book. The protagonist is an adorable puppy named Rosie. Curiosity gets the best of her as she races after a butterfly in the park. Before long, Rosie is lost. Jo, her owner, frantically searches for Rosie. Will Jo find her?

The illustrations are large and created with soft pastels. While this book is targeted for children as young as four, the sentences are rather long and some of the vocabulary is difficult. It will require explanation from an adult reader.

Parents and teachers may want to utilize the book to teach important safety lessons.

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

A HEARTWARMING LESSON

Firefighter Fox

Written by Jessica D. Adams

Illustrated by Janelle M. Adams

A children’s picture book with a purpose. This book teaches children about one of our most valuable community helpers, firefighters. At the same time, young readers are introduced to a lovable bunch of toys who are looking for someone special to love them.

These toys have been hidden away in a box stored in the firehouse until a firefighter accidentally finds one of them. Read the story to find how how two little girls learn a lesson that pulls the community together and spreads that message of love and empathy to all it touches.

This book is appropriate for all elementary age readers and a suggested addition for a classroom lesson on community helpers.

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

TROUBLES AND DOUBLES – A VIRTUAL BOOK BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

This post is sponsored by Dr. Drew Palacio. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew

Written by Dr. Drew Palacio

Illustrated by Apolline Etienne

Ages 4+ | 36 Pages

Publisher: Brandylane Publishers, Inc. | ISBN-13: 9781958754368

Publisher’s Book Summary: With a sigh, she went pacing before a large mirror that stood,

Remarking: “Ugh! I’m hideous! None of this looks very good!”

After struggling to find the perfect outfit, Emily Soo dances the night away at a fun party. But when she gets home, her inner voice Emily Two tries to put a damper on her evening.

Confronting our thoughts, fully facing tough emotions, and affirming ourselves can be difficult.

Can Emily Soo find it within herself to squash her Worry and Woe?

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drew Palacio grew up in Mendocino County, California. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco and currently practices in Kansas. Clinically, he implores partnership and efforts from local families, schools, and the community. Lastly, Dr. Drew is himself a child a heart, using his love of magic and worldly mystery, whether via comic books, animation, video games, or through the passing daydream, to always stoke his inspiration.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

What a wonderful resource for children in upper elementary grades, middle schools and even young adults! Palacio reminds us not to listen to that nagging inner voice that tries to pull us into negativity. In this beautifully written rhyming story, Emily Soo has spent much time choosing her outfit and then enjoying a night out dancing. But when she returns home, that nagging voice in her head tries to tear her positive image down. Children need to learn we are all unique and special. Rather than paying attention to negative self talk, we need to develop affirmations to remind ourselves to stay positive. Palacio provides the tools to put us on the right path to form a healthy life-long habit of self-esteem and healthy lifestyle.

As an educator, I highly recommend classroom teachers and school counselors add this book to their library.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a personalized hardcover copy of Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew: The Curious Case of the Two Emily Soos and Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J.

Twelve (12) winners receive:

-A personalized, signed copy of Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew: The Curious Case of the Two Emily Soos

A personalized, signed copy of Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/2DTlL/the-troubles-and-doubles-and-reflections-askew-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 2, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Tuesday, October 3, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew and Little Free Library Drop
Wednesday, October 4, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Dr. Drew Palacio
Thursday, October 5, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Dr. Drew Palacio
Friday, October 6, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Monday, October 9, 2023Confessions of a Book AddictBook Giveaway of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Tuesday, October 10, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Wednesday, October 11, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Thursday, October 12, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Friday, October 13, 2023My Reading GetawayBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Monday, October 16, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Dr. Drew Palacio
Tuesday, October 17, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Wednesday, October 18, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Thursday, October 19, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersAn Article Written by Dr. Drew Palacio
Friday, October 20, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Monday, October 23, 2023Froggy Teach ReadBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Tuesday, October 24, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew
Wednesday, October 25, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of The Troubles and Doubles and Reflections Askew

A CLOUD IN A JAR – VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY

In partnership with Page Street Kids. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Cloud in a Jar

Written by Aaron Lewis Krol

Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Pages Street Kids | ISBN-13: 9781645679936

Publisher’s Book Summary: It’s just after midnight on Walton Wharf West, but there’s no time for sleeping―adventure awaits! Get dressed, grab your oars, let’s not delay. Lou Dozens is here, and we’re sailing to Firelight Bay!

In this modern, young, bold, and inventive adventure, Lou drags her more cautious friend on a daring voyage across the sea. Though their destination is a glorious land of year-round summers, long slides, and picnics a hundred yards wide, the children there have never seen rain, even once.

The mission is simple: bring Firelight Bay a cloud in a jar. But the journey is anything but. Readers will delight in the story’s twists, turns, and unexpected solutions―from a sail of patchwork handkerchiefs to a net crafted from recycled cell phone chargers that saves a beached whale. It’ll take every knick-knack in Lou’s pockets and all the cleverness the pair can muster to safely deliver their gift.

With captivating illustrations and whimsical yet delightfully intricate rhyming text reminiscent of classic children’s poetry, this seafaring quest is one young readers will not soon forget.

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

Bookshop

Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Lewis Krol lives with his family in Lowell, Massachusetts, where he writes about climate change science and solutions for the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative. Like many, his early education included many “invention challenges” where students were tasked with building structures from everyday materials, and he’s pretty sure that’s where the idea for Lou Dozens came from. A Cloud in a Jar is his first picture book.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Carlos Vélez Aguilera lived in the oceanside town of Puerto Vallarta for a time and drew from his memory of those beautiful landscapes and the sense of adventure they gave him while illustrating this book. He also poured in his general love of clouds, the sea, and whales. In addition to drawing, Carlos also likes to dance. He lives in Mexico City, Mexico, with his cat, Benito.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, October 2, 2023The Children’s Book ReviewA Cloud in a Jar Book Tour Kick-Off
Tuesday, October 3, 2023The Fairview ReviewBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Wednesday, October 4, 2023Life Is What It’s CalledAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll
Thursday, October 5, 2023A Blue Box Full of BooksBook Review and Little Free Library Drop of A Cloud in a Jar
Friday, October 6, 2023icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Monday, October 9, 2023Heart to HeartAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll
Tuesday, October 10, 2023Get Outside and ReadBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Wednesday, October 11, 2023Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Thursday, October 12, 2023My Reading GetawayAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll
Friday, October 13, 2023Writer with WanderlustBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Monday, October 16, 2023Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Tuesday, October 17, 2023The Momma SpotBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Wednesday, October 18, 2023Cover Lover Book ReviewBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Thursday, October 19, 2023Stargirls.Magical.TaleBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Friday, October 20, 2023Me Two BooksBook Activity Paired with A Cloud in a Jar
Monday, October 23, 2023One More ExclamationBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Tuesday, October 24, 2023Joanna’s BookshelfBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Wednesday, October 25, 2023Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Thursday, October 26, 2023Froggy Teach ReadBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Friday, October 27, 2023Pages for PaigeBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Monday, October 30, 2023Country Mamas with KidsBook Review of A Cloud in a Jar
Tuesday, October 31, 2023Q&A with Deborah KalbAuthor Interview with Aaron Lewis Kroll

UP, UP, AND AWAY!

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

A Cloud in a Jar

Written by Aaron Lewis Krol

Illustrated by Carlos Vélez Aguilera

Lou decides to bring her best friend on an adventure. She knocks on her friend’s window in Walton Wharf West to urge her to get up from her bed to sail away to Firelight Bay in her rowboat.

Their mission is to reach Firelight Bay where the residents enjoy endless summers and picnics all day long. Sounds wonderful, but one thing is missing. It never rains. The children can never dance in the rain or stomp in puddles. Lou decides to solve that problem by importing rain with a cloud she has trapped in a jar.

The journey seems doomed from the start as they face one mishap after another, but Lou has tricks up her sleeve. A beautiful sea creature appears when their boat breaks apart. Will the girlfriends reach safety? Can they achieve their mission?

Aquilera does a masterful job of creating bold, expressive illustrations that match the different moods of Krol’s poetic adventure. While the fantasy adventure book targets children ages four through eight, the advanced vocabulary might be more suitable as an independent read for middle grade readers.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for the chance to win a hardcover copy of A Cloud in a Jar!

Two (2) winners receive:

A hardcover copy of A Cloud in a Jar

https://gleam.io/KcCkW/a-cloud-in-a-jar-book-giveaway

AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING FEELING

Oh, How You Are Loved (A Keepsake Book for Mother and New Baby)

Written by Melanie Hawkins

This simple rhyming picture book tells the story of a mother’s love for her children. Written by a mother of seven, the simple illustrated rhymes portray animal mothers with their young accompanied by nature scenes.

It would make an excellent bedtime story or read aloud for a child of any age. Buyers should note that the book reflects a Christian outlook on motherhood. It might also be a gift for a first-time parent.

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SEA SILLIES

Eel’s Book of Mermaid Jokes:

Written by Tamara Rittershaus

Illustrated by Alvin Adhi

This picture book features a comic book format. For fans of mermaids, sea creatures, and jokes, the first grade reading level makes it a good fit for a beginning reader. There is a bit of potty humor though it is not the focus of the jokes. Eel presents some puns and jokes about mermaids and later gets into a debate with a shrimp who has a much more serious demeanor.

The illustrations are colorful and engaging. I would suggest this short book as a good choice for children who are reluctant readers or comic book lovers.

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

SPACE, SCIENCE, AND SUSPENSE

One Giant Leap

Written by Ben Gartner

One Giant Leap has much to offer. A middle-grade read that leans a bit more to the upper grades of that range contains an interesting plot. Four students have won a science competition to take a trip to outer space from a space tourist organization, but both of Fin’s parents are in the hospital. He needs a guardian to participate.

A conflict of emotions and stress at the outset. Well, I will reveal that Fin accepts the prize, but not the details of this fantastic opportunity. The book combines lots of space trivia, factual scientific information, and middle-grade angst connected with coming of age. Its adventure plot moves swiftly.

I especially enjoyed the author’s approach of including rather advanced vocabulary definitions in the glossary and a section at the end separating fact from fiction. Space afficionados and science geeks will both enjoy the book. Even adults will not be disappointed.

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