The Wondercurrent: (Rella Pen Sword and The Red Notebooks Book 1)
Written by J.R. Parks
Rella’s parents belong to a secret group of storytellers. First, her mother disappears, eventually her father suffers the same fate. Rella must now flee her homeland. She finds herself in the land of Hleo, where she joins up with four other children. They encounter shapeshifters and mysterious animal guardians. Rella must find a way to defeat the plague ravishing the land and retrieve the red notebooks. Fans of Harry Potter will enjoy this adventure.
Some reviewers discuss errors in the manuscript but many of these appear to have been corrected in this rendition. The characters are interesting and the action fast-paced in the 300 page adventure.
I think younger middle-grade readers might find the read a bit difficult and would classify it more as a young adult read. A good discussion book for issues like friendship, inclusion, facing fears and cultivating humility.
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When Will Cicada Sing? (Little Fingers, Big Science)
Written by Carla Mae Jansen
This is a cute, informative picture book for preschoolers and primary grade readers. The author describes the seventeen year life cycle of the cicada. Children learn the long and complicated process of development. At the end of the book, readers are treated to a detailed diagram of the life cycle of the cicada and an illustrated explanation of how cicadas sing.
A valuable edition to a parent’s nonfiction bookshelf or a classroom science library.
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The Legend of Creepy Hollow: Tales of the Lost and Found
Written by Shana Gorian
Noah and his sister Oakley are visiting the Murphy farm and orchard in upstate New York with their friend, Andre. They are enjoying learning about farm life but one thing troubles Noah. He has failed his history exam and his parents will ground him if he fails to pick up his grades. To make matters worse, his parents are history teachers! Noah’s teacher has given him an opportunity to make things right. She offered him coordinates to participate in a geocache. A geocache is a global treasure hunt game whose goal is to find a hidden treasure. Noah is not enthusiastic until Murphy’s granddaughter, Annalise, shows interest. Noah has developed a bad crush on her. The four teens decide they will embark the next day to explore the coordinates.
Once engaged on the hunt things get complicated. A nineteenth century ghost scouts the area. Strange sounds and events pop up. Will the foursome find the treasure? Can they survive their paranormal adventure?
The autumn setting and eerie feel contrast the peaceful nature of the farm with the threats that loom over them. The author skillfully weaves history within the plot teaching about the Harvest and Hunter’s Moon while revealing plot elements. Mystery, coming of age, detectives, and fear combine to entice middle grade readers to turn each page.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author and voluntarily chose to read and review with my honest opinions for no monetary compensation.
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Publisher’s Synopsis: Chipper the Fox and his Arctic friends travel to summer camp for fun in the sun! After an amazing summer, how will they stay in touch with their new friends and keep their summer adventure going?
Kimber Morgan is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kimber is a fun wife and imperfect mom of 3 crazy kiddos and two little lemon (problematic) dogs. She tries to live her strengths the best she can. Morgan is a homemade Halloween costume type of mom who lets her kids mix the Play-Doh. She bakes fun birthday cakes (cutely, but far from perfection) and loves a homemade Valentine and a school project.
Writing children’s books is an extension of her creative strength. She strives to create picture books that are beautiful, engaging, humorous, and with themes of acceptance and kindness. She hopes you love reading her works. Kimber is available for author visits and wants to connect with you.
Chipper and his friends from the arctic region decide to go south on a camping vacation. When they arrive at Bright Stars Camp, they immediately forge new friendships. They engage in activities like archery, swimming, sunning on the beach, and racing competitions.
Alas, the time moves swiftly. How will they continue the bonds formed here over until seeing each other again next year. Each of the arctic friends attempts to send gifts to their new friends, but none arrive safely. Finally, they discover the perfect gift. Can you guess what it is?
This charming rhyming, animal picture book contains illustrations that are delightful to look at and fun to read. I would suggest it as a bedtime story or group read aloud for preschool and primary grade children.
Enter for the chance to win a paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet! Good luck!
Enter for the chance to win a paperback copy of Chipper Sends Sunshine and an Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet! Good luck!
WORD DRAGON: ( A FUN & FAST-PACED CHAPTER BOOK SERIES FOR KIDS 8-11) JUNKYARD ADVENTURES 1
Word Dragon is the first book in an interesting adventure book series for elementary and middle-grade readers. When siblings, Eli and Grace visit an antique store owned by “Uncle Larry,” a nonstop fantasy adventure ensues.
Their dad is searching for a second-hand lawnmower. Eli and Grace meet the lovable but absent minded store owner who loves telling stories to children. Larry gives them a hubcap, a length of rope, and an old Scrabble game with a missing letter. He informs the children they they can use these to go on an adventure, but once begun they cannot return until they solve the mystery to find their way back.
Challenge accepted! The brother and sister head off. They will meet a Word Dragon and avoid fireballs thrown at them along the journey. I particularly enjoyed the word vocabulary list that encourages young readers to expand their vocabulary. Readers will definitely want to sign up for a return visit to Uncle Larry’s store.
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DIVERSITY to me: A children’s picture book teaching kids about the beauty of diversity
Written by Marisa J. Taylor
Illustrated by Fernanda Monteiro
I love the non-judgmental presentation of diversity presented by this author.
She shows both in text and illustration diversity is not restricted to skin color. We all have different talents, personalities, and physical traits. These must be assessed together so that all races can live and work together in harmony.
Recommended to parents, teachers, and librarians of preschoolers and primary grade children.
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Weeny Meeny is rather young for a witch just passing the 1000 year mark. She enjoys newfound independence as she can now consider herself a mature witch. One thing bothers her. All the other witches fly about town never considering the litter in the streets. Weeny Meeny is environmentally conscious and wants to do something about it so she teams up with her pets, a black crow and a black cat.
Weeny Meeny strives to combine her magic with some hard work. The three friends enlist the aid of some unlikely allies and set to the task. Will the streets of the town be clean for Halloween?
The illustrations are child-like pencil drawings etched in Halloween colors. They add a unique aspect to the tale. While the book is targeted for readers ages three through ten, there is quite a bit of text on each page, which makes me feel it more suitable for a bit older reader or as a child’s beginning reader rather than a picture book for the younger child.
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Reading comprehension is essential to success in school and in life. You play a major role in helping your kids retain the information they read. There are basic and more advanced strategies that any parent can use to assist their children in this area.
Basic Steps to Strengthen Comprehension
Make it fun. Your child may already feel uneasy if reading is an area of weakness. Project a calm and happy attitude and even try to turn reading into a game.
Practice. Practice. Practice. Encourage your children to take advantage of every opportunity to test their reading skills. In addition to books, they can read street signs and cereal boxes.
Select materials that match the reading level of your child.People retain material best when they can read at least 90% of the words. Otherwise, they’ll get distracted by asking questions or trying to figure out the meanings of unfamiliar words.
Choose subjects your kids love. It’s easier to get your kids to read if you keep their passions in mind. Browse your local library for new books about dinosaurs, fairy princesses, or any other area of interest.
Create a summary. Ask your child to recap what was just read. If they struggle, prompt them gently by dropping some clues. When they get it right, praise them for doing a great job.
Take time off. Small children and even some adults have limited attention spans. Alternate between reading and other activities such as baking cookies or taking a walk.
Break long texts down into smaller segments. Approach a large textbook a few pages or one chapter at a time. You can gradually increase the length of reading assignments as your child progresses.
Find a comfortable reading spot. Designate a special area for reading. It could be the corner of the living room couch or while sitting at the dining room table.
Discuss the reading material. Encourage conversation about whatever you and your child are reading. Question one another and share your impressions.
Supplement reading with other activities.Generate more enthusiasm by combining reading with other special activities. This will give your children something to look forward to. If you’re reading a book about the American Civil War, you could plan a family outing to a local museum or even Gettysburg.
Read aloud to each other. Take turns reading aloud to each other. Kids learn faster when they hear and see words at the same time.
Go back and re-read. Let your kids know that a smart student goes back and re-reads sections that they find difficult. Tell them that even adults do this.
Advanced Steps to Strengthen Comprehension
Scan the text before reading. Give a complicated textbook the once-over before you plunge in. Suggest that your kids focus on the chapter titles, section headings, and any words in bold or italics.
Take notes. Purchase a memo pad and sticky notes so your children can jot down thoughts and questions as they read. This is called active reading. Older kids may be more comfortable taking notes using their eBook reader.
Experiment with inferences. Explain what inferences are and how to use them. Making an inference is when you draw conclusions based on clues in the text and your own experiences.
Spot flag words. Talk with your kids about how flag words help you to understand a text by establishing word relationships. Give examples such as analogies, cause and effect connections, or comparing and contrasting.
Map the story. Some readers have a more visual learning style. These kids may benefit from drawing squares or circles and filling them in with elements of the story such as characters, plot, and theme.
With skillful guidance, even children who are reluctant to read can discover the joys of reading for pleasure. As a parent, you’re the best role model and instructor for helping your kids to build reading comprehension skills and love of literature for a lifetime.
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Counting Book for Children, Math Read Aloud Picture Book
Written and illustrated by Lisa Konkol
Poor Mrs. Wiggles has lost her students. She stands alone in her one room school.
One day the numbers fall off the shelf and come to life. As they introduce themselves, the number zero finds himself without a role. The other numbers welcome him and teach young readers that each of us is important. Children learn to count with single numbers and groups of ten. Finally, they receive a bonus page on which numbers are matched to the corresponding number of objects.
This interactive book contains funny illustrations and appealing faces to entice the youngest readers. Recommended as a read aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, and reluctant readers to be enjoyed over and over.
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Publisher’s Book Summary: Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?
This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.
Owner Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children. Maria Castellucci Moore strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.
María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, Maria founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.
María resides in Saint Helena, California, with her husband and four young children. She enjoys writing; traveling; attending the opera, ballet, and symphony; flower arranging; winemaking; ballroom dancing; and playing tennis and the piano.
Come tour Paris through the eyes of a child. Vivienne takes the advice of her grandfather who counsels her to experience her favorite places by opening her mind and heart.
Vivienne sets off on her bicycle to revisit her favorite friends and places in Paris. This time she allows her senses to totally immerse her. She smells the food, the flowers, touches the fabrics, feels the wind, sees the beauty of its buildings, and hears its voices. Suddenly, ordinary surroundings flood her body and mind with rich imagery. Vivienne’s readers magically accompany her on a journey that feeds their imagination.
I appreciate the way Moore challenges her readers with new vocabulary, exciting verbs, and fanciful forms. The beautiful illustrations complement the text perfectly and entice elementary school age readers to travel to Paris on an armchair adventure they will want to repeat over and over.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Vivienne in Paris and a Kindle!
One (1) winner receives:
– A hardcover copy of Vivienne in Paris signed by Maria Castellucci Moore
June 25, 2023
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