Take a listen, March 20, 2022

Cinnamon the Adventurous Guinea Pig Goes to Devil’s Island

Written by Daniel Turner

Illustrated by Gayle Skinner

This is a delightful beginning reader chapter book. It contains a few simple illustrations peppered throughout to keep the reader interested. The animal characters featuring guinea pigs and Siamese cats are delightful. They provide young readers with models of compassion, kindness, empathy, resilience, and teamwork.

Driven to flee their home because of a volcanic eruption, the animals get lost at sea, captured by the nasty, Captain Blood, and develop a plan to resist their enslavement. Will they be able to escape his clutches? What will the future hold for them?

The book is under sixty pages which makes it a good choice not only for a beginning but also for a reluctant reader. I would also recommend it as a classroom read-aloud that could be used to teach desirable values.

If you are looking for more teaching resources, check out my youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

Blackbeard: The Birth of America

Written by Samuel Marquis

This novel is an interesting work of historical fiction. It is carefully researched and well-written, though it probably goes a tad too long. Readers are presented with a Blackbeard who may not have been a cutthroat pirate but an early proponent of democracy. Did Blackbeard espouse the cause of the Revolution? Was this the reason the Crown was so desperate to get rid of him? How much of an influence did the pirates’ system of democracy influence the times?

Perhaps Blackbeard’s image as a cruel, inhumane character can be attributed to colorful imagination and oral storytelling passed down through the generations. In any case, Marquis presents an argument that must be considered. Historians spend countless hours sifting through research to form conclusions and these conclusions are often open to multiple possibilities and answers.

I would recommend the book as a thoughtful and interesting perspective on The Golden Age of Piracy and Blackbeard in particular.

IF YOU LOVE HISTORY, SIGN UP FOR ALL THE RESOURCES AT WWW.LITTLEMISSHISTORY.COM

Extraordinary Women in History, 70 Remarkable Women Who Made a Difference

Written by Leah Gail

This book is packed with information. The author explores the lives of 70 women, some of whom are well-known and others left forgotten in the annals of history.

Familiar faces include Florence Nightingale, Amelia Earhart, Dian Fossey, and Joan of Arc. Their field of endeavor ranges from military heroes, activists, athletes, inventors, and creative thinkers. The book harkens back to ancient and medieval times as well as contemporary examples. These women are representative of many races and many countries.

There is a bibliography for additional research. This book would be a good starting point for research on women representatives to be used in the study of woman’s history. My reason for a lower rating is that the writing is choppy in sections which can make it difficult to read. I would still recommend it as a reference book, particularly for middle-grade students.

Looking for more educational resources?

Check out my youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

The New Kid: Surviving Middle School Is Tough

Written by Maureen Straka

Alex is dismayed that his best friend, Luke, is moving. The summer becomes a boring nightmare. When Alex wakes up late for the first day of school, he is certain it is an evil omen.

This book contains well-defined characters that will appeal to the middle-grade reader. So many familiar struggles. There are bullying, school and family relationship struggles, trust, and acceptance issues.

This book is a quick read, under one hundred pages, and a good choice for reluctant readers. I would recommend it for the eight through twelve age group.

LOOKING FOR MORE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES?

SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVUU3m8cCeBUr2wxHAQi6Lw

When The Sky Roars: Dyslexia Font Edition

Written and Illustrated by Katie Weaver

A little boy is afraid of thunder. He decides he must put his foot down and conquer this fear. He ventures off on a trip to the sky with helium balloons. Once there he meets all kinds of fascinating scenarios like a pirate ship and a family of dinosaurs who are eating their delicious pie.

Bonus extras include a yummy recipe for Berry Crumb pie. Children will lose their anxiety about thunder and enjoy a delightful rhyming picture book filled with imaginative pictures and verse. I particularly like the color enhancement of key vocabulary words and the font that is friendly for dyslexic readers.

Recommended for parents and teachers of children ages three through eight.

Looking for more learning opportunities for the family.

Check out all the resources at http://www.LittleMissHistory.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Bruce Nemovitz.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Leaf & The Tree

Written by Bruce Nemovitz

Illustrated by Ani Ghosh

Ages 4-8 | 22 Pages

Publisher: Book House Publishing | ISBN-13: 9781952483257

Publisher’s Synopsis: Follow the wondrous and challenging life of our friend, the leaf, living alone and happy and confident that only he controls his surroundings and his good fortune. Then one day, Mother Nature teaches a lesson we all can learn from.

Through the journey in this heartfelt book, you will gain a new appreciation when taking a walk past your favorite tree. Our friend, the leaf, is given a gift of knowledge and understanding about the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nFbBq3

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-leaf-the-tree/9781952483257

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bruce Nemovitz has written two other books. He has been a full-time Realtor for over 43 years in the Great Milwaukee area. The first book is called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. His second book, also related to the senior real estate market is called “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, A Children’s Guide to Helping Mom and Dad Move From Their Long-Time Home.

Bruce’s passion has always been with children. He has two daughters, Dara and Karra, who blessed him with seven grandchildren! Bruce wanted to leave a message for the next generation who are living in a world divided. This book offers a message of hope and togetherness, that we are all connected to one another and to nature.

Bruce has won several awards in his field of real estate. Bruce has been a monthly contributor for over 12 years with 50plus Magazine in the Milwaukee area. He has written several articles related to the challenge of seniors moving from their long-time homes. He works with his wife of 48 years, Jeanne.

For more information, visit https://www.brucesteam.com/the-leaf-and-the-tree.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

THE TEST OF TIME

The Leaf and the Tree

Written by Bruce Nemowitz

Illustrated by Ani Ghosh

This is a delightful picture book for young children.

All the animals of the forest respect the tree. Readers learn about the tree through the eyes of a leaf. The leaf reflects on the cycle of life but sees itself independent of the tree. When the seasons pass and the leaf falls to the ground, it realizes that the roots, trunk, and branches all played a part in its journey. The book teaches children that all parts of nature need to work as a team that benefits the individual members.

The digital illustrations of personified nature appeal to the senses and reinforce the story line. Rhyming text makes the book an excellent choice for a read-aloud. Recommended for children ages three through eight.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Leaf & The Tree, autographed by Bruce Nemovitz!

Three (3) winners receive:

An autographed copy of The Leaf & The Tree

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BV9tC/the-leaf-and-the-tree-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, February 7, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick-Off

Tuesday, February 8, 2022The Fairview ReviewA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Wednesday, February 9, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview with Bruce Nemovitz

Thursday, February 10, 2022Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Friday, February 11, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Monday, February 14, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Tuesday, February 15, 2022Book Bug CAA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Wednesday, February 16, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Thursday, February 17, 2022J.R.s Book ReviewsA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Friday, February 18, 2022Because I Said SoA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Monday, February 21, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Tuesday, February 22, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

Wednesday, February 23, 2022Me Two BooksA book activity to pair withThe Leaf and the Tree

Thursday, February 24, 2022A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThe Leaf and the Tree

I Don’t Want to Turn 3

Written and illustrated by Gramps Jeffrey

Jordan is about to turn 3 years old and he is not thrilled. He believes that up to now he has succeeded in doing pretty much as he pleases. Jordan swipes prized possessions and toys from his siblings and cousins. Then he hides them in his room.

Up to this time, adults have made excuses for him, saying he is only two. Jordan must face the consequences when his “stash” is unexpectedly discovered in his room Dad sits everyone down for a serious talk. Jordan learns that bad behavior brings consequences.

The large and colorful illustrations appeal to a preschool audience. Children can follow them while an adult reads the story aloud. One suggestion I have is that the text near the end of the story be spread out on several pages to make the story flow read better.

Highly recommended read for children ages two through six.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS Subscribe button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Check out more teaching tricks at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

5 Things Every Author Needs to Know

Written by Geoff Affleck

A nice primer for first-time and newbie authors. Every author needs to decide not only who they are writing for but what problem they are solving for that reader. Before putting pen to paper, the new author must have an overall plan. That includes a marketing plan that focuses on the needs of the audience. She should prepare them with blog articles, videos, and free resources or tools. How will the author sell the book once published?

The book itself needs a great cover, title, book description, categories, and keywords that will gain online traffic and eye appeal when placed in a bookstore. An author needs credibility with reviews and, if possible, testimonials. Ask for reviews inside the book. Give readers a call to action. If possible, place links to additional resources inside the book. Give more than you get.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe by clicking on the word Follow or by hitting the RSS FEED button in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

Looking for more resources? You’ll find them on my website http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Your Brain Is Always Learning

Written by Mark Robson

The author takes a novel approach to breaking bad habits and replacing them with good ones. He talks about mindfulness being used as a technique to figure out what your bad habits are and the techniques you can use to change them.

First, one must discover the triggers for bad habits, why the need for change, and the environment that needs to be adjusted. The author discusses behaviors and rewards and the understanding that one will face both successes and failures in facing them. But by providing rewards for success and not beating ourselves up for failure, there is a way to employ mindfulness to eliminate bad habits and replace them with good ones.

Recommended for readers who are serious about changing habits and are looking for a practical way to succeed.

If you enjoyed this review, please subscribe for more each Wednesday and Friday.

Check out the other ways I can help you.