Review of :  The Seesaw or Sad Story

Author: Henrique Komatsu

Genre: Picture Book for Older Children

This book gives a unique perspective on bullying. The author tells the story of a young boy who has been bullied because he has large ears. Interestingly enough, the author decides to dedicate the book to those who have been bullies, even though the book presents the story from the side of one who has been bullied.

The seesaw is an excellent analogy to display the emotions of bullying and the reactions of children on both sides of the issue. Abstract images and a creative placement of text accentuate the mood and help recreate the story in the reader’s mind. This book is an excellent way to engage preteens and teens in a discussion about the feelings and consequences of bullying, and provides a powerful tool for parents and educators. The book might be read independently by mature readers.

Great Site to help promote your book. Check out what he did for my Little Miss HISTORY: www.AskDavid.Com.

Review of  MASON AND BESS  THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Written By: Diane Major

Reviewed By: Barbara Ann Mojica

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Novel

Date: March 3, 2013

Mason lives with his cocker spaniel named Bess. He is a twelve year old who has been sheltered by his mother, Anna. He is not allowed to play with other children or even participate in sports!  Mason is so frustrated that one day he sneaks away to participate in a community sports day. The next day his picture appears on the front page of the newspaper. His mother Anna panics and his dog Bess starts growling and behaving strangely. Why? Anna has been hiding a secret: Bess is not what she appears to be. Mason’s boring life is about to become really scary.

Worms come crawling out of his computer. Mason and Bess are sucked into a strange world ruled by slimy creatures known as Tejons. Mason discovers he is really from another world and that he has magical powers that allow him to sense the presence of others, and shape shifting powers to transform himself into other creatures. Bess has been masquerading as his faithful dog, but she is really a beautiful little girl. Their mother is really Queen Anna. She had to flee her kingdom when the Tejons became too powerful. Anna now realizes that now is the time to fight!  They have been storing up their strength to fight while she has been hiding her children in another world to protect them.

The family have many adventures and perils from which to escape before they arrive at the Citadel to battle with the Tejons and attempt to rescue their kingdom. There are many dangers lurking in the woods, the rivers and the jagged rocks along the way. Will they be successful or are they doomed?​​

This novel has a fairly simple plot yet an engaging one for preteens and younger teens. The vocabulary should be fairly easy to understand. There is a certain amount of tension in the story, but this is not a dark fantasy piece. The conflict is between good and evil with enough action scenes to please young readers. I recommend the book as a good choice for both boys and girls who enjoy adventure and fantasy.

I love rhyming books and this one does not disappoint me. I think that children will like the fact that Pandora does not listen to her friends and follows her instincts. Her friends are timid but she must satisfy her curiosity. In the end she proves herself brave and unwavering in her quest to discover what is inside the deleterious box. She rewards generations to follow with the gift of the beautiful Northern Lights! Colorful and age appropriate illustrations enhance the text. This book is recommended for ages 3-6, but some vocabulary and story lines may require explanation for children at the lower end of that age range.

Here’s the link to the review:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2AHKGPTCAPUIF

You will find Little Miss History online at  www.littlemisshistory.com, amazon.com or barnes and noble.com

The book is currently available at the following bookstores:

The Spotty Dog, Fairview Books, and KD Hallmark in Hudson, NY

Merritt Books in Millbrook, NY

The Book Loft in Great Barrington, MA

More locations coming soon….

Barbara Ann Mojica is an historian and retired educator living in New York State. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in History. Barbara spent more than 40 years teaching
in NYC and holds New York State teacher certifications in Elementary, Special Education, and Administration. She also spent several years as a Special Education Administrator and principal of a special education preschool for developmentally delayed children. Barbara,
although retired from teaching, is staying busy: along with her forthcoming series of Little Miss History travel books she writes historical pieces for The Columbia Insider, Pat Fisher and Ed Pollack Editors, under the banner “Passages”. Marrying her love of history and teaching, Barbara hopes her Little Miss History character will inspire children to learn about historical people, and visit landmarks such as the one covered in this book, Mount Rushmore.