The Prince Who Was a Piccolo

Written by Barbara Roman

Illustrated by Vladimir Cebu

A beautifully illustrated picture book with an important message for parents and their children.

A king receives a prophecy that his son will be a talented musician. The king immediately decides the prince will be a royal trumpeteer. After the child is born, the king becomes frustrated when it appears the prince has no musical talent.

Eventually, the prince meets someone who inspires him to find his own way. Children learn that they must listen to their heart and use their own talents. Parents learn that it is wrong to place their own expectations or desires upon their children.

A book for elementary school readers and their parents or teachers to enjoy reading together.

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6^TH GRADE REVENGERS: BOOK 1, CAT CRIMES AND WANNABES

Written by Steven Whibley

Marcus and Jared are two eleven-year-old friends in sixth grade. They would both like to attend spy camp but don’t have the money to attend. Jared is smart and creative; Marcus is a computer genius with the equipment to put his ideas into motion.

Jared comes up with an idea to set up a business with Marcus to raise money by solving people’s problems. After playacting to remove his six-year-old sister’s fears of The Bogeyman, Jared decides his idea might work. He comes up with the name, The Revengers and enlists Marcus to develop the website, advertise and be his partner “in crime.”

The friends take on the task of ridding a neighborhood of an aggressive orange cat that has been terrorizing Oak Street, while at the same time getting rid of Gunner, the ne’er do well, freeloading musician boyfriend of Jared’s older sister, Ronie. A series of comical mishaps follow on both fronts. Things seem to be getting more out of hand.

The adventures include lots of humor and age-appropriate scenarios for preteens and teens. Reminiscent of vintage adventures like The Hardy Boys, the characters also include strong female characters like Janet, the gossip, and Ronie, the somewhat gullible, and follow the crowd pleaser.

I haven’t read the other books in the series, but if the first is any indication, I would certainly recommend the series for readers age eight and older. The characters are likable and the plot lines clever and engaging. Young adults and adults will enjoy them as well.

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