The Universes Inside the Lighthouse: (Balky Point Adventure #1)

Written by Pam Stucky

A good choice for middle-grade and young adult readers looking for a summertime read. A vacation trip to an island turns into the adventure of a lifetime for teenage twins, Charlie, and Emma.

They cannot resist investigating the haunted lighthouse. Soon they get a lot more than they anticipated. This adventure combines real science, science fiction, magic, time-travel, and fantasy with two interesting characters.

Charlie and Emma become the detectives who discover multiple universes, two-dimensional characters, and a society that chooses to isolate its members. The twins are surprised to find alter egos and must figure out how to cope with them and find a way out of the void.

The dialogue is fun and the plot fast-moving. This is the first book in the series.

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Please check out my learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

The Underground Toy Society Helps Ellie Elephant

Written by Jessica D. Adams

Illustrated by Janelle and Janiece Adams

Janelle and Janiece are on a trip with their parents. Janiece is having so much fun. She forgets and leaves her stuffed elephant, Ellie on the swing. Now Ellie is a very smart stuffed elephant. She knows that the family will depart soon. Ellie desperately tries to run and jump up into the camper before anyone discovers her missing. To her dismay, she is not successful.

Ellie finds a chipmunk who says he can help. Chippy directs Ellie to a mole who tells her about The Underground Toy Society that helps reunites toys with their owners. Ellie discovers it’s not so easy to find Murry the Mole. Along the way, she meets a toy train and a bunny who also try to help her. Readers learn about the kindness of all these toy characters. Ellie wants to get home before Janiece discovers her missing because she does not want Ellie to feel sad. Ellie displays much love and concern for her owner.

Readers get the underlying message that children need to take good care of their toys and develop a sense of responsibility. There are a few wonderful child drawings to personalize this beginning chapter book for early readers.

Where Does an Elf Go on Vacation?

Written by Kim Ann

Illustrated by Nejla Shojaie

This cute picture book asks readers a simple question. If you were an elf, where would you go on vacation? The young reader is introduced to many possibilities. Would an elf go skiing, to the beach, on a cruise, or perhaps on a safari?

Two lines of text for each picture spread help to keep the storyline simple. An adult reading the book to a young child can easily make this book an interactive discussion. The illustrations are bright and attractive. Recommended especially for preschool and kindergarten children.

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It’s National Park Week – April 21-29!

Dreaming about summer vacation? Ready, set, go!

This week, you are invited to explore the parks of our National Park system. This year’s theme is “Park Stars.” There are many resources to help you explore the dozens of ways that you can explore our national parks throughout the country this year.

Here are three resources to bookmark:

National ParkWeek.org to detail special programs and discounts for this week.

National Park Calendar Service calendar of events will alert you to special events all over the country and the exact dates they are featured.

National Park Foundation offers free guides for hikers, historians, family excursions, or a romantic stroll.

The Little Miss HISTORY Travels to…book series will enlighten and inspire everyone in the family and prepare you for that once in a lifetime family vacation. Check out the whole series at http://LittleMissHISTORY.com

98 Best Travel Tips: A Guide For Travel Junkies on a Budget with KIDS

Written by Chris A. Baird

I have done quite a bit of traveling in my lifetime, but I must say this book is the best guide that I have seen. It covers any conceivable topic related to travel from soup to nuts.

Baird begins by explaining the broad definition of travel; it does not necessarily mean a long, time-consuming journey. He gives us concrete reasons for travel like being able to connect better to others, discover ourselves and expanding our children’s horizons. Baird lists many of the excuses people use not to travel like not having enough time, money or physical resources.

The heart of the book gets down to the nitty-gritty of where you start, how to budget, and plan for your safety. His list of reminders like careful research, passport and insurance information, and booking don’t leave anything out. Baird lays out what you need to know about packing and planning, when and what to do at the airport, and invaluable tips on planning, packing and involving your children in the trip. The author does not forget about preparing for the trip home while still on vacation, and how you should already be thinking about your next family adventure.

This book is a good choice for anyone who is hesitant about traveling with the family, as well as those who are seasoned travelers. Parents can share the book with older children. I can’ think of anything that has been left out. Strongly recommend reading this one before you plan your next vacation.

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Rosco The Rascal in the Land of Snow #2

Written by Shana Gorian

Illustrated by Ros Webb

This is the second book in the Rosco series featuring the German Shepherd pup and his family. I enjoyed reading the first adventure set in the pumpkin patch, but the second one centering around a family weekend in the mountains entertained me even more.

Twelve year old James and his seven year old sister Mandy are classic sibling characters. Their dialogue and interactions are so natural. In this adventure James and Mandy share snowball fights, a terrifying sled race downhill, and encountering a coyote. Chapter book readers will find themselves identifying and empathizing with the characters and the tricky situations in which they find themselves. Black and white illustrations add interest. I have already grown fond of this family, their triumphs and their failures.

Recommended especially for children in the seven to ten age range, but adults will love it just as much for a enjoyable afternoon read.

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Terror at White Otter Castle

Written by Bonnie Ferrante

This short novella could probably be best categorized as a young adult horror story, but it certainly will grip a mature adult audience as well. The language is simple, and the author deftly manipulates the reader into total involvement within the first few pages.

Three high school seniors are taking a summer canoe trip through the Canadian wilderness as a final get together before splitting up for college. Lauren, Aster and Beth have been together since first grade and have formed a “Power Triangle” pledging to always be there for each other in times of need. The girls are unique in terms of their backgrounds, skills and personalities. When their guides decide to camp in the shadow of the castle of James Anderson McQuat, the reader learns the legend of how Jimmy built his magnificent castle for Jane, the girl he longed to marry. Then he refused to meet her parents and their marriage plans collapsed. No one seems to know what happened to Jimmy.

Upon awakening on the beach, Aster sees a figure wearing a floppy hat and a long raincoat. No one believes her story. She mysteriously disappears and the real adventure begins. After a series of mishaps involved in the search, it becomes apparent that Aster has been kidnapped. Communication is cut and sabotage is indicated. What other dangers will the group encounter? The girls have pledged to always be there for each other, but can they find each other again and escape successfully?

There are lots of twists and turns, surprises, and a bit of horror combined to make this less than one hundred page story keep you on the edge of your seat. Next time you are looking for a well-written quick, exciting read, take a look at this one.

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