Review of Watch Over Our Water by Lisa Bullard

Publisher: Millbrook Press
Series: Planet Protectors
Release Date:
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository


Book Blurb (from goodreads):

Earth has a water problem. People need water to live. But only a little of Earth's water is usable. How can you help? Join Trina to find out how to care for Earth's water. Do your part to be a planet protector Discover how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and more with Tyler and Trina in the Planet Protectors series, part of the Cloverleaf Books collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun.

Reviewed By: Bea


Bea's Thoughts:


Once again, I managed to choose a book that was not the right age group for the class I teach. I look online for books to review for my classroom and yet I often seem to end up choosing books that are too old for them. Sigh. That said, even when I can't buy them or recommend them for my class, sometimes they are right for one of the classrooms. That's the case with this book.

In "Watch Over Our Water" we follow one young girl's quest to find out why there's a water shortage and what can be done about it. The story line is easy to understand, it's really just an excuse on the author's part to present the information. The book contains a lot of information in a short format; the information is clearly presented for children pre-school and older to understand, and it practical. Children, families, and classrooms can easily implement the suggestions provided. The illustrations are cute, and add to what the book is telling us. Even younger kids will enjoy looking at the pictures.


Overall, it's a nice introduction to environmentalism for young children. It's mildly preachy but mostly it's a simple, enjoyable way for children to learn about water conservation.

I received an egalley from the publisher.

Review of A Full Moon Is Rising by Marilyn Singer & Julia Cairns

 

Publisher: Lee and Low Books

Release date: May 1, 2011

Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository  

Book Blurb (from goodreads): 

A collection of original poems about full moon events, phenomena, celebrations, and beliefs from around the world.

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

The artwork  in this book of multi-cultural poems is lovely, though it could have used a few less bright colors and a bit more subtlety. It's not complex but does have some detail and it certainly eye-catching. The poems and the illustrations take us around the world and give us glimpses into other cultures and lives, always revolving around the moon in some fashion. The poems are not inter-related and can be read separately and out of order. I'm not much of a poetry person, I was more interested in the theme of the moon and the diversity of cultures. I think that they would work best for older pre-schoolers and kindergarteners. I was interested in the book because my class of two year olds was fascinated by the moon; this book didn't grab their attention but I think older kids might enjoy it. The poems and and the artwork may spark questions and encourage research and exploring other books, maybe even other poems.

I received an e-galley from the publisher.

Spotlight On: Hot Summer by Judy Powell - Excerpt & Give Away

 

Please welcome Judy Powell to the Nook today. I don't know about you but I could use some heat right about now. The weather in my area has been gray, cool and rainy for about a week and they're predicting it will continue for another week. Luckily, Judy's book has heat, and not just the kind we get from the sun! LOL

Judy Powell is a writer and marketing consultant who lives in Ontario, Canada. Her works are diverse, featuring romance novels, a historical novel and non-fiction essays which have appeared in anthologies. Her titles include ‘Hot Summer’ which placed second in the Toronto Romance Writers Contemporary Romance Competition, ‘Hot Chocolat’ – the sequel to ‘Hot Summer’, ‘Some Like It Hot’ – a sensual multicultural romance novel, and ‘Coffee, Cream and Curry’ – a literary work which received the silver medal in a national creative writing competition.

Judy is a great lover of learning which is reflected in the diversity of her studies which includes Masters degrees in Spanish, Marketing, Literature and Creative Writing and a BA in Foreign Languages & International Business. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa (US Honor Society), Romance Writers of America, Toronto Romance Writers, and Writers and Editors Network of Canada. She loves to travel and has lived in countries including Puerto Rico, the USA, France, Jamaica and Canada. She likes to feature diverse cultures in her works.

 Book Blurb (from author):

A hot-tempered spitfire and a sexy, arrogant man - put them together and sparks fly!

After her first embarrassing encounter Summer Jones vows to stay away from suave record producer, Lance Munroe. But then she ends up working for the man. Her quick temper and sharp tongue keep landing her in hot water with him but no matter how hard she tries she can't deny her growing attraction for him. Then they go on a business trip to Jamaica - and her world is turned upside down.

Lance is intrigued by the feisty woman who practically tells him off the first time they meet. When they begin working together he realizes how much he enjoys the challenge of taming the little tigress. But, before he knows it, he's the one caught in the snare of passion. The tables are turned - the tigress has tamed the lion.

If you love the sizzle of a romance between two strong-willed individuals, follow Summer and Lance from Chicago to Jamaica and be swept away in the thrill of their hot summer.

HOT SUMMER
By: Judy Powell
Publisher: Lyons Publishing Ltd.
ISBN/ASIN: 978-0973859003/B005OTKXKO
Genre: FICTION, ROMANCE,
Format: PAPERBACK, EBOOK
Length: 296 pages, 465 KB
Release Date: October 1, 2005
Website
Buying Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

************************************************************************************

EXCERPT 

As he spoke he leaned back into the couch and peered up at her through half-closed eyes. She turned away from his gaze and quickly opened the bottles and poured bubbling liquid into both glasses.

“Here you go,” she said with a smile and handed him the drink. She sat on the edge of the sofa beside him but as far away as was polite. She put the glass to her lips and sipped the sharp cold liquid, feeling the bubbles bursting in her mouth.

She felt his eyes on her and gulped more liquid, then opened her eyes wide as it flooded her throat. Her eyes burned and she struggled to swallow but it was no use. Before she could cover her mouth she coughed violently, spraying her lap and the coffee table with soda.

Summer clapped her hands over her mouth, but too late. The damage was already done. Her eyes grew huge with distress and she looked across at Lance, hot with embarrassment.

“Are you alright?” He’d quickly rested his glass on the table and was leaning towards her, a large white handkerchief in his hand. She took it gratefully, still coughing. Then the spasms gradually subsided and she was able to look at him again. Her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Are you crying?” He looked incredulous, almost out of his depth, as he raised his hand and wiped away a tear with his thumb.

Summer dabbed at her eyes, sniffed, then looked up at him again, her lips curling into a grin. “Of course not, silly. I’m not crying. It’s the coughing that made my eyes fill up with tears.” Somehow, seeing him look so nonplussed had made her more at ease with him.

“Silly, huh?” He smiled back at her. “You’re the one who gulped down a carbonated drink too fast and ended up losing the whole lot all over yourself. So, who’s silly?”

While he was speaking Lance had rested his arm at the back of the couch right behind her head and had begun to gently stroke her nape with his thumb. Summer swallowed hard but couldn’t get the lump out of her throat.

“I guess…I am,” she said, her voice breathless.

“Yes,” he whispered as he leaned forward to press his warm lips against the side of her neck, “you are.”
Summer’s breath came in shallow gasps as she sat still, not feeling she could move even if she wanted to. She was like a bird frozen in the mesmerizing stare of a snake, knowing it was about to be eaten alive but not able to make a move to save its own life.

She moaned and closed her eyes as his lips stroked the sensitive skin then moved to the base of her throat where he licked softly and gently. She didn’t realize that she was still clutching the handkerchief tightly in her hand until she felt his strong fingers pry hers open to pull it away so that he could seduce her palm with his thumb.

“Relax, baby.” He moved his lips up her neck and to her ear. “You’re so tense. Just relax.”

As he spoke he pushed her back gently into the plush pillows and began to nibble her ear lobe. He gave a lick just behind her ear and shock waves ran down her spine.

“Oh, God,” she breathed, “what are you doing to me?”

“What someone should have done to you a long time ago, Summer Jones,” he whispered. “Teach you what it means to be a woman.”

He dipped his head and slid his lips back down her neck, over her collar bone and down to that oh, so sensitive place between the curves of her breasts. Here he paused and she held her breath, eyes shut tight, wondering if he was going to stop now. She prayed he wouldn’t.

She was not disappointed. An involuntary gasp escaped her lips as he slipped a warm tongue down her cleavage, sliding it between the orbs and teasing her soft flesh until her body screamed and she felt she would die from the sweet sensation. She grabbed the back of his head and pressed him into her, wanting more of the pleasure, more of the sweetness…

************************************************************************************

Thanks to Judy and Sizzling PR, I have one eBook to up for grabs. Just enter using raffelcopter.

Please read my Giveaway Policy.

Review of Spotty, Stripy, Swirly by Jane Brocket

 

Publisher: Millbrook Press, Lerner Imprint

Series: Jane Brocket's Clever Concepts

Release date: January 1, 2012

Buying Links: Millbrook Press     Amazon

Book Blurb (from publisher):

 

Dotty, stripy, straight and swirly—patterns are all around us. How many different patterns can you find pictured in this book?

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

Brocket has added another wonderful book to her Clever Concepts series. Using vivid, detailed photographs and everyday objects, she explores the concept of patterns for young children. She uses flowers, items of furniture, toys, fabrics, sidewalks, pretty much anything that has a pattern of some kind. There are numerous examples of patterns, including but not limited to, spots, stripes,circles/dots, zig zags, etc. The photographs are eye catching, and despite showcasing patterns, they're not too busy.

Just as in prior books, Brocket encourages readers to look for patterns in the world around them. I like that she uses patterns found all around children in houses, toys, foods, etc. to illustrate her point and she gently encourages children to look for them. A basic understanding of shapes is necessary to recognize and understand patterns but once that has been mastered, children will enjoy spotting patterns in everything around them. Parents and teachers will be able to turn looking for different patterns into a fun I Spy game. 

I received an eARC from the publisher.

Charlotte's Web 60th Birthday

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the release of "Charlotte's Web", a much-loved childrens book that became a classic. While it wasn't one of my favorites growing up, I did enjoy it. One of my teachers, I think maybe in fourth grade?, read a chapter to us every day and I read it on my own several times. I still have a copy though I haven't read it in years.

First released in October 1952, it has won numerous awards over the years:

Newbery Honor Book (1953)
ALA Notable Children's Book
Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
Massachusetts Children's Book Award
Horn Book Fanfare
National Medal for Literature (1971)
Presidential Medal for Freedom (1963)
Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (1970

HarperCollins Children's Books released special editions on April 24th in honor of the book's 60 years, including a hardcover, a paperback, and a paper-over-board and there's a special new forward by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo.

There's a 60th anniversary book trailer upon YouTube, a special page on facebook (where I found much of the information in this post) and a special page at the HarperCollins Childrens site, that even includes games.


Have YOU read the story? Did you like it? How would you classify it? I think it's a childrens fantasy book, I mean, the animals talk and Charlotte, a spider, can spell and write in English, a human language. Other people argue that it's not fantasy because it lacks elves, or spells or other elements sometimes found in fantasy. What are your thoughts on the story, what worked for you, what didn't? Have/will you read it to the children in your life?

Review of Duncan the Punkin by Scott Nicholson & Sergio Castro

Publisher: Haunted Computer Books

Release Date: March 13, 2011

Buying Links: Amazon     

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

A magical bedtime story for kids and adults.

Duncan the Punkin's mother tries to teach him to stay hidden on Halloween so he doesn't get turned into a jack-o-lantern. But being good and hiding in the pumpkin patch all the time is boring, even if it keeps the farmer from taking him away. However, there's another creature lurking on the farm, Skeerdy-Cat-Crow, and he's hungry from hanging on a pole all summer long. A ripe little pumpkin sounds just right to him. But when he visits the pumpkin patch, Mom has a special lesson for both Duncan and Skeerdy-Cat-Crow.

30 full-color pages of rhyming fun, magic, and Halloween mystery, professionally formatted as a read-aloud children's story for the Nook and DRM-free.

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

 First, a few notes not related to the actual review. I had intended to have this review up yesterday but I ran into technical difficulties and ran out of time. Also, the blurb says the book is formatted for the Nook, sold by Barnes & Noble, but their website couldn't find the book. I tried by title and by author. The copy I have is a Kindle eBook from Amazon. Also, since I read it on my Kindle, the illustrations were in black and white but read on a Kindle Fire or your PC's Kindle app, they would be in color.

Now, on to the review. :)  

"Duncan the Punkin" is a cute story about a little pumpkin and his mother. The story starts with momma punkin giving advice to Duncan about how not to be chosen by the farmer so he doesn't get harvested and turned into pie or a jack-o-lantern. Some of the pages are a little scary for younger children, say three years or younger; I think pre-schoolers would probably be fine. The text rhymes and is easily understood without being patronizing. Parental note: there's a slight reference to death ("...but sweetie pies never live to be five, be motionless, silent, and staying alive."). The story ends with a moral, which I didn't find to be necessary, but overall, it's a cute, if not great, story about pumpkins, Halloween, and staying safe.

I own this Kindle book. 

Childrens Book Week

This week is apparently Childrens Book Week. Somehow, I did not know this until yesterday afternoon, reading my email and tweets. So, I've moved around some reviews and this week, I will post reviews of childrens books. The first one will be up later today.

Some info: Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast! Fore more information, please go to http://www.bookweekonline.com 

How, how, how did I not know about this before? I teach preschool, I read, I blog. *shakes head*  Oh well. Next year I'll be more on top of it. 

Dusty Reads #10

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads where we spotlight a book sitting in our TBR pile. My TBR breeds when I'm not looking, I swear. Ok, I add to it, I confess. I just can't resist. Between ebooks (darn those kindle freebies, lol)  and print books, I have almost five hundred that I haven't yet read. Eeep. And yet, I keep buying and borrowing books. And occasionally, winning them. :) Happily, the quantity of incoming books has slowed down some and I've actually gotten some of those dusty books read and I'm even making progress on my review TBR pile. :)

 

This week's dusty book is Stone Spring: The Northland Trilogy. I've had it since since October 2011 and haven't read it yet.

 

Book Blurb:

Alternate history at its most mindblowing-from the national bestselling author of Flood and Ark.

 

Ten thousand years ago, a vast and fertile plain exists linking the British Isles to Europe. Home to a tribe of simple hunter-gatherers, Northland teems with nature's bounty, but is also subject to its whims.

 

Fourteen-year-old Ana calls Northland home, but her world is changing. The air is warming, the ice is melting, and the seas are rising. Then Ana meets a traveler from a far-distant city called Jericho-a city that is protected by a wall. And she starts to imagine the impossible...

 

 It's 499 pages long so I'll need a large chunk of free time to read it, maybe this summer. I often have fewer work hours in the summer.