By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 27, 2009 In this video, bestselling illustrator Loren Long talks about his latest book, Otis, which releases September 22. Otis is the tale of an endearing tractor who lives on a farm. Get a sneak peek here …
Author: TCBR Contributor
TCBR Contributor
The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.
By Reading Is Fundamental Published: July 23, 2009 How to Lead Reluctant Readers Age 9-13 Back to Books Studies show what common sense tells us: the more kids read, the better they read and the more pleasure they get out of reading. Unfortunately, the reverse holds true: children who read very little usually have poor reading skills. Reading is a struggle for them, and they avoid it whenever possible. Is there anything that you can do to encourage your children to read?
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 22, 2009 Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan Reading level: 12+ Hardcover: 98 pages Publisher: Templar Publishing (March 2, 2009) What to expect: Suburbian life, Australia, Short stories, Fiction A poetic look at human nature through 15 imaginative and abstract tales that create a mysterious, yet philosophical, world.
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 21, 2009 I love the way Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s mind works. Take a look at these two videos and you’ll get a glimpse at why she is a best-selling author …
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 20, 2009 101 Animal Secrets by Gilda + Melvin Berger Reading level: Ages 7 – 10 Paperback: 112 pages Publisher: Scholastic Reference (March 1, 2009) What to expect: Animals, Facts, Non-fiction Shhh, if you won’t tell anyone, I have some secrets to share. Did you know that giraffes clean their ears with their tongues, and rhinoceroses use sunscreen (mud). These are just two interesting facts that I learned from reading 101 Animal Secrets.
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 17, 2009 This video gives great insight into the creation of Mo Willem’s characters. Mo gives a sensational suggestion as to why kids should read. And, he also shares who his favorite character(s) are, but you’ll have to watch to find out …
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 14, 2009 I recently received a copy of Lucky Breaks by Susan Patron, and there was no way I was going to read it before reading its predecessor — one of the most discussed books of recent time — The Higher Power of Lucky. I’m just going to go ahead and acknowledge the elephant in the room, “scrotum.” If you’re already shocked, then you probably missed the controversial event of The Higher Power of Lucky being banned from schools and libraries for its use of the word scrotum — even though…
The Children’s Book Review Published: July 10, 2009 Chaff n’ Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Moskivvy by Amanda Chin (Author), Luke Feldman (Author & Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 36 pages Publisher: Immedium (June 1, 2009) What to expect: Self-confidence, Voyages and travels, Fantasy This is a modernistic and pleasing tale of courage and adventure. Mai, a young girl, helps a lost “Moskivvy” find its way home, but not without some much needed encouragement that she receives from some good friends. It’s definitely the vibrant illustrations that win me over and bring this dreamworld to life. Feldman’s art style…
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review Published: July 9, 2009 Lisa McCourt is well-known for her cheeky Stinky Face titles, but whether you have a stinky face or a snugly bear for a child, she has stories that will draw a crowd, wild or tame. I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt (Author), Cyd Moore (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 0-6 Board book: 16 pages Publisher: Scholastic (March 2004) What to expect: Love, Animals, Parent and child, Fiction McCourt has masterfully managed to be playful and energizing in this distinguished bedtime story. How can you put playfulness and energy…
The Children’s Book Review | July 7, 2009 What to expect: Science, Animal conservation, Environmental awareness The wonderful Adventures of Riley series is a smooth combination of fiction and non-fiction that is perfect for curious minds, young or old. Riley, who is perhaps 8- or 10-years-old, visits unique locations around the world with extended family members: Uncle Max, Aunt Martha, and his cousin Alice. At the beginning of each book Riley receives a letter from his Uncle Max; a scientist that studies animals, their habitats, and the environmental issues that impact them. The letter is always an invitation to study a particular…