Author: 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.

Welcome to Monster Isle by Oliver Chin (Author), Jeff Miracola (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 36 pages Publisher: Immedium (September 1, 2008) Have you ever been on a family vacation that didn’t go so well? After reading this book, I am sure that it won’t seem that bad after all. The Summer’s family take a trip on a small boat that ends up running aground a desert island after encountering a “perfect” storm. When the family, their dog, the Skipper and his first mate Tina, split up to find help, the adventure begins. On every part of the island…

Read More

Link and a Quote is my version of a coffee break with a good piece of cake … Link: Today I give you a link that is a little off topic, however, it is a blog post written by an author whose book I recently reviewed, so perhaps that makes it okay! Deborah Diesen, author of New York Times best seller The Pout-Pout Fish, had a special message that she left in her garden for a political yard sign thief, click here to read it. And if you are wanting a more book related link … clicking here will send…

Read More

The Octonauts & The Frown Fish by Meomi Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 36 pages Publisher: Immedium (October 1, 2008) The Octonauts is definitely a series for those of you who like Japanese influenced artwork. It has already attracted a worldwide audience. The illustrations are colorful and super cute, and the stories are full of innocent fun. The design team who have created the series – Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy (A.K.A. Meomi) – have just released their latest title, The Octonauts and the Frown Fish. The story begins on a “quiet and rainy” afternoon at the bottom of the…

Read More

Link and a Quote is my version of a coffee break with a good piece of cake … Link: The blog of two teachers who read a lot, A Year of Reading, has a brief and sweet review of Cynthia Rylant’s new book, Snow. Click here to read the review. The cover of Snow is gorgeous, just like the story inside. Quote: A snowflake is one of nature’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! ~Author Unknown

Read More

My Dad John McCain by Meghan McCain (Author), Dan Andreasen (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 5-10 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Aladdin (September 2, 2008) Much time has passed since I received my presidential candidate books at the store – Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of hope, and My Dad John McCain. After reviewing the book about Barack Obama last month, I have realized that I am (unintentionally) running out of time to review the opposition. So here goes … My Dad John McCain shows his progression from a boy who struggled with rules, to one who conformed to his ideals…

Read More

Link and a Quote is my version of a coffee break with a good piece of cake … Link: If I was to run through the store I work chanting Wonder Bear for Caldecott, nobody I work with would be surprised. If the fact that I have blogged about this book more than any other stands out to you, then maybe you won’t be surprised either. I can’t help but bring your attention to A Fuse #8 Production (yet again) for this spot on review of my beloved Wonder Bear by Tao Nyeu. Click here to read it. Quote: Some…

Read More

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 3 – 7 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Laura Geringer (September 30, 2008) I just learned from A Fuse #8 Production that yesterday was National Chocolate Cupcake Day, which prompted me to write about If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. It’s Adorable and is truly in Numeroff style, just like If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. The fact that this book is about cupcakes is enough for me! Who can resist a cupcake — especially one with sprinkles?

Read More

Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa by Alayne Kay Christian (Author), Joni Stringfield (Illustrator) Reading Level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Blue Whale Press; First edition (January 5, 2009) This is a book that truly resonates with me. Both sets of my daughter’s grandparents live a long way away – Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa gives a unique spin on this fairly common, logistical, family situation. Like most kids, Emily – the main character – really enjoys visiting her grandparents, the hard part is saying goodbye, even for Grandma and Grandpa. So, a special gift is given to…

Read More

Link and a Bumper Sticker is my version of window shopping while sipping on a fountain soda … Link: Pink Me – a librarian’s blog – appears to have a similar taste in books as The Children’s Book Review. I was very happy to read the following review of Wonder Bear: Click here for a pink pick Wonder Bear, by Tao Nyeu, is one of my favorite picture books this year!

Read More