Irene's Picture Book Reviews

There are so many ways for you to criticize yourself. You are never perfect. You are never slim enough. You are never smart enough. You are never quick enough. You are never obliging enough. And so on.

You are too shy. You are too quiet. You are too outgoing. You are too aggressive. You talk too much. You don’t talk enough. You just can’t get things together fast enough.

We have all heard comments like this about ourselves. But do we have to believe them?

It is important that regardless of what others say about you, you think you are okay, just as you are this very moment. That is where self-assertion comes in.

So, today, practise loving yourself just as you are. What a blessing that will be for you!

         Coloring Outside Autism’s Lines: 
         50+ Activities, Adventures, and
         Celebrations for Families with Children With Autism
         By: Susan Walton
         9-781402-241208
         $14.99
         Parents and kids 7 to 14
         4 stars
         Reviewed By: Irene S. Roth 
         
         Synopsis: Having an autistic child may mean that parents
         have to do things differently and to change their lives.
         However, it doesn’t mean that parents are stuck at home
         without any way to go out into the world and enjoy different
         activities.
        
         This is a wonderful book about how parents can effectively
         deal with the perplexities of raising an autistic child and even
         going on outings of al sorts. The activities in this book will
         bring new hope for families living with autism. It seems that
         trips and life is an uphill battle when parents have a child
         with autism. After reading this book, that need not be the
         case. Susan Walton’s book includes 50 carefully selected
         outings and activities that kids with autism can enjoy.     
                             
         Overall Thoughts: I absolutely love this book. Not only is it
         hopeful, but the author encourages the reader to create times
         and activities that autistic children can enjoy. The diagnosis
         of autism will not be as devastating after you read this book.
         I urge all parents with autistic children to read it.
        
         For more appealing products for kids, visit Irene’s inspiring
         books and products at
         http://rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com  and
         http://irenesbookreviewsmyblog.wordpress.com.

To purchase this wonderful book, double click on the following link:  http://rcm-ca.amazon.ca

     Sam and Gram and the First Day of School
       By: Dianne Blomberg, Ph.D.
       Illustrated by: George Ulrich
       Magination Press, 2009.

       
       Starting school for the first time can be very
       traumatic for children. This is a story devoted
       specifically for kids who are about to venture
       out to school for the first time. It shows how
       Grams can make it easier for kids to face that
       first day of school.
      
       Sam is used to spending his days with his
       grandmother while his parents are at work.
       However, now that he’s old enough to start
       school, he has to leave the warmth of his
       grandmother’s bosom. Despite her reassurances,
       he’s scared of this big, unfamiliar building as
       he approaches it. Once he gets into the building,
       however, things change for Sam. He makes friends,
       discovers many fun and exciting activities, and
       realizes that he’s not as scared and lonely as he
       thought he would be.
      
       The book can also be used as an educational tool
       for parents since it includes a special section
       that will help them prepare their children for
       the first day of school with enthusiasm and
       confidence. The illustrations are lively and
       bright. This book is a must read for parents,
       teachers, and the kids that are about to go to
       school for the very first time. 
       
       Reviewed by Irene S. Roth
      
       4 stars
       

           The Bug That Plagued the Entire Third Grade
           Written by Lori Calabrese
           Illustrated by Chet Taylor
           Dragonfly Publishing, 2010
           Paperback
           Ages 3-8
           ISBN: 978-1936381050
          
           Lori Calabrese’s book is a wonderful and enchanting
           story about a little boy, Matt, who wants to win the
           upcoming Bug-A-Fair so that he could become the
           student of the year.  However, things don’t go
           according to plan for Matt as he gets a cold.
          
           The plot has a several hilarious twists and turns. The
           reader will be mesmerized and kept at the edge of his
           seat by the colourful illustrations and the message on
           each page. I recently read the book to a grade three
           class and they were absolutely tickled by the story.
           They wanted to make sure that they would stay bug-
           free in every sense of the term.
          
           I would recommend the book to boys and girls alike.
           Although girls and boys will find different aspects of
           the story funny, they both seem to really find the book
           very engaging and mesmerizing. Kudos also goes out
           to Chet Taylor for doing such a great job of illustrating
           this story.
          
           Reviewed by Irene S. Roth

              Donner the Western Dragon
              Written by: Suzanne Davis Marion
              Illustrated by: Marj Hales
              Booksurge Inc., 2009
              Paperback
              ISBN: 9781439252048
             
              There are quite a few children’s stories that
              focus on important problems that kids
              experience in every day life with moral lessons.
              Suzanne Marion’s wonderful and inspiring
              book falls into this category.
             
              Suzanne’s book is written as an old-fashioned,
              heroic fairy tale. It kind of reminded me of
              Grimm and Andersen a bit. The book is about
              Donner, a dragon. Dragons are supposed to be
              fierce, fire-breathing beasts. But Donner is
              nothing like that. Donner is peaceful, enjoying
              quiet meadows and butterfly-gazing. While
              most dragons his age use up their fire on a
              daily basis, Donner barely breathes a spark. His
              best friend is a sweet unicorn who has a similar
              temperament. They live in the mountains and
              enjoy the peace and tranquillity there.
             
              Donner is portrayed as a well-adjusted misfit.
              He doesn’t worry too much when other
              dragons laugh at him. Instead, Donner believes
              that they waste their time playing games.
              Donner seems to be very comfortable in his
              own skin. This is such a wonderful message for
              kids. Many kids feel so out of place with their
              friends and sadly sometimes in their families as
              well. Donner’s message will help them to face
              the sometimes harsh realities of their lives and
              experiences.
             
              The moral of the book is that we could all be
              different and a hero at the same time. Maybe
              we should all strive to be different so that we
              could become also be heros? I would recommend
              this book to any child who is struggling because
              (s)he feels a bit different. I recently read the
              book at my local library, and the kids
              were mesmerized by the message of the
              book. When I passed the book around the
              group, they were totally transported by
              the colourful illustrations.
             
              Kudos goes out to Marj Hales for doing such
              a wonderful job illustrating the story! She
              is a truly gifted artist. The dragons look very
              colourful and vibrant. Each page is colourful
              and uplifting. It will consistently transport
              young readers.
             
              Reviewed By Irene S. Roth
              Rating: 5 roses

Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La!  Its Beauty Day
Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser
Harper Collins Publishers, 2010

           
           This is a very colourful and enchanting book. I know
           that you will be transported to the world of beauty,
           makeup and relaxation by reading this book.
          
           This book is meant for a younger readership,
           although I think that tween girls will also enjoy it.  The
           book is about treating Mom to a home spa for her birthday.
           It is hilarious in its presentation. The reader will
           chuckle throughout the book. The cover of the book
           glistens as some of the illustrations on each page. The
           reader will feel transported right into the spa
           experience. I love the idea of treating Mom to a spa day.
           How great is that!
           
           Rating: 5 out of 5 roses.
          
           Reviewed by Irene S. Roth
           www.adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com

           Always My Brother
           By Jean Reagan
           Illustrated by Phyllis Pollema-Cahill
           Gardiner, Maine: Tibury House, 2009
          
           Reagan’s book is about how a sibling can cope with
           death. Kids tend to have a very difficult time coping
           with death, and this is especially the case if the death
           occurs within the family.
          
           The book is about Becky and her brother John. They
           are best buddies all their lives, telling jokes, caring for
           their dog Toby, and playing soccoer. John was always
           there to cheer her up and to help her out. Then one day,
           the inconceivable happened. He died suddenly. Becky
           so wishes that everything would go back to normal. But
           it can’t because she feels such a void in her life after the
           death of her brother.
          
           She has a difficult time resuming her normal
           activities, and when she finds herself feeling guilty
           about enjoying herself at a friend’s birthday party, her
           Mom tries to soothe her. But it takes time for Becky to
           come around and allow herself to have fun. Gradually,
           she discovers that her brother would want her to have
           fun and to laugh, even when he’s gone.
          
           This is such a heartwarming story. The ending is a bit
           sad.  But it is also pensive and reflective, leaving an
           important message for kids: a sibling can go on after the
           death of a family member, despite the fact that it’s so
           hard at the beginning. It may even make one stronger
           as a result.
          
              How Teachers can use this book?
          
           1. Divide the class into smaller groups of say three to
           five kids. Have them discuss death and whether they
           were touched by it. How did they cope with the loss of
           a family member or friend?
          
           2.  Ask the class to brainstorm ten ways that siblings
           and close friends can overcome the hurt of losing
           someone very close to them? 
          
           3.  Would they feel guilty to have fun after the death
           of a close family member? If yes, why? If no, why not?
          
           4.  Can one learn anything from the death of a
           sibling? List five things that you could learn from such
           an experience.          
          
           Reviewed by Irene S. Roth
           www.adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com
           
           
          

           Polar Slumber
           By Dennis Rockhill
           Raven Tree Press, 2009
           Picture Book, Ages 3-8
          
           This is a great children’s picture book that will make
           a child want to wrap him/herself up around a parent.
           The illustrations are so real they will make the child feel
           a chill, and will transform the child right into the story.
          
           The book is about a backyard snow bear who
           becomes an integral part of a little girls’s slumber. She
           explores the arctic landscape in the bear’s company and
           awakens to question the authenticity of the experience.
           Was her excursion based on fantasy or reality?
          
           The author wrote the book with a love and fondness
           of winter which shows through on each and every page
           of the book. The author was also the illustrator of the
           book . The pictures come to life with prismacolour
           pencil sketches against a grey, white and blue
           background. The illustrations are multi-layered and just
           breathtaking in their scope and depth. They are truly
           unique.
          

          
           Rating: 4 Roses

            REVIEWED BY IRENE S. ROTH

           Yip! Snap! Yap!
           Charles Fuge
           Author and Illustrator
           Sterling Publishing, 2010
           Ages 3-8
          
           This is an accumulative rhyme picture book that is
           as colourful as it is interesting. Fuge describes all
           sizes, shapes, colours and kinds of dogs.
          
           There are sleepy dogs, greedy dogs, rowdy dogs,
           itchy dogs, yappy dogs, hot dogs, guard dogs, sniffer
           dogs, and puppy dogs. He describes these dogs in a
           cute fashion that both girls and boys will love.
          
           Children will also be entranced by the illustrations
           in the book and prose that keeps moving almost as
           fast as the reader who turns the page. The book is
           also funny and cute. Many readers will be giggling as
           they read.
          
           When I read this book to a group of 2nd graders,
           they were totally enthralled by the prose. And then
           when they saw some of the illustrations, they were
           truly mesmerized. Some of these kids went out to
           buy the book.

           
           
           Rating: 3 roses out of 5

           REVIEWED BY IRENE S. ROTH

           Fraser Bear: A Cub’s Life
           By: Maggie deVries
           Illustrated by Renne Benoit
           Greystone Books, 2010
           Picture Book for ages 3-8              
          
           This is a unique story of a cub’s life. The story is
           divided into monthly chapters, starting from January
           and ending with October.
          
           The book is about Fraser Bear who is born in a den in
           the Rocky Mountains. Before he leaves his mother and
           sister to fend for himself, he must learn to recognize the
           sounds of owls and coyotes and to find berries, nuts
           and fresh green growth to eat.
          
           As time goes on and throughout the book, he learns
           about danger, when a huge bear attacks him. And most
           important, if he is to survive, he must learn to catch a
           salmon. Does he?  Well, you will have to read the book
           to find out.
          
           The book is great for educational purposes in that it
           has a glossary and sidebar as well for discussion
           purposes. It also contains a lot of information about
           black bears and the Chinooks, which is a type of salmon
           in the Fraser River.
          
           The illustrations throughout the book are so vivid
           and colourful. This makes the story exciting and
           moving for the young and older child alike. The reader
           will fall in love with Fraser Bear. He is really cute, and
           adorable yet so strong.

           
           Rating: 4 roses

            REVIEWED BY IRENE S. ROTH