Showing posts with label Kids Corner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kids Corner. Show all posts

5.03.2018

Kids Corner: How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Danielle Russell

How to Trick the Tooth Fairy by Erin Danielle Russell, Jennifer Hansen Rolli [Illustrations]
Published: May 1, 2018
Publisher: Aladdin
Format: publisher
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis
Kaylee loves pulling pranks: from dropping water balloons on passers by to even tricking Santa Claus, she’s a prize-winning prankster!

But is she the Princess of Pranks? No! That title is held by none other than the Tooth Fairy. But when Kaylee loses a tooth and the Tooth Fairy goes about her usual tooth-taking business, Kaylee pranks her with a fake frog. As Kaylee and the Tooth Fairy try to out-prank one another, things get way out of hand, until the two finally see eye and eye and decide to share the crown!

My Thoughts

I recently had my little cousin come over and asked her to read this book along with me. She laughed at some parts and overall highly enjoyed it. She said she liked the pictures and that the story was funny. We had a talk afterward and she knew some of the pranks weren’t right and knew she wouldn’t do any of those things. I've seen some people give this book low ratings because of their views on pranks and while I don’t condone them I also know that this is just a fun book. I believe you can enjoy this read and also serve it as a lesson for kids, to know what is right and wrong. So overall I think this book is cute and fun but can also serve a purpose as teaching a lesson.

10.31.2017

Kids Corner: Halloween reads for your little ghouls!

Happy Halloween everyone! I’m not one for scary novels so instead, I thought I would bring you some children’s Halloween reads. Here are three non-scary but very cute reads for the little ghouls in your life.


 Harry’s Spooky Surprise by NGK illustrations by Janelle Dimmett
Published: May 25, 2017
Format: free Kindle read
Rating: 5/5

I loved this read! It was cute and sweet and besides it being set on Halloween I loved the messages of not being afraid of the dark and how it’s important to say a simple thank you to those around you, and lastly the importance of great friendships.


How to Pick a Pumpkin by Sally Huss
Published: October 24, 2014
Format: free Kindle read
Rating: 5/5

 This is the cutest read ever and my fave! We learn how important it is to pick just the right pumpkin. We also learn how many different kinds there are and also how you must find the perfect pumpkin for yourself even if it isn’t so perfect on the outside. I loved the story and the illustrations are the cutest!


The Witch’s Big Night by Sally Huss
Published: September 29, 2017
Format: free Kindle read
Rating: 5/5

 An enjoyable story of a witch who doesn’t like the kids who come keeping to her door on Halloween night, she doesn’t give out candy but spiders and other creatures but what gets to her more is that no one tries to trick her. Will she get her wish? Well, you will have to wait and see.

Well, those were my mini-reviews of some wonderful kiddie reads. I had fun reading them and I know your little ones will enjoy them also.

12.07.2016

Kids Corner mini Review: Harry the Christmas Mouse

Harry the Christmas Mouse by NGK and Janelle Dimmett
Published: July 29, 2016
Publisher: NGK Media
Format: free Kindle read
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Join Harry The Happy Mouse and friends as they save Christmas Day!

The follow-up to the bestselling children’s picture book ‘Harry The Happy Mouse’, all of the characters are back working together to help Santa on Christmas Eve!

Harry sets off on his short winter walk to discover Santa in trouble! Harry and friends work together as a great team to save Christmas! All set on Christmas eve, this book is a great story that conveys the magic of Christmas.

32 pages of full-color, beautifully illustrated pictures by award-winning illustrator Janelle Dimmett.
My Thoughts

This is the cutest kids read! I love that not only does it show the spirit of Christmas but it also shows kids the idea that Christmas is more than just toys and presents but about helping out others as well. The illustrations are beautiful and this is one read that the kids will fully enjoy!

11.19.2015

Kids Corner [5] The Roll Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders

The Roll-Away Pumpkin by Junia Wonders, Daniela Volpari [Illustrator]
Published: October 1, 2014
Format: free Kindle read
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis
On a windy autumn day, Marla Little comes running down the hill yelling, “Help! My giant pumpkin is rolling away! Onward it goes, rolling and turning, with no sign of stopping! Diddle-dee-doo! Oh, what shall I do?”

A little girl chases her giant pumpkin all over town with some help along the way. It's the perfect autumn bedtime story to read with your little pumpkin.

The author uses repeating sentence structures to capture young listeners’ attention and give early readers confidence.

The book is exquisitely illustrated by award-winning Italian illustrator, Daniela Volpari. Every page is a beautiful work of art and is one of those picture books whose images will linger long after you've turned the page.

My Thoughts
I came across this book one day and thought it would be perfect to review before Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed this story of the roll away pumpkin and the whole town that stops everything to try to catch it.This is the great book to read to the kiddos, the story is cute and funny and the illustrations are breath taking! It’s makes a wonderful bedtime story one that’s perfect for these chilly autumn nights.

9.03.2015

Kids Corner [4] Winter Preview: The Santa Shimmy by Christianne Jones

The Santa Shimmy by Christianne Jones, Illustrator Emma Randall
Published: August 1, 2015
Publisher: Capstone
Format: via publisher
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis
Shimmy and shake like Santa in this interactive holiday board book. The rhyming text and energetic art will keep kids (and adults!) moving and laughing in anticipation of the holiday season.
For ages 0-2. From the Holiday Jingles series.

My Thoughts
I do children’s reviews from time to time and I have my little cousins read the books and get their views on them. When I received this Christmas book I knew my little cousin Viv would love it! So here’s Viv’s take and mine on The Santa Shimmy.

Viv: She loved it because she loves Christmas, Santa and dancing. She thought the book was super cute and she had me read it a few times and says she will read it again and again when it gets cold. She also said she will read it to her new baby brother so she can tell him all about Santa Claus.

Me: I thought it was the most adorable Christmas book I’ve ever seen. It’s colorful and very enjoyable not to mention the illustrations are so cute! While it says it for ages 0-2 Viv is 5 and loved it! I think it’s for all ages. I love that it’s a series and from the looks of the others I think the whole series is awesome. I’m thinking of getting them all since she found it so great. This is one series I know every kid should have for the holidays!

4.24.2015

Kids Corner [3] It's All About Spring!

Inside This Book by Barney Saltzberg
Published: April 7, 2015
Format: copy via publisher
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis
Inside This Book is a tribute to self-publishing in its most pure and endearing form. Three siblings create three books of their own using blank paper that they bind together (in descending sizes to match birth order). One sibling’s work inspires the next, and so on, with each book’s text and art mirroring the distinct interests and abilities of its creator. Upon completion of their works, the siblings put one book inside the other, creating a new book to be read and shared by all!


Lovey Bunny by Kristine A. Lombardi
Published: March 3, 2015
Publisher: Abrams BYR
Format: via publisher
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis
 Lovey Bunny is the happiest little girl around. She loves just about everything—her family, art, watching her mama make things, and especially playing dress-up. But when she borrows Mama Rabbit’s new dress without asking and ruins it, Lovey Bunny learns that not everything always goes as planned. Will Lovey Bunny find a creative way to show Mama that she’s sorry?


The Thing about Spring by Daniel Kirk
Published: February 17, 2015
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Format: via Publisher
Rating: 5/5

Synopsis
Spring is in the air! Bear, Bird, and Mouse are all excited that winter snows are melting away, but their friend Rabbit is not. There are too many things about winter that Rabbit adores, and spring just seems to spell trouble. His friends offer an abundance of reasons to love spring and the changing seasons, but will Rabbit listen?

Bottom Line
A while back I was lucky enough to receive a huge box of books from Abrams. This was perfect for my little cousin whom I’m proud to say loves to read! While she loved all the books her faves were Lovey Bunny and The Thing about Spring, she loved the bunnies and said they reminded her of Easter. She laughed and loved the illustrations and wanted me to read them over and over. These books are the perfect new additions to any children’s library, as they bring a pop of color, great easy to read storylines and reminds us that Spring time is the perfect time to go outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

3.10.2015

Kids Corner [2] Review: Ella by Mallory Kasdan

Ella
Ella by Mallory Kasdan Illustrations by Marcos Chin
Published: January 22, 2015
Format: via publisher
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis
This is ELLA. She is six years old. She lives at the Local Hotel. She has a nanny called Manny. He has tattoos for sleeves and he might go in with some guys to buy a grilled cheese truck. Sometimes Ella weaves purses out of Ziploc bags and reclaimed twine. (She is artsy of course.) She has a dog named Stacie and a fish named Rasta and a scooter which is important for getting everywhere she needs to be. Altogether she has been to 62 events including that Hillary Clinton fundraiser. She is NEVER bored. If Ella and Kay Thompson’s Eloise got together for a play date, they would have a very good time indeed.
My Thoughts
I’ve had this setting on my shelf for a few weeks when my little cousin Viv came over and said she wanted me to read it. I didn’t know if she was going to like it or if I even would but surprisingly we both loved it. She loved the “pictures” and said Ella was “super cool” “funny” “crazy” and she wanted Ella's “doggie”. What can say Viv is four and is straight forward! I on the other hand knew this was a parody of Eloise but found it to be a cooler version of it. Though I found myself thinking why is this little girl running the town all by herself like she’s grown I remembered it’s a fun book and sometimes in kids books you just have to go with the flow. This was a very cute and fun book in Viv’s and my opinion so much so that I had to read it twice…that says something when it comes to kids.

7.02.2014

Kids Corner: 13 Hangmen by Art Corriveau

Recently I received a box of kids’ books. The books didn’t go to waste since I have tons of little cousins and a niece and nephew who love to read, they were so happy when I gave them to them. It got me to thinking…why not do a semi regular series on kids lit… Kid’s Corner. I asked my cousin if he wanted to do a mini review for me and he said “sure!”
Here’s the first one…

13 Hangmen by Art Corriveau 
Published: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Amulet Paperbacks
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis
Some people won’t believe any of this story. You might be one of them. But every single word is true. Tony DiMarco does catch a murderer, solve a mystery, and find a treasure—all in the first few days he moves, unexpectedly, to 13 Hangman’s Court in Boston. The fact that he also turns thirteen at the same time is not a coincidence.

So begins the story of Tony and his friends—five thirteen-year-old boys, all living in the same house in the same attic bedroom, but at different times in history! None are ghosts, all are flesh and blood, and somehow all have come together in the attic room, visible only to one another. And all are somehow linked to a murder, a mystery, and a treasure.

Jose’s Take:
I really like mysteries and ghost tales so this made me really want to read this book. I liked the whole history parts of the book. The murder mystery part is the best, I like how you don’t know what’s going to happen and that there are a lot of surprises, you never see what’s coming next.

I like how you think maybe it’s one person but then you really don’t know for sure. It’s kind of scary that all this is only happening to boys but it’s a good kind of scary. I also enjoyed the whole baseball part of it. I’m a big baseball fan. Plus the time travel parts in the book is kind of cool too.

This is a good book overall. It’s very interesting and is definitely for anyone who loves history, mysteries and ghost tales even though the boys aren’t really ghosts.