Waggers by Stacy Nyikos

Some dogs have the most excitable tail. Meet Waggers, who tries to be good all the time, but his tail just can’t do it! It wags and wags and wags and does a lot of harm. Waggers is an adorable, newly adopted puppy that has been taken home by a special family who discover he has a tail that causes a lot of trouble. What is the family to do when chaos ensues just from a little tail? And how can they make it stop wagging, or can they? But then something special happens and Wagger’s tail does something good, which brings about a great theme in the story, that everyone is good at something.

Stacy Nyikos has written several adorable books for kids. She writes her stories so her young readers can easily relate to her characters. Illustrations by Tamara Anegon captures Waggers with her bright, whimsical illustrations that make readers want to read the story again and again.

This is a highly recommended book for animal lovers and those who love to giggle! A great read-aloud or read-alone. Recommended for ages 4-8. I give Waggers 5 Stars!

Roxy Rogers: Your Destiny is Calling

Meet Roxy Rogers, a young girl with a family full of hall of fame baseball players. While Roxy might have been born to play ball, her dream is to sing. She wants to do something different but she doesn’t know how to tell her family. She is afraid they won’t understand. Her destiny is not baseball.

The author has created a wonderful story that speaks about following your passions in life. Roxy Rogers has the courage to not follow in the footsteps of her parents or grandparents in the world of baseball but rather go into the entertainment business as a famous songstress.

The illustrator created whimsical and colorful illustrations that bring the story to life. As Roxy believes in her dreams, the colors transform on the pages and get brighter and bolder. They enhance her dream to sing and show her passion for song, not baseball.

The author has included some great historical baseball facts at the end of the story along with a game of hidden clues to keep kids going back to read the story over and over again!

Roxy Rogers is a fabulous 5 star book recommended for ages 4-8. The author makes the message loud and clear, it is important to do what makes you happy in life! Kudos to the author for creating a wonderful storybook for children.

Always, Abigail

It's the start of 6th grade and all Abigail wants is to be a pom-pom girl. It's the most popular thing to do in school. Abigail and her two best friends have everything all worked out - until she doesn't make the team. Abigail is devastated. And that isn't the worst thing. She isn't in the same homeroom as her two best friends, she doesn't like her teacher, and most important she has been teamed up with the school's biggest loser. 

Life in middle school is nothing like what Abigail imagined, she must rise to the occasion and learn about true friendships. 

This story is realistic with wonderful dialogue. This is a must read for every young girl entering middle school. Written in short lists, notes and journal entries, this makes for a great read especially for reluctant readers. A story of friendship and doing what is right, I give this book 5 stars! 

Under the Egg by Laura Max Fitzgerald

Check out this clever middle grade read. A mixture of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, to Chasing Vermeer and Masterpiece. This is one of the best books I have read this year! A possible Newbery Honor book, I don't know, but I couldn't put the book down.

Meet Theo Tenpenny. She is a young responsible girl who, un until now, was taken care of by her grandfather, Jack. She lives with her mentally ill mother but now that Jack is dead, all the responsibility lies on Theo. She is responsible for tending to the family's 200 year-old town house and caring for a flock of chickens that lay eggs. And Theo is only 13 years-old. But all Theo can think about are Jack's last words, "It's under the egg, look under the egg. A letter and a treasure." Now how is Theo to survive, pay the bills and take care of herself and her mother? Without Jack's job at the art museum, none of this seems possible. That is until she discovers a painting that looks like it could be worth a fortune. But how did her grandfather get such a painting? It seems odd being that he was a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Now Theo is worried that maybe her grandfather stole it and she is afraid of what the consequences for her family might be.

And so the adventure begins. Along the way, Theo meets a new friend, Bodhi, a wealthy young girl who has it all. Together the two solve the mystery of the masterpiece and learn a bit about art, history and friendship.

A great mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats while introducing them to the secret world of art. Recommended for grades 4-7.

Sunbird by Joyce Block

What drew me to this book were the extremely vividly bold and bright illustrations. Once I opened up the book and read the story it helped me to understand a little bit more about the world of someone with ASP (Autism Spectrum Disorder). While this book can be for any young reader, it probably speaks more to children with autism or a child who knows someone with autism.

Meet Tommy, a boy with ASP. Tommy absolutely loves the sun. He loves the warm rays, the bright color and is drawn to the sun. It makes him feel good. When he doesn’t see the sun, his days are harder. Embark on a special journey with Tommy as he looks for the sun in unexpected places.

I almost find the attraction to the sun a bit of juxtaposition to the book, because you can see Tommy’s attraction to the light and it’s brilliant rays. To me this is the meaning behind the book. The illustrations and colors that the illustrator uses in the book convey the feelings that Tommy has on a daily basis. When the sun doesn’t shine, Tommy’s mood changes.

I feel there are many different ways to relate to this story. It is a great read-aloud to provide some in-depth discussion about what this boy sees in the sun and about the neuro-developmental disorder that is characterized by interaction and communication with others.

Sunbird is a book for everyone or anyone that looks at the world in a different way. Can’t that be all of us?

Meet Toby!

Toby by Stacy Nyikos and Illustrated by Shawn Sisneros

Meet Toby, a baby sea turtle that has just hatched from his little egg. He is ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime into the vast ocean. How will Toby learn the difference between his predators and his friends? Written in rhyming verse, this sweet story shows the tale of a baby turtle and his many adventures on land and sea.

Come outside and feel the breezes!

Come outside and see the sun!

Come outside and taste the ocean!

Come outside with everyone!

Toby is digitally illustrated with expressive and colorful full pages spreads. The illustrations truly capture the emotions of this adorable little turtle with his big inquisitive eyes and his happy personality.  

This story is complete with an Author’s note at the back of the book, which includes turtle facts. The author has also included a list of several great non-fiction books about sea turtles for those little inquisitive minds that might just want more.

A sweet story recommended for ages 4-8.

This review was written for the blog tour of Stacy Nyikos, June 8-14 and the launch of this fabulous book. For more information please check http://www.stacyanyikos.com/blog.html.

Some fabulous picture books for summer reading!

Summer reading is upon us. Did you know that if children read at least five books this summer they will prevent learning loss, according to a White House study. If children don’t read or engage with stories over the summer they lose about 2-3 months of reading achievement. The best way to keep your children reading through the summer is to sign up for one of the fabulous summer reading programs. Reading is so important! Here are three of my favorite picture books to check out this summer! Recommended for ages 4-8.

Shoe Dog by Megan McDonald and Illustrated by Katherine Tillotson

The beloved author of the Judy Moody and the Stink series has created a fabulous picture book about a dog that loves to chew. What does he chew, but shoes! He isn’t a dog that chews bones, or toys, or smelly socks, but rather shoes. And lots of them! Especially brand new shoes! Clever and lively illustrations by Tillotson, are created with crayon and charcoal and then combined together digitally. An adorable read aloud story especially for dog lovers who understand dogs need to chew!

President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett and Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

We have read about George Washington and his teeth and Abraham Lincoln and his top hat, but what about President Taft. Did you know that he got stuck in the bathtub?  A clever, silly but yet true story of how the 27^th President got stuck in his bathtub and how they got him out. The illustrations are expressive, bold and quite colorful. These gouache caricatures add silliness to a true story. A great Author’s note with facts pertaining to President Taft can be found at the back of the book along with an archived picture of the bathtub in the White House with President Taft and four men from his cabinet.

Share by Sally Ann Garland

Sharing isn’t easy; in fact most kids don’t like to share. Bunny is no different but when her cousin comes to visit she realizes just how much she doesn’t like to share. But her cousin wants to do everything like bunny and bunny doesn’t understand why. A sweet rhyming story that helps children understand the importance of sharing and why it can be so hard. Illustrations are digitally created with a soft pastel palette. This is a great read aloud or bedtime story. It also can be a  useful tool in teaching the importance of sharing.

Poached by Stuart Gibbs

I just recently received and Advanced Reader's Copy of Poached by Stuart Gibbs. This was my first time reading this author and I loved him! Read my review here for Poached which just recently hit the stores. This is not one to miss!

Poached by Stuart Gibbs is a fabulous action-packed middle grade read for those who love animals and adventures. A sequel that doesn’t disappoint and you don’t have to read the first one to really get to know the characters.

Meet Teddy Fitzroy, a 7^th grader who is the primary suspect when a Koala has gone missing from FunJungle, an exact definition of the name but in a zoo-like setting. Teddy’s parents both work at FunJungle and all of Teddy’s life he has spent with animals. Why would he take a newly acquired Koala on loan from Australia. He has been set up and he knows it but all the proof is directed at him. If Teddy doesn’t find the culprit he will be shipped off to juvie as a convicted koala-napper. To top off his bad luck, Teddy is also bullied by the meanest and toughest kid in the middle school, Vance. Teddy just can’t seem to catch a break, yet his perseverance prevails.

An extremely well-written story about mystery, animals, bullying, as well as a sweet coming of age story that will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing who took the Koala from the beginning to the end.

Recommended for ages 8-12.

What is ustyme?

So this is what I have been doing for the past year and a half, working for a very cool new start-up that has created an amazing app for families, connecting them together with books and games. This app has so many possibilities and I hope you check it out and download it today! Better yet, watch this launch video that really shows you how it works! 

Launch Video 

What is ustyme – a great way to create meaningful and deeper relationships by turning screen time into “ustyme”. This is a free communication and publishing platform for rich content, like books and games, through video calls that give friends and families opportunities to engage with each other, even if they live thousands of miles apart.

Read a story to your grandchild and watch the delight in their faces as you turn the pages together. Or read a bedtime story and watch as their eyes doze off to sleep. Better yet, play a game of checkers or chess and watch them as they think out their next move.

How does the app work? Download the free app in the Apple App Store. Or visit www.ustyme.com and visit ustyme online using Google Chrome. Once you are registered browse the store shelves for your favorite stories or games and popular your shelf with them. For first time users, ustyme is giving away three free books and one game to get started. Once your account has been created and your shelf full, add friends. And now we are adding even more free books through this special promo code, good for one week only. PROMO CODE: t0hvyy3z02

Check out ustyme – a new free downloadable app through the Apple Store or available through Google Chrome on the computer!

Then all you have to do is call up your family member or friend and enjoy the “ustyme” experience!

To find out more about ustyme check us out online for more information:

http://www.ustyme.com/index.html

or Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ustyme

It’s not just screen time anymore, it is ustyme!

Max Makes a Cake

Introducing a Passover PJ library book!

Meet Max, who wants to bake a surprise Passover birthday cake for his mom. Max is a big boy, he can almost tie his shoes, and he even knows the four questions for Passover in Hebrew and English. But everyone knows that baking a cake during Passover is not so easy and one must get really creative. So Max gets to work, only he really needs the help of his dad to pull this off. But dad is too busy with Max’s fussy baby sister and so Max decides to take matters into his own hands. And that is exactly what Max does, starting with the frosting first, just in case dad makes it down in time to help.

“Why is this cake different from all other cakes?” asks Max at the end of the story. The author ties this question in beautifully with the importance of the Four Questions during the Passover Seder. This is a sweet and clever story about baking a cake with lots and lots of matzah as well as capturing a moment when a young boy realizes he can be independent. The author, Michelle Edwards, includes Max’s ingenious cake recipe along with a very brief description of the Passover Story.

Illustrations by Charles Santoso are adorable with warm and cheerful animated expressions. The illustrations were rendered with pencil on paper and then scanned and colored digitally.

Max Makes a Cake is a wonderful story that is perfect for story time during the Passover holiday and welcome in any Jewish library as well as Public libraries collections too. Recommended for ages 3-6.

What is PJ Library®?  It’s a program that mails FREE, high-quality Jewish children’s books and music to families in the San Francisco Bay Area (and across the country!) on a monthly basis.  Sign up here: http://pjlibrary.org/Communities/Enroll-in-a-Community.aspx?id=12 to enroll.  More info at www.pjlibrary.org

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Meet Prenna and Ethan. Two teens from two different time periods. Prenna is from the future (year 2087) and Ethan is from the present. Prenna has a list of rules to follow and people that are in charge and watch every move she makes. She immigrated to New York when she was twelve from a future that was ravaged by a pandemic caused by the mosquito. Ethan was the young boy that saw her entrance into the world and hasn’t been able to get her out of his mind for years, that is until she sits down in front of him in Pre-Calc.

There is a magnetic pull that Prenna and Ethan feel for each other, yet Prenna must abide by the rules of not falling in love or being intimate with anyone outside of her own community. This is an engaging yet somewhat somber story about the possibilities of our future. Can Prenna make the changes to save the future? And can Ethan help her?

Written by Ann Brashares, the author of the fabulous coming of age series, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this is a very different story. An exhilarating yet haunting and heartbreaking look into the future. The story was gripping at times and it was definitely a book I couldn’t put down, but it also really brings up issues that we need to think about as we head into the future of the 21^st century.

     “There is Earth Day and all kinds of green products that make people feel good- as though organic        cotton sheets and hemp socks are going to do the trick. But nobody does the hard things. Not if it          costs them anything. Nobody calls for any real sacrifices. Politicians aren’t very brave. I mean,              eventually they will demand sacrifices-they’ll have to, there will be no choice- but by then it will be        too late.“ (pg. 166)

This is a recommended read for Sci-Fi and Dystopian readers. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Look for this book on sale April 8^th! It is one not to miss!

Some Toddler Fun

Some fun toddler books, especially for those with a sense of humor. Read all about bear and his underwear, or shall we say his "tighty whities". Written and ilustrated by pop-artist Todd Doodler, these books are not to be missed. Recommended for ages 3-6.

The Unpublished Library

Meet Morris Southall. He isn’t an ordinary 11 year-old boy. He doesn’t have the use of his legs so he is bound to a wheelchair. But he has a great attitude and fabulous furry friend, Rollo, a helping dog, who goes everywhere with Morris.

It’s Christmas and Morris has a homework assignment to create his very own story.  Morris creates a story about a boy spy who saves the world from an evil Santa Claus. Unfortunately Rollo eats the story before Morris has time to finish it, something about turkey gravy on the paper. Now Morris doesn’t have his homework assignment to turn in and his teacher doesn’t believe that he actually wrote the story.

Luckily Morris’s class takes a field trip to visit the Bodleian Library, which is in Oxford, England, where the story takes place. But this library has something special, a library for all unpublished books. And this is where the real story begins.

Morris learns about this secret library where all stories every written but never published come to life along with lost books by famous authors by a crazy librarian. Morris becomes determined to find his unpublished story to prove to his teacher that he actually wrote it.

This is a story of adventure intertwined with characters and stories of many of our beloved authors. Meet monsters, spiders, mad bulls, a crazy Santa and a crazy pirate. Creatively and masterfully written, this is a wonderful story that could be a great read-aloud to a class or a chapter book to share with the family. Can Morris really find his unpublished story?

Don’t miss Jo Guest’s kindle edition of Morris Southall and the Unpublished Library. Available in Amazon. Recommended for ages 8-11.

http://www.amazon.com/Morris-Southall-Unpublished-Library-Guest-ebook/dp/B00FGJAPJ6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388960394&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Morris+Southball+and+the+unpublished+library