The Story of the Sparklefly by Mary
E. Leckie
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my
review. The opinions expressed here my own.
From Goodreads:
Come along this beautiful journey
of magic, love and metamorphosis, where dragonflies transform into
Sparkleflies, creatures that sparkle and love and spread good throughout the
world. Meet Sparkle Sprinkle, Sparkle Twinkle and Sparkle Shine who introduce
you to their secret magical world of twinkles and love.
My Thoughts:
What a wonderful way to explain how
and why we have all this love in the world.
Young children will especially enjoy the brightly colored pictures and the sweet story that involves
dragonflies. This is a wonderful tale to share with your grandchildren or
children.
Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis by Carole P. Roman
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to
help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own
From Goodreads:
Captain No Beard and his crew of
loyal pirates heave anchor for another adventure, this time in the icy waters
of the Arctic. Captain No Beard's steering a course due north, sailing by the
light of the North Star. Everyone on the crew wonders what the captain's up to,
especially as he gets embarrassed when they ask. When the captain finally
admits his plan, the crew discovers he plans to steal the aurora borealis, the
beautiful northern lights that brighten the arctic sky. They're all shocked.
They may be pirates, but even they know stealing is bad. Besides, how can
anyone steal the lights from the sky? A charming, engaging tale about doing
what's right, Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis is the latest
installment in Carole P. Roman's award-winning pirate series. The first book,
Captain No Beard-an Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life, received the Kirkus
Reviews Best of 2012 award and the Star of Remarkable Achievement. The series
presents real-life problems in an imaginary setting and encourages discussion
with both parents and educators.
My Thoughts:
I am and have been a fan of this
authors work from the first book I read and reviewed. Alexander is a young
boy/pirate who goes on wonderful adventures through the use of his
imagination. He takes a boat load of
friends/stuffed animals and two other humans with him on these adventures. Each time we travel with him on an adventure
we learn a lesson as he learns one. On
this trip he wants to steal the Aurora Borealis. The crew refuses because they
know that stealing is not a good thing.
As usual they always find a solution to their problems. This is a wonderful book to read to your youngest loved ones.
There’s A Dog On the Dining Room
Table by Elizabeth Maginnis
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to help
facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
From Goodreads:
In this cute rhyming story about an
unexpected visitor, a little girl wonders why there is a dog on her dining room
table. She imagines a world of funny scenarios for the new visitor, but not
everyone is happy about his arrival.
My Thoughts:
If you are wanting a cute rhyming
book that will hold the attention of your child, then this is the book for
you. The words flow smoothly. The
reasons listed on each page offers a chance to problem solve with your child.
The pictures are bright and simple.
There is something here for everyone.
This is the book that will have your older readers taking time out to
read to their younger siblings.
Definitely a book to read to my grandson.
Queen Vernita Visits Baja Quail by Dawn Menge
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to help facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own
From Goodreads:
New Children’s Adventure Queen Vernita Visits Baja Quail May Be Most Thrilling Vernita Book Yet
From dancing to white water rafting to camping on the beach, Queen Vernita does it all in Baja Quail in her latest travel adventures.
Adelanto, CA – In Queen Vernita Visits Baja Quail, the latest installment of Dawn Menge’s award-winning adventure book series, the well-traveled title character finds herself continuing her adventures with exciting and educational activities in Baja Quail – perhaps her most thrilling trip yet. The action/adventure children’s fiction is published by Outskirts Press.
My Thoughts:
In this adventure Queen Vernita is starting a new year visiting her new friends in Baja Quail. On this trip she will learn all about dolphins, grunions, river rafting. She learns about the Rio Grande River, rides a motorized bike built special for her. She learns about the many cultural dances and their costumes. As the second half of the year begins she finds herself learning about the German-Mexican culture and food. She learns about how powerful the ocean is. She learns to surf and swims with seals. She visits a school where she learns some spanish. As her year comes to an end she spends November exploring the Crystal Caverns. She ends her year by visiting the elderly with service dogs, then heads back to her country to start a new adventure in the new year.
I really love these books. You learn so much and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I feel honored everytime I am given the opportunity to read and review one of her books.