Review: A Love Letter to My Library by Lisa Katzenberger #childrensfiction #libraries #ValentinesDay #multicultural #inclusive

Summary:

Everyone loves visiting the library! Children―and adults alike―enjoy searching the shelves for new adventures, curling up in their favorite cozy chair during story time, and even laughing with their friends during arts and crafts. The library has something for everybody!

My review:

Today happens to be Valentine's Day and what a more perfect book than this one to review. I love that this book is all about loving the library and the things that happen in a library. 

When I was growing up, everyone that entered a library had to be completely quiet. Books, music, and some movies was all you could get there. Now, as this book points out, you can come and listen to stories, laugh, play, and yes, in some areas, be loud. Everyone no matter you age, color, sex, capabilities, etc are also welcome in a library. Finding books that look just like you are there too.

In my local library, we have poetry reads, Zumba classes, games, quilt shows, photography shows, blanket making, things for the homeless, a huge dinosaur, and so much more! Oh, and did I happen to mention books, music, and movies?

This book makes mention about pet fish and comfy chairs and spaces to sit and read or simply relax. What a place! What a love letter to one of the best places to be anywhere in the world! Kudos to the author.

About the illustrator: his pictures are bold, bright, and a nice compliment to the story the author presented. It is obvious, he too, likes to be in the library.

5 stars!

Disclosure: This book I retrieved from my own library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

Amazon

Review: The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston #childrensfiction # dictionaries #animals #funny #words

 Synopsis: 

Dictionary is filled with all the words that ever existed, but can she find a way to bring them to life?

My review:

As a reviewer, I read tons of stories and books.  I grew up with a dictionary at the ready to look up words I did not know. Of course now, we have Google but a dictionary can be just as valuable, which is why I picked up this book. The title intrigued me.

The story is about a dictionary. I suppose that is a no brainier since it is in the title and the synopsis. However, in this case, dictionary wanted more out of her life. Side note: I did not know dictionaries were "hers" but good to know. As her pages begin with "A" you expect to see things in alphabetical order. SPOILER ALERT: You do!

That is where it begins as dictionary is thinking about how to have a story like the other books. Essentially, she is bored, but that is in "B" so I am getting ahead of myself here. Anyway, alligator gets hungry and that is where the story truly begins. His pursuit of food causes all sorts of chaos. What is a dictionary to do?

I chortled (a good "C" word) as everything came to life and the alphabet and dictionary herself became one big mess. Oh, did she really want this? Well, no.

The story did go right on through "Z" but got straightened out in the end. Funny how it all happened but of course, I cannot reveal that. Read her! 

If I was to say anything to the authors that helped the dictionary tell her story, I would say, maybe she should have used the "T" word "tape" and things would have been okay. 

This book gets a big 5 "S" word "STARS" from me!

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this from my local "L" library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

AMAZON

Review: Athletes who Changed the Game by James Buckley Jr & Ellen Labrecque #sport #multicultural #childrensnonfiction

Synopsis: 

While these athletes came from different backgrounds and overcame unique struggles, they had one thing in common: they would not take "You can't" for an answer. With a don't-give-up attitude, these fearless firsts fought for what they believed in and created a better sports world.

My review:

As the latest Olympics just took place in 2024 and we are on the cusp of The Superbowl and Spring training seasons, this book seemed like a winner to read.

I come from a family who are sport enthusiast and with over 50 athletes featured in this book, it was fun to see the ones I knew and the ones I did not.  I enjoyed learning about their backgrounds and the different barriers they went through to become the great athlete they were or currently are.

Divided into sections, readers are able to find easily a sport that might be of interest. On pages 118-119 also gives the exact person and sport to follow. However, I found the book fascinating just reading from front to back. On pages 116-117 gives a complete timeline beginning in 1899 to present day of different athletes accomplishments.

This book is by far a terrific resource book for all.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

Amazon     Goodreads

#Review: Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman #multicultural

About:
Have you ever thought about bringing your dragon to the library? Don't do it! You might have the best intentions, but that dragon will cause nothing but trouble. Using rhyming text and a diverse cast of characters, this charming picture book will provide some important--and some not so important--library etiquette in a very entertaining way.


My review:

This multicultural and diverse book, tells the tale of a young boy who wants to bring his pet dragon to the library. In fact, several different children have pet dragons and try to sneak their pets into the library.

The librarian insists though that no pet dragons can be in the library because they cause a ruckus in a myriad of ways. The boy pleads his case that there is so much to learn in a library and that his dragon deserves to have access.

The librarian sticks to her rules but does come to a compromise at the end. That is, he should use his library card to take books home and read with his friend.

The illustrations are boldly done with larger than life characters. The colors are bright but done in more primary colors which adds to the feel of the overall book.

I loved this book and think young readers will laugh along with the antics but get the ideas.

I give this 5 stars because this is a book kids would want to read over and over. It would make for a great read in the library too. *grins*

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The review expressed here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

Goodreads

Amazon

Review: At the Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman/Illustrated by Nate Wragg #Halloween #ScholasticBooks

Summary:
There are all kinds of creatures in the house.  Count along as the creatures prepare for the Halloween Fright. The text, written in the pattern of the popular poem “Over in the Meadow,” makes reading aloud fun, while the cinematic illustrations set the scene for an unforgettable romp through the old haunted house.

My review:
I absolutely loved the rhyming in the book. Each monster had its own rhyme and place they lived in the haunted house.

For example:
"In the old haunted house 
in a vault made of bricks
 lived a vampire 
and his little vamps six."

Children begin to show up in costumes which makes the book even more interesting as the reader wonders what they are going to do when they encounter the monsters. The twist comes about two pages to the end and is fun!

I liked that the book also taught children to count as they turned the pages. As an extension to the read, children can point as the count. Good beginning math for younger ones.

Finally, the illustrations were top notch as they matched the individual rhymes perfectly.Mostly blacks, darker blues, reds, yellow and white gave the spookiness the book was trying to convey.

This book is a winner and gets 5 pumpkins from me.

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collections. The views expressed here are 100% mine and may differ from yours.

~Crypt Keeper, Michelle

Where to find the author:
Amazon

#Review: Tucky Jo and Little Heart by Patricia Polacco

Summary:
Tucky Jo was known as the “kid from Kentucky” when he enlisted in the army at age fifteen. Being the youngest recruit in the Pacific during World War II was tough. But he finds a friend in a little girl who helps him soothe his bug bites, and he gets to know her family and gives them some of his rations. Although the little girl doesn’t speak English, Tucky Jo and Little Heart share the language of kindness. Many years later, Tucky Jo and Little Heart meet again, and an act of kindness is returned when it’s needed the most in this touching picture book based on a true story.

My review:
This is the sweetest, most heart felt, children's book I have come across. This is the story of an act of kindness done during a time of tribulation, that test time and space.

There were a few men of time period that were truly way too young to be fighting in a war. Here the reader sees a young man's kindness over what is a terrible surroundings. He takes a huge chance by befriending this young girl and heartbreak will follow, in the end, it was worth it. 

I loved that his friendship with this small girl would eventually grow to be something big and save not one life but two.

This book is a true story and highly recommended. 5 stars!

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The view expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Goodreads

#Review: Rice and Rocks by Sandra L. Richards #DiverseBooks

Summary:

Giovanni’s friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed—he does not like “rice and rocks” and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni’s pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together. 

.

My review:

This wonderful little picture book celebrates cultural differences and cultural sameness. What I like about it though, the boy in the story learns about his own culture and that of others by going to the places where his friends are from.

Children reading this book are sure to get the concept that sometimes, even though we may be different, sometimes we have very similar taste in things, as the case in this book for food.
I found it interesting that one of the cultures used the beans and rice as a celebratory food and that them came up in the end of the book.

I thought the book had a magical essence about it because the way that the child and his aunt traveled and the interesting pet he had. This gave the book a different spin that I had not seen before.I loved that the child's interest were wrapped up in their travels too. That was a nice touch.

Finally, I really liked the illustrations in this book, they pretty much filled up the pages. They were not loud, bright colors but a bit more muted. Some pictures even were in black and white. That made them feel in a different time and space.

This is the first book from this author and I look forward to reading other books from her.  5 stars.


Disclosure: I received a PDF copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. This review is also part of the Beach Bound Book Tours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon

Goodreads

Review: Mama The Alien/Mama la Extraterrestre by Rene Colato Lainez/ Illustrated by Laura Lacamara #DiverseBooks (#review También en español)

Summary:
When Mama s purse falls on the floor, Sofia gets a peek at Mama's old Resident Alien card and comes to the conclusion that Mama might be an alien from outer space. Sofia heads to the library to learn more about aliens. Some are small and some are tall. Some have four fingers on each hand and some have large, round eyes. Their skin can be gray or blue or green. But Mama looks like a human mother! Could she really be an alien? Sofia is still puzzling out this mystery when she sees an alien-looking Mama one night. It turns out Mama is doing a beauty treatment so she will look her best for her citizenship ceremony. That's when Sofia realizes that in English, an alien can be someone from another planet, and it can also be a person from another country. Just like Mama! Filled with imagination and humor, Mama the Alien/Mama la extraterrestre is a lighthearted immigration tale and a celebration of family, no matter where that family comes from. Even if it s outer space!"

My review:
This is an incredibly fun tale of massive confusion. With our country being a very diverse country, the English language can be very confusing. In this book, the word "alien" is explored in a humorous way. I could easily see how a young child would think her Mom is an "alien". You know, the skinny, big-eyed, gray kind. She has the card and at one point the face to prove it. Funny!

This book certainly made me laugh and I know it will make kids laugh too. The book though has a couple of different elements to it though. First, it gives parents or teachers the opportunity to talk about English words and their opposites and meanings.

Secondly, this book is in Spanish and English so, it can helps families whose first language is not English read together and learn English together. That is some winners right there!

The book is targeted for 4-8 year olds but this is definatly a book for the child who is beginning to read or even a good reader. However, the illustrations are large and very brightly colored. The whole book give the reader a cheery feeling. 

I simply love the feel of this book overall. It is a positive story, funny, and has a great outcome.
Get yourself a copy today as I highly recommend it. 5 stars!

Disclosure: I recieved a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

----------------------
Mi opinión en español:
Este es un cuento muy divertido de confusión masiva. Con nuestro país siendo un país muy diverso, el idioma Inglés puede ser muy confuso. En este libro, la palabra "extranjero" se explora de una manera humorística. Yo podría ver como un niño pequeño podría pensar que su mamá es un "extranjero". Ya sabes, el, de ojos grandes, de color gris tipo flaco. Ella tiene la tarjeta y en un momento dado la cara para probarlo. ¡Gracioso! Este libro sin duda me hizo reír y sé que hará reír a los niños también. El libro, aunque tiene un par de elementos diferentes a él sin embargo. En primer lugar, se da a los padres o los profesores la oportunidad de hablar acerca de las palabras en inglés y sus opuestos y significados. En segundo lugar, este libro está en español e Inglés así, puede ayuda a las familias cuyo primer idioma no es Inglés leer juntos y aprender Inglés juntos. Es decir algunos ganadores allí mismo! El libro está dirigido para 4-8 años de edad, pero esto es sin duda un libro para el niño que está aprendiendo a leer o incluso un buen lector. Sin embargo, las ilustraciones son grandes y muy brillantes colores. Todo el libro dar al lector una sensación alegre. Simplemente me encanta el ambiente de este libro en general. Es una historia positiva, divertida, y tiene un gran resultado. Consíguete una copia hoy como lo recomiendo. ¡5 estrellas! Divulgación: He recibido una copia de este libro para mi opinión abierta y honesta. Las opiniones expresadas aquí son 100% mi propia y pueden ser diferentes a la suya. ~ MM alias Naila Luna

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Goodreads

#Review: The SockKids Say No to Bullying

Summary:
The SockKids focus on educating children and adults how bullying affects us all and what we can do about it.

Do you know where your socks go when they go missing in the washing machine? Well, the SockKids know! The SockKids are a mismatched family of socks that sometimes time travel through the spin cycle, teaching universal lessons of love and kindness, and focusing on creating a greater awareness of the many social issues that children are faced with today. The SockKids help to educate and encourage children from 2 to 92 to find solutions in helping to make this a better world.

My review:
Although I understand the premise for this book, I was not overly impressed. I think the author was trying to aim this book for middle grade children based on the lack of many illustrations. However, at least to me, the book came off flat and maybe should have been aimed for younger elementary. The book could have easily been refitted with more photos to make that happen.

It seemed a bit ridiculous that a pair of non-matching socks were supposed to be the heroes to help human children overcome bullying. In fact, it simply did not make sense at all. I think the book would have been better just to show kids how to overcome bullying.

Another problem I found with the book was that the author seemingly had two separate issues going on. The first was anti-bullying and the second helping others. Again, I see what he was trying to do but in truth, it would have been better to have had two separate books.

One thing this book did have going for it was the back 21 pages helped parents and other adults to help children who are being bullied. This included a Q&A and resources. This part of the book is excellent and I would recommend to the author publish this as a stand alone. This in my mind, was the only real saving grace for the book and why I am ultimately giving it three stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. M.M.H, aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author: 
Amazon

#Review: When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Nurse!: Amber's Accidental Journey by Wigu

Summary:
When Amber gets injured on the soccer field, she is forced to confront the fears shared by many children—fears of blood, hospitals, and abandonment. During her treatment, Amber encounters nurses who help her overcome her fears. By discovering the good work nurses do, Amber realizes that not only can she return to the soccer field, but she can also turn to the field of nursing when she grows up—something she never thought she could do!

My review:
I have really come to really like this series of books. I know many nurses, as I used to work with a ton of them and had many take care of me too. I love that the book starts out with the nurses code of ethics and then the next page is a picture of Florence Nightingale with dedication.

The book follows along with a girl who reluctantly plays soccer, likes it, and subsequently breaks her arm. Following a school nurse visit, she ends up in ER where she meets a male nurse who helps her through the process of getting a cast put on her arm. This is very nice to allow children to see that even if they are hurt, they will be taken care of and it does not have to be scary.

As with other books I have read from this series, the cartoonish pictures are mixed with real photos of nurses, the hospital, and equipment. Even the fictional ER nurse comes "alive" in a real photo of him. I love that!
The book introduces the different kinds of nurses there are and what their job are. It also makes note that there are female and male nurses in the field and also, never enough!

I recommend for 6-8+ but the words in the book are best suited for a child who can read fairly well.

5 Stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~M.M. aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:
Facebook
Amazon
Goodreads

#Review: Sam's Top Secret Journal: Book1-We Spy by Dr. Sean Adelman #Middlegrade #DiverseBooks

Summary:
Join Sam as she embarks on her first big adventure in this middle-grade mystery full of fun, suspense...and just the right amount of spying! Sam is a middle school girl living a normal life-except when she is occasionally bullied for the differences kids perceive in her. Sam has Down syndrome. See how she and her brother John work together to find some stolen money, help a new friend and escape real danger in this exciting adventure!

My review:
This book is targeted for middle grade. Sam is a young teen and middle child. She also has Down's Syndrome. Although she may have to do things at a slower pace, Sam is portrayed as strong, friendly, caring, helpful, and responsible. I love her strong character! 
She and her younger brother set out to capture a thief that has been stealing from several places. In addition, she befriends a man with a brain injury. I cannot reveal the results of all of these adventures because of course, that would ruin the book. 

This book is written in a quarter journal form (Sam's) and the rest mostly in narrative. Although there are a lot of "journal" books out there, this one is worth the read. This is a refreshing take on some one who is differently capable. Again, I love it! Sam is my hero in so many ways! This book is also a series of which I have three more books. I recommend them and get them in the hands of kids! 4 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~MM aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Goodreads
Amazon

#Review: It's Ok to Be Me! by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos/ Illustrated by Marta Fabrega #DiverseBooks

Summary:
From a child's point of view, life can often seem difficult, but this brightly illustrated book--one in a set of two Live and Learn titles--encourages children never to be afraid of a challenge. It's all right to be a little scared about things that seem hard to do, but whatever the challenge, determination and practice can get them through. The child in this story must stay in a wheelchair. Sometimes, he feels bad because he is left out of things by his classmates. One day, watching his friends play basketball, he has an idea. He decides that even while remaining in his wheelchair, he too can learn to play the game. The text is simple and the illustrations on every page are appealing. Four pages presenting activities for children appear at the back of each book, followed by a two-page section for parents, with tips on explaining the subject in more detail.

My review: This is a cute book that has the main character, a boy, who is in a wheelchair.
The story starts out as he tells about himself and moves in to things that upset him, like wanting to play with other kids.

He takes control of the situation and learns to do things in his wheelchair by himself. Although scared, he learns to persevere and show others that just because he is in a wheelchair , he is just like them.

This was a good book to show other kids that all kids want to be happy and have friends. Even if children do not have a disability, there may be other challenges they have to face and can do it if they work at it.

The illustrations are bold and bright. They engage the reader to know more.
4 stars

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from the local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.

Where to find the author:

Goodreads
Amazon

#Review: Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham/Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Summary:
Zebra thinks the alphabet should be simple. A is for Apple. B is for Ball. Easy! But his friend Moose is too excited to wait his turn, and when M isn't for Moose (Mouse gets the honor), the rest of the letters better run for cover. Exuberant and zany storytelling brings to life two friends and one laugh-out-loud comedy of errors that's about friendship, sharing, and compromise.

My review:
In essence this a simple alphabet book. Well, it is supposed to be. However, as the summary suggest Moose gets left out. He is sad, hurt, and down right mad. I had to chuckle as Moose appearance began almost immediately but when it was his turn...total laughter.

This book was truly a different take on an alphabet picture book with funny characters and laugh out loud words. Young kids will love this. The illustrations are simple line drawings but fill the entire page with muted colors. You have to check this one out!
4 stars.
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:
Goodreads
Amazon

#Review: Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh #Multicultural

Summary:
Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a lawsuit in federal district court. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.

My review:
Before the Brown vs. Board of Education, which is well known to me, there was the Mendez family who fought for equality in the schools. I find it awful that such things have even taken place in this country, although, I know it has.

I applaud people like the Mendez's who fought for their children to have good education. All children deserve to have the same opportunities. This story follows them from the time the children were rejected right through the court case and back to the school.

I should not be, but I was amazed at the bigotry provided by the school, especially when the children were present at the case. Again, I question why?

In the back of the book, there is an update by the author, photographs of the real people involved, a glossary, and bibliography.

The illustrations in the book were simple line drawing and added to the feel. The colors were muted blues, browns, reds, and greens. I thought it was interesting that none of the character's faces were faced forward but always sideways. Was this a statement in itself? Perhaps.

Overall, I think this is a book that should be read to all children and the case should be brought to the public more as this was just the beginning of children's right to school. 

5 stars! Note: This book has received at least two rewards but I was not able to find which ones for my review.

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book at my local library to read and review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Amazon
Goodreads

#Review: People by Peter Spier #Multicultural

My review:
As the title suggests, this book is all about people. People of every nation, people around the world, people of every color and creed. I love this book because it takes an in depth look of how we all live, dress, worship, play, and enjoy life without prejudice.

The book gives children an idea of how being different is ok. However, it does not shy away from the fact that when we are different, that other people may not like us but, it is still ok to be the way we are. The author shows us that in our differences we are still all human beings, we are born as babies and die at some point.

The colors of this book are amazing:blues, reds,yellows, greens, and browns. The illustrations are all pen drawn with the colors added. This adds to the whole feel of the book and once again, highlights the title, "People".

The author has been awarded several awards for the book and it is without a doubt deserving of my 5 stars. This should be in every home, library, and classroom.

Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon


Where to find the author:

Amazon

#Review: Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta / Illustrated by Ed Young #atozchallenge

Summary:
Late at night, when all is quiet and everyone is asleep, a ninja creeps silently through the house in search of treasure. Soon he reaches his ultimate goal...and gets a big surprise! Will the nighttime ninja complete his mission?

My review:
The title of this book caught my attention which is why I purchased it without really looking through it. I usually at least do a quick flip. If I had done so, I would have known this is essentially a picture book with very few words. The book is targeted for kids 4-7 but in truth, I think it is more 2-5 and only that high in age because an emerging reader could handle it.

The book starts out really cute, as the reader has to turn the book sideways to the first two pages, to see black and gray ninjas coming down the page. One appears largely on the second page.
The book then has a myriad of  pages with this ninja making different moves and being very stealth.

He finally gets to his goal which is in the kitchen but gets stopped at the most unlikely character. I will not reveal what he is after or who stops him because well, it would ruin the entire story.

I have to say, I was really not impressed with this book. I thought there could have been so much more writing done to make it even cuter. Also, the artwork was done with paper cuttings which are fine but when the artist put the pages together, I could see the white lines of the pages and could tell it was not put together well. That was unfortunate. I think it would have been better with another form of artwork

I will give this book 3 stars but only because the premise is cute and young kids might like it. The author had a good idea but, it just went sour. It is not one I personally would reread. 

Disclosure: I purchased this book for my own collections. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:
Goodreads
Amazon

#Review: Knots On A Counting Rope by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault/Illustrated by Ted Rand #Multicultural #Native American #ReadingRainbowBooks #atozchallenge

Summary:
In this poignant story, the counting rope is a metaphor for the passage of time and for a boy's emerging confidence in facing his blindness.

My review:
I generally do not read a summary of a book until after I have actually read the book. I am glad I did not do that with this particular book because it gave me the element of surprise.

This book features two Native American Indians, an elder, and his grandson, sitting around a campfire. The elder begins telling the story of the young boys birth and growth, a story that the grandson has heard many times but wishes it to be told again.

As the story progresses, the tale gets more fantastic. The boy grows strong and faces obstacles of "the darkness" but overcomes them through the strength of his name and tenacity. The young boy has great reliance on his grandfather but his grandfather knows that his young grandson will make it on his own.

This story was simply beautiful and told how someone that may be born with a disability can still live a strong life and still do many things, just differently. I loved the meaning behind the counting rope!

The illustrations were done boldly and in darker muted colors to represent the blindness of the boy but also the telling of the story at night. The illustrations took up the majority of the pages with the telling of the story off to one side. Great addition!

I would encourage anyone to have this book for their own collections and to be in all classrooms. To make this even more fantastic, this book was also selected as a Reading Rainbow book and featured on that show.

5 stars and another knot on the rope!

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the authors:

Unfortunately, author Bill Martin Jr. passed away in 2004.

Bill Martin Jr.-Amazon
John Archambault-Amazon
Bill Martin Jr.-Goodreads
John Archambault-Goodreads

#Review: Jay Leno:If Roast Beef Could Fly #atozchallenge #audio

Summary:

Little Jay's mom is maniacally thrifty, his dad is extravagant, and little Jay always seems to be caught in the middle. So when Jay's dad decides that his next big "project" is going to be an ENORMOUS barbecue patio, the only way it's going to happen is if Jay, their neighbors, and Bruce, the laziest dog in America, help him out.

When the party to launch the patio arrives, there's more food than anyone could eat, and at the center is a HUGE roast beef that Jay would do anything to get a taste of. No one will notice if he sneaks a bite, will they? That is, until Jay's secret plan backfires!

What is Jay's secret weapon to sample a bit of the roast beef? Will he keep his dad from finding out? And finally, what could make a roast beef fly?

My review:
This book is a twist on a remembered Summer that Jay Leno had with his Dad and family. Everything was done largely on one side of his family, while the other side, was much more conservative. Reading about how Jay and his Dad took the entire Summer to build the bbq was funny enough. However, reading how he managed to get a taste, that is laugh out loud.

So, how is it the roast beef flew? Well, that is the twist in the story that you just have to read. I can tell you, though, Jay's taste buds managed to get him in a whole lot of hot water with his Dad and never getting another taste or for that matter, his family either!

The illustrations are done in large cartoonish characters, which from someone like Jay Leno, does not surprise me. The illustrations add to the book which makes it that much more fun.

This book also comes with an audio CD of Jay Leno reading the book. Although I did not listen, I without a doubt, figure it to be funny.

I give this book 4 stars.

Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book at my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

 Goodreads