Pumpkin Countdown by Joan Holub #Halloween #pumpkins #review #bookseries

My review:

Did you know that pumpkins are 90% water and that a vine can grown up to 30 feet long? Well, I didn't either. This is just a couple of the facts written on the inside cover of this cute counting book.

A class takes a field trip to a pumpkin patch. Along the way, they count down from twenty. Items in the countdown are the number of kids on the bus, the number of  things they guess they will see on the farm, and the number of animals in the petting zoo. Of course, there is a whole bunch more to count like the different kinds of pumpkins and a load of trivia about pumpkin growing. At the end of the book was a rhyming song. Of course, you will have to read the book to find out what it is. I can say, it is a familiar tune.

As I have read and reviewed many of this author's books, I also enjoyed this one. The whole book was done in rhyme which made it appealing. Another things I liked about the book was the students were all diverse characters, including their teacher, Ms. Blue. Each had colorful names and clothing too. It does help that Fall is my favorite time of year and I like pumpkin patches. *wink*

I loved this book as a whole and is quite different from usual counting books. I give this book 5 pumpkins.

Disclosure: I received this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Where to find the author:

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Itty Bitty Kitty and the Rainy Play Day by Joan Holub #childrens #series #childrensfiction

Since it was raining today, it seemed appropriate to read this picture book by one of my favorite authors.

Itty Bitty Kitty is anything but itty-bitty. So when it starts to rain Itty and owner Ava get stuck inside.

They eventually find things to do but it causes chaos around the house and trouble for mom and dad.

As the rain stops, fun begins again...maybe...but does Itty like being outside? Hmm?

I love the larger than life pet cat with bold colors coupled with the author's fun play with words.

4 stars. Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. - Michelle

Seed School: Growing Up Amazing by Joan Holub #review #childrens #growing #plants

 

This is a sweet little book that I think should be read in the classrooms at the beginning of the school year.
A class full of different seeds are learning about growing and how they will grow. There is one seed with a "hat" that tries to find himself and fit in.
The book starts in the Fall and carries all through the winter into spring. The seeds learn about photosynthesis, which of course, the reader does too.
The seed with the hat sings about growing and tells fun jokes. Eventually, all the seeds grow into something great and so does the "lost" seed. *smiles*
The writing is awesome. The illustrations a bit cheesy for me but do get the point across and do their job.

I give this 5 stars
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. -Michelle

What Were the Salem Witch Trials? by Joan Holub #Halloween #PenguinHouseBooks

 About:

Something wicked was brewing in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. It started when two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, began having hysterical fits. Soon after, other local girls claimed they were being pricked with pins. With no scientific explanation available, the residents of Salem came to one conclusion: it was witchcraft! Over the next year and a half, nineteen people were convicted of witchcraft and hanged while more languished in prison as hysteria swept the colony.

My review:

I have read a few of the "What were... or Who Is..." series of books. They are always concise and informative. Usually they are aimed at grades 3-7. This one is no different with the exception of who the author is. All of the authors are different for each book. Joan Holub has written a few including this one.

I knew a little about the Salem Witch Trials but as usual with these books, I found out a little more. For example, I thought all of the "witches" were burned at the stake in Salem. Actually, they were not but hung, which doesn't make the atrocity any better but just different than I knew. I also did not know it wasn't until 2001...YES, 2001, that all the victims were vindicated. Amazing!

The book was extremely thorough in how the accusing began, how it spread, and how it eventually ended. Photos and drawings were included to support the information. All of it was interesting and somewhat of an eye opener. I would caution to have conversations especially with younger children about some topics that may be frightening.

Terrific book and gets 5 pumpkins!

Disclosure:

I received a copy of this book from the author. The reviews here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle

Review: Apple Countdown by Joan Holub #AtoZChallenge

My review:

Did you know that apples are 25% water and that is why they float? Well, I didn't either. This is just one of the facts written on the inside covers of this cute counting book.

A class takes a field trip to an apple orchard. Along the way, they count down from twenty. Items in the countdown are the number of kids on the bus, the number of steps to the farm, and the number of ducks in the pond. Of course, there is a whole bunch more to count and a load of trivia about apple growing.

I enjoyed this book. The whole book was done in rhyme which made it appealing. Another things I liked about the book was the students were all diverse characters, including their teacher, Mr. Yee. Each had colorful names and clothing too.

I loved this book as a whole and is quite different from usual counting books. I give this book 4 stars.

Disclosure: I received this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

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#Review: Hello, Ninjas & Hello, Knights by Joan Holub #boardbooks #mathconcepts

Summary:
Perfect for reading out loud, Joan Holub’s hilarious text and Chris Dickason’s lively illustrations will have little ones learning and laughing as they try to find all the sneaky ninjas hidden on each page.

A clever, interactive approach to first concepts, this board book series also introduces important “next-step” concepts like counting in a hilariously engaging way.

My review:

If your kiddo, like my Grandson, loves ninjas, then this is the book to get! A new board-book series by the author will have your child wanting to do a ninja roll or chop but having fun counting while doing so. I have read many books by this author and her gift of writing is always top-notch. 

I love the rhymes that the book has and the illustrations that go along with it are just fantastic. The little twist in the middle of the book, which is a fold-out page,  will not only have your child in stitches but you too! I know I laughed out loud when I found out what the ninjas were on a mission for. I will just say it is pretty yummy but you will have to get your own copy to find out what it is.

A winner for sure! 5 stars!

Summary:


Perfect for reading out loud, Joan Holub’s hilarious text and Chris Dickason’s lively illustrations will have little ones huff-puff laughing as the knights and dragons run up and down the castle wall.

A clever, interactive approach to first concepts, this board book series also introduces important “next-step” concepts like opposites in a hilariously engaging way.

My review:
This book is in the author's new series of board books. The illustrations are as fun as the ninja one I read, quite bright and colorful. Here the subject is Knights and Dragons. Even if you have a Princess, she will love this book.

As with many of Ms. Holub's books, she always has something to learn in them. In this book, the concept is learning opposites and making friends.
How do you make friends with dragons? Well, read the book for that!

Once again, the board book had a pull-out page that made the book simply fun and there were lead up pages that made me laugh, the one I loved most was seeing the king's underwear flying.

You can't miss this book.
Another 5 stars!

Disclosure: The books here were given to me by the author. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Michelle aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Joan is an NY Times bestselling children's book author, with books starring Goddess Girls, poodles, a superhero zero, or even a red pencil, in stories about friendship, girl-power, mythology, and other universally important stuff.

Website

(This Little) Explorer by Joan Holub #boardbooks #toddlers #AtoZblogchallenge #E

Summary:
Learn all about the most influential explorers who searched the world far and wide in this engaging and colorful board book perfect for pioneers-in-training!

Little explorers discover a great big world. 

The youngest adventurers can learn about the greatest explorers in history with this bright and playful board book. Highlighting ten memorable pioneers, parents and young discoverers alike will love sharing this fun historical primer full of age-appropriate facts and bold illustrations

My review:
I have read and reviewed many of Joan Holub's books. I admittedly am a huge fan and cannot get enough of her writings. This book is the second in her new series of board books for toddlers.
My grandson loved her first book and I know he is going to love this one too.

The author writes in poetry about  a certain explorer on the left side of the page, she names him or her, and then explains what they did for exploration. On the right side she explains further what the explorer was famous for. One of my favorites is Amelia Earhart. Another would be Neil Armstrong.
The writing style is perfection which only Joan Holub could do.

All of the explorers are made in cartoonish kind of style which would be quite appealing to a toddler. A couple of them made me chuckle because they reminded me of "Kenny" fame.
The colors are mainly in primary colors  with only slight variation which no doubt intentional. The book is chunky and stiff, perfect for a toddler's hand. This illustrator has a winner here.

Great as always. I cannot wait to give this 5 star book to my grandchild!


Disclosure: I received this book from the author for free. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~M.M. Hudson aka Naila Moon

#Review: This Little President: A Presidential Primer by Joan Holub/ Illustrated by Daniel Roode #Toddlers #boardbooks #Presidents

Summary:
Now even the youngest patriots can learn about America’s presidential history with this bright and playful board book. Highlighting ten of the most memorable presidents—and featuring all forty-four on the last page—parents and presidents-in-training alike will love sharing this fun primer full of age-appropriate facts, leadership skills, and White House history.

My review: 
Since it is an election year here in the U.S. this book is timely. The book opens with highlighting our first President and ends with our current. Each page tells about the President in rhyme and then a small tidbit about him. The author is a master of her small rhymes for children. Even though the rhymes are small, they are also informative.

This adorable book is just right for the little hands to hold as it is smaller and is a hardback board book. The illustrations are colorful and come to life. The Presidents are done in a bit of cartoon-ish form which not only appealed to me but appeals to children too. My grandson loved this book!

The last page features all of the Presidents with a question as who will be elected soon. That is nice as children can find out who all the Presidents were. Yes, it is aimed at toddlers but older kids will like it too.

Joan Holub has done it again and this book is sure to be a treasure on book shelves for years to come.  5 stars!

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

Where to find the author:

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Review: Little Red Writing by Joan Holub/ Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Summary:
An exuberant retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, in which a brave, little red pencil finds her way through the many perils of writing a story, faces a ravenous pencil sharpener (the Wolf 3000)... and saves the day.

My review:
As with many books that I have read by this author, her mind is always thinking like a child would. She sees humor in the most ordinary things, in this case, a pencil that is red.
I love this total retelling of Little Red Riding Hood.

The main character Little Red Writing takes the reader through her school as she is trying to write a story as an assignment for her class. The reader encounters all parts of writing in a fun way.
The book is cleverly illustrated in cartoonish like characters and all the class including Little Red are pencils.

I also liked the near ending which is a nice departure from some books when a "girl" character is the main character.

I think kids would enjoy the humor of the book while learning to write. I think it would be great for a bit older classroom although the book is targeted for K-3rd grades.

I give the book 5 stars.

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

Where to find the author:

 

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#Review: The Knights Before Christmas by Joan Holub/Illustrated by Scott Magoon

Summary:
This parody of Clement Clarke Moore's well-known poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is kid-friendly, clever, and just plain silly―sure to become a holiday classic of a different kind.

My review:
I have given no secret to the fact that I adore this author and her books. This little gem just gave me a good chuckle. She has taken the traditional telling of "The Night Before Christmas" and turned it with a poetic twist of laughter.

The three very good Knights with funny names defend the castle, that also has a funny name, from the likes of an invader. Who would this invader with the "dragons" be? Well, I am sure you might guess.  Their fight to defend is downright hilarious with the sugar plums, and other things flying back and forth. Oh, how I wish I could tell you, but that would ruin it for you if I did. 

I also loved seeing the cartoon-ish pop up bubbles that tell what each knight is thinking. Of course these little bits are Christmas sayings or song related.

The author is so good at what she does and obviously can see a good bit of humor in everything. She manages to get the feel of what children would think is funny in every book she writes. This book is no exception!

The illustrator was also able to envision what the author was going for. His large, somewhat exaggerated characters enhanced what was already a great book. The colors are muted to give the feel of medieval times and yet has spots of Christmas colors that you would expect from such a book.

You would be amiss if you did not get a copy of this book. 5 stars and a HO HO HO!

Disclosure: I was given 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. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

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#Review: Zero the Hero by Joan Holub/ Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld #kidsbooks

Summary:
Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. That's what all the other numbers think of Zero. He doesn't add anything in addition. He's of no use in division. And don't even ask what he does in multiplication. (Hint: Poof!) But Zero knows he's worth a lot, and when the other numbers get into trouble, he swoops in to prove that his talents are innumerable.

My review:
I admittedly hate math with a passion. So, it was with pure reluctance that I even read this book. However, I like the author and so I gave it a go. I was not disappointed.

Zero simply gets a bad rap through the entire book. No one likes him. He thinks himself a hero from the very first pages, this includes the cape and mask and is only out to prove himself. What is a hero to do. Well...nothing?

That is where the book gets to be fun! I loved that each number had a different personality and is illustrated in cartoon form. This was brilliant on the part of the illustrator and the genius of the author.

Of course math does play into this book but in a subtle way that the reader gets it but is not bogged down with it. Win! Does Zero save the day? Read the book and find out.

I give this book 5+Zero the SUPER Hero stars!

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

Where to find the author:

Joan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads. 

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Review: Itty Bitty Kitty by Joan Holub/Illustrated by James Burks

Summary:
Ava wants a pet, but Mom and Dad say she's too little. So when she finds a kitty, Ava decides to name him Itty Bitty and keep him a secret. There's just one tiny problem: Itty Bitty starts growing and growing and growing . . . until he's neither itty nor bitty! Kids will laugh and cheer along as Ava and Itty Bitty try to keep Mom and Dad from discovering their not-so-little secret!

My Review:
Have you or someone you have known ever want a pet of your own? I know I have! This book is all about that want becoming a reality in a fun way.

Joan Holub does it again in this book when she writes about Ava who wants a kitty. Her writing style is not completely in rhyme but many fun rhyming words are included. I loved some of the words like: cutie pattotie and of course itty bitty.

I liked how Ava tries to hide her kitty until the right time to tell mom and dad but the hiding gets a little out of hand. The story was absolutely adorable and the twist at the end was priceless.
I can tell you that my grandchildren have had me read this to them several times already because the love it so much.

The illustrations include Ava's own drawing of cats all over the house which is a fun little secret in itself. The pictures were larger than life, bold, and colorful which added to the overall greateness of this book.

I urge you to pick up a copy today and without a doubt this book gets 5 stars!

Disclosure: I received this book for my open and honest opinion.
The review here is 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find author:

Joan Holub is co-author of the best-selling Goddess Girls series, the Grimmtastic Girls series, and the Heroes in Training series. Her picture book Little Red Writing received three starred reviews and has been named to many Best-of lists. Her mighty cool dad inspired the creation of the picture book, Mighty Dads. 

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#Review: Vincent van Gogh: Sunflowers and Swirly Stars by Joam Holub and "Brad Bucks" #atozchallenge, #Kidsbooks

Summary:
"Brad" explores the ups and downs of van Gogh's life and art in this colorful report, featuring Brad's funny cartoons alongside reproductions of classic paintings like Starry Night.

My review:
This was a very different book than I have read previously from this author. This comes from a series of books about artist. The book is written like a book report that a child would give which was interesting in itself. It was also written in first person as the "child" sees van Gogh.

I liked that the book gave a thorough view at the artist life from the time he was born to the time of his death. One page even showed the artist as a young boy. The book mentioned his brother and how he got along with this sibling. Kids could compare their own relationships with their own siblings.

I also like the book pulled no punches when it came to van Gogh being poor or even how he so tragically died. These things are important truths for this author and give accurate portrayal for children.  I do caution reading this book to a younger child as this may be difficult for a younger child to grasp. Older children just might have questions that can easily be discussed.

The illustrations were cute and fantastic at the same time. The "book report" illustrations were done in crayons drawings with cartoon like characters but this was juxtaposed with the real life paintings of the artist.

Overall, I liked this book and gets an "A" from me which equal out to be 5 stars.

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

Where to find the author:

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#Review: Grimmtastic Girls:Cinderella Stays Late (Book 1) & Red Riding Hood Gets Lost (Book 2) by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams #Middlegrade, #kidsbooks

Summary: 
Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia...
A Grimmtastic girl named Cinderella is starting her first week at Grimm Academy on the wrong foot. Cinda's totally evil stepsisters are out to make her life miserable. The Steps tease Cinda, give her terrible advice about life at the academy, and even make her look bad in front of her new friends, Red, Snow, and Rapunzel! But when Cinda overhears the Steps plotting a villainous deed that could ruin Prince Awesome's ball, Cinda, her new friends, and a pair of magical glass slippers have to stop them--before the last stroke of midnight!

My review: 
What a  retelling of a familiar story! This time though, Cinderalla, aka Cinda is no Princess. She does not wear a crown but goes to school with lots of kids that do. Fitting in is hard for her especially when you are supposed to be able to dance, which...

Oh, now, I cannot give that away can I?

I really enjoyed this fun twist on the familiar tale. This book is targeted for kids in grades 3-6 and mostly for girls. Boys might read this book too but it is doubtful.  I loved how Cinda worked on fitting in and made mistakes so badly that she thought she never might. However, she found out, as kids will, that not everyone is perfect but there are things you can excel at that others cannot. It makes you unique and people will like you just the way you are.

Summary:
Red Riding Hood might have a terrible sense of direction, but her grimmtastic friends are always there to help!

Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia...
Red Riding Hood is thrilled to try out for the school play. Acting is her dream, and she's great at it--too bad she has stage fright! After a grimmiserable audition, Red decides to focus on helping her friends Cinda, Snow, and Rapunzel save Grimm Academy from the E.V.I.L. Society. But when Red gets lost in Neverwood forest and runs into Wolfgang, who might be part of E.V.I.L., she needs her magic basket and a grimmazingly dramatic performance to figure out what's going on!

My review:
This second book could be a stand alone book as it tells the tale of Red Riding Hood aka Red. However, to follow along with some ideas, the book really should be read in succession to the first.

This book carries along a similar theme as the first with the exception of learning to trust.  Also, the idea of people do not always appear what they seem or in this case have been written as. Red learns to trust herself, her friends, and even new friends to succeed. Kids reading this book will have no problem picking up on that theme.

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Both of these are winners to me. I am not always wanting to read girlie-girl books but these two fit that bill and I was not disappointed in the least. The character's development was fun and mysterious at the same time. I could pick up the running theme in each book without issue. If was also fun to see the old fairy tales intertwined with a new twist. I enjoyed seeing the characters as younger girls before they ended up as they are known today. Fantasy abounds in these books and are a no miss for children to read, especially if they like fairy tales.

5 stars!

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

Where to find the authors:

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Review: Mini Myths: Brush Your Hair, Medusa! and Make A Wish, Midas! by Joan Holub & Leslie Patricelli #kidsbooks #toddlers

Summary: Medusa refuses to care for her hair, her long locks getting messier with each passing page. Her hair rebellion elicits frozen expressions of shock from her family, but nothing will convince Medusa to brush. Only her hairdresser approaches Medusa with bravery and scissors, successfully solving the problem . . . with a short haircut! All are pleased with this drastic yet adorable solution. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of this physical comedy bring a lively visual narrative to Joan Holub’s expertly focused text. Includes a summary of the original Medusa’s Wild Hair myth at the end.

My review:

This is a myth that I know pretty well so, I found the twist the author spun on this one to be humorous. I particularly loved the look on Grandma's face when she walked in the door and saw her hair.

Although the real Medusa's hair was said to be made of snakes, I liked that the author and illustrator did not make it that way but instead just wild. However, the hint of the snakes was still in the pages but not as frightening. 

As with the last two toddler board books from this series, she incorporated the myth in the back of the book which could be read by parent or an older child.

Summary: Midas wants everything to be his favorite color – yellow! He chooses yellow clothes, eats yellow foods, and uses only the yellow paint at his art easel. But when he impulsively paints his beloved green Dinoboo, Midas discovers that too much of a good thing is a big mess! Joan Holub’s carefully crafted text is brought to life by Leslie Patricelli’s famously humorous illustrations. Includes a summary of the original Midas’ Golden Touch myth at the end.

My review:

Yellow is a wonderful color but unlike Midas, I do not think I would want everything yellow. Again, author Joan Holub has created a tale that gets the point of the myth across but in a fun and non-threatening way.

The bold pictures are so cute and I just know any toddler would enjoy looking at them over and over. In addition, they will be able to identify the color yellow and maybe a couple of other colors that peep into the pages.

As with the other books, the original myth is on the back page for adults or older children to learn about.

Both books are perfect for ages 1-3 years old and get 5 stars from me.

Disclosure: I received a copy of both of these books for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Joan Holub’s fascination with mythology inspired Mini Myths, a new board book series that translates famous myths into situations familiar to preschoolers. The first four titles are Be Patient, Pandora!, Play Nice, Hercules!, Brush Your Hair, Medusa! and Make A Wish, Midas! published by Abrams Appleseed. Joan co-authors two other mythology series for Simon and Schuster, Goddess Girls (ages 8-12) and Heroes in Training (ages 7-10). Her picture book, Mighty Dads, was a New York Times bestseller in 2014.

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