My Buy Essay

Posts Tagged ‘children’s’

King Bartholomew and the Jester’s Riddle by Pina Mastromonaco is a wonderful, fun book with a humor level perfect for children aged four to eight. Entertaining riddles entice readers to try to guess the answer while enjoying the tale.

Childlike King Bartholomew is obsessed with toys and solving riddles. The chubby, balding King learns to balance play and work time so that he can take responsible care of his land and citizens, yet still enjoy a playful life. The moral-of-the-story is not laid on thick &ndash it is lightly applied so it will be easily accepted by young children. Teachers, librarians and caretakers will enjoy reading this pleasant book to children who like to play rather than accomplish chores or school assignments.

The illustrator, David Martin, is extremely accomplished and very gifted. Each page is filled with incredible detail that reveals more the longer one gazes at them. Many illustrations some form of nature included from the fantastically sculpted bushes, an array of birds and a maze of hedges with a big ‘B’ in the center (B &ndash for King Bartholomew). Richly colored clothes and hilarious costumes for the jester and the King’s servants prove to add an interesting twist to this fun-loving book.”

ISBN#: 0974430714

Author: Pina Mastromonaco

Illustrations: David Martin

Publisher: Merry Lane Press

A stimulating adventure! Sabine Muir has written a wonderful children’s story that can be read many, many times. This is a time-travel, Christian fantasy novel that reminds me a little bit of one of my favorite childhood books, ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.

Here, the main character, Mathew, is a young boy growing up under difficulties that are quite uncommon from his piers. Mathew’s father is missing, his mother has begun a new romance and bullying at school weighs heavily upon his young shoulders. Mathew thought he could escape it all during his stay at his Aunt and Uncle’s tranquil family farm. Unexpectedly, Mathew and his cousins are thrown into an adventure when they accidentally enter a mystery gateway into to a world of Kings, Queens, Castles and ghosts.

Sabine Muir’s use of factual, historical legendary characters brought the Canmore Dynasty to life – an era that is quickly fading from all memory. The author’s research and understanding of the historical era is evident in this excellent piece of work. Her fascination with this particular section in time has produced several works of fiction.

‘Mathew and the Highland Rescue’ is only the first in a series of adventure books. A delightful light read for the adventurous and young-of-heart. I look forward to reading her next published work.”

Publisher: Publish America, Inc.

ISBN#: 1413759165

Author: Sabine Muir

Bright colored sheets just inside the sturdy book cover certainly set the mood for this excellent book geared for children between the ages of 4 and 8.

The main character is a young boy who is desperately fretting over the class reaction to his strange family. He dreads the day the children in his classroom are due to present their portrayals of their families. Much to his delight, he realizes his family is not so strange after all. Parents and teachers will certainly find the yoga-loving dad with orange polka-dotted socks is sure to get the giggles rolling. The impressive illustrations hold attention to the page.

As youth, we are often fascinated by other family’s doors and what lays beyond them. When we discover that all the quirks and differences reside in everyone’s family, it makes it easier to accept our families and our place in them. This is a valuable life skill that would certainly help to ground little people at this age.

Educators and caretakers may find this book useful in social and family studies.

Children are encouraged to personalize the book on the first page and create a list of their family and their personality traits on the last page &ndash thus making this book more interactive.”

ISBN#: 0974430722

Author: Kristin Joy Humes

Illustrations: Loel Barr

Publisher: Merry Lane Press

This is one book that I would have cherished as a little girl. The Bubblegum Babes’ Guide to Sixth Grade is the first in a series designed for young people growing up in today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world. Doreen Lewis wrote it so that each chapter can be read as a complete story on its own – perfect for pre-teens that like to read small sections at a time. An award winning author and mother of two, Doreen writes with clarity and energy and draws upon her life for inspiration in her work. Her own personality is revealed nicely in the Acknowledgement and About Author sections in the book.

The main character, Kelly, takes the reader through adventures with her three best friends. They dub themselves the Bubblegum Babes after an evening of giggles and make-up. The four girls experience and discuss many things that aren’t easy to talk about in everyday life. Excellent advice is interwoven into each tale from how to maintain friendships, the mysteries of menstruation and the complexity of discovering an interest in boys.

Starting with their nervous beginnings in a new school year right through to the graduation dance, The Bubblegum Babes will have you wishing you were one of them.

ISBN#: 0976919303

Author: Doreen Lewis

Publisher: Helm Publishing

Author Todd McClimans is a 5th grade teacher and young father, who lives in Nevada with his family. Todd has been writing short stories for his students for more than 10 years and The Elf Prince is his first novel. Currently, Todd is working on a sequel to this book and has two other book projects ahead in his future.

All the elements for a wonderfully mystical tale for youth, and for those with youthful minds are here in this novel. Haunting dreams, caring creatures of the forest, magical swords, a quest to defeat wickedness and free its captives along with humorous moments and unique characters – truly, it is all here. Each of Todd’s characters is pressed to find their individual strengths, to accept the uniqueness of their abilities and learn respect for things they once held reservations about.

There are three main characters in The Elf Prince. “Tenii” is a half-breed Man-Dwarf and just might be the most interesting wizard readers will have met in a long time. “Petra”, a gorgeous young fawn, has a persistent and doggedly determined nature that saves them all more than once. Finally there is “Dantin”, the 11 year-old half-breed Elf-Man Prince – who along with his two courageous friends endeavor to break the dominance of Dantin’s cold-hearted, ruthless uncle. They cannot do this alone and are aided more than once by their friends: Tierra, the she-elf Princess and Byron, the leader of a tribe of Dwarf warriors.

I have to say this was an excellent novel. Scene transition moved smoothly from one to the next in a realistic and engaging style. I completely enjoyed each stage of the tale and did not want it to end. The gorgeous book cover is certainly an asset to The Elf Prince, which pictures one of the two intricately carved magical medallions that play a part in the tale.

ISBN#: 1-4137-8553-0

Author: Todd McClimans

Publisher: Publish America

This is a children’s book that will keep readers glued to the pages right to the end. The Plight of Queen Bee by Simone Fairchild entails forty pages of gorgeous, bright fun illustrations with vivid detail and glorious lilac flowers in full bloom.

Illustrator Pamela Marie Key masterfully creates real-life illusions right down to the bark on the lilac tree. I loved the bee’s wings in particular, which reminded me of a treasured sea shell from my childhood that had pearl-like iridescent quality to it.

Multiple award winning author Simone Fairchild spins a fascinating detective story, complete with a Sherloch Holmes-like character &ndash Detective Brown who is called in to solve the baffling mystery of who is stealing Queen Bee’s nectar. Detective Brown must endure awful pressure from Queen Bee and find out who is telling the truth. He accidentally discovers a culprit red-handed that completely surprises readers and heroically disarms the robber with swift swordplay. Simone Fairchild certainly reveals her talent for this genre and a love for her readers, which flows throughout this excellent book.

Four wonderful games will stimulate the minds of your children while the images and details will keep them amused for long periods of time. It’s a sure bet that The Plight of Queen Bee will be read many, many times by your family.

ISBN#: 0976773236

Author: Simone Fairchild

Illustrations: Pamela Marie Key

Publisher: A Better Be Write Publisher

Canadian commercial pilot, owner of a publishing company, mother of two and author of the Violet the Pilot children’s book series, Bettina Bathe has a talent and energy for today’s youth. I think this aviation adventure fiction series is appropriate for children aged between three and eight years old.

Her children’s book series focus during one season in one country at a time, though the adventures in each book are widely different and involve a various aircraft. Starting in Canada, Bettina’s main character takes three passengers in a floatplane for a camping/fishing trip during the spring. Her second book has Violet the Pilot taking two young French passengers on a hot-air balloon ride to a site where the pair can start a bike tour adventure and enjoy fall’s beautiful colors. Bettina’s third book in the series is centered on the Hawaiian Islands during the summer season, where two young passengers desire a scenic tour of the islands in Violet’s helicopter. In this book, there is an unexpected adventure when the three were called upon to rescue a stranded baby whale.

These books could be considered educational tools as the illustrator, Barbara Fortin, incorporates well-designed scenery depicting the countryside, wildlife, clothing and food that are found in each country. Bettina uses educational information about aviation and the various aircraft that are used in her books. The use of maps and other interesting images including each country’s flag &ndash will certainly give the reader tools for further interaction with the children.

Clearly, Bettina’s series of children’s books are designed to not only educate children about their world and the various aircraft technology, but are also written with the intention to inspire aviation dreams in young girls. The author’s website (.violetthepilot.com) offers ongoing contests and awards for readers.

Violet the Pilot in Canada &ndash published October 2004 &ndash ISBN# 1-4120-3215-6

Violet the Pilot in France &ndash published July 2005 &ndash ISBN# 0-9738290-0-1

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii &ndash published January 2006 &ndash ISBN# 0-9738290-1-X

Violet the Pilot in Canada is the first in the series of children’s book series written by commercial pilot and mother of two, Bettina Bathe. In this book, Grandpa Cliff along with young Chantel and Mathias are going on a camping and fishing trip in Ontario, Canada.

Violet the pilot and her trusty animal and insect friends are hired to take the three tourists to their destination in her violet-colored floatplane. Violet teaches her passengers about the floatplane, takes them through initial flight procedures and delivers the tourists safely to their destination. For Violet, safety always comes first as she instructs the tourists how to exit the plane, protect themselves against the damaging sun reflected off the water and more.

Beautifully illustrated scenery with Canadian wildlife tucked into the images here and there will allow for more interest in the pictures. The illustrator, Barbara Fortin, creates an excellent depiction of rural Ontario’s well-known “Cottage Country” area.

Violet the Pilot in Canada offers more than entertainment and education. The author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Additionally, Bettina’s website (.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers.

ISBN#: 1-4120-3215-6

Author: Bettina Bathe

Illustrator: Barbara Fortin

Publisher: Trafford Publishing

Published: October 2004

Violet the Pilot in France is the second book in children’s series written by author Bettina Bathe. This adventure involves a hot air balloon trip in Provence, France. Proud Canadian author and commercial pilot, Bettina Bathe was certain to include a Canadian flag patch on her main character’s shoulder. However, Violet the pilot also embraces the country she is working in by placing that country’s flag patch on her other shoulder.

Two young French passengers who want to take a balloon ride to a desirable location for their bike tour adventure, hire Violet’s aviation services. The ride is interrupted with weather problems, but Violet saves them all with her confident and quick-thinking maneuvers. Violet’s animal and insect friends are the ground crew who has their own adventure just trying to keep up to the balloon. After a lovely picnic feast, Violet serenades her departing passengers with a song on her violin.

Illustrations by Barbara Fortin depict rural France, including interesting French architecture, agriculture and fashion. These bright, bold pictures are full of subtle information.

The book uses a few French words and the reader is encouraged to bring interest in the globe and navigation methods in children through useful maps and illustrations. Readers will learn how a hot air balloon is flown – from the pre-flight set-up, testing the wind and flying techniques to landing a hot air balloon. However, Violet the Pilot in France offers more than entertainment and education – the author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Additionally, Bettina’s website (.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers.

ISBN#: 0-9738290-0-1

Author: Bettina Bathe

Illustrator: Barbara Fortin

Publisher: Violet the Pilot Enterprises, Inc.

Published: July 2005

Violet the Pilot in Hawaii is the third book of a children’s series written by author Bettina Bathe. One of the very first striking aspects of this book is the illustrator’s use of bright colored fish and birds, a flowery helicopter, tropical scenery and agriculture within the Hawaiian Island region. The illustrations by Barbara Fortin (.bellocchioillustration.com) also reveal lush forest and wildlife scenes including a myriad of creatures that dwell in the waters surrounding the islands.

This adventure begins when two Hawaiian youth, Kimo and Malia, request a scenic tour ride in Violet’s purple helicopter. As always, safety comes first for Violet, and they spend a few moments discussing air currents and looking at maps before starting out.

Violet and her passengers are accompanied by as they fly above tropical forests, a beautiful waterfall, interesting volcanoes and agricultural fields. The adventure is interrupted when they are called upon to help rescue a baby whale. Thanks to Violet’s confident pilot skills and her loyal animal and insect friends, the frightened whale is returned to her pod. These unlikely heroes arrive to their destination safely and celebrate with a Luau and a feast. This is no ordinary feast &ndash the table is laden with all kinds of Hawaiian foods. And later, they are entertained by Hula Dancers and Violet plays her Ukulele.

The author incorporates real life terms in her books, yet she is able to explain things in a way that young people can clearly understand. The last page has an illustration with all three of the flags from the countries Violet has worked in so far. These could be excellent teaching and memory tools for the reader to use with children. However, Violet the Pilot in Hawaii offers more than entertainment and education – the author has also dedicated a portion of the sales of this book to the Canadian Red Cross. Additionally, Bettina’s website (.violetthepilot.com) offers contests and awards for young readers for her young readers to enjoy.

ISBN#: 0-9738290-1-X

Author: Bettina Bathe

Illustrator: Barbara Fortin

Publisher: Violet the Pilot Enterprises, Inc.

Published: January 2006