Redwall

By: Brian Jaques

Reviewed by: Nikil Pancha, young reviewer

Redwall is entirely based on animals, not humans.  The animals protect their dear Redwall Abbey, a castle, from an undefeated rat, Cluny and his army.  The animals at the abbey don’t think they have a hope of beating Cluny, without the sword of Martin the Warrior.  The sword has been lost from the Redwall inhabitants for all of living memory.  The main character is Mattias, a mouse, who goes on a quest for the sword and becomes Mattias the Warrior when he returns to save Redwall Abbey.

The author creates a happy mood throughout most of the book by not letting many of the good animals die. A joyful mood is also created because all adventures end favoring the Abbey animals.  A gloomy mood is created scarcely, although a sad mood is created when the oldest possession of Redwall Abbey is stolen and when a Shrew (an animal which I imagine to be small) dies.  Brian Jacques establishes a frightening mood when Mathias is stuck in a cat’s mouth!

I like Brian Jacques’s writing style.  He writes in short chapters, which makes me want to keep reading, because he does not wrap up the events at the end of a chapter.  I like the book’s format because it consists of over 50 chapters in three sections.  I consider the sections as large chapters.  It is both exciting and interesting, although not too suspenseful for me.  I would recommend this book to a friend who likes animals and likes to read long books.

Trains and Real Locomotives

By: William Trombello

Illustrated by: Brian Diskin

Published by: Nightengale Press, 2006

ISBN: 1933449373

Ages: 4 and up

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier

This is the second book for children written by William Trombello. Children will understand a train’s journey from the time it leaves the repair station to when it arrives at the station. Children will be taken on a journey of knowledge with Engineer Obie, Mechanic Mike, Carl the Carman, and Brakeman Bob. With colorful illustrations, children will see what each part of the train looks like, how it works, and learn what its function is in making the train go. Children will also learn about the different, but important jobs each person has at a train yard and on the train itself.

As children read along, a train at the bottom of each page shows how much they have learned and how much they still have to go on their journey into the world of locomotives.

At the end of the book, Trombello shares a warning with children about being safe around trains. He also shares his inspiration to write” How a Real Locomotive Works”, and a little history about a train called “Little Obie”.

Mrs. Biddlebox~Her Bad Day and What She Did About It!

BY: Linda Smith

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Marla Frazee

PUBLISHED BY: Harcourt, Inc.

ISBN:  978-0-15-206349-8 (Hardcover)

AGES: 4-8

Reviewed by: Donna M. McDine

Written in rhyme, this whimsical picture book sends the message to readers that you can control the type of day you’d like to have.  The comedy in the illustrations will bring delight to children and adults. 

We’ve all had them, the dreaded “bad day.”  If only we could get rid of it the way Mrs. Biddlebox does.  Mrs. Biddlebox starts off her day by “waking up on the wrong side of the bed” and is annoyed with her day from the get go.  Not to allow the gloomy day get the best of her, Mrs. Biddlebox conjures up her mystical powers and takes everything “bad” about her day and mixes them all into a delicious cake. 

Satisfied with her results she begins to have a piece of the cake with a nice hot cup of tea and before she knows it she has eaten the whole thing.  Very tired from having such a full belly, Mrs. Biddlebox climbs into bed and snuggles in for a nice long nap. 

This enchanting original tale is sure to charm the reader from beginning to end.  Winner of the 2002 Border’s New Voice Award and 2002 SCBWI golden Kit Award for Illustrators. 

The Criminal in the Caymans

By: Connie Lee Berry

Published by: Kid’s Fun Press, 2006

ISBN: 0977284808

Ages: 7 to 10

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier

This is the first children’s book by Connie Lee Berry. At the beginning of the book, Berry shares with us how the Journey Book began. You’ll also find a fact sheet about the Cayman Islands and a letter to the reader from the main characters, Max and Sam.

Max and Sam are brothers. They are only a year apart in age and are very close. On the way home from school, their mom announces she has a surprise waiting for them at home. Both boys can’t wait to see what it is. Once they get the wrapping paper off, the boys are surprised to find a book about the Cayman Islands. Not sure why their mom gave them a book, they begin to ask questions and find out the family is going on a trip to the island. What the boys don’t know is that is isn’t going to be any regular family vacation.

This fun chapter book is a great read for reluctant readers. Packed full of mystery and action, even the most reluctant reader won’t be able to put it down. You’ll find a fact sheet with more interesting facts about the Cayman Islands and a science pick (a Science Experiment sent in from an Incredible Journey fan) from Max and Sam at the end.

I do have one word of caution. This chapter book is written with multiple points of view, which is something you don’t normally see in a chapter book. But it’s well done, and doesn’t take away from the story or make it hard for children to read. If your child isn’t use to multiple points of view, then you may want to read along with them.

My Messy Closet

By: Allia Zobel Nolan

Illustrated by: Maryn Roos

Published by: Reader’s Digest Children’s Books, 2007

ISBN: 9780794413088

Ages: 4 and up

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier

This is one of the best Flap Books I’ve ever read. Nolan has done a wonderful job of writing in prose while telling the funny yet gross adventure of a little boy cleaning out his over-crowded closet. Written in first person, the little boy finds things like smelly socks and weeds in his hiking boots, to his mom’s picnic basket still completely full with the goodies (now rotten) from last time they went to the park.

Children will love the colorful illustrations by Roos and the fun, but gross flip outs on each page. The book is also designed to open like a closet door and you flip sections of the closet for each page. When you get to the end there is a pop out surprise!

This book is a great gift for the beginning reader in your life or to a wonderful teacher for story time. Kids of all ages will enjoy this totally gross flap book.

Al-the-Gator and Freddy Frog

BY:  Doc Gator

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: Randy Zabel Concepts by Valerie Broesch

PUBLISHED BY: 4RV Publishing LLC

ISBN: 978-0-9797513-0-1

READING LEVEL:  Ages 3 on up

Reviewed by: Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Asst. Editor

Al-the-Gator sees Freddy Frog land in the water right in front of him, so he grabs the poor frog and puts him in his mouth.  Freddy begs Al not to eat him and promises that in return, someday he would save Al-the-Gator's life. This amuses Al, so he lets Freddy go.  One night, humans with a strange light and a pole with a noose are on the pond. Al goes to investigate.  Freddy figures out what's going on and enacts a plan to save Al's life.

This cute picture book is beautifully illustrated and has a Learn More section at the end of it. There's a blurb at the back of the book explaining what future adventures are planned for Al-the-Gator and has Discussion Questions also.  There is a final page where Al-the-Gator and Freddy Frog t-shirts can be ordered.

This is a nice read for the younger children, but parents may be dismayed by the occasional typo. The storyline and illustrations make up for that, though.

The Holmes and Watson Mysterious Events and Objects Consortium:

The Case of the Witch’s Talisman

By: Elmore Hammes

Published by: Kanapolis Fog Publishing Emporium, 2007

ISBN: 9780615139494

Ages: 8 to 12

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier

Kevin is best friends with a girl named Ginny and because of this friendship finds himself being bullied by one of his classmates, Daniel and his buddies. Kevin doesn’t really care too much what the other boys think of his friendship with Ginny. After all he has more fun hanging out with her than playing sports which is just isn’t good at. Also, Kevin and Ginny always seem to find odd mysteries to solve. That is how their club The Holmes and Watson Mysterious Events and Objects Consortium began.

This summer Kevin and Ginny did what they did ever summer . . . explore Sharper’s Woods, but little did they know they would find themselves in one of the biggest mysterious of their lives. From disappearing animals to Daniel and his buddies being turned into zombies or worst, having their life forces sucked out. The only clue Kevin and Ginny have is an odd looking round metal object. But could this have anything to do with what’s going on? Kevin and Ginny aren’t sure. They did find the strange round metal object some time ago. Kevin and Ginny notice the strange object does seem to shine more than it use to and that it seems to have a draw they never noticed before.

Elmore Hammes has done a wonderful job bring mystery and suspense to a story about two friends learning to over come changes, bullying, and just growing up in general. Children will delight in learning that boys and girls can be friends, some times we get bullied because others wish they could be more like us, and that sometimes strange object are better left alone.

SPENCER THE SPRING CHICKEN AND OTHER STORIES

AUTHOR:  By Malinda Mitchell

ILLUSTRATED BY: Rosita Schandy & Neal Wooten

PUBLISHED BY: Mirror Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-9800675-0-7

READING LEVEL:  8 on up

Reviewed by: Gayle Jacobson-Huset Assistant Editor

Spencer is a rooster who hurts his wing and comes up with a great idea on how to get around by using a spring  - hence earning him the name "Spring Chicken".  He decides his idea is so great that he ought to make money and get rich selling springs to other injured animals that can't fly so that they can bounce to wherever they want to go.  He meets injured Randy Racoon, befriends him, then doesn't have the heart to charge him for the springs since his new friend is so grateful to be getting around again. The same thing happens when he meets and befriends Jimmy the Squirrel, Mildred the Cow, and others. Spencer discovers a bird's nest one day with two little orphaned red birds, and he decides to take care of them. He names them Sonny and Sissy. The baby birds soon learn to fly and talk Spencer into taking a vacation with them so that they can find Red Bird Valley, hoping to find their father.  They arrive in Red Bird Valley and meet both Nora and Flip, the parents of Sonny and Sissy. Although invited to stay, Spencer returns to the barnyard and all his friends. After all, Spencer learned that by helping others, he feels warm inside and that he's rich with friends. Spencer was delighted to be back among the richness of his many new friendships! This story is the bulk of the book at 46 pages long. The illustrations are adorable.

The next story in this book is called: Silly Earth Worm.   Imagine having a wife and sixteen earthworm babies to provide a safe home for! This delightful story again gives children the message of love and friendship in a unique and clever way.

 The third story is called Willie Chipmunk Meets Herman Airplane. The end of this story made me sad, especially in today's "throw away" society. This will definitely teach children the value and uniqueness of each person they are friends with, and to respect their friends' feelings in every action they take in life. Bravo, Ms. Mitchell, for a very wonderful story to get this message across!

Whistles the Whistling Oak Tree is another great story, and my favorite in this book.  I loved the idea of an oak tree comforting the forest animals and offering them counsel. What a wonderful message for the children to hear in such a unique venue!

Author Malinda Mitchell's expertise on each character's specific "voice" makes these stories very kid-friendly and approachable for clear understanding. Combined with the colorful illustrations, this 86-page chapter book is a keeper if you want your child to learn some valuable life lessons in a fun and understandable way.

Charlie Bird

By: Linda Bird

Published by: Outskirts Press, 2007

ISBN: 9781432704896

Ages: 3 to 8

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier

Charlie Bird is a picture book about a pet bird who wishes to know what it is like to be a wild bird. Even though Charlie Bird loves his featherless flock, he makes a deal with one of the wild birds he befriends through the window to switch places. The wild bird, Rusty, seeks out a sorceress dove, Fiona, to ask her if she will grant Charlie and Rusty’s wish. The next day the two birds wake up in each other’s places.

Charlie’s featherless flock, Molly and Sara, notice that Charlie Bird isn’t acting like himself. As the reader, you learn about Charlie’s daily routine with the girls from making snow out of the toilet paper, chewing on remote controls for the T.V., to all the tasty foods he likes to eat. While the girls are trying to get who they think is Charlie Bird out to play, the real Charlie is learning that being a wild bird isn’t all that great. He has a hard time flying because his wing feathers are clipped. He also learns that people don’t bring you tasty food, but that you have to hunt for your food and hope you find something good enough to eat.

The story is informative about the different lives house birds lead compared to wild birds. The illustrations are all photos, yet they are colorful. If you have children who like birds, they will find this story fun and interesting.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGEL

BY:  Mary Jean Kelso

ILLUSTRATIONS BY: K. C. Snider

PUBLISHED BY: Guardian Angel Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-933090-58-0

READING LEVEL:  Grades 2 to 5

Reviewed by: Gayle Jacobson-Huset, Assistant Editor

This book is close to my heart since I used to live in Oregon and loved any and all stories having to do with the Oregon Trail.  Both author Mary Jean Kelso and illustrator K. C. Snider also lived in Oregon, so this book is as authentic as you can get in a fiction story.

Eight-year-old Melissa Wheeler and her family travel from Philadelphia to join up with a wagon train in Independence, Missouri that is headed for Oregon.  Before leaving Philadelphia, however, Bradford Wheeler informs his family they are only allowed to take one small cherished possession with them on the long trip since space is at a premium in the wagon.  Melissa knows right away that she wants to take her porcelain Christmas Angel treetop ornament that her father had gotten for her from England.

She carefully wraps her angel and packs her between her dresses in her new camelback trunk that carries all of her clothing. Melissa checks on the welfare of her angel often during the trip, especially after fording a swollen raging river that soaked almost everything they owned. Her angel didn't get wet so she is overjoyed. She takes her angel out of the box many times during the journey, just to touch it when she feels homesick for Philadelphia and all her friends, and to conjure up the memories of the happy Christmases shared in their former home.

One day, Melissa takes the angel with her down to the creek when she brings the family's cow to the creek bank.  She sits near the edge of the creek to admire her angel's reflection in the mirror-like surface. Suddenly, she notices another reflection – and it isn't hers!  You'll just have to read this delightful book to find out what happens next to Melissa and her beloved treasure!

Author Mary Jean Kelso knows her history, and I found her tiniest details amazing of how life on the trail really was for an 8-year old. Coupled with the very detailed and colorful illustrations of K.C. Snider, this book is right "up there" for a real authentic feel for this period in our nation's history.  The end of the book contains a section entitled: "Activities & Info Along the Oregon Trail" as well as something I found quite fascinating, even when I lived in Oregon, a "List of Supplies" the pioneers were requested to purchase before leaving Independence, and also a list of other items that might be found in an emigrants' wagon in this captivating period of western migration. There is also a two-page map of the Old Oregon Trail accompanied by questions the readers might enjoy answering as well as website listings for more information about the Oregon Trail.  This is a must-have riveting story for kids today to explore a very important part of our American past.