Children's Book Review Roundup

**********************************

Cranky Pants is a lovable story that appeals to both adults who can relate to cranky days and to children seeking assurance. Remember the Inchworm riding toy...Weebles...Holly Hobbie? This fun picture book is filled with vibrant illustrations of these and other nostalgic images from the ‘70s. Parents and grandparents will enjoy finding the subtle references to their own childhoods woven throughout the book’s illustrations and sharing them with children.

My Review:  I loved this book so much.  We are all cranky pants from time to time.  It just takes the right person to turn things around with a story or a favorite food.  I can't wait to use this book in my classroom. 4.5 stars.

**********************************

Cranky Pants is back—but much to his chagrin, his joyfully rambunctious little sister is along for the ride. "The Little Stinker never gets in trouble, has mushy oatmeal hands, sticky grape jelly hair, a runny nose, and smelly feet." When she goes missing in a department store, her big brother realizes that life without her just wouldn’t be the same. Can he save the day? Little Stinker welcomes back the lovable, albeit cranky, protagonist from Cranky Pants and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Adults and children alike will delight in exploring the book’s vibrant, retro-inspired illustrations featuring 1970s icons like Holly Hobbie, GI Joe, and LiteBrite. Little Stinker is sure to become a bedtime-or-anytime favorite.

My Review:  Siblings are tricky business.  Cranky Pants and his little sister (Little Stinker) have times when they just can't seems to get along, but but when something happens and Little Stinker goes missing Cranky Pants discovers all the the things he loves about Little Stinker! 4 stars.

**********************************

Presented in the format of Top 10 lists, this book is a comprehensive yet fun look at the greatest aspects of Pro Sports. From the top athletes to the most popular teams in the world, SI Kids ranks a variety of topics covering every professional sport. Readers are guaranteed to love the big, exciting action photos from the Sports Illustrated collection and the insider knowledge of SI Kids. Filled with trivia and information, this dynamic book will be the definitive kids sports book. 






My Review: I love this book. It is a sports fans dream book.  My boys cannot stop looking at it.  They love reading all the tidbits of information and the pictures are awesome!  It is new and fun every time you pick it up, since the book is jam packed with all the best in sport! 5 stars!

**********************************

Suze Perry-Hinkle has created a coloring book from her masterpiece in miniature, the Chateau Bidaine. Based on the real chateau, located in Aix-en-Provence, France, this architectural miniature is meticulously appointed down to the mini Cavalier King Charles spaniels that are the owners' pets. The book has text in English and French, with 43 pages to color. Printing is single-sided to help avoid problems with bleed-through. Not just simple line drawings, these sketches to color are made from photographs of the actual building, and retain some of the original details, shading and textures. Captions on the sketches help tell the story of this remarkable building, making it part storybook and part language lesson as well. The result is an enchanting coloring experience for older children and adults alike. We recommend this book for ages 8 and up, but we have found detail-oriented 6 and 7-year-olds enjoying this book when they thought no one was looking.

My Review:  My son loves art.  He craves spending endless time coloring.  He was so excited to get this book.  It is not only an amazing coloring book but an interesting story about the real Chateau Bidaine. Such neat information with a intricate drawings.  4 stars.

**********************************

At the Window is a quiet, sensitive story that invites readers to consider the undeniable nature of love. Henry and his little sister, Emily, are orphans who live under the care of Ms. Agnes at St. Peter's Orphanage. One wintry night, Henry notices a bright, shining light tear through the sky-but he is the only one who notices. The following week, he sees the light again and Henry now begins to think this is more than a coincidence. The burning light sets a spark inside of Henry's own heart and he begins to search for answers. Patience and an open spirit ultimately lead him to the truth, where the warmth and light fully embraces him.


My Review:  A touching story about finding hope in even the most distant things.  Henry see a shooting star and cannot get it out of his head.  With an amazing story, with compelling and kind characters this heartwarming story is great for kids and adults alike! 
4 stars.

BUY IT HERE

**********************************

"Oh, but Mama!" Thomas sighed, "I can't sleep - I really tried! All my friends aren't tired, too. There's a lot we have to do." Thomas has many compelling reasons to put off sleeping, and each of his bedtime friends can attest to his very thorough care. "One More Thing" is a beautifully illustrated picture book for young children that will put a smile on the faces of all its readers.









My Review:  I loved this book.  One More Thing is a story I can relate too.  Every night when it is time for bed my boys come up with one more thing.  I loved how the mother responded to the kids, so sweet.  My boys also loved this story.  It has made it into the bedtime story rotation! 5 stars!

**********************************

"Grrr Night, Sleep Tight, eat a bedbug tonight," says Woolsey's granny as she tucks his moss quilt around him. But this little monster isn't quite ready to go off to nightmare-land. He has to rub his fangs, read a ghoul-time story and count the bats. And while he dawdles, his pet worm, Slinky, is busy collecting colorful items to hide under Woolsey's bed. Finally Granny tucks Woolsey into bed and he drifts off to sleep, dreaming of deliciously scary things. For a monster, that is. A delightful new take on bedtime stories!




My Review:  Such a sweet and funny story about bedtime with a twist.  Your child with delight in the little creatures bedtime routine and will get lost in the interesting illustrations.  Such an original and fun story.  4.5 stars.

 **********************************

When ten-year-old genius Emery Jones accidentally sends Chippy 190 million years back in time, he’s not sure he can reverse the process—or if he even wants to. Chippy, his crew of bullies, their teacher, and even Emery's dad don't seem to understand Emery's genius. Will Emery Jones risk traveling to the Triassic Period to rescue a bully like Chippy? You never know what can happen when you have the brains and the technology for bending time…















My Review:  Kids with expand their imaginations while reading this book  There are very interesting elements in which kids will enjoy!  3 stars. 

**********************************

BUY THE BOOKS: