Will's Words

During the summer my son took me to New York City specifically to see as many Broadway shows as possible. I had been to NYC one other time, but my trip (planned for over a year) coincided with the first Stagehands Strike in the union's 121-year history! To say I was devastated is an understatement, but I have always been told things work out the way they are supposed to. I guess this trip proves the point because I had the most fantastic time I could have ever dreamed of having with my son.

While planning the trip he asked me what I wanted to see when we got to New York. I told him the only show I really wanted to see was Something Rotten! and he could choose the rest of the shows. I had only seen a short preview of the show while watching The 69th Annual Tony Awards earlier in the summer, but I was completely taken with the story line, music, and actors from the moment the curtains were raised.

If you don't know about Something Rotten!, and you love musical theater you should check it out. As soon as we left the theater (after staying around long enough to take pictures and get autographs from all of the leads, of course) I downloaded the soundtrack and listened to it all night.

Will's Words: How William Shakespeare
Changed the Way You Talk
by Jane Sutcliffe
illustrated by John Shelley

I bring up this musical because while reading Jane Sutcliffe's Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk my mind kept going back to the theater and the staging of the show. John Shelley's beautiful illustrations provide a wonderful example of the layout of London and remind me fondly of the stage set for Something Rotten! Painstaking detail can be found on each two-page spread.  Jane Sutcliffe's creative text tells the story of London and the popularity of the theater while carefully including the phrases Shakespeare originally penned and we now all use routinely. Words and phrases are bold within the text of the story (printed within a colorfully framed box) and then "Will's Words" are defined and cited showing the work in which the words originally appeared. A time line of events from 1564 (the year Shakespeare was christened) to 1997 (the year the modern Globe opened in London) appears at the end of the book along with a Bibliography.

Here are a few of the phrases used within the text:

• "for goodness' sake"
• "what's done is done"
• "wild-goose chase"
• "fashionable"
• "money's worth"
• "heart's content"
• "well behaved"
• "laughed themselves into stitches"

Not only is this a fascinating look at the influence William Shakespeare has had on the spoken word, it is also a very interesting history of his works and the legacy this master left for us all. I would highly recommend this book for all levels of school libraries, but I think it would have the most impact on high school students as far as understanding the works they are generally required to read during their final years of public school. I believe this could start an interest in Shakespeare's work for younger students if they were to read this book and see how the words and phrases we say and hear have been around for hundreds of years. Wills Words would also be a great gift to any fan of The Bard.

This book will be released on March 22, 2016.

* To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Charlesbridge has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the publishing company and is strictly my opinion.

Coloring to Calm

Meditations Through Coloring
By River Grove Books

I am a coloring book addict. I have been coloring for more years than I can remember.  I get very excited when I see a new coloring book and when I buy it I can hardly wait to start filling in the colors I see for the designs.

Coloring relaxes me and helps me to unwind from the days hectic schedule. At times during the day I find myself daydreaming about the pictures I will color when I get home.

I received a preview copy of Meditations Through Coloring from River Grove Books yesterday. I have to say this book grabbed me instantly. I could see the colors that needed to be added the moment I looked at the first page. The problem, the review copy I have is electronic. The images are amazing! Some are large with large spaces for color, others are extremely detailed and will require patience and time to complete. 

Based on what I see in this electronic file, it looks like the images are front and back. If this is the case that could be the one downfall I see to this book. I appreciate the 96 pages of images to color, but when I use my colored pencils, I don't like to have to place a blank sheet of paper between each of my already colored pages so the colors don't cross to other pages. Another problem with seeing only the images is not being able to feel the paper on which the book is printed. When I look for a coloring book, I feel the paper and usually select only those with higher quality paper. If the paper is too cheap (like an old fashioned coloring book, printed on newsprint like paper) I will not buy the book. I want my coloring to be display quality. If I spend the time to color the images, I want them to be beautiful and appreciated, even if I don't have the time to hang all of my pictures up in my home.  I don't have enough wall space to hang all of my coloring pages up on my walls. 

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Greanleaf Book Group has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Meditations Through Coloring for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the publishing company and is strictly my opinion.

Feelings in Prose

Feelings
written by Felicia Law
illustrated by Paula Knight

I love connecting children with books, especially when they have rhythm and rhyme. Felicia Law's new book Feelings does exactly this with her latest addition to the Patchwork series. This series "is a whimsical collection of books that integrate poetry to reinforce primary concepts among emergent readers".

Young children are introduced to feelings such as self-confidence, surprise,  jealousy, naughty, and fright in short poems. Each double page spread (illustration on one side and the poem on the other) depicts diverse children with facial expressions representing the various feelings. At the end of the book a list of words from the poems help parents to focus on key words for their emergent readers listening and speaking vocabulary.

I would recommend this title for parents of children from birth up to preschool. The Patchwork books are a great way to introduce young children to poetry while working on a simple concept with each title.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Norwood House Press has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Feelings for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is strictly my opinion.

Home Alone the Storybook

It is hard to believe it has been 25 years since we were first introduced to Kevin McCallister (wonderfully portrayed by Macaulay Culkin) in the hilarious Christmas movie, Home Alone. Like A Christmas Story, this movie has become a must-watch each year between Thanksgiving and Christmas, sometimes more than once because of the laughter generated by the antics.

Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook
by John Hughes, illustrated by Kim Smith

Now Kevin's ingenuity is brought to a whole new generation in the form of a picture book illustrated by Kim Smith. Readers are in for a treat whether you are familiar with the classic movie written by the extremely talented John Hughes, or this is the first you have ever heard of this hysterical movie. The picture book does not disappoint. It surprisingly follows the movie very well, especially in a picture book format. I have to give props to Kim Smith for a great adaptation. I was concerned when I initially saw the title, but my fears were quickly pushed.

Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook will be released in October 2015, perfect timing for a holiday purchase. Paired with the classic movie, you've got an instant winner of a Christmas gift for all ages.

*To comply with new guidelines introduced by the Federal Trade Commission, Quirk Books, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Home Alone: the Classic Illustrated Storybook for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is strictly my opinion.

Black-Eyed Susans

Black-Eyed Susans
by Julia Heaberlin

I have been reading Julia Heaberlin's books since I was first introduced to her writing in 2013 during the Texas Library Association's annual conference when Playing Dead was the book for One Book, One Conference. I was thrilled when I saw Lie Still was available through NetGalley a few weeks later. I was equally excited when I discovered her latest book, Black-Eyed Susans on NetGalley as well.

The main character is Tessa. As a teenager she was found buried in an abandoned field with bones and the body of another young girl. The book is told in different voices - Tessa and Lydia (her best friend), and moves from 1995 to the present. The years are presented in flashbacks, therapy sessions, diary entries, and trial questioning.

The time is quickly approaching when the man charged with and convicted for the deaths of the Black-Eyed Susans (named because of the flowers spread over their bodies) will be executed. Because of a variety of events, Tessa no longer believes this man (Terrell) is guilty of the crimes for which he has been convicted, and has started working with an attorney and forensic scientist to overturn his conviction.

Ms. Heaberlin is from the Fort Worth area, so fans of the great city will enjoy reading about local attractions and facilities. Like all of her previous books, this psychological thriller will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a great suspenseful tale.

*To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Random House Publishing has provided an electronic copy of Black-Eyed Susans for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the publishing company.

Teddy Tries a Veggie

Teddy Tries a Veggie
by Jennifer Glockner, RDN

In a time where so many meals are grabbed on the go and there is a lack of nutritional meals in the home, Teddy Tries a Veggie presents a wonderful message for young children about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, and how they work together to fight germs. I was a bit concerned when the story started with the main character, Theodora Rose - Teddy for short, states, “veggies are NOT my thing.” The story quickly redeems itself when Teddy helps her dad in the family garden. The fruits and vegetables are labeled in the garden and easily identifiable. While in the garden, Teddy’s dad began to explain how fruits and vegetables are like musicians playing different instruments in a band. “Each one is good on its own. But, together, they rock!”

I loved the simile used by Teddy’s dad, but I’m not sure I like how the story moves forward from with the fruits and vegetables in the garden coming alive for the “Annual Garden Fair”. Each band, Ruby & the Seeds and Hartley & the Leaves, takes the stage where they sound horrible. When the Germ Squad appears to take over the garden, Teddy begins to understand what her dad was talking about with his comparison. Eaten in isolation the body does not get all of the nutrients needed, but together they help fight off disease and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Once the Germ Squad is run out of the garden, Teddy is called in for dinner where her mother is preparing a Broccoli Orange Crunch (recipe included). In my mind her family was eating Citra Orange who played the Kazoo and Rockley Broccoli who played the Ukele in the band. Maybe I could not suspend disbelief because I am an adult, but this just seemed really weird to me. I believe young children will enjoy the story and will be able to over look the ending where the family eats the band members. I would recommend this title for libraries serving young children (schools and public) as well as for families, especially when there is a picky eater in the home.

The illustrations are brightly colored and cartoonish. I like how each character is introduced with a bit of information, their likes, dislikes, and what brought them fame. It allows the reader to know more about each character (including the vegetables) without having to include too much background information in the story.

Author, Jennifer Glockner is a registered dietitian nutritionist. According to the information “About the Author” she is “passionate about empowering kids to become smart eaters who use food as a lifelong tool to prevent disease and promote wellness.

*To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Smith Publicity has provided a copy of Teddy Tries a Veggie in eBook format for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the publishing company.

Taken with Took: A Ghost Story

Took: A Ghost Story
by Mary Downing Hahn

Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn is a cross between a ghost story and a fairy tale for upper elementary and middle school students. The story revolves around a young family (dad, mom, Daniel and Erica) who has recently moved from their Connecticut home to a run down farm house in Brewster's Hill, Massachussetts. Daniel and Erica learn the history of their new home while riding home on the school bus after their frist day of school.

Their house had once been the family home of a little girl named Selene. It is rumored that she was "took" fifty years ago by Old Auntie - a witch - who lives with her son Bloody Bones. The book is written from Daniel's point of view for the majority of the story. However a few chapters are narrated by Old Auntie. This builds the suspense and tension.

This is a wonderful book for young readers who enjoy spooky tales. The book will be released September 15th which will be perfect for the fall and the approaching Halloween festivities. I would highly recommend this book for elementary and middle school libraries.

*To complay with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Clarion Books has provided a copy of Took in ebook format for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the publishing company.