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.

Inspiration through Graphic Zen

Zen Pencils Volume Two: Dream the Impossible Dream (publication date: 10/13/15) is wonderful book filled with inspirational quotes from an interesting group of people (Maya Angelou, Issac Asimov, Chris Hardwick, Jim Henson, Amy Poehler, and William Shakespeare). Each is presented in a graphic format (like a comic or cartoon for those unfamiliar with this genre). The manner in which Gavin Aung Than represents each of the writer's words forces the reader to alter their personal perception of some of the most memorable lines of inspiration (Kahlil Gibran's "Work is love made visible." and Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players.").

I can see this book being used in a high school English class in order to help student's to visualize required reading assignments. I'm not a believer in requiring students to read certain books (I am all about free choice when it comes to reading), however I know it happens every year. I believe if students were given the task of representing a quote or portion of a reading in a creative manner, it might make the assignment more meaningful and more learning will occur.

Zen Pencils Volume Two:
Dream the Impossible Dream
by Gavin Aung Than

*To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Andrews McMeel Publishing has provide a copy of Zen Pencils Volume Two: Dream the Impossible Dream in eBook format for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the publishing company.

Friends Share Scottoline's Books

I have loved every Lisa Scottoline book I have ever read, and for full disclosure, Lisa and I are not friends. Well, actually on Facebook we are, but not in "real" life. However, after reading her latest book Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat: True Stories and Confessions, I truly believe we could be friends, maybe even the best of friends!

Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?: True Stories and Confessions
by LIsa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

Lisa (I'll call her by her first name since I think we could be such great friends) writes as if she was sitting across from you having a conversation. She holds nothing back. I guess I feel like I know her so well because I know her dogs Kit, Peach, Pip, Ruby, and Tony - and dare I forget her granddog - Pip and grandcat Mimi! I have seen her beautiful garden, laughed as her horse made a snow angel, been green with envy seeing all of the people she has invited into her home for her Book Club Party, and cried when I heard of the passing of her dear Mother Mary.

I, like Lisa, am a task master. I guess so much so, that I haven't put up a Christmas tree in over three years, but if I did put up a tree a lot of the ornaments would be handmade and would also display the names of much loved and long gone fur babies. I'm not into the The Bachelor like Francesca, but I LOVE playing Fantasy Football. I would like to go to the beach with Lisa and Francesca to eat a spaghetti sandwich. I will be in New York City next week, just FYI.

She and daughter Francesca have a wonderful way of pulling you into their life through their writing. If you need a perfect book to take to the beach or to have in your purse for the quick chapter between chauffeuring your children around this summer, pick up a copy of the latest collection of stories by this fabulous mother / daughter duo.

*To comply with new guidelines set for by the Federal Trade Commission, St. Martin's Press, provided a complimentary copy of this title in eBook format for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the authors, the author's publicist, or the publishing company.

My Relaxation

I usually post about books I have read, but today is going to be a bit different. Today I am posting about a book I have discovered that helps me to relax while listening to books.

I have been a colorer for MANY years. Back when I taught Kindergarten (1993-1999) I colored all of the time. I colored with my students, but I also colored for my students - file folder games. Coloring provided me a means of relaxation while creating a great resource for my students. I LOVED the Carson Dellosa file folder games. They had wonderful pictures and were great games for my students.

Now that I am no longer in the classroom, there is little need for me to make file folder games, so I had to find another outlet for my coloring. I purchased traditional coloring books for awhile, but I can't stand the cheap paper used for children's coloring books. I remember Dover coloring books from my childhood, but I was never really one for coloring the very detailed clothing and landscapes.

When I discovered Mandalas, Paisleys, and Mosaic coloring books I felt like I had found the perfect relaxation tool for me. Like I said, I have been coloring for years. It has only been in the last few years the publishing industry has discovered what I have known all this time - adults like to color too! Now, my Amazon account is filled with tons of coloring books for adults. I have all of the coloring books people write posts about on Facebook - Secret Garden, Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns, Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book, Color Me Calm: 100 Coloring Templates for Meditation and Relaxation, Color Counts (Landscapes, Travel the World, Tropical, Travel the USA, etc.) and Flower Designs by Jenean Morrison - but I have recently discovered my favorite by far - Querkles by Thomas Pavitte.

I'm sure Amazon targeted me for this new "Puzzling Colour by Numbers Book" based on my previous purchases, and I have to say how happy this makes me! All I want to do is sit and color in this fascinating book. You can watch a short video clip of how the Querkles works here. I have to admit, at first glance these pages can look VERY intimidating!

Here is what one of the pictures looks like when you first open the book.

I'm not going to ruin the surprise on this one as to what the final image will be when it is colored. It is NOT one of the ones I have already colored. Here is one in progress (purple), as well as three I have already completed. To know exactly how much I LOVE this book I have only had this book four days and have already finished three of the pictures and started working on the fourth. I am completely addicted to coloring these pictures. 

I have not found another coloring book that has provided me with this much joy in a very long time. I love being able to work on these beautiful works of art while listening to an audio book. It is a wonderful combination of relaxation and creativity rolled into one.

Be sure to check out the second book which will be released in October, Querkles: Icons. 

Thomas Pavitte is the creator of these 20 great works of art. He is also the author of the 1000 Dot-to-Dot series of books. I hope he continues to create more Querkles! I have already ordered a second copy of Querkles: Masterpieces. I'll get to choose different colors to use for them the next time I color the same pictures.

Size: A First Poem Book About Size by Felicia Law

Size
by Felicia Law

Size, part of the Patchwork series, is a poetry book that focuses on the concept of somethings dimension or area for which an object occupies in space. The illustrations are bright and very appealing and go well with each of the poems. In fact, for some of the poems the illustration is almost vital for understanding.

The poems include the following:

• Huge Elephant
• All Sorts
• Big, Small
• Socks
• Tall Flower
• Little Bug
• Big Sister
• Growing In and Out
• My Two Cats
• Growing Together 

Each poem relates to size in a different manner. Young children may not relate the concept of size to each of the poems on initial reading. However with subsequent readings, reflections and comparisons can be made in order to better understand size. I would not use this book to simply teach the concept of size. I believe the poems are an excellent way to extend the children's learning and increase their vocabulary. For older children the poems can be used as an example prior to the creation of their own concept poetry or creative writing.

The book ends with a two page list of concept words included in the book. Upon my initial reading of the list of words, I was a bit confused as to why cat, elephant, and ladybug were listed among the "concept words". After researching the word, I learned it can be a general idea of something conceived in the mind. I have always thought of concepts as more abstracts - shapes, colors, numbers, etc.

Not only did I discover a great new title that combines mathematics and poetry, but I walked away learning something new. My perception of the word concept has now been forever changed because of a children's picture book about size. Interesting turn of events, but I will take learning whenever and wherever I can get it.

I would recommend this book for the non-fiction collection of a children's library, especially for schools serving students in Prekindergarten and above.

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