Book Review: Fairy Spell by Marc Tyler Nobleman

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Fairy Spell cover imageIn 1917 two girls in Cottingley, England convinced the world that fairies lived at the creek on their property. They even took photos to prove they were telling the truth. Experts examined the photos and declared them to be real, and the story they told lived on for decades, eventually even being made into a film.

Marc Tyler Nobleman’s book, Fairy Spell: How Two Girls Convinced the World That Fairies Are Real is fascinating both for the glimpse it provides into a time when many people thought fairies existed and for it’s “story behind the story” told about this moment in history.

I was particularly struck that one of the girl’s mothers brought the story to the world’s attention after approaching a speaker at a presentation on fairies. It’s difficult to imagine that a well respected speaker would talk to an audience of adults in today’s world about the possibility that fairies are real. It’s easy to see that in an environment where fairies are possible, providing “evidence” can convince even skeptics. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, believed the girls spoke the truth.

The girls didn’t tell the truth about what happened until they became old, and even then one of them continued to say she really did see fairies, adding to the mystery.

Eliza Wheeler’s illustrations include rich details and are evocative of the time period the story took place. Also, the girls’ photos and other historical documents let readers get a feel for the debate that went on. It’s a fascinating story that will likely capture the imaginations of young children and adults alike. I also recommend the movie, FairyTale: A True Story (1997), on the same topic.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Tiny Infinities by J. H. Diehl

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Tiny Infinities cover imageSwimming is the one constant Alice can count on when her family starts to fall apart. When she concentrates on the rhythm of moving from one end of the pool to the other she doesn’t have to think about her mother’s depression or that her father has moved out. But her new friend Harriet and a babysitting job with the mute girl next door prompts her to move toward something new not just away from her problems.

Tiny Infinities by J. H. Diehl is a coming of age story that explores family dynamics related to changing relationships, what it means to believe in yourself and your own strengths, and the role friends can play in helping you look at the world in a new way. As a pre-teen, Alice has a lot of responsibility helping to cook, clean, and look after her mother. She’s on her own a lot, so she has a lot of time to worry about her family. But her responsibilities bring out a confidence in her about what she can accomplish. With a little help from her friends, she can prove herself to the adults in her life.

I recommend Tiny Infinities for readers aged 9 to 13.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford

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Mamas belly cover imageWaiting for a new baby to arrive can be an unsettling time for an older sibling, who may feel uncertain about what a new baby means to the family. Will her parents still have time to play? Will she have to share her favorite things? Will her mom and dad still love her?

Mama’s Belly, a picture book by Kate Hosford with pictures by Abigail Halpin addresses the happy anticipation as well as the worries in a way that can help parents talk about them with their child. It begins with a girl talking about the tangible change she can see: “Mama has a belly rising up, like a wave. Inside is my sister, waiting to meet me.”

The girl sings to the baby inside and she wonders if her sister will look like her. She also tries to help when her mom’s back hurts and she is too tired to play with her.

At bedtime, when worries are easier to talk about, she asks, “When my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?” It’s a common concern for children about to become older siblings. Reading the mom’s response, “More than all the stars in the sky,” can help moms reassure their own little ones.

Abigail Halpin’s illustrations are full of color and flowing lines, painting peaceful scenes that are reassuring in their own way.

Mama’s Belly makes a great gift for expecting parents. It can be read and appreciated throughout a pregnancy as well as after a new baby’s arrival.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel

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Hello Hello cover imageBrendan Wenzel’s picture book, Hello Hello explores the animal world by making connections relating to size, shape, color and concepts that will help young children learn about the world around them.

Wenzel starts off with a simple concept—two cats—one white, one black. Then he features other black and white animals before moving to colorful creatures. Tangible features, such as stripes, spots, ears, and noses are compared as well as intangibles, such as quiet, loud, and proud.

Hello Hello interior imageMany of the animals featured are endangered, and Wenzel includes a note at the back of the book encouraging children to find out more. A numbered guide to the 92 featured animals, some that may be unknown to parents as well as children, ends the book. It’s a great way to introduce children to the variety of animals in the world and spark their curiosity.

Wenzel’s illustrations are gorgeous and playful with lots of detail, perfect to encourage lingering over the pages as well as turning them.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Armstrong & Charlie by Steven B. Frank

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Armstrong & Charlie cover imageCharlie is about to start 6th grade when he learns that kids from a mostly African American neighborhood will be bused into his school and his friends are transferring out. His parents think it’s important that he stay.

Armstrong’s parents signed him up for Opportunity Busing to an all-white school, despite the fact that he doesn’t want to go. He has to get up super-early each morning to catch the bus, and none of his close friends will be on the bus.

The two boys clash when they end up next to each other in Mr. Mitchell’s class, but after a few fights, a few trips to the principal’s office, and a trip to science camp, they learn to know and appreciate each other for who they are instead of the expected stereotypes they assume about each other.

Armstrong & Charlie by Steven B. Frank takes place in the 1960s, when schools were being desegregated and communities resisted the change. Charlie’s family is still grieving the death of his brother from illness, and Charlie mourns the loss of his friends too. Armstrong’s dad lost a leg in the Korean war, and his inability to work strains the resources of a family with six children. Both families believe in the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity.

Even though Charlie and Armstrong learn to see each other as people, not just members of a certain race, others they know are more likely to judge someone based on skin color. When one of Charlie’s friends and even his dad express prejudice, he has to decide to ignore it or challenge it.

The author’s bio contains a note that the novel was inspired by his own sixth-grade year at Wonderland Avenue Elementary. Even though the novel takes place decades ago, the issues he addresses are still relevant today.

I highly recommend Armstrong & Charlie for readers aged 9 to 12. Issues for book clubs to discuss include historical ones like desegregation of schools as well as current perceptions of race and ways prejudice keeps us from understanding people who appear different from us.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Little Sid by Ian Lendler

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Little Sid cover imageBefore Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, he was a spoiled young prince that everyone wanted to please. People gave him everything he could possibly wish for, but it didn’t make him happy. So he set out to seek happiness in places throughout the countryside. Along the way he discovered the truths that would guide him for the rest of his life.

Ian Lendler’s picture book, Little Sid: The Tiny Prince Who Became Buddha, draws upon traditional Buddhist fables to create a children’s story about what is truly important in life: relationships and recognizing that while happiness will come and go it’s important to be present in the moment.

It also contains a message that may resonate with parents today, as Little Sid reminds his parents that instead of always being preoccupied with many other things they sometimes need to give him their full attention.

Xanthe Bouma’s illustrations add a touch of whimsy to the story, and they change color to depict Little Sid’s mood as he searches for happiness. It’s a look that keeps the story moving along while encouraging readers to notice the details.

For those interested to know more, a note at the back gives a short bio of Siddhartha Gautama.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Guyku by Bob Raczka

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Guyku cover imageWhat do you have when you write a poem that’s three lines long, a total of 17 syllables, and it speaks about something a guy would do? Guyku, of course. Bob Raczka, who wrote Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys, says “haiku is a wonderful form of poetry for guys” who like to catch bugs, climb trees, skip stones and throw snowballs.

The haiku here is divided into seasons, highlighting lots of different activities kids can do in nature.

Here’s a sample from spring:

The wind and I play

tug-of-war with new kite.

The wind is winning.

Here’s another from winter:

Icicles dangle,

begging to be broken off

for a short sword fight.

Peter H. Reynolds’s illustrations are cute and capture the fun, easy-going spirit of kids having outdoor adventures. In a note at the back Reynolds says he was thrilled to work on the book, because “the invitation for boys to swim in the ‘poem pond’ needs to be issued more often, and more loudly.

The short poems in Guyku are a great way to get kids to read poetry and possibly get inspired to write their own. I recommend it for ages 5 to 8.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: Knock Out by K. A. Holt

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Knock Out cover imageLevi wants to be just like anybody else, but sometimes he can’t breathe well, and lately it’s been getting worse. His mom and older brother hover over him, wanting to keep him safe. His dad tells him to toughen up, go out for a sport. He chooses boxing, liking the way he gets to feel strong while he hits a punching bag and the way he can strategize in the ring. But ignoring his health issues won’t make them go away. Instead, if he wants the chance to follow his dreams Levi must be honest with himself and those he loves.

Knock Out by K. A. Holt explores what happens in a family when a child is sick and everyone else adjusts to what he needs. Levi’s parents are divorced and his older brother looks after him like a dad would. His mom works hard to afford Levi’s health expenses. Levi appreciates what they do, but he also wants to explore his limitations. He’s also feeling left out as his best friend, a girl named Tam, becomes friends with another girl in school. Boxing lets him feel powerful and in control, something he otherwise doesn’t get much from life.

Told in free verse and shaped poetry, Knock Out will resonate with anyone wanting to break the image of the person they’ve always been and let out the person they feel they are inside.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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