JacketFlap connects you to the work of more than 200,000 authors, illustrators, publishers and other creators of books for Children and Young Adults. The site is updated daily with information about every book, author, illustrator, and publisher in the children's / young adult book industry. Members include published authors and illustrators, librarians, agents, editors, publicists, booksellers, publishers and fans. Join now (it's free).
Login or Register for free to create your own customized page of blog posts from your favorite blogs. You can also add blogs by clicking the "Add to MyJacketFlap" links next to the blog name in each post.
Blog Posts by Tag
In the past 7 days
Blog Posts by Date
Click days in this calendar to see posts by day or month
Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: Contributor: Chris Singer, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 26 - 44 of 44
How to use this Page
You are viewing the most recent posts tagged with the words: Contributor: Chris Singer in the JacketFlap blog reader. What is a tag? Think of a tag as a keyword or category label. Tags can both help you find posts on JacketFlap.com as well as provide an easy way for you to "remember" and classify posts for later recall. Try adding a tag yourself by clicking "Add a tag" below a post's header. Scroll down through the list of Recent Posts in the left column and click on a post title that sounds interesting. You can view all posts from a specific blog by clicking the Blog name in the right column, or you can click a 'More Posts from this Blog' link in any individual post.
Sarah Collins Honenberger’s prize-winning fiction has appeared in Antietam Review, New Millenium, South Lit, The Hook and other literary journals. She is the author of two books in addition to Catcher, Caught: White Lies and Waltzing Cowboys, a 2009 nominee for the Library of Virginia Fiction Award. Additionally, her essay, “Gathering Rosebuds: A Manifesto for Working Women,” was included in a 1998 Oprah Book Club segment. She divides her time between Orange, VA and a river house in Tappahannock, the setting for Catcher, Caught. Tragically, after penning the story of Daniel Landon’s battle with an aggressive cancer. Now in remission, she is currently working on her fourth novel.
About the book:
Catcher, Caught tells the story of Daniel Solstice Landon, a 15-year-old high school student diagnosed with leukemia, as he struggles to find his place in the world while staring down his own mortality in the wake of a recent leukemia diagnosis. A reading of Catcher in the Rye, causes Daniel to question the intentions and authority of those around him. Tired of his cramped surroundings and hippie parents’ alternative approaches to his treatment, he follows the footsteps of Holden Caulfield to New York City in search of the same eternal truths, only to discover the importance of home when death looms.
My take on the book:
Sarah Collins Honenberger presents readers with a story based on today’s headlines. 15-year-old Daniel Landon is a few months into being diagnosed with leukemia and struggling to make sense of a world he knows he’s not long for. With parents who are reeling from trying to make sense of this tragic diagnosis and friends not sure how to treat their dying classmate, Daniel looks to Holden Caufield and a recent reading of Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye for some semblance of meaning.
Honenberger captivated me with Daniel’s voice and I couldn’t put the book down. I think she brilliantly takes on the question of what is the best way to deal with your own impending mortality. As a teen trapped between the world of adults and childhood, Daniel is often left with no say in his own treatment and no choices about how to live his remaining days. Daniel’s parents spurn traditional treatments for alternative means and eventually get charged with abuse and neglect. It’s hard for us not to judge Daniel’s parents, but it’s also hard to believe their actions are tantamount to abuse and neglect. No clear answers are given and Daniel often is caught in the middle and gets frustrated at his lack of voice about matters relating to him.
I disagree with other reviewers who stated that besides Daniel, there is a lack of development in the other characters. What they’re missing is the story is told from Daniel’s 1st person point-of-view. It’s easy to miss this which is a
3 Comments on Book Review: Catcher, Caught, last added: 1/12/2011
I’m going to add this to my TBR pile, which is enormous, but that’ll never change.
Chris Singer said, on 1/11/2011 7:51:00 AM
It’s really quite good. The criticisms I have read on Amazon are off base in my opinion as well. They would make sense for some books but I think they’re off for this one.
Read Aloud Dad said, on 1/12/2011 4:34:00 PM
I’m looking forward to that interview with Sarah Collins Honenberger and to hear what motivated her to write such an unusual story!
Loved your frank review Chris and I couldn’t stop reading after this sentence: “Honenberger captivated me with Daniel’s voice and I couldn’t put the book down”
One cannot help to be fascinated with heavy-hitting stories such as this one, I guess that you are probably still having flashbacks even after you finished reading.
What do you think is the youngest reader age for this book?
Christopher Aslan is the award-winning author of Lilly and Lucy’s Shadow and Wenda the Wacky Wiggler. With Dude, he was inspired to create a fun and cool way for kids and adults to experience feelings – even the sometimes ignored and icky ones. Christopher loves the art of visual storytelling and extends his passion in many areas of picture book publishing – from art direction to character development, he enjoys a truly collaborative experience. When he’s not creating picture books you’ll find him writing screenplays, T.V. scripts, or developing ideas for animation.
About the illustrator:
Emily Mullock was born and raised in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia and grew up experimenting in the arts through finger painting, crayons, and mud. She graduated to other, tidier, mediums, taking art courses at UCFV and later, completing the 2D Commercial Animation program at Capilano College. Her work experience in the animation industry includes art direction, and design. Other published works include a colouring book for BC’s Children’s hospital.
About the book:
Dude, where one simple word and a cool little kid take us on a fun-filled journey through the world of feelings. You can start at the beginning or open the book to any page and see if you can guess what Dude might be feeling.
My take on the book:
We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” but have you ever thought about a word being worth a thousand feelings? In Dude, Christopher Aslan and Emily Mullock team up to on 27 illustrations with the intention of welcoming us to the world of Dude; one word, many feelings. It is then our job as readers to figure out what Dude is feeling and even what we might feel in the same situation.
I love this book! It was so much fun to read which sure sounds a little weird since it’s only the same word on each page. Maybe I should just say how cool it was to try and guess what the Dude’s feelings were in each picture. There’s an answer key at the book for checking your answers. There’s also a neat little poem at the very end which ties everything together quite nicely.
Christopher Aslan likes to individually choose the illustrator for his books and he made a solid choice with Emily Mullock. The illustrations are brilliantly done and really make this book special.
I can see Dude being a really good asset for child therapist’s or for classroom use as well. Way back when I was a teacher, I would have used this book for writing lessons by having a student write a story about what’s going on in one of the pictures. As a dad, I’ll definitely use this book to discuss feelings and about how the same
0 Comments on Book Review: Dude as of 1/7/2011 11:09:00 AM
Sean Paul McCartney (He’s not related to the Beatle) was born in 1971. He graduated from Alfred University in upstate New York with a Bachelor’s in Communications in 1993. From there he played two exciting season traveling around the world with the Washington Generals playing against the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. In 1996 Sean earned his Masters in Education and embarked on a career as a teacher. He is employed by Plain Local Schools in Canton, OH. The first book in the series The Treasure Hunters Club: Secrets of the Magical Medallions introduces the four teens Tommy Reed, Jackson Miller, Shannon McDougal and Chris Henderson. The series is a cross between The Hardy Boys and Indiana Jones with a touch of National Treasure.
About the book:
A Treasure Hunting Legend… Four Ordinary Kids… Two Magical Medallions… Pursued By An Ancient Evil… In One Extraordinary Adventure. Join the Treasure Hunters Club as they look to unlock the Secrets of the Magical Medallions. …Some Secrets Are Better Left Alone. When Tommy Reed received a medallion from his famous treasure hunting uncle “Diamond” Jack Reed he didn’t think much of it. Now an ancient evil is pursuing his every move and his treasure hunting club friends, Shannon McDougal, Jackson Miller and Chris Henderson are on the run. They must unlock the secret to the medallion before evil can hunt them down.
My take on the book:
If you have kids who enjoy action-packed reads, they’re in for a wild ride with this first book in the Treasure Hunter Club series. The Secrets of the Magical Medallions has been called a mix of The Hardy Boys and Indiana Jones with a little piece of the movie, National Treasure, thrown in. I loved reading The Hardy Boys as a kid and the Indiana Jones movies were some of my favorites so I had high expectations for this book. To author, Sean McCarthy’s credit, he nails it here. This is an excellent adventure story. It’s really fast paced and will keep readers anxious to get to the next page.
The best part though for me was the characters. It’s fantastic to see positive and strong female characters alongside their equally positive and strong male counterparts. Although many might automatically think this book is geared exclusively for boys, it’s nice to be able to say both girls and boys could enjoy this read equally.
I did have a few technical issues with the book. Sometimes the transition between scenes isn’t clearly denoted. For example, near the end of the book when the action is taking place at breakneck speed, there are short scenes with mostly dialogue between characters. What happens though is when the action shifts to a different setting and character, it’s not really easy to tell because the break in the writing isn’t significant enough to give the reader a heads up that t
0 Comments on Book Review: The Secrets of the Magical Medallions as of 1/1/1900
David Anthony is the co-author of Heroes A2Z and Knightscares. Along with Charles David, he’s written 19 books for children with many more to come. David lives in Southeastern Lower Michigan, not too far from Detroit (Go Wings!).
He started writing for children after he had his own. Being a parent of three boys gives him a perspective he didn’t have earlier in life. It also cleans out the fridge in a hurry!
Charles David Clasman is the co-author of Heroes A2Z and Knightscares. Charles lives in Southeastern Michigan with his wife, daughter, three cats, and a horse. When he isn’t writing, he plays guitar, juggles, gardens, and makes short films for You Tube and the realheroesread.com website.
About the book:
Traverse City, Michigan is home to three special superheroes.
Meet Abigail, the oldest. When it comes to sports, she can’t be beat. Andrew is her twin. If it has wheels, he can ride it. Baby Zoe is the youngest but also the strongest. Don’t let the diaper fool you.
In this adventure, the Land Down Under has come to Mackinac Island. Welcome to Australian Days! Meet kangaroos, koalas, and a kid named Joey who puts the boom in boomerang.
My take on the book:
The Heroes A2Z series is an 11 (soon to be 12) book series featuring a dynamic trio of super hero siblings saving their home state of Michigan (and if need be, the world) from a contingent of villainous kangaroos, kung fu kitties and more. Like the Knightscares Series, Anthony and Clasman have co-authored another action-packed series, this time geared for younger children.
Joey Down Under is the tenth book in this series and tells the story of Abigail, Andrew and Baby Zoe battling against a boy from Australia named Joey who has become all powerful thanks to a mysterious boomerang. The book is truly a fast-paced adventure with quick, short chapters and lots of good illustrations which surely leaves young readers wanting more. As with the Knightscares series, the characters feature both strong boy and girl role models for young readers to identify with as well. While I think this book and the Heroes A2Z series would appeal to many young readers, it possibly holds a greater appeal for children in Michigan. Many of the books take place at cities around the Wolverine State and many key landmarks are mentioned. This presents an even greater opportunity for teachers to use the book in their classrooms, as not only are students building their reading skills, but they also are able to learn about Michigan geography and history.
Be sure to check out the authors’ website (www.realheroesread.com) as it has much more on this series including a Fan Club, videos and more
2 Comments on Book Review: Heroes A2Z #10 – Joey Down Under, last added: 1/5/2011
Welcome to the Book Dads Holiday Gift Guide! Below are 10 books we’ve reviewed this year on Book Dads which I think would make excellent gifts. Click on the books and the links to learn more about the book and maybe even purchase one from the Book Dads Powell’s Store.
0 Comments on Holiday Gift Guide: Children’s Books (8 and up) as of 1/1/1900
Cy Tymony has created his homemade inventions since he was a kid. His imagination and innovative way at looking at the world continues today as a technical writer and computer network specialist in the Los Angeles area. He has appeared on CNN and NPR, and has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and U.S. News & World Report.
About the books:
Cy Tymony’s Sneaky Book for Boys: This clever book provides complete how-to instructions and diagrams for sneaky gadgets, survival skills, magic tricks, communication codes, and science projects. It also explores sneaky animals and insects and recycling and conservation techniques.
Specifically, sneaksters will learn about crows that crack their nuts using car tires; how to perform magic tricks with algebra; how to construct a compass and sneaky intercom; how to escape a grasp, safely start a fire (six different ways!), gather water in an emergency, and much more.
Cy Tymony’sThe Sneaky Book for Girls: In addition to profiles of more than a dozen famous women, this clever book also provides complete how-to instructions, along with diagrams for sneaky gadgets, survival skills, magic tricks, communication codes, science and crafting projects, as well as recycling and conservation techniques.
My take on the books:
While growing up, MacGyver was one of my favorite shows. I loved how he would come up with some amazing gadget with just a few materials on-hand to get himself out of a jam. My brother and I would play MacGyver as kids too using our Legos to make some sort of contraption to get us out of our “pretend” trouble.
I can only imagine how cool things could have been if I had Cy Tymony’s Sneaky Books as a kid. These are simply incredible! There are all sorts of really fun activities for kids, and the best part may just be that as dads we can join in on the fun as well!
Each book is broken up into sections based on the type of activities. In the Sneaky Book For Boys, sections include:
* Sneaky Tricks – Examples include: Sneaky Break String without Scissors, Levitating Art Figures and How To Escape A Grasp
* Sneaky Science Projects – Examples include: Sneaky Origami, Sneaky Frisbee from Paper and Make Wire and Batteries in a Pinch
* Sneaky Resourcefulness – Examples include: Emergency Signaling, Sneaky Walkie-Talkies and Craft a Compass
* Sneaky Animals and Humans
In the
1 Comments on Book Review: The Sneaky Books For Boys & Girls, last added: 12/12/2010
Eric Elkins used to be a scientist. And he used to be a cook in restaurants. And he was once an elementary school teacher. And then he was a youth content editor at The Denver Post, where he met lots of young readers and writers who loved funny, quirky, interesting books. Now he has his own company, where he plays on his computer all day. He lives in Denver with his super-cool daughter (who loved this book, by the way) and his super-annoying cat (who didn’t).
Eric owns WideFoc.us, a company that specializes in helping businesses with social media tools like blogs, forums, Facebook, Twitter, etc. etc. He also writes about being a single dad at DatingDad.com.
About the book:
(Middle readers & YA) I’m not sure how things got so crazy, but I think it all started with me trying to find my yellow flip-flop with the green stripe. We had a week left before middle school started, and I was hoping to accomplish a few things before I became a seventh grader:
Spread peanut butter on my little sister’s face and call the dog to lick it off.
Beat Sam at Madden at least once.
Manage to say more than “hey” to Florence.
Read every single Captain Underpants book.
Catch one good wave at Steamer Lane without wiping out.
The funny thing about summer is that you make all these plans in May. You look out the window of your classroom, smell freedom on the breeze that’s blowing your teacher’s papers off her desk, and promise yourself you won’t waste it this time pulling weeds and watching YouTube. Then it’s August, you know the lines to every video, and you realize you’ve let another season of fun get away from you. Well, at least that’s what seems to happen to me.
Sure, it’s not a very ambitious list, but if you live in the beautiful and weird surf town of Santa Cruz, California, well, your parents’ custody schedule, your dog who eats everything, your two best friends, a mysterious gold Corvette, and even a ghost or two can really get in the way.
School starts in a week. I am so not ready.
My take on the book:
I don’t get to review as many YA/teen fiction books on Book Dads as I would like. The YA/teen lit genre doesn’t seem to be really popular with the other Book Dad reviewers and with so much to do for the site, I can’t always invest the time in reading a novel. However when I’ve been able to, I’ve been really pleased with the ones I have reviewed for Book Dads (Keeper by Mal Peet and Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins).
Eric Elkins’ Ray, Reflected is no
0 Comments on Book Review: Ray, Reflected as of 1/1/1900
Elizabeth Lange Cannella hasn’t stopped loving books since she was a young child. Nowadays, the Michigan author shares her passion for reading with her four children – Alexis, Sophia, Olivia and Adam. There’s a Monster in My Lunchbox is her first published children’s book. In between dance classes, math clubs and dinosaur digs, she is busy writing her next story.
About the illustrator:
Liz Ritenour’s illustrating career began with a box of markers and the brand new white carpet in her bedroom. Her favorite cat, Woody, inspires many of her works. The Michigan-based artist is probably going to be a kid for way longer than is socially acceptable – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
About the book:
There’s a mystery happening at school! Every time Billy has a delicious lunch, it goes missing! How can this be happening? His family doesn’t believe him. Billy is in this alone, and he will have to catch this monster by himself. But as he lays out his trap, the monster seems too clever to get caught. Join Billy on his hilarious journey to find out just how big this monster really is!
My take on the book:
I really enjoyed this book by first-time author, Elizabeth Lange Cannella. Kids always love a good mystery, especially when it might involve having your lunch for school go missing! Young readers will definitely be able to relate to Billy’s situation in several ways. Not only will kids understand what it’s like to have something go missing without any explanation (at least in their mind), but they will unfortunately also probably relate to the fact that sometimes adults don’t believe kids. I think this is an important concept in the book and can really open up the possibilities for some excellent conversations with young children both at home and in the classroom.
This is a book that’s also really well written and has a nice flow to the story which makes it an excellent read aloud book. The illustrations are large, colorful and realistic as well. You can really see what the characters are feeling in the story from the expressions on their faces in the illustrations. Overall, this is a fun read with lots of potential for dads and their kids to read aloud and participate tie-in activities and conversations together.
0 Comments on Book Review: There’s A Monster In My Lunchbox as of 1/1/1900
I know Throwback Thursday in the blogging world usually means recycling an older post from your blog, however we’re going to have something a little different here on Thursday’s. For the Book Dads version of Throwback Thursday, one of the Book Dads reviewers or a guest is going to write a short review of a favorite book from their childhood. Today, I’m kicking it off with a brief post about one of my favorite books as a kid: Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever.
Who doesn’t remember this book? I wonder if they’ve kept track of how many copies this has sold…
Anyway, I had a bunch of Richard Scarry books as a kid but this was one of my favorites (or at least one I remember). I loved the pigs and definitely got a kick out of the elephants as well (see photos below).
Originally published in 1963, the book contains over 1,400 labelled pictures and was Richard Scarry’s first book he both authored and illustrated. Despite being published in 1963, the book has stood the test of time thanks to some revisions and edits keeping it a little more gender-friendly. If you notice on the cover of the new editions, the police officer is now a female bear. On the “Work Machines” page there are some more female bears featured driving a bulldozer, tractor scraper and roller. More female representations appear throughout the book now. Not that you can always tell – they are after all, drawings of animals.
My mother got Tessa this book after she was first born. Tessa has generally preferred books she could hold so she really likes the board books we have but she still pulls this off the shelf and looks through it. I’m sure as she gets a little older, this will become well worn from use.
4 Comments on Throwback Thursday: Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever, last added: 12/10/2010
Eric Van Raepenbusch said, on 12/9/2010 4:14:00 PM
Richard Scarry was my favorite author growing up. I spent hours looking at this books. I am going to recycle an old post from when I celebrated Scarry’s birthday, but I only do this so you can see the pic of my favorite Richard Scarry book from when I was little. My mom still has the book and emailed me the photo.
Cynthia Blomquist Gustavson was born in rural Minnesota to a jazz musician and a waitress in 1947. She is the author of five poetry collections, several poetry workbooks for therapists, and has published in numerous journals.
In her twenty-two years as a social worker she has worked in drug prevention, practiced individual and group therapy, worked extensively with caregivers of the chronically ill and developmentally disabled.
A much acclaimed poet and author, the winner of a New Millennium Writings Award in 2002 and finalist for the Rita Dove Poetry Award from the Salem College Center for Women Writers in 2004, Gustavson lives and works in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband of 40 years.
About the book:
Clothed in beautiful rags, the Rag Man collects cast-off items that others don’t find valuable. He collects them in heaps outside his home, walking through the streets of his little town with a cart. Nothing escapes his attention. To him, nothing is junk. A little girl watches the Rag Man from a distance as he takes her old, cast-off teddy bear, and she follows him to his mysterious shop, and wonders what will happen with her well-worn toy. Much to her surprise, the Rag Man repairs her teddy bear, and brings it back to her . . .
My take on the book:
The Ballad of the Rag Man is a beautifully written story in rhyme with an easy to follow rhythm perfect for reading aloud. I was especially struck by Kristina Tosic’s unique illustrations which, through a little research, I found to be a combination of dip-pen drawings along with photographs. The visual effect of this combination is fascinating and can lead to a lot of interesting discussions about how the art interacts with the story and vice versa.
I love the theme of this story as well. As a parent, I really want to teach my daughter the concepts of empathy, diversity and appreciating differences at a young age. Gustavson does a fantastic job in her story of showing the transformation the little girl goes through from fearing the Rag Man to appreciating his kindness for repairing her damaged teddy bear. With our society’s tendency to judge people on their looks, wealth, and other superficial traits, the Ballad of the Rag Man makes a great resource for teachers, parents, counselors and librarians for teaching children the importance of valuing others based on the kind of person they are instead of their looks. Teachers and other adults can also discuss the environmental message of recycling as well.
Proceeds from Ballad of the Rag Man benefit the Rag Man Project. Read below to learn more about this project which anyone can implement through various resources found on the Rag Man Project website.
Founded in 2004 by Troy Lanier, Clay Nichols and Brad Powell, DadLabs aims to be the voice of the new fatherhood. The trio brings more than 30 years of teaching and hands on fatherhood experience, as well as professional filmmaking and writing experience. Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols are accomplished authors and were named to the Austin Chronicle Best of 2005 for their book “Filmmaking for Teens: Pulling off Your Shorts.” The company’s first DVD, DueDads: The Man’s Survival Guide to Pregnancy won a 27th annual Bronze Telly Award.
About the book:
So the baby’s butt is redder than a baboon’s and he’s screaming like a crazed hockey fan. What’s a new father supposed to do? Since 2007, more than 2 million men have turned to DadLabs for the answers. Home to the Internet’s finest weekly video program about modern fatherhood, DadLabs.com is the brainchild of four regular guys in Austin, Texas and now they’ve compiled the best of their advice into a book.
In DadLabs Guide to Fatherhood, readers will learn:
* How to keep the baby alive until the wife gets home
* That washing bottles will not make your balls fall off
* Things not to say during birthing (“You’re sure it’s mine, right?”)
* Top-secret delivery room tips (No. 1: Bring change for the snack machine)
* Why sex is overrated (and other lies fathers tell themselves)
* Why other parents’ children are inferior to yours
Full of guy-friendly advice, DadLabs Guide to Fatherhood proves that being a man with a sense of humor and being a skillful parent are not mutually exclusive. Check out the book trailer on Amazon.
My take on the book:
Every month or so I go speak to a class of expectant fathers who are taking a newborn care class through the local Expectant Parents Organization. Since I discovered this book by Dad Labs, it’s become the main resource I share with the expectant dads. I often use a form of the Dad Labs’ tag line in my introduction to the dads: “I [instead of We] screwed up so you don’t have to.”
The Dad Labs Guide To Fatherhood: Pregnancy and Year One is an excellent simply resource because it is written for dads by dads. Out of all the books geared towards expecta
0 Comments on Book Review: Dad Labs Guide to Fatherhood as of 1/1/1900
Edwidge Danticat was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to the United States when she was twelve years old. She published her first pieces of literary work just two years later. Edwidge has written many award-winning books, including Breath, Eyes, Memory (an Oprah’s Book Club Selection); Krik? Krak! (a National Book Award finalist); The Farming of Bones (an American Book Award winner); and Brother, I’m Dying (a National Book Critics Circle Award winner). She was a 2009 MacArthur Fellow. Edwidge lives with her family in Miami, Florida.
About the illustrator:
Alix Delinois was born in Saint Marc, Haiti and moved to Harlem with his family when he was seven years old. He recently illustrated Walter Dean Myer’s stunning biography of Muhammad Ali. He received his BFA in illustration from Pratt Institute in 2003 and a Master’s degree in Art Education in 2009. He lives and works in New York City.
About the book:
Highly acclaimed author Edwidge Danticat elegantly tells us the story of Junior, a seven-year-old boy trapped beneath his house after the Port-au-Prince earthquake, and his joyous rescue. Junior’s sparkling imagination helps him find the strength to survive.
My take on the book:
Eight Days tells the story of Junior, a seven-year-old boy trapped beneath his house after the Port-au-Prince earthquake. After Junior is rescued, everyone asks him how he survived. His answer: “I was brave, I told them, but when the earth shook again and again, I was afraid. And sometimes I cried, because I missed Manman and Papa and my little sister, Justine. But in my mind, I played.”
Junior’s imagination helps him survive and pass the time of those eight days by revisiting scenes of playing marbles and hide-and-seek with his friends, helping Papa sweep up the hair in his barbershop, and fulfilling his dream of singing a choir solo in church. Most of the days depict Junior having fun with his siblings and best friend Oscar. That is until the fifth day when Oscar goes to sleep and never wakes up. “That was the day I cried” says Junior, and I cried along with him in one of the more poignant moments in the book.
The accompanying illustrations throughout the story by Alix Delinois are incredibly beautiful and vivid, much like Junior’s imagination. For me, I was most struck by the artwork first before even reading the words. There&rsq
2 Comments on Book Review: Eight Days (A Story of Haiti), last added: 12/3/2010
The1stdaughter (Danielle) said, on 12/2/2010 11:24:00 PM
Wow! What an incredible little boy. This story is so beautiful and I completely understand what you mean about the illustrations, even the cover is very dreamlike. It’s hard to share these types of books with kids, but I’m so glad they are out there because they definitely are needed. Unfortunately kids don’t always get to laugh and play like many books depict and it’s nice to see one as well done as this so that others (even adults) can learn and be comforted. Beautiful review.
Chris Singer said, on 12/3/2010 5:44:00 PM
This book is tough because it is sad but kids have so much easier access to the media these days that they are liable to see coverage of these horrific events and have questions. Books like this are helpful to teach children about life. It is an incredible well-done story and I’m just in awe of the illustrations. I appreciate the kind words – thanks Danielle!
Guyku: A Year of Haiku For Boys by Bob Raczka and Peter H. Reynolds
Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the authors:
Bob Raczka was born in Chicago, the oldest of four boys, and grew up in the suburb of Des Plaines.
Bob Raczka’s Art Adventures is his ongoing nonfiction series published by The Millbrook Press. There are currently 14 books in the series. The latest, called Before They Were Famous: How Seven Artists Got Their Start, is a Junior Library Guild selection. He’s also written a series of four books about the seasons, published by Albert Whitman: Spring Things, Summer Wonders, Who Loves the Fall? and Snowy Blowy Winter. His current love is writing children’s poetry. Upcoming titles include Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word(Roaring Brook, Spring 2011), Fall Mixed Up (Carolrhoda, Fall 2011), and Joy in Mudville: A Casey Sequel (Carolrhoda, Spring 2012).
Peter H. Reynoldsis a professional writer, storyteller and illustrator. He has illustrated the Judy Moody and Stink books, written by Megan McDonald. He also owns a book and toy store called The Blue Bunny. (Peters enjoys signing books for people there—if you happen to be in Dedham Square, MA, stop on by!) And if that isn’t cool enough, he also owns an animation and multimedia studio, FableVision, headquartered high atop the Boston Children’s Museum. For more information, please visit his website: http://www.peterhreynolds.com.
About the book:
When you’re a guy, nature is one big playground—no matter what the season. There are puddles to splash in the spring, pine trees to climb in the summer, maple seeds to catch in the fall, and icicles to swordfight with in the winter.
Nature also has a way of making a guy appreciate important stuff—like how many rocks it takes to dam up a stream, or how much snow equals a day off from school.
So what kind of poetry best captures these special moments, at a length that lets guys get right back to tree-climbing and kite-flying? Why, guyku, of course!
My take on the book:
Poetry can sometimes be a tough sell for kids – especially for boys. I think part of the reason for the tough sell though is the stereotype that poetry is effeminate.
4 Comments on Book Review: Guyku: A Year of Haiku For Boys, last added: 11/30/2010
messages stunning
lost in silence in a stream
on my tongue flutters
Love it!
Read Aloud Dad
Paul Reynolds said, on 11/29/2010 6:07:00 PM
Great post Chris! The GUYKU website is http://www.guykuhaiku.com – and the Facebook page is “The Official Guyku Fan Group”. Thanks for spreading the word!
Chris Singer said, on 11/30/2010 8:46:00 AM
Best comment ever!
Chris Singer said, on 11/30/2010 8:46:00 AM
Wow, thanks Paul! Really love the illustrations and a big fan of Haiku. Any plans for a Girlku?
The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark by Deborah Diesen (Illustrated by Dan Hanna)
Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Deborah Diesen currently works for a small nonprofit organization and has also worked as a reference librarian and a bookseller. Although she enjoys her work tremendously, her true joy comes from writing for children. She lives in Grand Ledge, Michigan with her husband, two sons and two cats.
About the illustrator:
Dan Hannahas over ten years’ experience in the animation industry, and his work has appeared on BBC America and the Cartoon Network. He lives in Santa Barbara, California. This book marks the debut of both author and illustrator.
About the book:
The Pout-Pout Fish In The Big-Big Dark is a follow-up to the popular The Pout-Pout Fish. Illustrated by Dan Hanna and published by Farrar Straus Giroux, this new tale follows Mr. Fish’s adventure into the deepest part of the ocean.
Mr. Fish wants to help his friend Ms. Clam when she loses her pearl, but though he’s fast as a sailfish, as smart as dolphin, and as strong as a shark, Mr. Fish has a secret: he’s scared of the dark!
Once again, Diesen brings us an entertaining read aloud accompanied by Dan Hanna’s fabulous illustrations. It has a great message about friends helping others and also a light-hearted look at one of childhood’s biggest fears: the dark. The book does an excellent job of showing that despite Mr. Fish’s fear of the dark, he still has many strengths and positives which can help him overcome his fear. I loved the “little voice” (the shimmer fish from the first book) which kept telling Mr. Fish to swim on even though he was starting to get worried about the water getting darker. It’s a great message for kids to do a little self-talk and trust that “little voice” which can give themselves the strength and extra encouragement to be brave and tackle their fears.
This is another winner from Deborah Diesen and would make an excellent addition to your home library!
2 Comments on Book Review: The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark, last added: 11/27/2010
Eric Van Raepenbusch said, on 11/26/2010 11:25:00 AM
We just got this one at the library. The first Pout-Pout fish was awesome – fun to read. This book was a good sequel, with a good message. Different experience than the first book though.
Chris Singer said, on 11/27/2010 8:53:00 AM
I think you’re right, it is a different experience than the first book. It doesn’t flow as easily when you read it out loud like the first book but I really love the message in the sequel.
Eileen Spinelli is the author of many beloved books for children. When Eileen was one year old, her father was stationed in the army in California. She and her mother missed him so much, they took the train all the way from Philadelphia for a special visit. Eileen now lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with her husband and fellow writer, Jerry Spinelli.
About the book:
At times a loved one may be far, far away, but that special person is never far from mind and heart. Whether you share thoughts, memories, photographs, or favorite songs, there are many ways to find comfort when you miss someone you love. Eileen Spinelli’s lyrical, supportive text and Renee Graef’s tender, uplifting illustrations combine to create a reassuring book about separation and reunion.
My take on the book:
This is a very touching and emotional read. Although I can’t relate so much to this, I can certainly empathize with kids and families who are separated due to military deployment. The illustrations are soothing and warm which goes along well in conjunction with Spinelli’s reassuring and upbeat poetry. In addition, the three vignettes serve to portray fathers, mothers and their children as various races and nationalities which in turn, gives the book a broader appeal. I would definitely recommend this as a resource for military families with children.
This post is in support of Reach Out and Read’s virtual book drive in support of military families.
To participate in the virtual book drive, please clickhere.
Angus Nelson lives in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife and three children. His desire to develop leaders and share his faith with others has led him to travel to five continents and twelve countries.
His life has been anything but boring. With a background in theology, he’s served as youth leader, worship leader, counselor, speaker, and now, writer. Throughout all this, he’s been a waiter, ski resort ticket checker, carpenter, telemarketer, and landscaper. He’s hosed chili vats, stuffed wood chips in bags, sold health club memberships, told off Jean-Claude Van Damme, and even helped Bruce Willis call his bookie once.
About the book:
Trying to find one’s true love is never an easy task. Along the way, there are often heartbreaks and turmoils that we wish we could forget. Wrong people. Bad decisions. How’d I end up here again? Not a typical, sterile self help book, this story grips your heart from chapter one and never lets go. Experience life through the eyes of a man who set out on a noble journey of finding his love, and ended up horribly losing his way. The revelations he made in the aftermath of torrid love affairs and battles with addiction are sure to help anyone who has experienced the craziness of love gone wrong in search of a life mate. Somewhere along the way readers will lose themselves in the struggles of this man, and cheer him on as he strives to find his way out the other side, all the while learning principles of love that are sure to change their own lives.
My take on the book:
In September, I attended the Modern Media Man Summit in Atlanta. At that conference, I met six or seven authors and brought home all of their books to review here on Book Dads. One of those authors was Angus Nelson and I was fortunate enough to catch part of his presentation. Angus is a charismatic guy and I really enjoyed talking with and getting to know him and his beautiful family.
The interesting thing about reviewing Angus’ book is that I met him before I had the opportunity to read his book. Usually you rarely, if ever, get to meet, let alone talk and spend time with the author of a book you have read. In this case though, I was fortunate enough to spend time and get to know him and I think it really made a big impact in how I read and took in Love’s Compass.
I was blown away by Angus’ deeply personal and heartfelt story. He shares things most of us would never admit publicly, or for that matter, admit to ourselves. I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything so honest. He opens himself up to the reader in ways most of us can’t imagine ever doing. In that revealing lies the beauty of this book, because it’s through this honesty and openness where we can most relate, and quite possibly light the spark we need in order to learn to forgive ourselves for the mistakes
0 Comments on Book Review: Love’s Compass as of 11/18/2010 10:44:00 PM
The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey
Reviewed by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Dav Pilkey has written and illustrated numerous popular, award-winning books for children, including the Captain Underpants and Dumb Bunnies series; Dog Breath, winner of the California Young Reader Medal; and The Paperboy, a Caldecott Honor Book. He lives with his wife in the Pacific Northwest. Visit him online at www.pilkey.com
About the book:
In this all-new graphic novel, George Beard and Harold Hutchins present the sensational saga of two silly caveboys named Ook and Gluk. Ook and Gluk have a pretty awesome life growing up together in Caveland, Ohio, in 500,001 BC—even though they’re always getting in trouble with their nasty leader, Big Chief Goppernopper. But Ook and Gluk’s idyllic life takes a turn for the terrible when an evil corporation from the future invades their quiet, prehistoric town. When Ook, Gluk, and their little dinosaur pal, Lily, are pulled through a time portal to the year 2222 AD, they discover that the world of the future is even worse than the devastated one they came from. Fortunately, they find a friend in Master Wong, a martial arts instructor who trains them in the ways of kung fu, so that they may one day return home and make things right again. And, like the other Captain Underpants books, The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future features the world’s cheesiest animation technology, “Flip-O-Rama,” in every chapter.
My take on the book:
If you are familiar with Dav Pilkey, you already know his books are huge hits with reluctant readers. Those readers and other fans of the Captain Underpants series are going to have a lot of fun with Ook and Gluk as well. It’s funny and silly and even parents will laugh if they’re reading along with their kids. I love Pilkey’s artwork and the Flip-O-Rama’s crack me up as well. There’s even some good lessons in the story such as preserving natural resources and I definitely enjoyed the symbolism behind Ook and Gluk’s battle with the “evil corporation.”
Overall though, I have to admit being a little torn. I have a hard time not believing the intentional misspellings in the book aren’t going to be problematic for young readers or kids
5 Comments on Book Review & Giveaway: Ook and Gluk, last added: 11/17/2010
So glad to read your opinions were mixed!!! I absolutely hated this book for those same reasons. I could barely finish it!
Don’t enter me in the contest – just glad to hear I’m not the only fussy reader.
Chris Singer said, on 11/16/2010 9:46:00 PM
Thanks Melissa – This review took me days to finish because like I said in the review, I was torn. I think I was pretty generous with it actually now that I think about it. I love Scholastic though and that Tony Baloney book is a steal as part of the giveaway.
Mike Dyson said, on 11/17/2010 6:00:00 AM
Chris- This is a good review. I love Dav Pilkey, but would rather read about your honest opinion of the book.
Chris Singer said, on 11/17/2010 6:20:00 AM
Thanks Mike! I think if you’re a fan already, you’ll like this book and you already know what to expect. Plus parents need to know what to expect if they’ve never read Dav Pilkey before.
Kevin said, on 11/17/2010 9:00:00 AM
I agree with you, Chris. I don’t like children’s books with intentional misspelling. That alone would keep my away from the book, but the name calling drives a nail on this books coffin. Kevin´s last blog ..Q & A With The Potty Pro Teri Crane
This review is part of the Green Books campaign.Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.
The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on “green” books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.
*** Book Review ***
About the author:
KIM WESTis a mother of two and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a practicing child and family therapist for more than eighteen years. Known as The Sleep Lady® by her clients, over the past fifteen years she has helped thousands of tired parents all over the world learn to listen to their intuition, recognize their child’s important cues and behaviors, and gently create changes that promote and preserve his or her healthy sleep habits.
West has appeared on the Dr. Phil, Today Show, NBC Nightly News,Good Morning America, TLC’s Bringing Home Babyand CNN, and has been written about in a number of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Baby Talk, Parenting, The Baltimore Sun, USAToday, The Telegraph, The Irish Independentand theWashington Post. West hosts the sleep section of The Newborn Channel, played in maternity wards in hospitals across the country.
About the book:
Good Night Sleep Tight Workbook is the essential companion to the best selling book, Good Night Sleep Tight, by The Sleeplady, Kim West. The book includes a step-by-step guide for parents, is organized by age and by process, and is the key to sleep coaching success. The Workbook can be used as a standalone guide; includes an essential to do list, sleep plans, tear out sleep logs, sleep manner sticker charts and a certificate of completion for celebrating success – all the essentials needed to help tired parents with children of any age who are experiencing sleep problems.
My take on the book:
My wife and I read this book together as we’ve been dealing with sleep issues with our 19-month-old daughter from our first day home from the hospital. We were concerned at first when we got this book and saw it was a companion workbook t
0 Comments on 2010 Green Books Campaign: The Good Night, Sleep Tight Workbook as of 1/1/1900
Bob Kolar is the illustrator of the first AlphaOops book and the author-illustrator of BIG KICKS. He lives in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
About the book:
Biggie Bear lives in a quiet corner of a busy little town. He collects stamps, plays jazz, and enjoys being by himself. One day, the town soccer team knocks on his door, and they need BIG help. But Biggie’s never played soccer before, and once they are out on the field, they realize that maybe there is more to soccer than just being big.
My take on the book:
This is such a fun book. The illustrations are big, colorful and eye-catching to young eyes. My daughter loves the animals, and knows what soccer is from watching me kick the soccer ball in the yard.
There’s lots of great lessons about friendships, sports and differences in the story as well. Just because Biggie is big doesn’t mean he’s going to be talented at sports. Even though Biggie kind of stinks (okay, he really stinks) at soccer, he has many other talents and qualities that make him a good friend. At the end of the book, his teammates even find Biggie a way to be involved in the games and part of the team.
This has quickly become one of our favorites to read. Check out author Bob Kolar’s blog, for more of his titles and to check out some of the cool illustrations and projects he has going.
0 Comments on Book Review: Big Kicks as of 1/1/1900
Catcher, Caught by Sarah Collins Honenberger
I’m going to add this to my TBR pile, which is enormous, but that’ll never change.
It’s really quite good. The criticisms I have read on Amazon are off base in my opinion as well. They would make sense for some books but I think they’re off for this one.
I’m looking forward to that interview with Sarah Collins Honenberger and to hear what motivated her to write such an unusual story!
Loved your frank review Chris and I couldn’t stop reading after this sentence: “Honenberger captivated me with Daniel’s voice and I couldn’t put the book down”
One cannot help to be fascinated with heavy-hitting stories such as this one, I guess that you are probably still having flashbacks even after you finished reading.
What do you think is the youngest reader age for this book?
Thanks for the great review
Read Aloud Dad