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Eight Days (A Story of Haiti) by Edwidge Danticat (Illustrated by Alix Delinois)

Reviewed by: Chris Singer

About the author:

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

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).

For more information, please visit his website: http://www.bobraczka.com.

Peter H. Reynolds is 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.

Today’s guest book review and Dads Reading Featured Post is from a good friend of Book Dads, Kevin Westerman. Kevin has a blog (Super Daddy) where he relates stories about being a stay at home dad and spending time with his two children.

In this guest book review and Dads Reading Featured Post, Kevin writes about one of his favorite books to read with his daughter, Daddy’s Girl by Garrison Keillor.

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Book Review
Daddy’s Girl by Garrison Keillor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator)

Reviewed by: Kevin Westerman

About the Author:

Garrison Keillor is the author of thirteen books, including Lake Wobegon Summer 1956, Wobegon Boy, and Lake Wobegon Days. From 1999-2001, Keillor wrote a column “Dear Mr. Blue: Advice for Lovers and Writers” on Salon.com. Keillor’s popular Saturday-night public radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, is in its twenty-seventh season. He lives in St. Paul with his wife and daughter.

About the Illustrator:

Robin Priess Glazer is the number one New York Times bestselling illustrator of the Fancy Nancy series, written by Jane O’Connor; America: A Patriotic Primer, A is for Abigail, and Our Fifty States by Lynne Cheney and most recently Tea for Ruby by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. She lives in Southern California with her family.

About the book:

Beloved Prairie Home Companion radio star and bestselling author Garrison Keillor offers a touching picture book tribute to the strong bond between daddy and daughter. A reassuring bedtime story that the entire family will understand and appreciate.

My take on the book:

I got this book for my daughter when she was ten months old, she is now four years old and we still read Daddy’s Girl at least once a week.

The four stories are a narrative from the Dad’s perspective of the time he spends with his daughter. Each story tells a different part of their day together, from changing of the little girl’s diaper to her favorite food, a stroll through the city and dancing together and having fun.

The last story, “Won’t You Dance with Me?”, is the most heartfelt of the four stories. The father and daughter are at a wedding reception and they are dancing together. At the end of the story he says:

“Oh, baby, won’t you dance w

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 Hanna has 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!

My take on the book:

This is the follow-up to Deborah Diesen’s The Pout-Pout Fish (reviewed here on Book Dads) and features the same characters as well. This time Mr. Fish has to conquer his fear of the dark so he can help his friend Ms. Clam find her lost pearl.

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!

The Family Book by Todd Parr

Reviewed by: Ryan LaLonde

About the author:

Todd Parr lives near San Francisco but grew up in Wyoming. He likes to paint, but failed art class. Now he creates books for kids and has a TV show called ToddWorld. His books talk about love, kindness and are sometimes silly. He loves the fog, the sea lions, dolphins and macaroni and cheese. He also loves his dog Bully.

About the book:

There are so many different types of families, and THE FAMILY BOOK celebrates them all in a funny, silly, and reassuring way. Parr includes adopted families, step-families, one-parent families, and families with two parents of the same sex, as well as the traditional nuclear family. His quirky humor and bright, childlike illustrations will make children feel good about their families. Parents and teachers can use this book to encourage children to talk about their families and the different kinds of families that exist.

My take on the book:

As we gather for the Thanksgiving Holiday, there is usually only one reason that we look forward to the holiday – Family. Whether they are the family that were we born or adopted into ever since we can remember or the family we have created for ourselves, it is ‘family” that makes the holiday.

What better book to read for the holiday than Todd Parr’s “The Family Book”. His simple book celebrates every possible combination of family with colorful joy and playful depictions.

This book is a favorite for our family. There are only a handful of books that happily show families like ours. Two dads (one white and one black) with a son of both races – and this book offers it for us. It shows single dads, large families, fishy families and families full of hugs.

Not only does Parr show many different families but what makes them so special whether they are near or far from you. Parr points out that some families look like their pets, while others are quiet and respectively noisy (my family would be in the noisy category).

Parr has a history of all-inclusive diversity in his artfully drawn books. I like to describe his illustration as a cross between Keith Haring and an exceptional 7-year old artist. His poignant depictions also showcase families dealing with a loss, blended families, adopted children and even families that share their home with other families.

“The Family Book” is an homage to families everywhere. Parr’s closing page sums it up best….“There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is.” There is no better book to celebrate Thanksgiving. Our family is thankful for Todd Parr.

While You Are Away by Eileen Spinelli

Reviewed by: Chris Singer

About the author:

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 click here.

For more information on Reach Out and Read, visit, www.reachoutandread.org

National Geographic Kids World Atlas by National Geographic

Reviewed by: Dad of Divas

About the author:

National Geographic is a recognised authority in mapping excellence. For 119 years the Society’s maps have helped spread geographic knowledge to people around the world. A multi-million-dollar database allows National Geographic to combine the latest data gained by space-age technology with innovative digital mapping techniques to create state-of-the-art political, physical, and thematic maps. Meticulous research and attention to detail have established a standard of achievement that is second to none.

About the book:

In this new, reduced trim size edition, we’ve punched up the content with the very latest maps, data, and essays about the world and all that is in it. More than 200 color images transport kids to intriguing places, and 115 pages of full-size National Geographic maps help them locate countries, cities, regions, and more.

Created by the most trusted name in cartography, these colorful maps have been custom designed for middle-grade students. Boundaries, place-names, and data reflect the most current information available, and every map appears in the context of surrounding areas to ensure that a full picture of the world develops. Same-size physical and political maps make for easy comparisons and help youngsters understand how physical features influence patterns of human settlement and economic activity. Locator globes and color-coding make it easy for kids to keep track of where they are and quickly navigate from one region to another.

Stunning images from space draw visual links between real-world scenes and cartography. Plus, an interactive Web feature links kids to the Society’s vast archive of maps, articles, photos, videos, music, languages, crafts, quizzes, and more. With a dynamic reference like this, homework has never been so fascinating.

My take on the book:

I have seen so many children’s atlases and they have all had excellent qualities but I need to say that this atlas is not only for children but for the entire family.

I found many of the sections worthy of mentioning: there is a web site offered which will give you to access to more information than the book offers. The book offers excellent maps not only of the countries but of the vegetation, the physical aspects of each continent, land formations, natural disasters, the oceans of the world, world politics, world population, languages of the world, religions and economics of the world, food and water resources, mineral resources, and more.

The book illustrates each continent in so many detailed ways. Lots of photos enhance the text.

It is a book that can be used at all grade levels especially knowing you have the web site of information available to you. Help your children to know the world they live in. We are in a global

Today’s guest book review and Dads Reading Featured Post is from a good friend of ours here at Book Dads. John Cave Osborne is the author of the recently released book, Tales from the Trips (read our review here and author spotlight post), which chronicles his life as he morphed from carefree bachelor into the father of four in just thirteen months thanks to marrying a single mom then quickly conceiving triplets.

If you like what you read here from John today, check out more of his writing at his blog (www.johncaveosborne.com) over at the parenting blog Babble (www.babble.com/contributors/john-osborne/).

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Some children’s books are entertaining. Some are educational. Some provide top-notch illustrations. Some deliver wonderful morals. And some are iconic classics.

I love children’s books that offer any one of those things. But my very favorite children’s book — Corduroy, written and illustrated by Don Freeman — offers all of them.

The story begins when a little girl named Lisa falls in love with a bear named Corduroy. Lisa begs her mom to buy Corduroy for her. “Not today, dear,” her mom replies, citing that she’s already spent too much money not to mention the fact that the bear, whose overalls are missing a button, doesn’t even look new.

That night, after everyone had left the department store, Corduroy scampers off on an adventure to find a button that might make him more look more appealing. His journey takes him to a different floor — one which he mistakes for a palace given the number of tables, chairs, beds and lamps he finds.

But his search is cut short by a security guard who brings the bear back to his place on the toy-department shelf. The next morning Corduroy wakes up just as the first customer enters the store. That first customer is none other than Lisa, the girl from the day before. She tells Corduroy that her mom has agreed to let Lisa take him home, only Lisa has to buy him with her own money. Luckily, she had just enough in her piggy bank.

The last scene finds Corduroy and Lisa together in her modest apartment. The little girl’s small room is nothing like the palace he had seen the night before. But to Corduroy, it’s even be

The Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles: Book 1 – The Brimstone Key by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis

Reviewed by: Chris Tilley

This is Part 2 of a the review. Read Part 1 here

Like father like son, I had to turn off the lights on him two nights in a row. One of those nights it was close to midnight. He had gone to bed, lights out and couldn’t sleep. So he turned on his light and started reading. I got up to get a glass of water and walked past his door. It was a little tough getting him up in the morning. The bottom line is he loved the book and had trouble putting it down.

What my son liked about the book

* What was your favourite part? Why?

This turned out to be a tough question because he liked all of the book. He kept thinking about what was the best part and finally settled on the end of it.

* Who is your favourite character? Why?

Ernie. Because he’s a changeling. He can go really fast. My son at this point bolts from the room, runs down the hall and back.

* Did any part of the book surprise you?

Yes. We had a good conversation about some of the twists and turns of the book that I won’t mention so others can be surprised as well. He was surprised by some of the same things that got me. For me that was part of the charm of the book was that it kept me guessing. I asked him if he found it hard to put down because of the twists and he agreed.

* Should we put the first three books on your Christmas list?

Yes. So they are now officially on my and my son’s Christmas lists.

* Did you find any part of the book scary?

Some but not too scary. Again we can not mention the scenes. Needless to say the book is an adventure and scary things happen.

* What was the coolest technology? Why?

The zephyr, a subway train that was alive.

My son also came up with three questions for author, Jon Lewis:

Question 1: What would you advise to an 8 year old who wants to be a writer?

To write whatever he/she loves to write about. If you love stories about sports, then write lots of stories about sport. Dragons? Then fill up a notebook with stories about dragons. Spies or detectives? Then write about them, too. Writing is like practicing a sport or an instrument, the more you do it the better you get — but you’ll work even harder if you focus on subjects you really like.

Question 2: What were your favourite books growing up?

Picture Book: Where the Wild Things Are
First Chapter Book(s): Narnia series
Novel(s): Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Question 3: What gave you the idea of Grey Griffin’s Series? Did the story change from your original idea?

Derek and I wanted to write a mixture of our favorite mythologies with our own exp