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Steve Ettinger is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Personal Trainer. He currently runs his own private training company in New York City. Originally from Southern California, Steve has always enjoyed staying active. Forever an avid soccer player, he has earned several coaching certifications and has spent years working and volunteering in youth sports and physical education. He began training clients while earning a psychology degree from Boston University and worked as a children’s behavior therapist before deciding to dedicate himself to fitness full time.
About the illustrator:
Pete Proctor graduated from Baker University with a degree in Elementary Education. He is a former middle school science teacher and current freelance illustrator. When not busy painting active animals, he enjoys music, fishing and travel. Pete is a Kansas City native where he still lives with his wife, Jennifer, and two kids, Ben and Sarah.
About the book:
Wallie is mostly a wonderful dog, but his super-laziness has become a problem. So his boy convinces him to go on an adventure to get fit. With a little help from a big friend, Wallie learns how to exercise. Will he enjoy the change from pudgy pup to healthy hound or will he return to his lazy ways? Learn important fitness concepts while following Wallie on his hilarious journey to get in shape. A special section with more information and original exercises (performed by Wallie) will get every kid (and pup) excited about exercise.
My take on the book:
Wallie Exercises is a wonderfully engaging and fantastic book for young children! Steve Ettinger’s catchy rhymes had me laughing out loud, and I had a blast reading it aloud to my daughter. Here’s a little sample:
Again Wallie worked without much success,
“Guys, I think I’ve had enough.
For an out-of-shape pup with a big ole gut,
This stuff is all way too tough.
While I was captivated by the author’s rhymes, my daughter adored Pete Proctor’s bright, boldly-detailed illustrations (complete with a fantastic centerfold illustration of Edwin the Exercising Elephant. Seriously, a must see!!!) which matched the action in the story brilliantly.
I think preschool and young elementary children will truly enjoy this light-hearted look at a pivotal issue for our young children today: obesity and fitness. With a little help from his friends, Wallies comes to the conclusion that exercise is fun and good for him. He reaches this conclusion without being lectured too or force-fed exercise regimes. Instead, Wallie sees for himself that exercise can be fun and something he enjoys. I
0 Comments on Book Review: Wallie Exercises as of 1/1/1900
Lisa Eichlin lives in NJ with her husband and two children. “The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew”, is her first book. She taught preschool for 17 years and now works as a paraprofessional in a local elementary school in NJ. Lisa decided to write this book after realizing there aren’t many children’s books about disabled/handicapped children being friends with “normal” children.
About the book:
“What makes someone brave?”
Michael wants to introduce you to someone very important. This boy is just like you. He loves sports, puzzles, and being outside. He loves to race Michael, often beating him. This boy is a great best friend. Michael wants to be just like him because he’s the bravest boy Michael knows. But why does Michael think he’s so brave?
This is a beautiful book and a must read for all parents and teachers!
The story is very well done and the illustrations are terrific and very engaging. I love how Michael is so proud of his friend, and how excited he is to share all of the things that make his friend so brave. The last part of the book may be the most poignant and beautiful: “Tada! Introducing the bravest boy I ever knew. I hope someday I can be as brave as him.”
I think it’s so important to teach young children about why other children might have a disability causing them to be in a wheelchair. Kids usually have so many questions about the wheelchair and about whether the child can or can’t do things. I think there’s a certain anxiety about it for children as well. This is why a book like this can help so much in normalizing it for children.
I highly recommend this wonderful tale of friendship.
0 Comments on Book Review: The Bravest Boy I Ever Knew as of 1/1/1900
Kayla Shurley Davidson is a stay-at-home mom and former teacher. Born in San Angelo, Texas, she grew up in the small towns of Sonora and Ozona where she spent countless hours helping her dad on the ranch. A 2004 graduate of Angelo State University, Davidson resides in West Texas with her husband and two daughters.
About the book:
A young girl cherishes the time spent with her father—and Kallie is no exception. Follow her as she tags along with her Dad—to help him at the ranch and with his everyday activities. The duo’s adventures are never dull; they are always made possible with the help of Kallie and her special memory rock.
My take on the book:
This is a terrific book and a perfect read for a dad to share with his daughter. The bond between Kallie and her father is very strong and serves to highlight the positive impact an involved father can have in a young child’s life. You can easily see how much Kallie loves her father and vice versa, but it’s also very apparent how valued and loved she feels as her father reinforces the need for her help throughout the story.
My young daughter was drawn instantly to the beautiful, bright-colored and highly-detailed illustrations. Older girls will love reading about the imaginative adventures Kallie and her father share as they work on the ranch. The memory stone used in the story by both Kallie and her father to help “remember” reminders to each other is a beautiful touch, and a terrific idea dads can take from the story to use with their own children.
It’s obvious to readers that the author feels a special bond with her own father. I appreciate her writing of this story very much, and am thrilled I had the opportunity to read it. Daddy’s Little Squirrel is a celebration of the love between a father and his little girl, and a book dads everywhere should be adding to their home library.
2 Comments on Book Review: Daddy’s Little Squirrel, last added: 2/22/2011
This book sounds interesting. I have not heard of it before so thanks for putting it on my radar. I shall check it out from the library to read to my 4 year old.
Maria Dismondy has learned to tame her mane of hair since her tumultuous elementary school days. She celebrates her uniqueness and strives to make each day count. Having earned her master’s in education, she has taught elementary school for several years. Maria lives in southeastern Michigan with her charming husband, Dave and daughter Ruby.
About the illustrator:
Kimberly Shaw-Peterson has been drawing and painting since she could hold a crayon. Because of her passion for unusual food and her big hair, she was born to illustrate Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun. She is a self-taught artist and comes from a very artistic family. Kimberly attributes her ability to both of her wonderful grandmothers, Gloria and Marian, who were also artists. She lives with her husband, Scott, and her daughter, Ella, in southeastern Michigan.
About the book:
How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.
My take on the book:
I didn’t have the opportunity to put a week’s worth of posts together in recognition of No Name-Calling Week, but for the last few weeks, I have been saving this review of Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy for today.
Lucy is an adorable girl who truly embraces her individuality. Time and time again though, Lucy gets teased and bullied by Ralph. On the playground, Lucy has the perfect opportunity to exact her revenge when Ralph is stuck on top of the monkey bars and is afraid. Instead, Lucy remembers the words of her grandfather (“We each have a heart with feelings on the inside”) and responds with kindness and respect.
This is a fantastic book! Maria does a beautiful job of using Lucy’s story to show children how to address bullying through kindness instead of giving into the temptation of bullying back. Not only did Lucy resist bullying back, but showed a lot of courage in doing the right thing and treating someone who has wronged her the way she would like to be treated. As a result, readers witness not only a w
4 Comments on Book Review: Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, last added: 1/28/2011
Great review Chris. My son is about to turn 5 and already starting to deal with a kid that is mean to him at day care. He has been dealing with it well but books do such a great job of reinforcing things we are telling them. I am going to pick this book up this weekend
Gina said, on 1/28/2011 12:59:00 PM
Great job on the review! I too had the pleasure of reading this one and couldn’t agree more. It does a great job of approaching the subject of bullying at a young age and provides positive messages of encouragement…along with those wonderful gems from Lucy and Grandpa. Happy reading!
Chris Singer said, on 1/28/2011 9:46:00 PM
Thanks Gina – What can I say, great minds think alike
Chris Singer said, on 1/28/2011 9:47:00 PM
Thanks for commenting Brian. Sorry to hear about your son’s issue at daycare. I hope this book helps. Maria has another one called The Juice Box Bully. I’ll be reviewing that one as well.
Sherry Shahan is a photojournalist and the author of numerous books for young readers, including Death Mountain, a young adult survival novel based on a real-life experience. Her bilingual picture books include Spicy Hot Colors and Cool Cats Counting. When not writing in her California beach bungalow, Sherry sits in the bleachers cheering on her grandsons’ soccer and baseball teams.
About the illustrator:
Tatjana Mai-Wysswas born in Switzerland. She grew up with her nose in a book and always wanted to be the one to draw the pictures. Today, she is a freelance illustrator in sunny South Carolina, where she can draw out on the screen porch all year long and listen to the birds. She has illustrated a number of picture books, including A Tree for Emmy and That’s Not How You Play Soccer, Daddy!
About the book:
Mikey takes his duties as captain of the Hot Diggity Diner soccer team very seriously. After a tough practice, his dad takes him to play in the park, but Mikey only wants to practice for the Big Game. Daddy offers to help, but to Mikey’s dismay he doesn’t put in much of an athletic effort. He keeps bending the rules and telling his impatient son to “just have fun.” After an irresistible ticklefest, however, Mikey comes around to Daddy’s way of thinking — and joins him and his dog Socks in the best soccer game ever!
My take on the book:
If you’ve been visiting Book Dads for awhile, you’ve probably noticed I have a tendency to review a lot of children’s books about soccer. Soccer is a beautiful game for so many reasons and while I can’t wait to share my love for soccer with my daughter (I already have, but there’s still more to share!!), I’m a little nervous about those soccer nazi parents who treat every game like it’s the World Cup.
One of the ways I plan on easing some of my nerves is by getting involved and coaching. Part two of my plan is to give everyone on the team a copy of this book. The beauty of Shahan’s book is that it is the complete opposite of so many sports books written for children which usually portray a young hero or heroine winning the game with a crucial play or having their team win the championship. Instead it focuses on the joy and good times when participati
0 Comments on Book Review: That’s Not How You Play Soccer, Daddy as of 1/19/2011 9:59:00 PM
Doreen Rappaport is known for her ground-breaking approach to multicultural history and stories for young readers. In her many award-winning books, she brings attention to not-yet-celebrated Americans, along with well-known figures.
A former teacher of music and reading, Doreen knows how to capture children’s attention. Her dynamic formats engage even the most reluctant readers.
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration, ALA Notable Book, and is on the Blue Ribbon list of the Bulletin Center for Children’s Books.
We Are The Many: A Picture Book of American Indians, introduces the accomplishments of sixteen distinguished American Indians.
Her classic Escape From Slavery presents the history of the Underground Railroad through adventure stories.
The Boston Coffee Party introduces children to a neglected event in history books and shows the active roles played by women during the Revolutionary War.
Martin Luther King, Jr., grew up in a place where people used words that made him feel bad. This beautifully illustrated, award-winning book shows how Martin used words to fight for equal rights for black people.
When Martin was growing up, he saw the words “Whites Only” all over town. But he remembered the words of his mother, “You are as good as anyone.”
Doreen Rappaport has taken the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and woven in her own to create a captivating yet completely accessible book for young readers.
This definitive picture book biography of Dr. Martin L
0 Comments on Book Review: Martin’s Big Words (The Life of MLK Jr.) as of 1/1/1900
Biblioburro: A True Story from Columbia by Jeanette Winter
Review by: Chris Singer
About the author:
Jeanette Winter is the acclaimed author/illustrator of many highly-regarded picture books, including Bibloburro, Nasreen’s Secret School,TheLibrarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq; Mama: A True Story in which a Baby Hippo Loses his Mama During a Tsunami, but Finds a New Home, and a New Mama; and Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa. She lives with her husband, artist Roger Winter, in New York.
About the book:
Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there’s barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution–a traveling library! He buys two donkeys–Alfa and Beto–and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages.
My take on the book:
This is such an inspiring and beautiful book about sharing one’s passions and joys with others who have never had the opportunity to experience such a thing. Luis loves his books so much that soon is house is filled with them. His wife, Diana, grumbles about this and asks if they are to eat books with their rice. Luis gets the idea to load his burros with books so he can share them with those who have none.
I love how simple and easy flowing the story is. It’s perfect for a read aloud and I think the book’s message that not all children have the same access to books will be accessible to even younger, preschool-age children. The illustrations are bright and colorful and remind me of the artwork you see in folktales.
I fell in love with this book as it reminded me of my times in Uganda where I passed out books to orphan children in a remote village. It’s a very powerful feeling to share something you are passionate about with others who have never had such an opportunity. The kids I met had few possessions except for some clothes, a school uniform and maybe a few photos or drawings. I can still picture the faces of excitement and joy at receiving their books. I imagine that is the feeling Luis gets every time he travels with his biblioburro to the villages in the hills of Columbia.
This is based on a true story. See below to learn more about Luis Soriana and his “Biblioburro.”
More about Luis Soriana:
This is based on the true story of Luis Soriana, who started the “biblioburro” in 2000. He traveled to villages near his home in La Gloria, Columbia, with a collection of 70 books. That collection has grown to over 4,800 books. Every weekend, at least 300 people look forward to Luis’ biblioburro.
0 Comments on Book Review: Biblioburro – A True Story from Columbia as of 1/10/2011 12:29:00 AM
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: 10 Great Children’s Books (8 and under) 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
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
Wow, thanks Paul! Really love the illustrations and a big fan of Haiku. Any plans for a Girlku?
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.
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
About the author: Mary Pope Osbourne is an American author currently living in Connecticut. She grew up in a military family and by the age of 15 had lived in Oklahoma, Austria, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina. She has over 80 books to her credit including the best selling Magic Tree House series.
About the series:
The Magic Tree House series begins with “Dinosaurs Before Dark”. In this book we meet the two main characters, Jack and his little sister Annie. In the woods near their house in Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, Annie discovers the longest rope ladder the two have ever seen. The rope leads them to a tree house at the very top of the tree. Via this tree house Jack and Annie experience many adventures.
The Magic Tree House is an award winning series and has been translated into over 20 languages and sold over 53 million copies.
My take on the series:
Grab a book, curl up in your favorite reading spot and let you imagination run wild. Time virtually stops. This is essentially what happens to Jack and Annie in the tree house when they grab a book about dinosaurs and Jack whispers, “I wish I could see a Pterodactyl for real.” The next thing they know they are transported back in time to prehistoric times and come face to face with a Pterodactyl. Through books and the Magic Tree House Jack and Annie experience adventures throughout time.
Each book is a new adventure for Jack and Annie. Where will they go next, on a pirate ship in Pirates Past Noon (#4)? Or Down the Amazon in Afternoon on the Amazon (#6)? What will they experience next, a tornado in Twister on Tuesday (#23)? Or the Olympics in Hour of the Olympics (#16)?
This series is great for early readers and with such a vast number of titles there is sure to be an adventure or two every reader will find interesting.
We found this series of books at our local bookstore while looking for short chapter books for our first grader as he was devouring every non-chapter book we put in front of him. He has already read several of the books and is always looking for others at the library. After reading several books from the series I feel confident recommending them, especially for readers making the transition to chapter books.
We like this series in our house too. We started reading them to my son when he was in kindergarten, now he rereads them from time to time. They are easy for him now, but they make references to interesting events that send us on a quest for additional information about pirates or Rome or pyramids. So, thumbs up from us too. Trina´s last blog ..Splat the Cat
Chris Singer said, on 11/7/2010 12:30:00 PM
I never heard of these before until Peter brought up the idea of reviewing the series. They look like a lot fun and I will definitely be introducing these with Tessa in a few years. Thanks Trina for the comment!
Wallie Exercises by Steve Ettinger (Illustrated by: Pete Proctor)
This book sounds interesting. I have not heard of it before so thanks for putting it on my radar. I shall check it out from the library to read to my 4 year old.
Check out the author’s blog as well. A nice story about her father on there: http://kayladavidson.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/the-importance-of-a-father-figure/