Reading Level: Ages 7-9
Add this book to your collection: Super Diaper Baby 2: The Invasion of the Potty Snatchers
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©2011 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: October 27, 2011
Monster Comics By Mike Herrod
Doodlers and fans of monsters and comics, unite! From freaked-out moms to thirsty vampires, using clean lines and minimal color, the talented children’s book author and illustrator Mike Herrod offers kids over 30 spook-tacular monster-pieces to finish off with their own drawings. However, it’s the “Magic Monster Pen” that steals the limelight. Kids can use the pen to compose their own secret messages or design their own hidden drawings; it also magically reveals 16 invisible ink picture pages throughout the book. This is an activity book that fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid are bound to enjoy.(Ages 7 and up)
Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful SkillsBy Pat Murphy
Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs have put together a very unique book of activities for fearless explorers. Kids that enjoy experiments can make their very own mummy from a hot dog and a few other household items, such as toilet paper. Kids that really enjoy art and have a little patience will love turning an apple into a creepy, shrunken head. The well organized book includes fun facts and amusing photographs every step of the way. (Ages 8 and up)
PomPom Monster Salon: Create, Cut & Style Your Own MonstersBy April Chorba
This is an activity that really brings out creativity and personal style. Easy to follow instructions and simple tools make it really easy to customize homemade pompoms. Although the publisher (Klutz) recommends this activity book for 8-year-olds and up, parent or guardian participation makes it a great choice for younger children, too. (Ages 8 and up)
Wicked Cool Friendship BraceletsThis Klutz activity book offers a spooky take on the classic friendship bracelet. Including cord, charms and beads, kids are introduced to the basics of the bracelet making process before taking on the task of creating bracelets with names such as Bitten and Cobweb. And, even when the provided supplies are all used up, you can easily buy more sup
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Publisher’s synopsis: This hilarious and inventive drawing book by animator Chris McDonnell features page after page of off-the-wall gags and fillin doodle prompts. McDonnell’s infectious humor recalls MAD magazine at its finest. Ideal for an instant laugh or for anyone looking to spark their creative side, this interactive volume is the ultimate resource for fun with pen and paper.
Add this book to your collection: Sasquatch’s Big, Hairy Drawing Book
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Add this book to your collection: It’s the First Day of School…Forever!
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The movie version of one of my favorite books of all-time, releases on November 23, 2011. Please read the book before seeing the movie—it’s outstanding!
Add this book to your collection: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: July 28, 2011
Rain, hail or shine, summer, winter, fall or spring, activity books are fantastic boredom busters. They also make wonderful birthday gifts that are budget savvy. From doodles to stickers to making your own animation movies, this list of activity books showcases some of our favorites. We’ve also included a great resource for parents that is all about building your child’s self-esteem through reading, crafting and cooking.
By Victoria Kann
Reading level: Ages 3-12
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: HarperFestival (May 31, 2011)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: Get Ready to Think Outside the Lines!
Drawing and coloring is doodlicious!
Over 100 pages of pinkatastic pictures for you to complete.
Add this book to your collection: Pinkalicious: Pinkadoodles
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By Scholastic
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 64 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (May 1, 2009)
Source: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: This is a doodle book, a journal, and a scrap book – the perfect buy for any child going away on summer vacation! Includes more than 50 vacation-themed doodles to complete, it doesn’t require any drawing skills, just a little bit of imagination!
More doodles and activities include:
* Design your own sandcastle.
* Draw your vacation home.
* How much money are you spending?
* Which was your favorite day on vacation?
* What is dad cooking on the campfire?
* Design a flag for your family.
* Fill the beach with seashells.
* Draw the twists and turns of a rollercoaster.
Add this book to your collection: Vacation Doodle Book
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By Tina Vasquez, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 24, 2011
The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book
By Jeff Kinney
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Amulet Books (May 2011)
Source: Publisher
Children’s author Jeff Kinney continues to pump out his Wimpy Kid—related books—and for good reason. To date, there are five books in the series with a sixth in the works and each installment is as charming, fun, and engaging as the last.
Kinney’s latest effort, The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book, isn’t really a continuation of the series. Rather, it’s an interesting take on a children’s journal with page after page of fun fill-in questions, comics, and drawing opportunities. Sure to tide enthusiastic Kinney fans over until the November release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid 6, The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book will also prove to be valuable keepsake for parents. This is because the series of prompts featured in the journal encourages kids to record information about who they are now, often cheekily referencing the fact that children will want to remember these things when they’re “old,” which is 30-years-old in Greg Heffley’s world.
The book opens up with a prompt about desert island picks, featuring spaces for children to write in their favorite video games, songs, books, and movies, but this is just the beginning. Though many of the journal’s 224 pages are left blank with the intention of being used for actual journaling, there are dozens of fun writing opportunities that will enable parents to get to know their kids better (if they’re allowed to read the journal), while also enabling kids to get to know themselves better. It’s rare that children are encouraged to write outside of school and chances are that they wouldn’t have the opportunity to illustrate what’s in their brain, record their finest moments, write five things nobody knows about them, or make their own comics if it weren’t for Kinney’s journal.
Though some prompts are framed in a way that seems sort of trivial, like having kids design their dream house, practice their autograph, or create a sandwich to be named after them—all for when they become “rich and famous” (which is referenced several times throughout the journal), it’s all in good fun and, if actually followed through with, children and parents alike will be happy to have this keepsake when the little ones aren’t so little anymore.
Add this book to your collection: The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 13, 2010
We all know that when a person, big or small, loves Star Wars, they really LOVE Star Wars. And as crazy as it is, even children that have never even seen the film can be 
obsessed with Star Wars.
Before you take a look at this year’s list of Star Wars picks, Yoda has a few words of wisdom that he would like to share with you as you ponder the idea of giving books to your young jedi:
“Truly wonderful, the mind of a child is. Give the gift of reading, you will! Do or do not… there is no try.”
Star Wars: Millennium Falcon- A 3-D Owner’s GuideReading level: Ages 8-12
Board book: 24 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; Brdbk edition (September 1, 2010)
Source of book: Publisher
Publisher’s synopsis: This novelty format dissects the most famous ship in the galaxy section-by-section, revealing the ship’s secrets and special modifications.
Includes technical notes from Han Solo as well as a detailed overview of each of the ship’s main functions.
Add this book to your collection: Star Wars: Millennium Falcon- A 3-D Owner’s Guide
by Benjamin Harper
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 1, 2008)
Source of book: Personal collection
Publisher’s synopsis: Even the most die-hard Star Wars fans will find themselves challenged by this entertaining new approach to the details of the saga. This fourth volume in the popular addictive Obsessed With series again includes an in
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 9, 2010
This year, many people are predicting that Apple’s iPad will be the number one gift found under the Christmas tree. Assuming that you’ve embraced the notion of e-books—and you’re happy with the saying: “Any reading is good reading!”—we’re certain that you’ll be looking for a couple of book apps to get your iPad recipient started.
From the more traditional pieces of literature to the fun, book-related games; these apps are a great way to kick-start a new iPad library or add to an existing one. Hopefully this list makes your job of sifting through the hundreds or available apps just a little bit easier.
From Ruckus Media
Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table
Told by John Cleese, illustrated by Tim Gabor, music by Elvis Costello
Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad
Publisher’s synopsis: John Cleese tells the tale of tiny Tom Thumb and his larger-than-life adventures in the land of King Arthur. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the enchanting video!
• HEAR Emmy-Award winner John Cleese tell the story with an original score by recording artist Elvis Costello!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!
Add this app to your collection: Tom Thumb and the Knights of the Round Table
The Velveteen Rabbit
Told by Meryl Streep, illustrated by Dave Jorgenson, music by George Winston
Price: $3.99 on iPhone / $3.99 on iPad
Publisher’s synopsis: Meryl Streep shares the tale of love so powerful it can turn a toy bunny into a real rabbit. Read along, play along, and record your voice with apps for families from Ruckus Media!
Features:
• READ the classic story!
• SEE the award-winning video!
• HEAR acclaimed actress Meryl Streep tell the story accompanied by pianist George Winston!
• RECORD your voice reading to your child!
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By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 7, 2010
The holiday season can bring out the “Martha” in all of us. Unfortunately, ’tis the season to zap away the time required to be a “Martha.” So … this book list (or book-ish, at least) can be used a few different ways:
by Museum of Modern Art New York
Reading level: All Ages
Diary: 128 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (October 27, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: With eye-catching interiors and playful activities, this open-ended sketchbook encourages would-be artists of all ages to look at the world around them and take chances expressing what they see. Inspiring and colorful graphic design will unleash the artist in anyone.
Add this book to your collection: MoMA Make Art Mistakes: An Inspired Sketchbook for Everyone
by Taro Gomi
Reading level: All Ages
Paperback: 116 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 2010)
Publisher’s synopsis: Taro Gomi invites children to punch out more than 60 fantastic playthings, including ring-toss games, finger puppets, boxes, picture frames, a zoo’s worth of animals, and more! Packed with Gomi’s fun, accessible artwork and a delightful variety of games and toys, this book will appeal to children of all ages, engaging their imaginations and entertaining them all day long.
Add this book to your collection: Play All Day
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By Tina Vasquez, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 2, 2010
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
By Jeff Kinney
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 217 pages
Publisher: Amulet Books (November 2010)
Last month, in what was believed to be the biggest book release of the year, Jeff Kinney added another addition to his increasingly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: The Ugly Truth. This chapter of Greg Heffley’s life is chronicled in the same diary/illustration style so many children have come to know and love, but this time around the loveable protagonist is on the cusp of that very rocky period known as puberty. Greg finds himself in all kinds of new and unsettling situations, like sitting though boys-only classes devoted to “the facts of life” or getting cornered by his gammie for “the talk” and though nothing groundbreaking is ever revealed to him about the intricacies of adult life, it’s clear that young Greg is struggling to walk the fine line between childhood and young adulthood.
To make matters more difficult, a summertime argument is drawn out for months, forcing Greg to return to middle school without the much-needed companionship of his goof of a best friend, Rowley Jefferson. Worse yet, Greg’s mom has also decided to return to school for a semester, leaving he and his brothers and father to fend for themselves. Greg may be incredibly smart and perceptive for his age, but he’s still too immature to admit to his mother- and himself- that at this point in his life he needs his mom around for more than just making dinner and washing dirty laundry; he needs her presence and guidance.
In each edition of the Wimpy Kid series it’s always seemed as if Greg wanted to grow up quickly, but now that things are changing faster than he’d like them to he’s forced to navigate the often complicated world of girls and social circles on his own. In the Ugly Truth, it’s clear that Greg just wants things to go back to the way they were.
Chances are Kinney will continue riding this series out, which means young readers will just have to wait and see where life takes Greg Heffley.
Add this book to your collection: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 23, 2010
The first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jon Scieszka, has an exciting, new book: Spaceheadz.
To celebrate, one extremely lucky winner will receive a Simon & Schuster MG book pack, including:
Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka
Brixton Bros: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity by Mac Barnett
Amelia Rules! The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular by Jimmy Gownley
Nightmare at the Book Fair by Dan Gutman
Keepers of the School: We the Children by Andrew Clements
Reading level: Middle Grade
Spaceheadz overview: The perfect combination of the age old experience of holding and pouring over a physical book with newest media technology that kids love!
Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn’t hard enough, the kids he seems to have made friends with apparently aren’t kids at all. They are aliens. Real aliens who have invaded our planet in the form of school children and a hamster. They have a mission to complete: to convince 3,140,001 kids to BE SPHDZ. But with a hamster as their leader, “kids” who talk like walking advertisements, and Michael K as their first convert, will the SPHDZ be able to keep their cover and pull off their assignment?
Jon Scieszka
About the author: Jon Scieszka is the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, named by the Library of Congress. He is the author of some of the best known and funniest books written for children including The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Time Warp Trio series and the Caldecott Honor Book The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. He is the creator of the Trucktown series, of which
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Add this book to your collection: Kindergarten Diary by Antoinette Portis.
Antoinette Portis is one of my all-time favorites. If you haven’t read Not a Box and Not a Stick, you are seriously missing out. They are both highly imaginative books that are executed in simple, concrete perfection.
©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.
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So, you think your child is emerging as a reader? Summer may just be the season to nurture your child’s desire to read.
Add a CommentAdd this book to your collection: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer ©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.. Share and Enjoy:
Add a CommentJohn Grisham—the infamous, best-selling thriller novelist— has a middle grade novel, THEODORE BOONE: KID LAWYER, which is on sale today!
Add a CommentOn May 11, 2010, The Children’s Book Council (CBC) in association with Every Child a Reader, Inc. (the CBC Foundation), announced the winners of the third annual Children’s Choice Book Awards.
Add a CommentAdd these books to your collection: A-Z Mysteries, Capital Mysteries, and Calendar Mysteries ©2010 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.. Share and Enjoy:
Add a CommentAn interactive reading experience allows toddlers to touch, feel, and move the book and its pages while you are reading the story or sounds involved.
Add a CommentTo celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oh' the Places You'll Go, a couple of new editions have been released. This awesome book now spins, sparkles, and pops.
Add a CommentThis time, Amy and Dan are in Russia searching for clues—a country that is rich in history.
Add a CommentThe movie in a nutshell: Three nasty farmers, one ambitious fox and his family, and a community of animals with oddball characteristics.
Add a CommentCongratulations to our three lucky winners of the Listen-Along Storybooks giveaway—sponsored by Sterling Books.
Add a CommentGeorge's curiosity, which can sometimes be mistaken for mischief, takes George on a new and captivating adventure coast-to-coast in an attempt to reunite a young elephant with her family.
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