By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 1, 2012
Here’s the scoop on the most popular destinations on The Children’s Book Review site, the most coveted new releases and bestsellers.
THE HOT SPOTS: THE TRENDS
Award-Winning Illustrator Marla Frazee & the Best Interview Ever
Author Interview: Gary Paulsen
Newbery Medal Winners, 2012
How Picture Books Play a Role in a Child’s Development
Wonderful Winter Books for Kids
THE NEW RELEASES
The most coveted books that release this month:
The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Mom!
by Jan Berenstain
(Ages 3-7)
Tickle Time!: A Boynton on Board Board Book
by Sandra Boynton
(Ages 0-3)
Secret Agent Splat!
by Rob Scotton
(Ages 3-7)
Big Nate Goes for Broke
by Lincoln Peirce
(Ages 8-12)
Chomp
by Carl Hiaasen
(Ages 10-12)
THE BEST SELLERS
The best selling children’s books this month:
PICTURE BOOKS
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.
The Traditional
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!
Add this app to your collection:
Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: September 15, 2010
Trick-or-treat. Smell my feet. Give me something good to read!
Well, it doesn’t quite rhyme, but I do wish that people gave out kids’ books instead of candy during Halloween.
For those of us that really enjoy Halloween— you know who you are: you’ve had your child’s costume since July, you’re dying for a visit to the pumpkin patch, and you’re dreaming of ways to make Halloween last longer than one fabulous day and night—this is the list you’ve been waiting for. There’s the silly, the spooky, the scary, and everything in between. No tricks here—only treats!
Picture Books
ZEN GHOSTS
by Jon J. Muth
Publisher’s synopsis: It’s Halloween.
The trees are ablaze in fiery reds. Excited children don colorful costumes. And there’s mystery and fun around every corner!
When Addy, Michael, and Karl finish trick-or-treating, their bags are brimming with treats. But the fun isn’t over yet. Their good friend Stillwater the panda has one more special surprise in store for them. A mysterious visitor is about to tell them a spine-tingling story — one that will fill each and every reader with wonder.
Scholastic Press | September 1, 2010 | Ages 4-8 | 40 pages
Add this book to your collection: Zen Ghosts
SCAREDY-CAT, SPLAT!
by Rob Scotton
Publisher’s synopsis: It’s Halloween, and Splat is determined to be the scariest cat in the class. Unfortunately he’s just too much of a scaredy-cat. He’s afraid of a little spider, and everyone says his costume looks more silly than scary. And when Mrs. Wimpydimple tells a ghost story in the dark, Splat gets so frightened that he tips over his jack-o’-lantern. But when the lights go back on, the entire class is scared silly by a small, black, furry creature with a big pumpkin head. Whooooo can it be?
Splat the Cat Scaredy-Cat Plush Doll Toy
HarperCollins | August 24, 2010 | Ages 4-8 | 40 pages
Add this book to your collection: Scaredy-Cat, Splat!