Picks and Reads for Kids-A collection of hand-picked titles for children. - Ages 6 to 9

Sam in Winter.

5/21/2017

Sam in Winter ( Ages 6+ )
By ; Edward van de Vendel( Author ) Philip Hopman (illustrator)
Publisher ; Eerdmans Books ( April 2017 )

The compelling second installment of "A dog like Sam" further explores the relationship between Sam, a stray dog and Kix, a nine-year old boy. The story is presented to young readers through Kix`s thoughts and observations. It is complete with a number of vivid characters and absorbing episodes.

Kix at the beginning is still a boy whose mother reads to him at night. But as time passes and when winter arrives, Kix starts to learn about life through Sam. The coming of age of this little boy is expressed to readers when Kix refuses to be read to, by his mom. When Sam disappears into the deep winter, Kix becomes more and more agitated. In his desperation he turns to a one time enemy for help.....

The rich and subtle text flows. And the plot addresses deep emotions; grief, hope, love and life. An emotionally moving, brilliant classic! It`s a book not to be missed by the early readers. Edward van de Venel is an award winning Dutch author.
( With many thanks to Eerdmans Books and NetGally for the ARC )

Jack and the Geniuses.

2/26/2017

Jack and the Geniuses
By ; Bill Nye & Gregory Mone
Publisher ; Amulet ( April 2017 )

An exciting chapter read! A sci-fi adventure that encompases it`s readers from the very first chapter with it`s flurry of mechanical magic; the flying cameras, magic(sensory) cushion pads, life threatening bungee falls, an Xbox contolled Snowgoer and hi tech robots will all thrill the young geeks as well as adveture lovers immensely. The captivating fast-paced and action packed plot may attract many reluctant readers as well. Added to it`s sci-fi world is the setting on the south pole; so cleverly described in the eyes of our twelve-year old protagonist that the readers could almost feel the chill and the harshness of it."......., So I was glad we were going in early summer. The way I see it, if vampires really do exist, those dark Antarctic winters would be ideal for their vacation"

The story revolves around the sci-fi adventures of three kids who live on their own under the guardianship of a child care official. The children became siblings by law as they are orphans. And our narrator Jack the youngest is more practical but considered less smarter compared to his two super brainy siblings, Ava and Matt. However their story begins with Ava`s drone "Fred" ; which was made by her from her collection of spare parts, disappearing while spying on a mysterious looking building. Later the owner of the building Hank; a prominent scientist and inventor requests them to assist him in his work. the kids join him joyfully. Later Hank invites them to join him on his tour to the South Pole, but their South Pole adventure turns into a riveting mystery as they discover that Anna, a scientist known to Hank, is missing......... Eventually the children follow clues through one mystery after the other, some scientific and some non scientific, unraveling each on the way untill they found Anna. This process draws attention to many interesting facts and findings that would enlighten the readers, which includes an interesting highlight of making fresh clean drinking water through sea water.

The clever first person narration in Jack`s words makes the story a captivating read. The text is simple and sometimes funny; it`s continuing flow of information on new inventions and on the South Pole would open doors to a wonder world of knowledge. But essentially, the underlying mystery of the missing scientist would keep the readers turning pages. The characters are well described and powerfully alive. And the well-matured siblings are an inspiration for the young readers. A brilliant first installment!
( With many thanks to Amulet and NetGally for the ARC )

Jack and the Geniuses

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers.

1/11/2017

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers ( Ages 7 +)
By : Gigi Priebe, Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
Publisher ; Aladdin ( January 2017 )

Henry Whiskers the twenty-fifth is no ordinary mouse as he is the current heir to take residence in Queen Mary`s "most famous Doll House", exhibited in the Windsor Castle. It is said that 24 generations of Whiskers have resided in this grand Doll House, which is akin to any other stately home in the land. And what`s more, with forty rooms,miniature flushable-toilets and a garage filled with tiny luxury cars. It`s a doll house made for the queen of England!!

Since the sudden yet heroic demise of his father, Henry though still a kid, is also the head of the Whiskers family. And he is a young lad who takes his responsibilities seriously. The queen`s birthday is getting closer and the Whiskers are busy organizing their annual Mouse Masquerade which falls along with the birthday celebrations. Especially because that`s just the best time of the year to entertain without being disturbed or spotted.

Henry`s fearsome adventure begins when he learns that his little sister Isebel is missing. He dashes through the whereabouts of the Windsor Castle in a magnificent model car with his cousin Jeramy seated next to him, giving our young readers goosebumps as they almost get caught by Titus the cat, and then by the castle guards. Finally, having succeeded in their perilous rescue mission, they begin their daring survival race back home with Titus chasing behind. They speed through the castle corridors,crisscrossing old tunnels and pipelines but end-up in the most frightening Rat Ally; the stinking rat territory, where dangerous mice-eating rats roam about... Will they ever get to go home, and be on time for the masquerade?..............

A fast moving and action packed tale, beautifully written with luscious and rich details, while keeping up a marvelous rhythm. The well described cute mice characters makes the book a fascinating read even for us grown-ups. And it`s exciting line-up of events assures to keep the readers engaged from the beginning. Here`s to the beginning of a best selling series!!

( With many thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGally for the ARC )

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers

Where Do They Go? - Part 1

1/5/2017

Where Do They Go ( Ages 4 +)
By : B.D. Donaldson
Publisher ; Tellwell Talent ( October 2016)

The first installment of a mystery, all wrapped up in a lost sock, that will keep its readers hooked untill the end and will let their imagination run wild!

Jaylen and Naleaha are warned by their mother to find a missing sock or to be ready to give away their video games. Naleaha jokingly states that a monster must be eating Jaylen`s socks, but when a shadow appears behind their bedroom door in the night, it seems as if Naleaha`s joke could become a reality. They get absorbed in solving the mystery, and do what might come naturally to a modern day kid: fix a camara on their dog`s collar, record and check on the computer screen....However things get more complicated when an alien appears on the screen and they make plans to capture it.....

The responsive story along with its clear and explanatory illustrations are helpful in approaching a broader age range. Although I wish that the the text maintained a better cadence and were a bit more descriptive, purely for the entertainment of young readers.
An intriguing plot. It is the kind of tale that a child would tell his friends, on a cozy story-telling evening; something they would all listen to - with interest - then applaud and ask to hear more of!

Where Do They Go? - Part 1

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids

12/28/2016

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids ( ages 8+ )
By : Tammy Gagne
Publisher : Capstone ( February 2017 )

Written under the guidelines of the American Kennel Club (AKC), the The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids by Tammy Gagne, is a great source of information for young dog-lovers. It is also a good reference for 'dog fans' both young and old, in becoming more informed about different aspects such as appearance, personality and training methods for the bewildering array of breeds of 'man's best friend.'

Over one hundred and fifty breeds are described here. The book is divided into seven main categories according to the same classification method used by the AKC: Herding, Hounds, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terriers, Toy and Working dogs. Within each category, one finds the various breeds that fit into the given group. Around 1-2 pages are dedicated for each breed with beautiful photos. For any given breed, there is a concise, but very comprehensive description done under the subheadings of appearance (size, weight, color of coat, eyes), personality, breed background, country of origin, year of recognition by the AKC and the very important notes on training and caring.

The personality subheading in particular, carries valuable information as to how friendly in general that particular breed is with children, strangers and other animals in the house. The training and caring sections are also of great importance since the methods adopted seem to vary quite a lot, even among breeds fitting into one single category. Also included are 'fun facts' - interesting information about the breed - and 'famous dogs', members of that breed who had acheived fame and popularity as characters of movies or books, or through their heroics in real life.

The book stands out in terms of it`s captivating and very simple presentation and for it`s uncomplicated text. It will be a valued addition to the library of any young dog-lover, and probably will serve as a useful reference book for many years to come.
( With many thanks to Capstone Publishers and NetGally for the ARC )

The Dog Encyclopedia for Kids

The Jolly Regina ( The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters 1)

11/12/2016

The Jolly Regina ( The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters 1) ( ages 7+ )
By ; Kara LaReau
Publisher ; Amulet Books ( January 2017 )

The first installment of an exciting new series reminiscent of The Incorrigible Children of the Ashton Place and alike. The Jolly Regina is quite a lively, swashbuckling adventure full of humor and action. Perfect for early chapter book readers.The protagonists, Kale and Jaundice are realistic and approachable for young readers. Their eventful journey with women pirates will entertain them to no end. And the apparent girl power aspect in the story may capture many young ladies.

Two sisters Kale and Jaundice are "bland" girls by all means; they lead the most uneventful lives - eating oatmeal porridge and cheese sandwiches everyday. Their favorite colors are brown and grey and they enjoy darning socks and reading "Dr. Nathaniel Snoote`s Illustrated Children`s Dictionary." The girls did not answer their front door for many years, not since their parents had left home for an errand and did not return. They decided that they were not up to any "perils" but that`s exactly what they get to experience when they finally answer to a surprise knock on their door.

Now the girls are on board in the deep sea, and all for the first time in their lives! A group of women pirates lead their way. And the girls are to attend to their chores from scrubbing the deck to assisting the big fat cook. When they learn the whereabouts of their parents from the captain they make a plan to rescue them. Kale`s beloved " Dr. Nathaniel Snoote`s Illustrated Children`s Dictionary" and many other tidbits they find inside Jaundice`s pockets come in handy. What happens after the pirates find out about the plan is a spectacular read to unfold.

The chapter headers comprising of Jaundice and Kale`s favorite dictionary words as well as the story in general are excellent for vocabulary building. A heartily funny romp that is everything else but 'bland'; fans of the Bland Sisters surely will eagerly await the next!
( With many thanks to Amulet Books and NetGally for the ARC )

The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters

Animal Planet: Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals.

10/16/2016

Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals (ages 6+)
By: Charles Ghigna & The Animal Planet Author
Animal Planet Publications (October 2016)

Many kids (and quite a few adults as well) cannot resist a sign that says 'wet paint'. The newest addition to the Animal Planet book series, 'Strange, Unusual,Gross and Cool Animals' by Charles Ghigna succeeds in using the same effect with its title. You are inevitably drawn to find out if the 'Gross' ones do actually 'gross you out'; in the same way, you are curious to find out what is actually so 'strange' and 'unusual' about the members of those two categories - even more so than about the cool ones, in my opinion. So why, if so, are they 'Strange, Unusual, Gross or Cool?' This book attempts to answer this question through the use of detailed high resolution photographs, annotated extensively to describe the unique features of the animals.

The book is divided into four separate sections -strange, unusual, gross and cool. All sections follow an identical format: There is a 'gallery', which contains photos and short descriptions and provides similarities between the illustrated animals who are from different locations around the world. Next we have the 'Featured Creatures' which highlight one animal at a time in double page spreads. Annotations on the 'Featured Creature' photos highllght the interesting features and how these help the creature to adapt to its chosen environment; there are also details (called 'Creature Features') of the animal's diet, habitat, geographical location (shown as a point on an image of the earth) and more. The next sub-section within each main section is the creature collection spread which has a large collection of animals where you can compare and contrast the unusual features. And finally we have -the 'Macroview' which are zoomed in views of very small animals that fit into each main category.

Looking through the images and the descriptions was fascinating, even for an adult. I really liked the annotations within the pictures that pointed out the special features. This helps tremendously, especially for the kids, to realize the need for these 'odd' appendages and behavioral habits in the context of the creatures' habitats. I also like that at the start of each section, be it strange or gross, the Author has added a pair of rhyming verses that state in different ways -but still essentially with the same idea- that being judgmental
of these creatures' appearances is not very wise. The opening verses in the 'Strange' section best exemplify this to me:

'Strange how we as humans,
View Creatures great and small-
But we who see their strangeness
Are the strangest ones of all!'

Overall, the book is a visual treat packed with information that young animal lovers will be very eager to devour, and then to pour over time and again with their friends, and even their parents. As they laugh and stare open-mouthed at the extra heads, the extraordinary mimicking abilities and other tricks of survival of these fascinating living things quite possibly, all these unique creatures will find themselves in the 'Cool' category, in the little ones' minds!
( With Many thanks to Animal Planet and NetGally for the ARC )

Strange,Unusual, Gross, Cool Animals

Teddy & Co.

10/14/2016

Teddy & Co ( Ages 6 + )
By : Cynthia Voigt
Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers ( November 2016 )

Reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh, and Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins, this is indeed a classic! The text is so luscious and nurtures the imagery. While it address simple pleasures of the childhood world, it provides food for thought for the older generation as well as the younger.

This is a tale of a group of worn-down lost toys; a very imaginative Teddy Bear, an elephant who loves to bake, a very hungry snake, a very reserved penguin and two funny pigs. Together they lead a content life in a lone island until their peaceful days are interrupted by some new comers. A bunny rabbit who`s actually not so soft and innocent as he looks and a regal doll with some haughty qualities. How their arrivals affect the previous settlers is an intriguing tale.

The story contains some meaningful moral lessons about compromise and harmony. Their days filled with many activities and findings reminded me of playing house as a kid. And I laughed out loud at what I felt was the underlying sarcasm aimed at grown-ups.
" Yes, Queen Clara, Said Sid. He`d never talked to a queen before,but he liked it.When he was talking to a queen,everything he said became more important" .................
" I dont think I need a title, do you? Peng asked Teddy. I know I don`t want a job.
Peng will be the Royal Adviser, Clara announced. "I`m going home now", Peng told Teddy.
Then Clara announced. "Since a Queen always know what to do, I will never need advice. You may leave me now Royal Adviser". "
Nevertheless with some cuddly toys in action and with innocent, childish and thoughtful conversations, children could relate to this easily. The story consists of nineteen stand alone chapters accompanied by some charming sketches. And it serves as an ideal early reading material as well.

The gripping line-up of events, intoxicating settings and the toy characters adds up to the perfect text in holding the listeners. The story has the most compelling beginning with the friends taking off on an expedition, picnicking along the way and pretending to be explorers. The "thinking sort of a bear" Teddy has much to offer to his young and old readers.
The Newbury Award winning Cynthia Voigt presents a simple tale for the whole family that unravels the complexities of society.

( With many thanks to Knopf Books and NetGally for the ARC )

Eden`s Escape.

9/2/2016

Eden`s Escape ( Ages 8+ )
By : M. Tara Crowl
Publisher : Disney Books ( September 2016 )

Eden the young genie in the world of "mortals"!! An exciting fast paced adventure. Although it`s the second installment in it`s series the story stands alone. Eden through a third person narrator explains to us that being a genie is no easy job at all.

Eden lands right at the middle of a New York city street on both feet! halting the city traffic for a moment. Living on earth and in the New York city had been her dream and when her masters grant her the wish, she couldn't believe her luck. She is the first genie to live on Earth during her granting career. And she has only one condition -to fulfill nine hundred and ninety nine wishers to complete her granting carrier. Retired genie Pepper is named as her guardian on Earth. Immortal and aged, theater-loving Pepper cares for Eden as a child of her own. She has many tales to tell the young genie which spans from the Shakespearean era to the present.

Together they plan to explore the grand city, but unfortunately for Eden she does not get to live her dream for more than a few days. As the lamp summons her to grant a wish - or so she thought - she appears in front of one of the wealthiest 'techies' in the world, 'Brightly', in his lab. And he has no interest in making wishes but to learn and posses the control of the lamp. Eden escapes but realizes that she is no longer in NYC but in Paris which is also where the Electras' headquarters are. Electras are the opponents of Loyal genies and are also fighting for the lamp. Eden, now penniless and without her magical custom-made passport, is trying to stay in disguise and figure out a way to repossess the lamp and save the genie world while the whole world is searching for Eden, as Brightly announces that he has lost his adopted daughter. And what would happen when Electras read about the news ............

The story flows, keeping it`s readers on the edge of their seats at every page turn, with magnificent settings of New York city and Paris, while bringing back history books to life through immortal Genie tales. An assortment of characters comprising Loyal genies, Electra genies and "mortals" are quite realistic and approachable, still they entertain the readers well. The language and dialog are expressive and helpful in creating the mood yet simple enough to reach even the very young readers. I can easily recall a particular dialog when Eden for the first time in her life experiences macaroons
" I know I keep changing my mind / she said / but now it`s officially official / Lemon is my favorite / But you haven`t tried hazelnut yet! / Melodie pushed a light-brown one toward her."
A gripping thriller to the end with fantastic settings an adventures protagonist and a troupe of other vivid characters.
(With many thanks to Disney Books and Net Galley for the ARC)

Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary.

6/16/2016

Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary.
( Ages 7+ )
By : Susan Rennie (Author), Quentin Blake ( Illustrator ), Roald Dahl ( Contributor )
Publisher : Oxford University Press ( Sept.2016)

What better way is there to celebrate this world renowned, much loved author`s 100th birthday, than by celebrating the language he had invented! A dictionary of Roald Dahl`s would seal his place in the hearts of children for many generations to come. A wonderful tribute to a "gloriumptious" author!

The Oxford Roald Dahl dictionary is mainly intended for Roald Dahl`s very special "whizzpopping" and mind-blowing words. But there are lots of other words as well; those words that are commonly available in his books. It is said that this contains nearly 8000 words and that it took five years for the lexicographer Dr.Susan Rennie to complete it.

However, this is something more than just a dictionary. It`s fun to refer to, and then one might end up reading the whole thing. Definitions are simple and easy for children to remember, and always supported by amusing citations from Roald Dahl`s books. The book is even complimented with Quentin Blake`s "fantabulous" illustrations.

Roald Dahl has been such an imposing & powerful writer. His tales and characters have always been memorable. Is that due to his writing style? Or his choice of words? Maybe due to both. And of course, due to his very original and imaginative worlds. I guess I must add a bit of Dahl here or this will not be a complete review.
" He turned and reached behind him for the chocolate bar, then he turned back again and handed it to Charlie. / Charlie grabbed it and quickly tore off the wrapper and took an enormous bite. / Then he took another ......and another..... and oh!, the joy of being able to cram large pieces of something sweet and solid into one`s mouth! / The sheer blissful joy of being able to fill one`s mouth with rich solid food ! "You look like you wanted that one, sonny," The shop keeper said pleasantly. / Charlie nodded, his mouth bulging with chocolate. " - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. -

We`re a fabulous crew,
And we know what to do,
And we never stop work to drink tea,
All your windows will glow,
When we give them a go,
The Giraffe and the Pelly and me !
- The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me. -

Fluffy Strikes Back.

3/24/2016

Fluffy Strikes Back ( A P:U:R:S:T adventure)
By : Ashley Spires
Publisher : Kids Can Press ( Apr., 2016)

An interesting graphical adventure which is a spin-off of the highly successful Binky the Space Cat Series -where pets take in-charge of the world, but to protect us all from the alien insects.
Sergeant Fluffy Vandemere, a Persian cat, heads the P.U.R.S.T ( Pet of the universe ready for space travel) with his team of pet assistants. Fluffy is a devoted worker, a master mind, and rather old.

"Of course every good leader needs a right-hand cat / And that`s where Click comes in / She`s his eyes and ears." with such gripping narration, the story moves smoothly. The entire story is read in narration with the help of expressive images. Speech bubbles are limited to "meows and woofs" Different shades of grey, with a touch of brown and blue here and there, assures the importance of this operation while evoking deadpan humor.
When P.U.R.S.T headquarters come under alien attack, and hostages are taken, Fluffy has to come up with a plan very quickly; as alien bees and flies buzzing everywhere, it`s going to be tough. His rescue mission takes off from his security bunker with a bit of help from his engineer Beaver. But Fluffy proves what a grand leader he is as he fights the aliens himself..."MEOW-WEE!"

With panels in light-coloured backdrops separated in black gutters, the story layout is kept tidy and orderly; a visually pleasing format cleverly designed with the minimum number of panels per page, yet leaving no gaps to fill in mentally (Transitions), altogether makes it simple and child friendly. An exciting graphical adventure with underlying dry humor, where felines and other pets take center stage, will obviously keep early readers as well as comics-loving young adults and old entertained!
(With many thanks to Kids Can Press and Net Galley for the ARC in return for a honest review)

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest.

3/6/2016

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest. ( Ages 6 to 9)
By : Charles de Lint ( Author) Charles Vess ( Illustrator)
Publisher : Little Brown Books for Young Readers ( March., 2013)

A beautiful and an enchanting fantasy full of wilderness,wild animals and magic. All woven together with lyrical heart-felt text by Charles de Lint. Animal characters including a lot of cats and a very wise fox called T.H.Reynolds( The T is for truthful, the H is for handsome) will bring this closer to children, while their conversations with the child protagonist Lillian provides some wisdom.

Twelve-year-old imaginative Lillian loved to explore her neighboring Tanglewood forest and often wondered about fairies and magic, but she met none, until one day she found herself transformed into a cat! The magical wild cats of Tanglewood who loved Lillian for her kindness had to do it to save her life!

Her journeys through the dangerous woods - where mean Bear People, an Apple Tree Man, the Father Cat and the old Mother Possum takes residence - to change the turn of events and destinies are full of magic and very entertaining. The utterly elegant illustrations of Charles Vess are very much helpful in creating imagery; A red-haired Lillian in a slightly translucent green dress surrounded by lush green forestry, the Possum witch who`s half human and half possum with various coloured bottles hanging around her and a final layout with Lillian`s beloved aunt in her old age altogether creates a wonderful treat for one`s eyes.
A simple story structure which emphasises the importance of kindness and reminds the reader that aging and death are unchangeable.The illustrations play a key role in keeping the readers stay attached to the book till the end. The combination of text and illustrations together creates a page turning experience and a wonderful book worthy of possessing.

Jasper John Dooley:Public Library Enemy 1.

2/24/2016

Jasper John Dooley:Public Library Enemy - 1
(Ages 6 to 8)
By : Caroline Adderson
Publisher : Kids Can Press ( Apr., 2016)

The sixth book in the hilarious chapter book series "Jasper John Dooley" which won many awards.Although it`s the sixth in it`s series the story stands alone. This is a book for the emerging reader. It provides a fast paced interesting story line discussing many subjects that assures to keep kids stay glued to the book till the end.

Starting from the most exciting news about a reading event for "Molly the library dog" the story moves ahead with many equally exciting episodes.As Jasper`s borrowed book from the library gets soaked in the bath water and then baked and accidentally burned by his father. Which leads to another series of events as Jasper having read the cost of the book wrong ( as 2500 for 25.00) struggles to pay his library fine with the help of his fried Ori. Jasper and Ori`s innovative ideas from trying an all toast restaurant are very much "a kid`s world" and would easily bring them close to the book.The story will become more interesting towards the end as the boys organize a "Read to Your Pet Fiesta Party Hoopla Celebration" to recover the real cost of the book.

Jasper`s sadness of having to "kill" his library book sends it`s readers a message about being cautious and responsible. It exposes children to money matters and related math problems.Jasper learns from Ori that a dot in the middle separates dollars from cents. "See the two and the five?See the zeros?See what`s in between them?"..."Burned stuff and a tiny dot"..."The thing is Jasper?That tiny dot just saved your life" And few more lessons will follow about money as the story progresses. His knowledge in adding up money improves with his one day all toast restaurant work and later on. The book maybe helpful in bringing out an interest to read for reluctant readers as well. ( naturally they`ll want to try to read to a pet!) Above all these issues are addressed smoothly and without letting them be burdened by the knowledge that they are being taught.

Children will doubtlessly enjoy this story. They`ll be entertained by Jasper and Ori`s pet reading sessions, horrified by the burning book, excited by their toast restaurant and the "Read to Your Pet Fiesta Party Hoopla Celebration". They will learn about a new method to dry a damp book!. The fact that Jasper was actually able to earn something seems to be a self-dignifying fact that makes him feel proud in the end. The text is engaging and simple. As the readers will get to know that some could be " bird people" or "cat people" just as there are "Raspberry Jam persons" and "Marmalade people". Though the story introduces some new words, it`s written in relatively short sentences with the help of phrases and very simple language. Each chapter is supported by a helpful single page pencil-sketched illustration.
An excellent book packed with knowledge,ideas and lots of fun!!
All of these stories in the Jasper John Dooley series are engaging and written in simple language which makes them ideal as early reading chapter books.
With many thanks to Kids Can Press and Net Galley for the digital copy in return for a honest review .

Ignis.

2/15/2016

Ignis ( Ages 4+ )
By : Gina Wilson & P.J.Lynch
Publisher : Walker Books (Oct.,2001)

The amazing art work of this story would doubtlessly leave anyone in awe.Every page of this book is unique and a masterpiece.
Any little reader will be intrigued by these illustrations and will want to hear the story,though it`s a bit on the long side, content as they could be they may listen in awe. as it happened in my household.
The opening spreads reveal a joyous moment of young Ignis`s days,where a group of young dragons, brilliantly coloured with Emerald, Blue and Ruby scales with Ignis in the middle, jumping up into the air with the ball in his hands, are playing outside the mouth of a deep fire lit cave in a pre-historic like setting. With magnificent boulders and dark giant trees lining the edges of an open ground with some deep holes filled with crystal waters and a bare greenish area where many dragons are seen roaming and some in the far away skies. One could see water flowing down from a waterfall and seeping into the holes in the ground.

It`s "Dragonland" where fiery red scaled,flaring nose-trilled handsome Ignis lived with his Gran-dragon and sister Flamma. Although he`s the most handsome and admired for his flying and running skills Ignis was mostly sad for he lacked the best ; Ignis cannot breath fire like any other dragon. He couldn't light stars or play "Fling a Flame" and "All Blaze Together" like others in the night, he could only watch.But his dear friend, the amber eyed girly Scintilla always tried to comfort him on such instances just like his Gran-dragon who used to say "All in good time,Never worry" only that it didn't help him.He was greatly distressed and he said "I don`t feel like a dragon at all. Maybe I`m really something else." And off he goes in search of his dragon fire. Along his way he met a Hippo a Loquax and a little girl called Cara.After spending some time with each one of them he bid them goodbye as he`s on a quest for fire, with Cara`s encouraging words in his fiery heart he left for the mountains. The story end with pure pleasures of self discovery as Ignis whooshes out towering flames while his elders were talking "Mysteries and Miracles and Flames that Light up the World".

Gina Wilson`s writings are no less magnificent than Lynch`s illustrations, Skillfully written with simple phrases and sublime literary descriptions the story flows." When all was soundless and still,save the faintest shushing of breezes and twittering of jewel-birds,the Slothy-Sillent once came dangling down from the branches in dappled lengths and stretches." Here`s a storyline unique and gripping with an equally compelling subject as dragons are an ever fascinating subject for children. The book will take you to a magical mysterious world and with the author`s lyrical text and Lynch`s wonderful images one would feel like watching a movie. A collectable.

The Hippity Dippity Witch.

1/26/2016

The Hippity Dippity Witch 1- Trouble in Willow Grove( Ages 6 to 9)
By : Lorraine O`Byrne
Publisher : Booktrope ( Aug.,2015)

Lorraine O`Byrne, inspired by her love for animals in her farm, combined with her life long passion for writing, delivers this wonderful timeless classic of an enchanted wood with talking animals and witches. For some unexplained reason it reminded me of The Wind in the Willows and The Wizard of Oz. But there is a touch of modernity and simplicity in this one.
It has many merits to qualify as a brilliant early reading material. A fast paced compelling story, yet relatively short with only sixty seven pages comprising sixteen short chapters. Written in simple language with distinctive literature descriptions and some powerful word choices, the book would be an ideal introduction to literature.

The early chapters describe a typical guilt stricken and a fearful girl wanting to skip school for not attending to her homework. Jenny tries to persuade her mother that she`s sick, not only does she fail, but her mother`s lack of attention to her, due to the new-born baby in her arms, makes her feels like crying. With a heavy heart, she steps outside. Jenny, remembering Miss Harington`s punishments for children changes her mind while walking to school and decides to go elsewhere .As she stays hidden behind Mr.Hayes`s wall feeling cold with cramped legs worried and uncertain she catches a glimpse of the rolling hills and the Willow Grow beyond. O`Byrne has captured the mental turmoil of this eight-year-old girl so cleverly in this instance.

Looking forward to enjoying her morning with her friends, Jenny walks to Willow Grove. The author`s literature descriptions are no less magnificent than the story. Having crossed the fields passing the worrisome village, Jenny`s walk towards Willow Grove is explained as ``The sun in her back/ a breeze in her hair/ and a spring in her step/ pushing her way over stones/ through gorse bushes and dense thickets`` so obviously a now light hearted girl, looking forward for a happy morning enters the enchanted woods. But many surprises await. She discovers that her animal friends are in misery and are terrorized by the Vengeance Witch Marigold Dimple, a feisty ten-year-old witch from Elderwood.

Temperamental Marigold, niece of Griselda, the well respected resident witch of Willow Grove has come to spend the summer with her aunt. She has poor witchcraft; her rhyming spells never work properly and she ends up creating havoc everywhere.``Hippity Dippity/ Boppity Boo/ Turn this cat into a shrew`` And the cat turns into a shoe but not a shrew.What happens after Marigold meets sweet and gentle Jenny is another complete surprise for Jenny. However in the end both girls learn their lessons and Jenny confesses her mother about skipping school.

The talking animals depicted with human characteristics, together with the witches Marigold and Griselda will engross readers till the end.There`s Elsie the deer, Cindy the squirrel lady who knits all the time to help her concentrate, Mr Noodle the owl who`s the resident inspector and many more.
The children will no doubt immensely enjoy every page of this funny, magical suspense story, and so would any literature-loving adult.
(With many thanks to Booktrope and Net Galley for the digital copy in return for a honest review)