Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith

Bookblog of the Bristol Library: The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith:   Reviewed by Ambrea Fox found an unlikely friend in Star, who used his light to guide Fox through the frightening forest.   Conte...

Children's Book Review: "The Penguin Way" by Scott Gordon

An inspirational story aimed at very young children, The Penguin Way tells the tale of a penguin that does things no matter the odds or his abilities. No matter what the activity is, the little penguin does it to the best of his ability. In so doing he remains true to his own self. Perseverance to the best of their ability is the penguin way in this charming and positive read.

While more than half the book is taken up by ads, what is here in this short book is a fun positive read aimed at a three to six year old audience. The illustrations are simple and clever. The clear text works well for the intended audience though some words may be a bit tough for the young readers. The core message of staying positive, perseverance, and self-reliance is a good message for kids of all ages. Like Scott Gordon’s other books for children The Penguin Way works well and is worth your time.

The Penguin Way

Scott Gordon

http://segordon.blogspot.com/

Kindle E-Book

August 2012

(Estimated print length 42 pages)

$1.25

Material picked up during the author’s recent free book promotion for my objective review. The Penguin Way was read via the free “Kindle for PC” program.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012

Review: "Pigtastic!" by Scott Gordon

Charmingly illustrated by Julien Tromeur, Pigtastic! by Scott Gordon gently teaches little ones to accept their own individuality. Facing the reader, the pig explains that though the pig may not be rich, the pig has a heart of gold and that is what matters. The pig stresses through various other examples to consider the

interior of a person and not what he or she is on the outside.

The book concludes with six ads for other books created by the author Scott Gordon. Many of these books have been translated into other languages including Pigtastic.

Colorful and fun, the pig provides a positive role model for little ones ages 3-6 in a very short read that will entertain and educate. Illustrations and text are very simple and tell the thoughts well. While the artwork and text may be very simple, the taught concepts of being positive and accepting of yourself are very important. Like Alphabet All-Stars, Pigtastic! by Scott Gordon is a good one.

Pigtastic!

Scott Gordon

http://segordon.blogspot.com/

Kindle E-Book

December 2011

(Estimated print length 39 pages)

$1.29

Material picked up during the author’s recent free book promotion for my objective review. Pigtastic! was read via the free “Kindle for PC” program.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012

Review: "The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Midnight Skulker" by Douglas Quinn

Author Douglas Quinn introduces a new series aimed primarily at girls ages 8-12 with The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Midnight Skulker.  This is a series spun off from the book The Adventures of Quinn Higgins Boy Detective: The Cave of Blackbeard’s Treasure where

Summer McPhee was introduced.  Summer lives on Ocracoke Island on the outer banks of North Carolina with her mom.

Her biggest problem as the book opens is that it is Spring Break and she has a school writing assignment. She is supposed to write a short story over the break and is stumped. She is saved from thinking about it when a friend calls and wants to hang out. Summer meets up with her friend Angie and soon learns a classmate, Missy, has been arrested and is accused of stealing clothes.

Missy has trouble at school because of bullies and some issues at home. Missy’s life was hard enough and things are much worse now as she’s been arrested for stealing clothes off the line hanging in somebody’s yard. Ultimately she may be removed from her home and wind up in juvenile detention. Summer decides there is something very wrong and decides to look into things.

Despite the twists and turns of the case and the law of unintended consequences, Summer remains convinced Missy is innocent. Proving Missy innocent is going to take some time and is no sure thing in this fast fun read.

This new series features all of the positive hallmarks of the Quinn Higgins: Boy Detective series. Summer is, like Quinn, a young person that helps the kids being picked on, is supportive of others, and has a positive outlook. The hot button topic of the day--- bullying--- is subtly addressed here as well as a couple of issues very relevant to kids at this age group. Along with the subtle lessons at work behind the scenes there is a strong obvious mystery at work here for young minds to ponder.

While aimed at the 8-12 year old girl group, this book truly knows no gender. Just like the series for boys, this new series for girls works for any reader. As always the book is well written with no loose storylines, grammar issues, or technical flaws. Both series feature books that parents and caregivers can not only read and enjoy but have no concerns regarding reading material, language, themes, behavior of characters, etc. Single parents are shown in a positive light where they are in charge and respected. A fast fun read that imparts a little knowledge along the way while entertaining readers of all ages.

The Adventures of Summer McPhee of Ocracoke Island: The Midnight Skulker

Douglas Quinn

AAS White Heron Press (via CreateSpace)

April  2012

ISBN# 978-1470181260

Paperback

115 Pages

$6.95

Material once again supplied by the author’s publicist, Donna Higgins Colson, on the author’s behalf.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2012