The Lemonman:

  A Party, Some Rain and Wiggle Worm Lane by Natasha Ferrill

Illustrated by José Pou

I was very excited when approached by Natasha to review the second book in the Lemonman series. I have not been able to write many reviews or post anything on my Facebook page because my schedule has been very hectic lately. However, I wanted to have a chance to read this book, so I made time.

This series has a soft spot in my heart. This was the first book that I ever reviewed on this blog.  Also, I just loved the last book. It was charming, fun and filled with loveable characters. I am overjoyed to say that the second book does not disappoint.

In this book the readers are introduced to Wormington the Third, and the worm community. There are important lessons on meddling with Mother Nature and having compassion to help others when in need.

The pictures are vibrant, fun and whimsical. The story flows really well and is easy to follow. My 4 year old loved this book. It became a bedtime favorite at our house. The reader is transported to the underground world of the worm community and taught a few valuable lessons in a fun way.

This is a great book to have in any home, school or public library book shelf. It was a fun filled ride on the imagination train.

This book can be purchase the book at www.amazon.com

• Author: Natasha Ferrill
• Illustrator: Jose Pou
• Price: $10.17
• Type of Book: Picture Book
• ISBN: 978-0-9869464-1-7
• Publisher: Applenook Publishing

Nate Rocks the World

 

Nate Rocks the World

Written by: Karen Pokras Toz

From the first page the reader is whisked away deep into the depths of Nate’s Imagination. The ten- year old is very realistic and relatable to children his age. You may know a Nate or are a Nate. 

Nate Rocks is about a ten- year old boy who has an annoying older sister, thinks his mom is trying to poison him with her terrible cooking and is not good at sports.  The quirky ten- year old loves to draw cartoons that come to life.

I loved every minute of reading this story. It brought me back to the tender age of ten where the biggest problems were what to be for Halloween, dealing with annoying older siblings and school. The most wonderful thing about this book was Nate’s ability to get sucked into a world of imagination. I think every child should experience the joy of creating a world of fantasy.  

 This is a perfect book for 3rd-6th graders. If you read this book and still want more of Nate, don’t fret Karen Pokras Toz second book Nate Rocks the Boat is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Get your copy of the book at www.amazon.com/Nate-Rocks-World or

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nate-rocks-the-world

If you still want more of Nate check out Nate Rocks the boat at www.amazon.com/Nate-Rocks-the-Boat

Author: Karen Pokras Toz

Pages: 131

Price:  $2.51 Kindle Edition and $7.99 paperback

Type of Book: Middle Grade Fiction

Copyright: 2011 by Karen Pokras Toz

ISBN-13: 978-1463510824

“Castigate My Sin’s”

Elicia Clegg gradually moves the reader into a murder mystery then makes a huge left and takes you on a completely different path. There are so many twists and turns, you will never be bored reading this book.

“Castigate My Sin’s” is a dark tale about lies and deception.  The book follows five troubled teenagers    Beth, Michael, Christopher, Leigh and Suzy who are dealing with very complicated issues. The characters are not what they seem, which is very true about most people. Clegg has conjured up well rounded, likeable, relatable and believable characters.

 The only issue I had with this book was the point of view that the author chose to tell the story. The story is told through the eyes of the five troubled teens, but the reader also gets insights to what their parents are thinking and feeling.  Even though the author delivers important information by the adult characters, I would rather the author just told the story through her main characters. They were so well developed and interesting that the focus should have stayed on them. 

The author’s descriptions are so vivid; you could picture the scene perfectly in your head. Warning: for those that do not like a lot of violence, there are a few scenes that are very graphic and disturbing.

This is my first young adult review on this blog. I love young adult fiction and was delighted when author Elicia Clegg contacted me for a review.  I never expected to go through a roller-coaster of emotions and so many twists and turns in one book.  I would recommend this for an adult audience. 

Get your copy of the book at barnesandnoble NOOK Book (eBook) or www.thebookpatch.com

If you want to be a fan of this author click on this link facebook.com/pages/Elicia-Clegg/    

For more information on this author and other books she has written Click on http://eliciaclegg.com/

Author: Elicia Clegg

Pages: 255

Price:  $9.99 also available as an eBook for $2.99

Type of Book: Young Adult Paranormal Suspense Thriller

Publisher: Which Way Publishing

Copyright: 2011 Elicia Clegg

ISBN: 978-1-450796-49-1

I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way. I would like to pass this book along to you! Enter the contest on my facebook Butterfly Readers and one reader will receive a copy of Castigate My Sins.

“Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: Green Sea Turtles”

Written by: Jennifer Wallis 
Illustrated by: Swapan Debnath

If you have a child that loves dolphins or is wild about green sea turtles this is the book for you. This charming book will entertain and educate your child on everything they would want to know about sea turtles.

“Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin: Green Sea Turtles” is centered on Hailey an 8-year-old girl who lives on the beach and her best friend Scarlet, who happens to be a dolphin.  Every day Scarlet and Hailey take an adventure and learn something new about life in the ocean. Scarlet takes Hailey off the coast of Hawaii where she meets Link, a green sea turtle. Link teaches Hailey all about green sea turtles.

This is the first book in a series of “Adventures with Scarlet the Dolphin” by new author Jennifer Wallis. You won’t be disappointed if you purchase this book for your child. The author crams a lot of useful information in the book but still manages to entertain her readers.  Your child will enjoy this vibrant and colorfully illustrated picture book. This book is highly recommended for any child that loves the ocean and is interested in dolphins and sea turtles.

Get your copy of the book at amazon.com OR barnesandnoble

 You can also become a fan of this book on Facebook click on facebook.comscarletthedolphin and like their page.

Author: Jennifer Wallis

Illustrator:  Swapan Debnath

Pages: 26

Price: $ 9.99

Type of Book: Picture Book

Publisher: Mirror Publishing

Copyright: 2011 Jennifer Wallis

ISBN: 978-1-61225-081-6

 I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way. I would like to pass this book along to you! Enter the contest on my facebook Butterfly Readers and one reader will receive a signed copy of Adventures with Scarlet  the Dolphin Green Sea Turtle.

“My Daddy’s going away”

Written by: Christopher MacGregor
Illustrated by: Jerry Pyke

Original Artwork: Sami-Jo-Cook-Wild and Lindsey Emma Walker.

  As Christmas rapidly approaches, families will come together to celebrate the holiday season. But there are many families that will not be able to spend this precious time with their loved ones. “My Daddy’s going away” is brilliantly written to help families cope with temporary paternal separation. Military families that constantly have to say goodbye to their fathers as they go away to serve our country, should have a copy of this book. This book would greatly benefit any family that deals with temporary separation from their father.

 The book is told entirely in rhyme and flows from page to page. It starts with a child’s Daddy going away. Then it displays how the time is spent and how hard it is to cope when he is gone. The books ends with the child’s father coming home.

 This is such a charming book that captures the stress family’s encounter with temporary paternal separation.  The illustrations are delightful and joyful and the words are very insightful. The illustrations were a team effort the Original artwork was drawn by Sami-Jo Cook- Wild and Lindsey Emma Walker. Then the finishing touches were made by Jerry Pyke. The illustrations are adorable and childlike. They feel as if a child has drawn them but have the quality of being professionally illustrated. The families are drawn as aliens that live on a faraway planet. When the father goes away he leaves on a spaceship. The pictures are a perfect companion for the book.

There are many wonderful aspects of this book. In the front of the book there is a space to put a picture of your Dad. Your child can look through their pictures to find the one that means the most to them. This also can start a conversation of why they picked that particular picture. It’s just another way to celebrate the love they have for their father.  On the last page of the book, when the father is reunited with his family there is a space to put a family picture.  I love books that you can personalize; they become special to the child and hold a sentimental value.  

 This is a must have book for any family that has a father whose job takes him away from home. It would make a wonderful present to put under the tree. Any child would be lucky to own this adorable picture book.

Get your copy of the book at http://mydaddysgoingaway.com or amazon.com

 You can also become a fan of the book on Facebook click on facebook.comMy-Daddys-Going-Away and like their page.

Author: Christopher MacGregor

Illustrator:  Jerry Pyke

Pages: 38

Price: $9.00

Type of Book: Picture Book

Publisher: Giddy Mangoes Limited

Copyright: Christopher MacGregor 2009

ISBN: 978-0-9564651-0-8

 I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way. I would like to pass this book along to you!

 Enter the contest below and one reader will receive a copy of My Daddy’s Going Away.

Just Like You

Written by: Robert Kroupa
Illustrated by: Hannah E. Harrison

Once in a while there comes along a book that really tugs at your heart strings and makes you think, Just Like You is that book. Told entirely in rhyme it puts a spotlight on bullying. This is the first book from upcoming author Robert Kroupa.

The story is centered on a deaf field mouse named Henry and his best friend Boris that has a leg that is curled. Because of their disabilities the other animals that reside in Piney Forest shun them for being different. They are forced to live on the outskirts of the forest, isolated from everyone else. When a fire threatens the lives and homes of the forest bullies, Boris and Henry come to their rescue. Everyone then realizes that Henry and Boris are just like them.

This charming story teaches acceptance, kindness and to celebrate the differences in others. This is a wonderfully written story that children will enjoy. The main characters are relatable and likeable and the story flows effortlessly. The friendship between Henry and Boris is endearing. They become outcasts but find a kinder sprit in each other. They are able to help each other deal with their disabilities. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Boris spins webs with words and stories for Henry.

The pictures capture the friendship and lighthearted moments the two friends share.

This is the first book Hannah E. Harrison has illustrated. She does an exceptional job creating beautifully elaborate and very detailed images. Her illustrations help children understand the important message of acceptance.

A book that teaches children acceptance and kindness is necessary and relevant. Because of the recent encounters of bullying in schools, this is an important message worth reading to your child. It’s important to instill kindness and acceptance at a young age.

The holidays are coming up soon and this would be a wonderful gift to bestow on a child you love. I highly recommend this book. It is such a beautiful story about friendship and acceptance of others.  

Get your copy of the book at http://justlikeyoufoundation.org/news.htm

100 percent of the profits from the sales of Just Like You will be distributed to a pre-selected charity to insure that each child, no matter their abilities are celebrated and nurtured. Buyers can choose from the following charities: The HollyRod Foundation, PACER Center, Art of Elysium and the Center for Discovery.

You can also become a fan of the book on Facebook click on facebook.com and like their page.

Author: Robert Kroupa
Illustrator: Hannah E. Harrison
Pages: Hardcover 30 Pages
Price: $16.95
Type of Book: Picture Book
Publisher: Seven Legs Press
Copyright: Text copyright 2011 by Robert Kroupa.
ISBN: 978-0-9825503-4-2

I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way. I would like to pass this book along to you!

 Enter the contest below and one reader will receive a signed copy of Just Like You.

Kathryn the Grape’s Colorful Adventure

Written by: Kathryn Cloward with Ginny Hornby

Illustrated by: Christine Winscott

 Step into the colorful world that is Kathryn the Grape’s Colorful Adventure. This is the second book in the “Kathryn the Grape” series. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy the second addition. However, after you read the first book your child will demand to read how it all began.

The book is written by Kathryn Cloward and Ginny Hornby. The inspiration behind Kathryn the Grape series came from Cloward’s mother Mary. She shared with her daughter a dream to write a children’s book centered on a character named Kathryn the Grape. This was a grade school nickname Cloward affectionately acquired from her softball coach. He is featured in the first book, “The Kathryn the Grape-Just Like Magic”. Many years later she collaborated with her friend Ginny Hornby and brought her mother’s idea to life.

We are introduced to Kathryn the Grape and she is not having a very good night .She is eating dinner with her parents and three brothers. Its Hamburger night and she dislikes hamburgers. Everyone is leaving her out of their conversations. No one is letting her tell her stories. She feels as if her mother and father love her brothers more than her. She storms out of the kitchen and slams the door to her room.  In her bedroom she finds solace in her best friend Maggie the butterfly. Maggie bestows a beautiful charm bracelet to Kathryn. Maggie takes Kathryn on an adventure to unlock the colors in the charm bracelet and unlock the hidden colors in Kathryn.

Young girls will love this book. The book empowers young girls to look within themselves and find their inner beauty and self-confidence. Along Kathryn’s journey she teaches the reader how to belong, have excitement in your life, and trust yourself. The reader also learns to value and love themselves. Kathryn shows through her experiences the importance of family and to appreciate the ones you love.

 I love butterflies, (hence the name Butterfly Readers) so of course I love the fact that her best friend was a wise and beautiful butterfly. Maggie was beautifully illustrated by Christine Winscott. Winscott breathes life into Maggie and Kathryn and helps create a fabulously vibrant and colorful adventure.

 This book would be a wonderful gift to give to any young girl. When reading this book I thought instantly that this would be a perfect gift to give my nieces. It teaches a wonderful lesson of self-esteem and self-awareness, but never loses the fact that it’s a children’s book and still entertains its core audience.

  

Get your copy of the book at   Kathryn the Grape® or amazon.com

Author: Kathryn Cloward with Ginny Hornby

Illustrator:  Christine Winscott
Pages: 44
Price: $16.99
Type of Book: Picture Book
Publisher: Kandon Publishing
Copyright: 2011 by Kandon Unlimitted, Inc
ISBN: 978-0-9829277-1-7

Other books:  Kathryn the Grape – Just Like Magic!

I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way. I would like to pass this book along to you! Enter the contest below and one reader will receive a signed copy of Kathryn the Grape’s Colorful Adventure.

I’m Squirrely!

I’m Squirrely!
By: Brenda Lochinger
Illustrated by Jeffrey Duckworth

  “I’m Squirrely” is the first book in a series written by new author Brenda Lochinger. The book introduces children to a wiggly and adorable Squirrel that won’t stand still. He is constantly moving and his mind is going one-hundred and two miles per hour. This makes simple tasks like getting dressed and paying attention in class an adventure. He is a dreamer and his brain won’t shut off, he is constantly thinking even when he is supposed to be sleeping. No matter what trouble Squirrel gets into his parents unconditionally love him. Brenda Lochinger creates a loveable and fun character that children will love. The story is told in rhyme and is very upbeat.

  The book is illustrated by Jeffrey Duckworth. He skillfully creates colorful and engaging pictures that will grab your children’s attention.

We all know a Squirrely in our life a child that just won’t sit still and is constantly getting into trouble. It may be a child that just gets into things here and there or they may have AD/HD disorder. This book would be a wonderful book to share with children that have AD/HD. They could relate to the protagonist and the overall theme of parent’s unconditional love. A wonderful thing to note about this book is that: A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to organizations specializing in the treatment and counseling for AD/HD.

 My two year old wiggles and squirms around sometimes during story time, but he sat still during this story. He really liked Squirrely and laughed at his antics. There is potential for this character to grow, learn and experience many wonderful adventures. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

If you would like to purchase this book please visit brendalochinger.com and amazon.com. If you like to obtain more information on this book or upcoming books from Brenda Lochinger please visit her at: facebook.com I’m-Squirrely-by-Brenda-Lochinger

Coming soon: "I'm Twirrely!" A day in the life of Squirrely's sister, Twirrely.

Author: Brenda Lochinger

Illustrator: Jeffrey Duckworth

Pages: 38

Price: $14.99

Type of Book: Picture Book

Publisher: Rocket Science Productions

Copyright: March 2011 Rocket Science Productions and Brenda Lochinger

ISBN: 978-0-9830725-0-8

I Love You More Than Rainbows

 I Love You More Than Rainbows
by Susan E. Crites
Illustrated by Mark & Rosemary Jarman

Love is a hard concept to convey to young children. Usually we show our love by actions, but children need to be told how valuable and loved they are everyday. It can be difficult to find the right words to articulate the love you have in your heart for your child. In "I Love You More Than Rainbows” Author Susan Crites perfectly captures that precious love that parents have for their children. Parents love to read books to their children that describe how much they are loved and children love books that make them feel special.

The storyline is simple on every page there is a child being told how much they are loved. Susan Crites writes about the little joys in life that children hold dear: Toys, snowball fights, circus and sunsets (just to name a few) and this helps children understand how much they are truly loved. This charming story is told in rhyme and flows from page to page. “I Love You More Than Rainbows” is the winner of the Mom’s Choice Gold Seal Award and reading this book you will understand why.

 The book is illustrated by Mark & Rosemary Jarman a husband and wife illustration team. Their illustrations are joyous, colorful and reminiscent of a rainbow. The pictures showcase a beautiful diverse set of children. This is a fabulous choice because any child could identify with them.

This is a perfect bedtime story to read to your child. Also, this book would be a wonderful present to bestow on any child you love, a niece, nephew, grandchild, son or daughter. My son adored this book. He demanded me to read it over and over and was mesmerized by the pictures and the story. After reading this story with my son my heart was filled with an overwhelming feeling of love and happiness. This book will have both you and your child smiling. This is a must have book for you children’s book case.

 You can purchase the book on Amazon, iPad, Barnes &Nobel’s Book Nook and Kindle. (Right now it's not that easy to find a hardcover version. If you look on Amazon, you can find some from other sellers that are in good shape and at a very low price. Amazon also has small board book version in stock.)

If you can’t get enough of this book and would like to contact the author please visit Susan Critics website:  www.susancrites.com  or at Facebook page: Susan Crites Facebook Page  or  I Love You More Than Rainbows

Author: Susan E. Crites

Illustrator: Mark & Rosemary Jarman

Pages: 32

Type of Book: Picture Book

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Copyright: 2007 by Susan E. Crites

ISBN: 978-1-4003-1089-0

 by Susan E. Crites
Illustrated by Mark & Rosemary Jarman

Love is a hard concept to convey to young children. Usually we show our love by actions, but children need to be told how valuable and loved they are everyday. It can be difficult to find the right words to articulate the love you have in your heart for your child. In "I Love You More Than Rainbows” Author Susan Crites perfectly captures that precious love that parents have for their children. Parents love to read books to their children that describe how much they are loved and children love books that make them feel special.

The storyline is simple on every page there is a child being told how much they are loved. Susan Crites writes about the little joys in life that children hold dear: Toys, snowball fights, circus and sunsets (just to name a few) and this helps children understand how much they are truly loved. This charming story is told in rhyme and flows from page to page. “I Love You More Than Rainbows” is the winner of the Mom’s Choice Gold Seal Award and reading this book you will understand why.

 The book is illustrated by Mark & Rosemary Jarman a husband and wife illustration team. Their illustrations are joyous, colorful and reminiscent of a rainbow. The pictures showcase a beautiful diverse set of children. This is a fabulous choice because any child could identify with them.

This is a perfect bedtime story to read to your child. Also, this book would be a wonderful present to bestow on any child you love, a niece, nephew, grandchild, son or daughter. My son adored this book. He demanded me to read it over and over and was mesmerized by the pictures and the story. After reading this story with my son my heart was filled with an overwhelming feeling of love and happiness. This book will have both you and your child smiling. This is a must have book for you children’s book case.

 You can purchase the book on Amazon, iPad, Barnes &Nobel’s Book Nook and Kindle. (Right now it's not that easy to find a hardcover version. If you look on Amazon, you can find some from other sellers that are in good shape and at a very low price. Amazon also has small board book version in stock.)

If you can’t get enough of this book and would like to contact the author please visit Susan Critics website:  www.susancrites.com  or at Facebook page: Susan Crites Facebook Page  or  I Love You More Than Rainbows

Author: Susan E. Crites

Illustrator: Mark & Rosemary Jarman

Pages: 32

Type of Book: Picture Book

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Copyright: 2007 by Susan E. Crites

ISBN: 978-1-4003-1089-0

The Day No One Played Together (A Story About Compromise)

The Day No One Played Together (A Story About Compromise)

The Day No One Played Together (A Story About Compromise)
by Donalisa Helsley
Illustrated by Sarah Harkey

 “The Day No One Played Together” is a delightful story about compromise. This is a great lesson every child should learn and is taught in a fun and uncomplicated way. The characters and storyline are very realistic. The author Donalisa Helsley, owner of  the popular face book page
 WildAboutReading does a phenomenal  job of explaining the concept of compromise in a way that any child can grasp.

The story is about two sisters Jadyn and Genesis who want to play together, but they cannot agree on what to play. Neither one wants to give in to the other so they are left playing by themselves.

The story introduces new vocabulary words such as: Disagree, Brainstorm and Compromise. The last page of the book provides the  young reader with definitions for the new vocabulary words. As a mom, I appreciate books that teach children valuable lessons and also contain a fun and interesting storyline.

A picture book would be nothing without beautiful Illustrations. Sarah Harkey's Illustrations are a wonderful companion for this book. They are visually pleasing and enhance the overall reading experience.

Children and adults will respond pleasantly to this book. It is an enjoyable story that creates a dialogue between parents and children about how to compromise. This is a perfect book for any children’s home library. It also would be a great addition to a school or preschool environment.

This book can be purchased at  wildaboutreading.net

 Coming soon: "Good Night My Love" and "I Love You Better Than Cholatechip Cookie".

·         Author: Donalisa Helsley

·         Illustrator: Sarah Harkey

·         Price: $12.99

·         Pages: 25

·         Type of Book: Picture Book

·         Copyright: 2011 Donalisa Helsley

·         ISBN: 978-1-61225-064-9

·         Publisher: Mirror Publishing

The Lemonman

The Lemonman:

A Picnic, a Toad and Swampwater Road
by Natasha Ferrill
Illustrated by José Pou

 It all started when author Natasha Ferrill was three years old. She went to bed one evening and dreamed of a lemonman. The dream was the inspiration for The Lemonman Series. Many years later and many revisions The Lemonman: A Picnic, a Toad and Swampwater Road had emerged.

 A good picture book creates a world where a child is allowed to dream and escape, all in the safety of their bedroom. A great picture book creates a balance between reality and fantasy. The author transports you into a magical world of Applenook but also keeps you grounded here on earth. She has many realistic themes such as kindness, forgiveness and the consequences of lying and cheating. This story does a great job of straddling the line of fantasy and reality.

 The story begins with a short background written in rhyme of how Applenook and the Lemonman were created. Applenook is a magical place where fruits and vegetables live harmoniously and are best of friends. The main character is an adorable lemon named Lemonman. He invites his friend Professor Celery and Miss Strawberry to a picnic at Cherry Blossom Park. On his way there he encounters Timmy Pear and Mr. Toad. He is tricked and lied to and losses his picnic basket.

 Natasha Ferrill engages young readers with her sing song rhymes and endearing characters.The story subtly introduces the concept of months and time. The story also teaches young children the art of being kind and forgiving. Children and adults will both love this charming story.

 A picture book is a beautiful relationship between pictures and writing. In order to have a successful picture book you must have a great story accompanied by illustrations that make the story come alive. Jose Pou’s illustrations are beautiful and breathe life into Lemonman and his friends. The vibrant colors bounce off the page and transport the reader into the world of Applenook.

 The toughest child critic will enjoy this charming story. It is easy to read and flows very nicely from page to page. Your child will demand that you read this book over and over again. And you will be more than happy to oblige.



This book can be purchased at http://www.thelemonman.com (All copies purchased from the lemonman website will be personally signed!) or amazon.com Also please visit Natasha Ferrill’s facebook page,facebook lemonman.picture.books to get up-to-date information and to support a new author.

The Lemonman: A Picnic, a Toad and Swamp water Road is the first book in the Lemonman series. Coming soon "A Party, Some Rain and Wiggle Worm Lane"

• Author: Natasha Ferrill
• Illustrator: Jose Pou
• Price: $11.95
• Pages: 32
• Type of Book: Picture Book
• Copyright: 2011 by Natasha Ferrill
• ISBN: 978-0-9869464-0-0
• Publisher: Applenook Publishing