Review: Dinosaur Devotions by Michelle Medlock Adams, Illustrated by Denise Turu

DINOSAUR DEVOTIONS

by Michelle Medlock Adams

Illustrated by Denise Turu

Thomas Nelson

Middle Grade NonFiction/Religious

160 pages

Dinosaur Devotions will help your middle grade children dig deeper into the Word while uncovering fascinating facts about dinosaurs! These 75 devotions also include segments like Dino Stats, Bible Excavation, Digging Deeper, Did You Know?, and Jurassic Journaling. Dinosaur Devotions blends fun dinosaur facts with a deeper understanding of God’s Word, making your child's faith journey an extra fun adventure!

Award-winning author Michelle Medlock Adams offers Dinosaur Devotions—a fun way to help your dinosaur-loving kids connect with God. These 75 devotions include bright, colorful illustrations and uncover facts about specific dinosaur species while providing spiritual insight and easy-to-understand takeaways that will encourage your children to take their faith to the next level! Your kids will also love segments like Dino Stats (a dinosaur's measurements), Bible Excavation (a main Bible verse), Digging Deeper (self-reflection questions), Did You Know? (fun facts), and Jurassic Journaling (creative writing opportunities) that make this devotional interactive and even more memorable.

MY TIDBITS

Bible verses are explained while including dino-facts, a mix which is sure to hold young dinosaur fans' attentions and help some of the lessons stick in their minds.

This book takes 75 dinosaurs and presents each one while explaining the message behind a certain Bible verse. It's a combination I wasn't sure would work but was happily surprised. Each two-page spread starts out with the name of a dinosaur along with the pronunciation. Directly afterwards, the 'Bible Excavation' presents one Bible verse. From here, several areas are hit upon. Most importantly, a (about) one page devotion talks not only about a couple aspects of the dinosaur by relates it's habits, or other aspects to the Bible verse. For example, the verse John 10:27 mentions the sheep hearing God's voice and following Him. The dinosaur mentioned was known for its superb hearing, and this is then built into the devotion.

There are cute illustrations of the dinosaur along with a list of dinosaur facts( family, height, weight, etc). There's a 'colored bookmark' section which asks a question to help readers think deeper into the devotion and how it relates to their lives, and a question which prompts readers to keep a journal where they write thoughts on experiences relating to the message or how they can use it actively. Last but not least, there's an extra information tidbit about the dinosaur—a strange fact.

While the dinosaur facts will draw attention and encourage dinosaur lovers (ages 8 to 11) to gaze into the pages, the devotion does a nice job of staying on track and making sure the message from the Bible stays front and center. These messages aren't deep studies but hit upon the general impressions and how God works in our lives, what we as Christians should do, and other such thoughts. Whether or not kids will want to 'journal' these moments...well, that I'm pretty doubtful about. To round off the devotion, a prayer would have been more helpful in my opinion. Also, the Bible verses are taken randomly from nine different translations, which is something which left me wondering. At the very end of the book, there is a list of the various resources used to grab the dinosaur facts.

This is a cute and wonderful way to grab young dinosaur fans up into a daily/nightly devotion. They will look forward to see what comes next, which is often half the battle (unfortunately). The Bible messages are universal and clear, and don't let the dinosaurs overpower the statements. I give it a thumbs up.

I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers.

Review: Never Too Young by Aileen Weintraub

NEVER TOO YOUNG

50 Unstoppable Kids Who Made a Difference

by Aileen Weintraub

Illustrated by Laura Horton

Sterling Childrens Books

Middle Grade Non-Fiction

112 pages

Anyone—no matter how young—can make a difference! Meet 50 incredible kids who had a positive impact in their communities . . . and the world.

From Picasso, who changed the art world forever, to Malala Yousafzai, the brave teen who was shot for advocating education for girls, the 50 kids profiled in Never Too Young! will inspire and empower young readers. Some, like Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Stevie Wonder, are prominent figures, while others are lesser known though their achievements are just as compelling. They come from a variety of historical periods and backgrounds, and have made an impact in politics, sports, the arts, science, and more.

Includes: Louis Armstrong, Louis Braille, Ruby Bridges, Thandiwe Chama, Michael Chang, Nadia Comaneci, Kelvin Doe, Bobby Fisher, Anne Frank, Tavi Gevinson, Om Prakash Gurjar, S.E. Hinton, Askrit Jawal, Joan of Arc, Helen Keller, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pelé, Pablo Picasso, Pocahontas, Sacagawea, Shirley Temple, Venus and Serena Williams. Stevie Wonder, Malala Yousafzai, and more! 

MY TIDBITS

This collection of 50 kids who made a difference in the world before they became adults and inspires kids to chase their dreams, proving they can change the world.

Fifty figures are presented in these pages, each one reaching a major accomplishment which greatly influenced the world around them before they hit the age of eighteen. Some are historical, while others are still alive today. Some are even still kids. The range in accomplishments is vast. From performing arts to science to philanthropy, these kids have made an impact in every aspect of life. They also come from every where across the globe—Africa, Asian, the Americas...there are no boundaries.

The book begins with a quick table of contents, making it easy to find a specific person. However, they are not in any particular order. There's a quick introduction from the author, which makes it clear this is a book to empower and inspire kids. After raising the excitement to dive in, the reader meets the fifty 'kids' on each of the following two-page spreads. The name of the person is in bold type directly followed by the area they made an influence in. Then there's a one page description of who they were, their special qualities, what they did, why they did it, and what influence they had. On the other side, there's a lovely illustration of the figure as a child, the dates they were alive (or born), as well as a famous quote from them. At the end, a 'What Now?' page again inspires readers to go out into the world and try their best without worrying about only being a kid because if these other kids can change the world, so can they. Last but not least, there's a section of sources listed.

The figures in these pages represent a kaleidoscope of possibilities and make it clear through facts that kids can make a difference. It doesn't matter what area they are talented in, which part of life their ideas hit upon or even from which circumstances they come from. All of these children gave their best to work at whatever activity they found important and didn't give up. Granted, sometimes a pinch of luck was involved but that was by no means the main factor and for many, not even involved. The texts are never boring but bring each figure to life and make their dreams as well as accomplishments clear. It's great for readers to thumb through time and again, and each time to learn something new.

This is one of those books which should be available to kids—school libraries, classrooms, and homeschools. It hits home and makes kids realize that they aren't necessarily too young to accomplish their dreams. Instead, they should chase them.

And here they are...

Aileen Weintraub has written more than 50 books for children, as well as numerous essays and articles for Scary Mommy, the Manifest-Station, and Kveller. She lives in New York. Visit her online at aileenweintraub.com.

Laura K. Horton is a freelance illustrator living in Espoo, Finland. 

Review: The Dragon Grammar Book by Diane Mae Robinson

THE DRAGON GRAMMAR BOOK

Grammar for Kids, Dragons and the Whole Kingdom

by Diane Mae Robinson

Middle Grade Non-Fiction

ages 8 and up

140 pages

Finally! An easy-to-understand grammar book with fun grammar lessons. The Dragon Grammar Book is the ideal grammar book for kids, dragons, and adults alike. From multi-award winning children’s fantasy author, Diane Mae Robinson, The Dragon Grammar Book introduces middle grades through adults to the basic rules of the English language with easy grammar lessons. Featuring the zany fantasy characters in the author’s The Pen Pieyu Adventures series, The Dragon Grammar Book is sure to be enjoyed by the whole kingdom. "With clear examples and fun activities, this book is a must-have for readers and aspiring writers." -Peter Takach, English Teacher and Grammarian 

MY TIDBITS

This is a small treasure chest of grammar information, not only for kids but also for adults and those who love visiting dragons.

Covering everything from punctuation to clauses to tricky word pairs and even more, this is a comprehensive glance at basic grammar. . .with a lovely dose of dragon, that is. After several pages of explanations concerning grammar terminology, the book goes on with ten chapters concerning various themes. Then, there are two fun tests at the end (as well as answers) to help readers see how much their grammar has improved and where they might need some brushing up. Fun illustrations, which depict the exciting characters from The Pen Pieyu Adventure series, help keep the book from growing too dry. 

This is a book, which I'll be keeping on my own shelves. The explanations are concise, easy to understand and hit upon simple things, which tend to cause trouble. While the explanations are clear, I wouldn't recommend this book for kids under ten to use on their own. Older kids, teens and adults will have no trouble diving into the pages, and even those ages eight and up will enjoy the entertaining examples. It's a great reference book to keep on the shelves, a lovely help for those just needing a bit more grammar assistance, and an ideal addition for a homeschooling program. The only thing I missed was a quick index to help find specific terms (especially for the Grammar Terminology and Confusing Words chapters). Still, the topics and rules are easy to find, and the chapters are well organized.

Summed up, this is a great book for grammar basics, not only for kids but for adults. The fun characters give the entire thing the needed humor and spice to keep boredom at bay. 

And here she is . . .

Diane Mae Robinson is the international multi-award-winning author of the children’s fantasy/adventure series, The Pen Pieyu Adventures.  The author is also an artist, art teacher, children’s book editor, and a writing instructor.  Diane lives in central Alberta, Canada.

Website: https://www.dragonsbook.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianemaerobinson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeMaeRobinso

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-m-robinson-19b84446/

Review: Tokyo City Trails by Lonely Planet Kids

TOKYO

CITY TRAILS

by Lonely Planet Kids

Middle Grade Picture Book

Non-Fiction/Travel/Culture

ages 8 and up

104 pages

Here's a book about Tokyo that's seriously streetwise. Lonely Planet Kids' City Trails: Tokyo features colourful themed trails, from history and culture to food and nature, that reveal amazing facts and intriguing tales that kids won't find on the tourist routes or inside the average guidebook. We'll show them where to bathe in chocolate, climb Japan's tallest tower, meet a giant robot, and lots more!

Join Lonely Planet explorers Marco and Amelia as they hunt for more secrets, stories and surprises in another of the world's great cities.

Themed trails include:


Fishy City
Active Earth
Up in the Air
Bonkers Buildings
Cuuuute!
Tokyo Tech
Tokyo on a Plate
Tokyo Style
Spooky Stories
Cartoon Capers
Amazing Art
24-hour Tokyo
Busy and Noisy!
On with the Show!
Tokyo Transport
Blast from the Past
Sports and Games
Emperors and Empresses
Plants and Animals

Also available: City Trails - London, Paris, New York City, Rome, Sydney, Washington DC

or

Find directly at Lonely Planet Kids!

 MY TIDBITS

Daily life tidbits, exotic foods, pet peculiarities, tons of known (and lesser known) sights and so much more make this book into a smorgasbord for anyone ready to dive into the colorful streets and cool corners of Tokyo.

Like a real tourist or adventurer embarking on a trip, the first page lays out a map of Tokyo. Little pinpoints show where each 'trail'or topic area, included in the neighboring table of contents, is geographically located. There are 19 themes, each consisting of about six pages. And these are packed. . .and I do mean stuffed to the gills. . .with all sorts of fun, eye-raising, or simply interesting bits of information. Everything from whimsical architecture to mouth-watering snacks to goblins or even fashion is presented in a way curious minds are sure to enjoy and soak up.

The pages are colorful and almost chaotic, bringing across an air of excitement and liveliness, which is certain to be found when strolling down the streets of Tokyo. A path follows through the pages, marking each 'sight' with an English and Japanesse name, and then a paragraph description as well as a delightful photo or illustration. The information doesn't dribble across like the drool of a rattling teacher, but radiates the excitement of an enthusiastic guide. The wording grabs while still bringing across exactly that information kids of this age group crave. 

This isn't the type of book to be read from start to finish in one setting (it would be over-whelming to even try to do this) but invites to be visited time and again. The mountain of information ensures that something new will be discovered with every visit, and many things are worthy of being shared with friends and offer new insights into the life, culture and simply variety Tokyo has to offer. 

Curious readers ages eight and up, who love learning more about life and the world, are sure to devour this book and will come out knowing so much more.


About Lonely Planet Kids. . . Come explore! Let's start an adventure. Lonely Planet Kids excites and educates children about the amazing world around them. Combining astonishing facts, quirky humour and eye-catching imagery, we ignite their curiosity and encourage them to discover more about our planet. Every book draws on our huge team of global experts to help share our continual fascination with what makes the world such a diverse and magnificent place - inspiring children at home and in school. 

www.Lonelyplanet.com/kids

Review: The Future Architect's Tool Kit by Barbara Beck

THE FUTURE ARCHITECT'S HANDBOOK

by Barbara Beck

Schiffer Publishing

Middle Grade Non-Fiction/Activity

ages 9 to 12

48 pages

Children with dreams of designing buildings will discover how architects actually work in this workbook, which builds on the concepts introduced in The Future Architect’s Handbook. It walks readers through the drawings created by Aaron, a young architect building his own home. Going a step further, children will learn the steps necessary to create their own drawings and build a model of their design, using an included tool kit consisting of graph paper and an architect’s scale, pencil, and drafting eraser. Finally, readers are challenged to design homes for an eclectic group of clients. Freehand pen-and-ink drawings bring the instructions to life. This book is the perfect introduction to what an architect does at work and why buildings look and function as they do. Ideal for middle grades ages 8–13, but creative adults will also find it inspiring.


Available through Schiffer Publishing: here

 MY TIDBITS

This tool kit will have young architects' hearts beating faster. . .and lure in curious adults too.

Designing a house is more than just grabbing a pencil and paper, and this kit leads the way through the basic concepts, concerns and how-to tips. Through step-by-step chapters, the basics of architectural design are revealed and everything from floor plans, surrounding landscape and future owners' tastes are explored. Since learning is doing, a architect's scale, graph paper, pencil and eraser are included with the book.

Opening the kit is a bit like diving into a present. The hard cover version of The Future Architect's Handbook immediately catches the eye, but it doesn't take long to see the side compartment holding simple architect's scale, a pencil and a white eraser, as well as the pad of graph paper tucked in with the book. This alone is a treat. The case itself is thin cardboard but fairly robust, and the Velcro tab insures that the lid can be opened and closed many times, making a perfect storage place.

The book is around 45 pages and rich in illustrations. These are black and white, and help to bring clarity to the information presented in the text. The author does a great job of giving a general overview, while bringing just the right details which will interest kids to light. Everything is explained in an easy to read way, and even the architectural terms are described in a way readers ages 10+ can grasp. Unfortunately, there isn't a glossary to describe the individual terms again at the end of the book.

The chapters are fairly short, letting readers soak in the information bit by bit. This also gives them time to start to nibble on ideas of their own. Everything from the location of a house, types of houses, floor plans and individual desires is discussed. At the end, there are examples of how to draw different items (stairs, sinks, toilets, etc) on the graph paper.

There's quite a bit of information packed in the pages, and the illustrations and examples come from basic architectural design. So kids would recognize the elements again if seeing a professional design. This is what also makes it interesting for curious adults; the information doesn't really talk down to the kids, but gives an honest, quick overview into the world of basic architecture in a way they can understand.


If you'd like to get a good feel for the kit, go on over and take a look at my Youtube Review.

Want to learn more about Barbara Beck?

Then check her out at http://barbarabeckauthor.com

Review: Tooth by Tooth by Sara Levine

TOOTH BY TOOTH

Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers

by Sara Levine

Illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth

Millbrook Press

Middle Grade Non-Fiction

ages 8 - 12

32 pages

What animal would you be if a few of your teeth grew so long that they stuck out of your mouth even when it was closed? What would you be if your top canine teeth grew almost all the way down to your feet? This picture book will keep you guessing as you read about how human teeth are like—and unlike—those of other animals.

MY TIDBITS

The first thing that caught my attention on this one was the cover--horrible, disgusting, creepy and totally what my sons would love to get their grubby little hands on.

One glance tells all. . .this book is about teeth. From human teeth to cow teeth to elephant tusks and everything beyond, the author takes the reader through the variety of chompers nature has to offer. The teeth types are broken down into groups (herbivores, omnivores, etc.) and each category is given a colorful 2 page spread. There's a description to the form of the teeth and their purpose, which was detailed enough to be informative but quick enough to keep the interest of even the most easily distracted reader.

This isn't a dull explanation book, but rather one that draws the reader in. Not only are the illustrations bright and full of humor, but each time a tooth type is introduced, the reader is asked if they know an animal which fits the description (possible answers are at the bottom of the correlating page). There's a picture of a skull to the side to help make the varying bone structures clear. The only thing which bothered me was that the skull didn't always match up to the animal in the illustration. For example, a horse would be illustrated but the skull was that of a cow.

Summed up, this is great for curious boys! It's slightly odd illustrations are perfect for luring boys in and the descriptions are educational and understandable. I can only recommend this for ages 4 to 8.