Review: The Bot That Scott Built by Kim Norman

THE BOT THAT SCOTT BUILT

by Kim Norman

Illustrated by Agnese Baruzzi

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book 

ages 3 to 7

32 pages

When Scott builds a bot, a bippity-bot, sparks fly . . . and his entire classroom goes wild. Before long, fiery ants and carnivorous plants, a freaky frog, a big-bellied boa, and an exploding "volcano" have wreaked total havoc. Can Scott's bot, which started it all, manage the mess? Cheers for the handy hero! A cumulative story with fun that grows and grows and GROWS.

This funny and tongue-twisting story is a great read-aloud book for the whole family.

MY TIDBITS

Full of gizmos, gadgetry and whimsical rhyme, this science fair adventure places inventions in a whole new light. . .and little constructors will love it.

The book starts before the story really even gets underway. Hammers, nuts, bolts, propellers and many other parts and do-dads, which bring small inventor's imaginations into swing, decorate the inside of both covers. When the title page appears, Scott is already drilling and building, caught up in his own construction world. And the scene is set.

It's the day of the science fair, and the kids have set up experiments through-out the room, things young scientists might even recognize. On center stage, taking his turn in the spotlight, is Scott and his bippity bot--and saying that already brings a smile to the face. A short explanation through rhyme soon turns into disaster. And it mounts and mounts into humorous chaos pure. These rhymes never skip a beat and dance around wonderful word combinations like 'the freaky frog from the bathtub bog...'. By the end, it's a hilarious mouthful.

It's easy for young listeners to understand, and fun to follow the silly phrases, while the illustrations offer the perfect backdrop. They are colorful, hold lovely details, which call for attention again and again, and incorporate the emotions and situations well enough that just flipping through the pages will tell a story all on its own. 

Young listeners and readers discover science from a whole new angle, which is sure to inspire the creator in them with all of its fun. And if nothing else, it's simply a joy to read, and not just for the kids. 

All about. . .

KIM NORMAN

&

AGNESE BARUZZI!!!

Kim Norman is  the author of several books for young readers, including This Old Van; Ten on the Sled; If It’s Snowy and You Know It, Clap Your Paws!; Puddle Pug; and Crocodaddy (all Sterling). Kim lives in Smithfield, VA and is available for interview. Visit her at kimnormanbooks.com and follower her on twitter at @KimNormanAuthor.

Agnese Baruzzi works as a book illustrator and graphic designer and has illustrated several picture books for publishers in Italy, the UK, Japan, Portugal, the US, and South Korea. Agnese lives and works in a little wooden cottage nestled in the hills near Bologna, Italy.

Review: Frankie DuPont and the Science Fair Sabotoge by Julie Grasso

FRANKIE DUPONT 

AND THE SCIENCE

FAIR SABOTAGE

Frankie DuPont Mysteries Book 3

by Julie Grasso

Middle Grade Mystery

134 pages 

ages 8+

Frankie Dupont is less than impressed when he has to attend the Sustainable Science Fair with Kat and Amy. Upon his arrival, he learns that Amy's brothers have had their robotics chip stolen. 

Keen to recover the chip, Frankie questions the kids in the competition, but everyone seems to have a motive. 

When baffling clues start rolling in via “Snap-Goss” instant messages, Frankie realises it will take all of his detective muscles to solve this case. 

MY TIDBITS

This is the 3rd book in Frankie's series and so far, my favorite. The author does a great job taking a mystery and mixing it with the most delicious fantastical ideas, making it a perfect journey for kids. We start out with Frankie, a young detective, who isn't totally excited to go with his friends to the science fair.

The fair itself is amazing. The most ingenious ideas come to life, and this is where kids will dive in and let their own fantasies soar. Let's just say that inventions no know limits.

Obviously, there's a mystery involved, and this time, it's a hard one. Unlike the other books, Frankie finds himself surrounded by suspects, all of which could possible have a motive. This wasn't an easy mystery to figure out and kids will love trying to follow the clues. Not only that, but there are several messages hidden in the pages. Friendship, acceptance, and dealing with competition. But these are well woven into the story, and not slapped in the reader's face. . .something I appreciate.

Like the other books in this series, this is a story written and aimed at kids. The fantasy, thoughts and plot are laid out with lots of love just for this age group, and I think kids will enjoy this completely.