Today's read... Atlas of Dogs by Lonely Planet

Today's stocking stuffer suggestion hits the nonfiction realm for beginning readers and middle graders. I know SO many girls, who would cuddle up with a book like this...Oh! And a suggestion to Lonely Planet: Do one on cats!!! (I'm not a cat fan (igitts!), but many, many girls are). Anyway... my own daughter is a huge animal fan and is focusing her high school classes to get as much science and whatnot in. So, when I was offered to take a peek at this book, it was a no-brainer. Especially since my daughter would have her two-cents to toss in as well.

Ready to see if your young animal fan will giggle for glee to find this one under the tree (and yep, that rhymes)?

ATLAS OF DOGS

by Lonely Planet Kids

Children's Nonfiction

80 pages

ages 6 to 8

Satisfy your canine curiosity with this who’s who of dogs. This fully illustrated guide will take you on a woof-tastic journey around the world to meet over 150 weird and wonderful dog breeds - from the dapper Boston Terrier to the chirpy German Dachshund, the lively Portuguese Podengo and the tiny but tough Australian Terrier.

Written by Frances Evans and featuring incredibly cute illustrations by Kelsey Heaton, this gorgeous hardcover atlas features large maps of each continent that show where each dog breed (both common and rare) is from. Follow-on pooch profiles then give the low-down on each one - their history, their physical characteristics and their personality traits. 

Region-by-region, we explore:
North America
South America
Europe (North and West) 
Europe (South and East)
Africa
Asia 
Australia and New Zealand

Additional special features include:
Atlas of a Dog’s Body and their Super Senses
Doggie Dictionary
Little Dogs and Gentle Giants
Terrific Terriers
Dogs with Jobs
Heroic Hounds
Cute Crossbreeds and Marvellous Mixes
Doggie Sports
And many more!
It’s going to be pawsome!

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55278294-atlas-of-dogs

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonely-planet-kids-atlas-of-dogs-1-lonely-planet-kids/1142350332

INDIE BOUND: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781838694463

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1838694463

MY TIDBITS

A world's wealth of information about dogs hits in an easy to digest way, while letting the wide diversity of dogs shine.

Divided into continents, this book introduces the various types of dogs coming from around the world. Each chapter starts with a very basic map of the continent and a list of dogs, which will be presented (the list does not demonstrate the order in which they are presented, though). Then, each dog receives (usually) a quarter page devoted to it. A brief paragraph or two describes the attributes, habits, special traits, and general dispositions of the dogs. There's a quick-glance rubric, which lists the country of origin, size, coat and personality. Each dog is illustrated in an easy-to-recognize manner as well.

This is a wealth of information on dogs for children. Not only are the dogs each explored, but there are also bit describing the dog anatomy, behaviors, and more. It holds many known and lesser known breeds as well as a couple of mixes. The text is direct but written in an enjoyable manner, and easy for the age level to understand. Each breed is put in a very positive light, making this one which celebrates dogs of all types and kinds (and many are more than adorable).

The illustrations are simple, bright and do their job. My daughter was disappointed that photos aren't included, since true dog lovers do enjoy seeing the dogs...not just illustrations of them. But this does get the job done, too, and makes each one recognizable

Dog fans will have tons of information at their fingertips and get to know the world of dogs well.

About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travelers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

Today's read... Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost and P.J. Lynch

Snuggling up with a gorgeous picture book is an extra special treat during the holidays...and this book promises to be perfect for that. While this is a children's picture book, I have no doubt adults will appreciate it just as much if not more. It takes the famous poem by Robert Frost and adds the gorgeous illustrations of PJ Lynch. So, I'm expecting the perfect winter wonderland to get lost in and enjoy.

STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING

by Robert Frost

Illustrated by P.J. Lynch

Penguin Random House

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

Just in time for its centennial, Robert Frost’s cherished poem is showcased in a beautiful keepsake edition illustrated by the award-winning P.J. Lynch.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Whether memorized by schoolchildren or used to eulogize a president, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” written in 1922 and published in 1923, has found a place as one of the best-loved and best-known American poems of the last hundred years. Now, six decades after the passing of its author, Robert Frost, celebrated artist P.J. Lynch brings this classic to new life with exquisitely detailed illustrations, evoking its iconic moments and wintry setting on the outskirts of a small village.

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   BOOKS A MILION   /   B&N

MY TIDBITS

Snowy landscapes embrace a well-known poem by Robert Frost to create a book to get lost in.

This read takes the poem by Frost and brings it across in a way young listeners can understand and enjoy. While the writing style of the poem itself is 'old fashioned' and would, normally, go over young listeners' heads, by breaking it down into a few lines here and there, it becomes digestible for the younger audience. But that, of course, isn't enough to bring it across correctly.

The illustrations are more than masterfully done and let the poem and its atmosphere come to life. Each scene is a piece of art and invites for gazing and getting lost in the wintery landscapes. It's a treat to flip through and discover, and while this won't be for every young reader, there will be many, who will enjoy a moment with this book on their own.

Plus, this read is a great way to introduce young readers to the world of poetry. The scenes do allow for discussions as to what is meant and happening. It's a nice addition for homeschoolers, classrooms, and simply a lovely addition to a private bookshelf.

Today's read...Decked with Holly by Marni Bates and PJ Library offers Braille Editions!

Lots of Holiday cheer going on today! Not only do I have a stocking-stuffer for tween and young adult romance fans, but I also was informed this week about an amazing project being launched by PJ Library and the JBI Library — Braille book editions for kids! So, you'll want to scroll down after this review and discover the awesomeness of that new project, too.

 

DECKED WITH HOLLY

by Marni Bates

K-Teen

Tween/YA Romance

244 pages

Smartly blending of-the-moment pop culture references and timeless themes, Bates follows her YA debut, "Awkward", with a hilarious, over-the-top adventure about a teen girl who becomes the fake girlfriend of a cute rock star.

Taking a Christmas cruise with her two cousins from hell isn't Holly's idea of a good time. And when seasickness forces her into an open suite, she's pepper-sprayed by a gorgeous guy called Nick. But when Holly makes her exit, she's greeted by a horde of screaming teenage fans. Because Nick happens to be Dominic Wyatt, drummer for one of the hottest bands in America. Suddenly rumours are swirling and Holly's face is plastered all over the Internet. The band can't risk a scandal destroying their family-friendly image, so Dominic convinces Holly to be his fake girlfriend - just for two weeks. How bad could it be to be "fauxmantically" involved with a cute rock star? She's about to find out...

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /  B&N

MY TIDBITS

Rock star meets chaotic teen girl in a tale of mishaps, accidents, ridiculousness, and jingling joy.

Holly would do almost anything to get out of the Christmas cruise her grandfather has set up with her and the extended family for the holidays. But when her attempt to find a quick job (to use an excuse not to go) has her destroying the Santa display at the mall, she's stuck on the boat in a cabin with her two unkind cousins. Seasickness forces her to flee to the halls when her cousins bring in some guys, and that has her stumbling into an unknown cabin, which ends in an attack with pepper-spray. Her victim ends up being the drummer of the hottest band in the US. To avoid a scandal (and huge trouble for her), he demands she pose as his fake girlfriend until the press blows over. It sounds easy, but of course, it's not...and more than a little chaos is about to ensue.

This is a light-hearted, no-seriousness, super-sweet romance. Holly is a mess, who despite her down-to-earth mind, stumbles into one ridiculous problem after the other. Dominic, the drummer, offers the exact opposite as he takes his career and life-choices very seriously. With his bad temper and her careless nature, silliness is a given...especially since the characters around them are just as quirky and over-the-top.

This isn't a read with depth and there are a few stumbles on the logic end, but that's not the point. It's a fast-paced dive into fun and humor with a sweet enemies-to-heart-throb romance as a heaping side. 

************

PJ Library teams up with The JBI Library 

to provide Braille editions of Jewish children's books

to kids, who are blind or visually impaired. 

This was just announced this week (I believe...and if I'm wrong, don't quote me on it). There are four books on the list (see below). Each title will come with a Braille transparency overlaid on each page with carries text. That way, kids, who are blind or visually impaired, will be able to enjoy the same books as other kids.

The program was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and is being supported by Jewish organizations and other philanthropists. 

To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org. Families, who are in use of such a resource, can call 

(800) 433-1531 to order the Braille version(s), large print versions, or even Digital Talking Books for a month. To explore other resources and benefits from JBI's free service, call 

1-800-433-1531 or email library@jbilibrary.org. Of course, you can visit www.jbilibrary.org for more information on all of this and more. 

 

 

Hanukkah at Monica’s  
by Varda Livney / Ages 0-5

No one loves Hanukkah more than Monica. And celebrating the Festival of Lights — lighting candles, singing blessings, eating delicious fried foods, and playing dreidel — is even more fun with friends. Luckily, Monica has lots of friends, including a robot, a pirate — even a jellyfish! Who’s going to arrive at her party next?

 

The Peddler and the Baker

written by Yael Molchadsky, illustrated by Liora Grossman

Ages 5-10

The poor peddler can't afford to buy the baker's fresh challah, so he contents himself with merely sniffing their tantalizing aroma — until the baker gets angry and demands payment for that, too. When the rabbi hears of the dispute, he comes up with an ingenious verdict.

 

Until the Blueberries Grow

written by Jennifer Kam and illustrated by Sally Walker

Ages 5-10

Until the blueberries grow . . . until the grapes are ripe . . . until the snow falls . . . until the flowers bloom . . . Ben tries to convince his great-grandfather to stay in his house just a little longer as the two celebrate a yearly cycle of Jewish holidays together.

 

Jeremy’s Dreidel

Ages 5-10

written by Ellie Gellman and illustrated by Judith Friedman

At a dreidel-making workshop, Jeremy’s friends think he’s molding a secret code on his clay dreidel. But he’s really making a special gift for his father, who is blind. How will he get his friends to appreciate his special dreidel?

Today's read... Tangled Up in Nonsense by Merrill Wyatt

It's time for a stock-stuffer read for all those middle grade, mystery fans out there. Today's read is the second book in the series, and nope, I have not read book one, yet. So, we're diving right into this one with cold feet and tons of expectations. 

TANGLED UP IN NONSENSE

The Tangled Mysteries, Book 2

by Merrill Wyatt

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Middle Grade Mystery

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

Sloane and Amelia clash with rival detectives when they travel to a secluded mansion in search of a missing fortune in this second book in the fun-filled Tangled Mysteries middle grade series perfect for fans of The Book Scavenger and Lemons.

When Sloane Osborn and Amelia Miller-Poe arrive at Tangle Glen mansion, they have one goal: find the two million dollars that went missing on its premises decades ago. Solving the mystery would be just the kind of splashy victory their new detective agency needs to gain traction.

Except that everything from the weirdly intense peony competition to the mansion’s cook who may or may not be hiding murder dolls in the attic seems to get in the way of their investigation. Not to mention Amelia’s obsession with speaking in 1920s slang, which sounds like a whole lot of nonsense to Sloane. And when it became clear that Amelia and Sloane aren’t the only ones searching for the missing millions, things started to get downright dangerous.

So, when Sloane finds herself stranded on the edge of a slippery roof as a terrified bloodhound careens toward her, she can only ask herself:
1. Why are adults so obsessed with peonies?
2. Just how far are the other detectives willing to go to find the millions first?
3. Is the rain gutter on a hundred-year-old mansion strong enough to hold the weight of a thirteen-year-old girl and an exuberant dog?

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Long lost millions, an historic mansion, and a race against time...that's the excitement this mystery holds, which offers surprises, hard-to-fit-together clues, and a few peonies, too.

Sloane acknowledges that her and Amelia's latest Youtube mystery movie isn't a winner, and they're loosing viewers fast. When her grandmother's come up with the 'perfect mystery' to get things rolling again, she isn't convinced, but Amelia's not going to et them ignore the chance. Traveling 45 minutes away to an old mansion in search of a lost treasure does sound exciting, but the mystery is stickier than they could have dreamed. Especially since they aren't the only ones on the case, and more than a few situations have become simply deadly.

Starting out with a prologue, which grabs readers completely, this tale shoots off into a fun mystery and a trip back to the 1920's. I did not read the first book in this series, and that didn't matter. This tale can be read all on its own. Sloane is the more serious of the pair, and Amelia's enthusiasm is catchy. The two make a great duo and share a wonderful friendship, which carries all the bumps, fun, and heart it should. But then, all of the characters hold their own flair (especially the grandmothers) to make each one entertaining to meet, whether good or bad.

The writing carries a bit of a more traditional feel and has a very nice flow. Quirky situations mix with tension and surprises to keep the reader on their toes...and boredom far away. It's hard to guess what is truly behind the mystery as clues go this way and that. Add the facts and tidbits thrown in, which also flow right into the tale, and it's an unexpected fun...even if you aren't a peony fan because neither are these two. 

It's a fun mystery to sink into with a duo to wish were at your side.

And here she is...

Merrill Wyatt lives in Toledo, Ohio, with her husband, daughter, three cats, and a slightly surly guinea pig. She spent far too much of her childhood wandering around cemeteries and old Victorian homes. A middle school technology teacher, she is doll-phobic, donut-obsessed, and owns too many pairs of shoes.

Today's read... The Magic of a Small Town Christmas by Megan Alexander

Today's read holds dreams of Christmas and that with small town flair...which, of course, caught my eye, since we live very rural ourselves. While we mostly likely won't be seeing a white Christmas as portrayed on this cover (one can hope, though!), the hope of a nice, Holiday read to snuggle up with is definitely there. So, let's jump in and see if it holds a wonderful Christmas vibe!

THE MAGIC OF A SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS

by Megan Alexander

Illustrated by Hiroe Nakata

Aladdin

Picture Book  /   Holiday

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

From Inside Edition’s national correspondent Megan Alexander comes a sweet picture book celebrating the joys, wonders, and traditions of a small-town Christmas in the spirit of her show, Small Town Christmas.

In the town of Heartbeat Falls, where skies are crystal clear, the magic of Christmas is celebrated in many different ways: from picking the perfect tree to decorating it with glittering ornaments; from ice skating to eating yummy gingerbread cookies; from hanging handmade stockings to sharing a homecooked meal. Here, the residents know the beauty of a small town doesn’t come from its size, but from the love shared by its people, shining brightly in their eyes.

GOODREADS   /   B&N   /   BOOK DEPOSITORY   /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

The warmth of the holiday season shines on every page in a celebration of Christmas in a small town way.

These pages bring the ideal of small town Christmases to life through the eyes of a child. Everything from ice skating on the lake to smores to decorating the tree to building snowmen appears. There's even a toy store and brightly lit church in a beautiful snow-scape, promising to let those season tingles of anticipation and joy flow.

The illustrations are enjoyable to gaze through as they carry a gentle flair, which brings across the atmosphere in all the right ways. There are enough little things to discover to keep young readers coming back, while the general style remains simple and artistic.

The text flows well and stays to the point in a wonderful way. It gives just enough to describe each moment and scene, making it a great read-aloud for even slightly impatient listeners. It definitely paints the scene of what the a 'perfect' Christmas might be and will have young readers dreaming with their own holiday ideas and dreams.