Children's Reviews
I Am Me!
By Jennifer LB Leese
~ Illustrated by C. Iannaccone
Writers Exchange E-Publishing
Copyright 2004
ISBN 1-920741-86-1
Format: E-Book / CD
24 Pages
Price: DL $3.00 / CD $15.95
Genre: Childrens Picture Book
Meet Nica Jolee, she is a special little girl. There is no one quite like her. She has her mommys green eyes, and freckles and brown hair just like her daddy, but she is one of a kind, and she likes it!
The story follows Nica Jolees parents anticipation of her birth. They wonder how she will look, and what she will become. The warm, self affirming text and colorful illustrations are sure to capture the attention of even the youngest readers. I Am Me! sends a positive message to children about loving who they are.
~4 Out of 5 Hugs
Dee Gentle, gottawritenetwork.com Book Reviewer
February 24, 2004
One Incredible Dog! Lady
By Chris Williams
~ Illustrated by Judith Friedman
Moo Press, Inc. ~
May 15, 2004
ISBN 0-9724853-3-3
Format: Hardcover
32 Pages
Price: $15.95
Genre: Nonfiction ~ Age 4-8 Early Reader
Lady gets dressed in her best bandana, and shes ready to go. Lady and her owner/trainer, Nurse Kathy, are going to work at the hospital. What would a dog be doing at a hospital? Well Lady is no ordinary dog; she is a certified therapy dog. Lady works with her trainer at a hospital in Pennsylvania. Her job is to make people who are hurt or sick feel better. Join Lady as she works with Nurse Kathy to bring a little sunshine into the lives of everyone she meets.
Lady is a first hand look into the life of a working therapy dog. The simple yet informative text captures the attention of young readers. The illustrations are black and white with just a touch of color, very charming. A wonderful real life story written in a format for young readers, Lady is the first in a series of books about working dogs. The story generated lots of discussion in my kindergarten class, and is a welcome addition to my childrens book collection.
~5 Out of 5 Tail Wags
Dee Gentle, gottawritenetwork.com
Book Reviewer
February 23, 2004
Swords for Hire
By Will Allen
CenterPunch Press ~
April 2003
ISBN 0-9724882-0-0
Format: Trade Paperback
168 Pages, 10 Illustrations
Price: $6.95
Juvenile Adventure/Fiction (Age 9-Up)
Setting: Medieval
The kingdom of Parmall is in disarray. Since the death of King Olive three years earlier, his dimwitted brother Boonder, rules the kingdom. Boonder poisoned his brother so that he could take the throne. He is an odd fellow who puts worms on his head (dont ask), and has no interest in ruling other than wearing the pretty crown. Meanwhile, King Olive is not dead but being held prisoner two hundred miles away in the castle of the evil Boneman.
Sam Hatcher lived the blissful life of a simple farm boy, that is until his 16th birthday. When his father decides it's time for his coming of age speech, his life will never be the same. It seems his father was a member of the King's Royal Guard, and he wants Sam to follow in his footsteps. Sam reluctantly decides to apply at the palace the next morning. With no military training his chances of getting in are nil, but his father's old friend, Captain Clerret takes pity on Sam, and offers to help. He sends Sam to train with Rigby Skeet, an appointed member of the Royal Guard who doesn't quite fit in. From the moment Sam hooks up with Rigby, trouble is his new best friend. When a dead man shows up on Rigby's doorstep with a note from King Olive, their adventure begins. Rigby and Sam navigate the perilous elements, match wits with a powerful sorcerer, and battle the evil Boneman on their mission to rescue King Olive.
This is a classic quest story that is at once spirited, frightening, and hilarious. This book is not to be missed. A delightful adventure for all ages!
~5 Out of 5 Worms
Dee Gentle, gottawritenetwork.com Book Reviewer
February 4, 2004
Nomadin
By Shawn P. Cormier
Pine View Press
Published 2003
ISBN 0-9740151-0-5
Format: Paperback
296 Pages
Price: $12.95
Young Adult Fantasy
Setting: Land of Nadae
Welcome to the land of Nadae. A land inhabited by fantastical creatures and magical beings, but in Nadae things are not always as they appear. Their peaceful existence is about to be challenged by an evil that has lain dormant, trapped within the pages of a book bound by Nomadin magic. Ilien, a wizard's apprentice, joins the wizard Gallund and Thessien, an Eastland soldier, on a journey to warn of the NiDemon's crossing from the land of the dead. When plans go array, he is forced to find the courage and strength to face his destiny. You will journey with Ilien on his quest of self discovery as he battles witches and wierwulvs, fights to rescue the princess Windy and save the land of Nadae from the evil Necromancer, Reknamarken.
Nomadin is a journey into the imagination, where anything seems possible. You will be thoroughly transported to a magical world with an intricately woven adventure that will capture the imagination of children and adults alike. Excellent, not to be missed!
~5 Out of 5 Enchanted Pencils
Dee Gentle, GottaWriteNetwork.com Book Reviewer
March 5, 2004
Angel's New Friends
By Susan K. Droney ~
Illustrated by Gail Balga
Writers Exchange ~
Copyright 2004
ISBN 1-920741-90-9
Format: eBook & CD
22 Pages
Price: $3.00 DL & $15.95 CD
Childrens Picture Book
Angel enjoys her life in the garden, but she is getting restless. She is curious about the dark forest and what lies beyond. Her mother has warned her about the terrible creatures that live in the forest, and she is forbidden to leave the garden. One day Angel decides to venture out of the garden and she proceeds to meet many new friends that live in the forest, the ocean and the farmyard. With each new encounter she learns about the likenesses and differences between all creatures. She is then able to appreciate what makes each one unique, and not to fear what she does not know or understand.
Angel's New Friends has a storyline that will surely interest young listeners. The illustrations sweetly portray a cast of loveable characters. After hearing the story a six year-old commented, This book taught me something, that everyone looks different on the outside, but they are not different on the inside. A timely lesson.
~4 ½ Out of 5 Carrots
Dee Gentle, GottaWriteNetwork.com Book Reviewer
March 21, 2004
