Every night’s a celebration with Rainbow Nights
March 16, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
March is Small Press Month, so throughout the month, I’ll be highlighting books from small presses.
In Rainbow Nights
The little girl finds there are so many things to do in dreamland– you can use your imagination to raise honey bees, plant a patch of perfect peas, ride a rocket ship, or fly to the nearest star. She finds Dreamland’s busy with swirling colors and flashing lights, tuba music and rainbow nights.
So she closes her eyes and dreams pleasant dreams because soon she’ll wake to greet the sun.
The rhyming text makes this a beautiful read-aloud for bed. Children will be excited to drift off into their own dreamland as they experience the vivid colors and wild imagination of Rainbow Nights.
Additional Information:
Author: Sally M. Harris
Illustrator: Kit Grady
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 20 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (October 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616330023
ISBN-13: 978-1616330026
Source of review copy: Illustrator
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
What would Mozart do in the 21st century
March 15, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
March is Small Press Month, so for the rest of the month, I’ll be highlighting books from small presses.
Today, we take a look at Mozart in the Future
Max is really a boy like any other, but he has a talent for music and a strict mother who wants him to be a great musician. Sometimes parents can push too hard and in the case of Max, he becomes physically ill and grows to dislike music, despite his talent. When the doctor says Max must not to go to school for a few days, the Spirit of Music intervenes, bringing Max face to face with one of his heroes: Mozart, one of the greatest composers of all time.
Ever wonder what Mozart would do in the 21st century? As Mozart is stuck in the future, he’s introduced to cartoons and hamburgers. And as the boys attempt to return Mozart to his own time, they wind up teaching each other more than they could have expected. Mozart is introduced to an entire new world, a friend, and a childhood. Max is encouraged to go on learning, and he realizes that humankind needs art.
This book will remind young readers about the power of music and the importance of taking a break and having fun. It’s also encouraging in that it shows young readers to not lose the will to do what they love and not give up.
“Your destiny is there for you to grab, but if you give it up, you will be just one amongst so many other bitter people who go through life without joy.”
Additional Information:
Tânia Maria Rodrigues-Peters (Author)
Pedro Caraça (Illustrator)
Paula Vaz-Carreiro (Translator)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 108 pages
Publisher: Rodrigues-Peters (August 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3950280405
ISBN-13: 978-3950280401
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Experience the most celebrated moments in sports
February 25, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
I don’t know about you, but the Winter Olympics always get me in sports mode. It’s easy to find myself glued to the TV, cheering for the United States in everything from hockey to ski jumping to snowboarding (Yay, Shaun White!).
Just in time for the Olympics comes The Greatest Moments in Sports
What’s interesting about this book is what Len Berman states in the introduction, “What were the greatest moments in sports history? Ask 25 sports fans, and you may get 25 different answers.” Throughout the book, Berman offers up some stories, stats and pictures to help spark your next debate on this very topic. Consider the greatest play in Super Bowl history…when David Tyree leaped into the air, with defensive back Rodney Harrison draped all over him. He somehow held on to the ball for an absolutely amazing 32-yard play down to the Patriots 24-yard line. Or how about when Wilt Chamberlain scored a double triple-double? What about when Cassius Clay beat Sonny Liston. Phew–pretty tough, right?
What I like about this book is that not only are the highly recognizable sports stars like Jordan and Woods highlighted, but so are Roger Bannister and Nadia Comaneci. What’s also cool is that the book comes with a CD that contains the live broadcast audio of a dozen incredible moments chronicled in the book, including the U.S. Olympic hockey team’s miracle on ice and Michael Phelps breaking Mark Spitz’s Olympic swimming record. Just what you need to relive those magical moments and send chills up your arms.
So what would you call the greatest moment in sports?
About The Author:
Len Berman is a veteran sportscaster and creator of “Spanning the World,” a monthly collection of sports bloopers, which was a 20-year staple on NBC’s Today Show. Berman is the recipient of eight Emmy Awards and is a six-time winner of New York Sportscaster of the Year. His daily Top 5 email is featured in The Huffington Post and is received by thousands around the country.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Har/Com edition (November 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402220995
ISBN-13: 978-1402220999
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Win an autographed copy of Rene Has Two Last Names
February 23, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Want to teach your young readers about the importance of family? Rene Has Two Last Names / Rene tiene dos apellidos
Rene decides to add both last names to the sticker, which results in his classmates making fun of him. Rene tells his parents about it because to Rene, half of his world is missing when he doesn’t have both names. He can’t imagine a world without a mother and maternal grandparents who dance, make chocolate and fix his bike.
When his teacher assigns the students the project of creating a family tree, Rene is determined to show his classmates and teacher why he has two last names and the importance of his dos apellidos.
This is a wonderful book to teach young readers about an important Hispanic cultural tradition and why all of us should be proud of our heritage. Rene Colato Lainez came to the U.S. from El Salvador as a teen and writes about his experiences in children’s books such as Rene Has Two Last Names. To learn more about Rene Colato Lainez, read this previous interview.
If you’d like to win an autographed copy of Rene Has Two Last Names, please leave a comment below.
- For contact purposes, if you are a non-blogger or your email is not accessible in your blog profile, please leave a valid email address within the comment section.
- Contest is open to US only
- Contest ends on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Winner will be chosen at random and notified on Monday, March 8, 2010.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Arte Publico Pr; Bilingual edition (October 31, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1558855300
ISBN-13: 978-1558855304
Source of review copy: author
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Who needs words in a story?
February 19, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
The story’s the same…After a ferocious lion spares a cowering mouse that he’d planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue, freeing him from a poacher’s trap.
What’s different…Pinkney’s cover says it all. The cover will definitely draw a reader in, but there’s so much more to be amazed at as Pinkney’s stunning illustrations are rendered in pencil, watercolor, and colored pencil on paper.
You’ll feel as though you stepped into the heart of the African Serengeti and you’ll experience the emotions of both the lion and the mouse. The only words that interrupt this purely visual storytelling are hand-lettered animal sounds, so that the readers can squeak, shriek and roar along with the animals. What I like most about this book is that the pictures are so stunning, it will spark intriguing conversations with your young ones. And even the youngest will catch on that even the tiniest can be of service, that no act of kindness is wasted and that small acts have large repercussions.
Just when you think the amazing illustrations have come to an end, don’t miss out on the bonus painting on the back cover– an homage to Edward Hicks’s Peaceable Kingdom recast with the animals of the Serengeti.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; First edition/first printing edition (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0316013560
ISBN-13: 978-0316013567
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
Jeremy Draws a Monster
February 18, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Give a boy a book about a monster and, chances are, you’ll capture their interest. Jeremy Draws a Monster
The book kicks off, telling us a little about Jeremy. Jeremy lives on the third-floor in an apartment building and never goes outside. I guess you can call Jeremy a loner. So when Jeremy busts out his crayon and creates a blue monster to keep him company, Jeremy is unaware of what’s to come. The monster demands a sandwich, a checkerboard, a television, and a hot dog. But that’s not all. The monster is very demanding, so when the monster demands a hat because he is “going out,” Jeremy is a bit relieved. However, the monster returns, and Jeremy has to think fast on his feet to rid himself of this monster once and for all. And in the process, Jeremy learns the importance of friendship and ends up playing with the neighborhood kids he used to look down upon from his apartment window.
This book has really grown on me and it’s one that conveys such a simple message. As the School Library Journal writes, “Both story and illustration leave lots of room for speculation and discussion.” That’s what I like most about this book. It takes a little thought to realize Jeremy sees a little bit of himself in that blue monster and when he doesn’t like what he sees, he changes his ways.
Another great thing about this book…the next time your child up and demands a drink, food, etc…, you’ll find yourself reminding them of the monster in this book!
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0805069348
ISBN-13: 978-0805069341
Source of review copy: personal copy
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
The role of children in the march to freedom
February 17, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Okay, it’s Wednesday. I’m assuming you have the Cybils 2009 winners memorized by now, right? In any case, memorized or not, I’m hoping you get the chance to check out some of the amazing titles that were nominated. I’m always grateful for the Cybils because I’m introduced to books I normally wouldn’t find or discover on my own– that’s just one of the beautiful things about the community of children’s literature blogs! And that’s why I’m celebrating the Cybils all week and highlighting some of the wonderful finalists in the fiction picture book category in which I had the honor to judge.
One book that stood out among the others and had a truly unique voice was The Listeners (Tales of Young Americans) by Gloria Whelan
Gloria Whelan has written a beautiful book in the voice of Ella May, a child born into slavery. In addition to working hard in the fields, Ella and her friends, Bobby and Sue, have another important job–to sit quietly outside the plantation-house windows and eavesdrop on conversations between the owner and his wife. As slaves, they have no control over their lives, but being able to listen in on important news and reporting it to their families, gives the slaves the vital information they need about their future.
Benny’s beautiful watercolor paintings are warm and endearing, shining a light on the harsh reality of segregation, and the injustices of slavery. This book is an excellent choice to teach older elementary students that children had important roles and responsibilities in the march to freedom, and it stresses the importance of hope and family.
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (September 2009)
ISBN-10: 1585364193
ISBN-13: 978-1585364190
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
We're celebrating the Cybils you Silly Goose
February 16, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock, or are totally wrapped up in the Olympics, the Cybils 2009 winners were announced on Sunday. All week here at Lori Calabrese Writes!, I’m celebrating the Cybils and some of the contenders who fought hard in the fiction picture book category. Liz Garton Scanlon took home the gold with All the World, but one of the big contenders for me was Silly Tilly.
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for fun, rhyming picture books and Silly Tilly is one fun book that brings new meaning to the term, “You silly goose!”!
“Tilly was a silly goose, a daffy-down-and-dilly goose.” I mean really…how great is that first line? It only gets better from there. Her name is Silly Tilly and throughout the book, she does silly things–she wears a pancake as a hat, kicks a pickle to the hogs, sets the farmer’s underwear afloat–things any young reader will find amusing. I don’t know about you, but any underwear humor in our house is a sure fire hit! 
But when the rest of the farm has had it up to here with Silly Tilly’s antics, they ask her to stop her silly ways. But when she does just that, things are a little boring on the farm and they realize how much they miss the old Silly Tilly.
The rhyme scheme makes this a fun read-aloud and the use of language is just so silly, it’s excellent. The illustrations are sure to gather a chuckle and when tied with the text, it’s tops in humor–just goes to show that you can never be too silly!
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Corp/Ccb (March 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0761455256
ISBN-13: 978-0761455257
Source of review copy: Publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
2009 Cybils Award Winner All the World
February 15, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Valentines, Schmalentines! Do you know what February 14th means? The 2009 Cybils awards have been announced. If you haven’t had the chance to check out the winners, head over to the Cybils site right now and gaze at all the awesome books chosen as the cream of the crop by a community of bloggers who write about children’s and young adult literature.
I was honored this year to be a judge in the fiction picture book category and, let me tell you, it was tough. Although All the World came in as a heavy favorite, there were so many contenders and each finalist has something incredibly different to offer. All this week, I’ll be celebrating the Cybils and will highlight some of the amazing picture books that the second round judges had the opportunity to talk about and analyze.
The one everyone’s talking about is the amazing picture book, All the World
Perhaps it’s the lyrical rhyming couplets that speak volumes about the world and the richness of humankind. Perhaps, it’s the amazing illustrations by Marla Frazee that show a family spending a day at the beach.
I have to admit, unlike many, I did not fall in love with this book on my first reading. I know–what’s wrong with me, right? But the more readings I’ve had with it, it’s come to be a picture book I truly adore. The text is simple, but powerfully written as a poem with bits of alliteration, rhyme and rhythm.
As Allyn Johnston, the publisher, pointed out at the NY SCBWI Winter conference, Liz Garton Scanlon left so much room in the text for the illustrator to add her special touch–hence, the magic of a picture book. The pictures, made with black Prismacolor pencil and watercolors, primarily follow a multicultural family from a summer morning on the beach through a busy day and night. But highlight some things we might normally take for granted such as wind, storm, and a simple shell.
It’s a touching read-aloud that celebrates the connection between adults and children and has the whole package for a picture book.
Watch this video of Marla Frazee talking about why she loves drawing pictures for children. . .
Additional Information:
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Beach Lane Books (September 8, 2009)
ISBN-10: 1416985808
ISBN-13: 978-1416985808
Source of review copy: publisher
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
What Talent Do You Wish You Had?
February 11, 2010 by Lori Calabrese · View Comments
Tony DiTerlizzi is the co-creator and illustrator of the bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles–Yep–that super popular one that was adapted into a feature film. But did you know he’s also co-author and illustrator of a six-book series about Meno, a nostalgically modern space-elf and his out-of-this-world adventures for preschoolers? Here he teams with wife and partner in publishing , Angela, to entertain tiny earthlings and the big earthlings who love them. Each story is told with bright illustrations in nonsensical language, as if it were translated from Meno’s Alien language into English.
In Book Two: Wet Friend!, Meno looks to cheer up his friend Yamagoo the jellyfish. Meno calls Wishi, who grants wishes, to find a friend that can live in the water with Yamagoo and cheer him up! And let’s just say one of the suggested friends is David Hasselhoff! David Hasselhoff in a children’s book–imagine that!
Want to win your own copy of Book Two: Wet Friend! (Adventure of Meno)
- For contact purposes, if you are a non-blogger or your email is not accessible in your blog profile, please leave a valid email address within the comment section.
- Contest is open to US only
- Contest ends on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Winner will be chosen at random and notified on Monday, February 22, 2010.
For more information, please visit PlanetMeno
Also, don’t forget to check out Fish For a Free Book where you’ll find a bunch more children’s book giveaways across the web.
Disclosure: Some of the books I review are received from publishers , PR agencies, and authors, but it does not sway my opinion of the book. I maintain affiliate accounts with Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you purchase a book through one of my links, I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you). You can support this site by originating your purchase via these links and I appreciate your support of Lori Calabrese Writes!
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