Book Review: Capturing Cresselia by Alex Polan (Pokemon Stories)

Welcome to Camp Pikachu, where kids can act out adventures from their favorite Pokémon games and cartoons, battling other teams to earn points and badges and, if they’re lucky, make it into the Summer Camp Hall of Fame!

Marco, Nisha, Logan, and Maddy can’t wait to embark on their latest adventure: Pokémon Orienteering! The friends are eager to catch sight of the legendary Cresselia. So, armed with just a map and a set of clues, they strike out to explore the forest around Camp Pikachu. But when the clues lead the group straight to the shore of a nearby lake, Marco is shocked to realize that the only way to move forward is to ride a zip line across the water.

If Marco can’t find his courage with the help of his friends, his fears will keep him grounded—and his chances of seeing Cresselia’s Lunar Dance are shot. Just as Pokemon can evolve through training, can Marco get stronger through new experiences?

Longtime fans of Pokemon, or new fans of the hit app Pokemon Go, will love reading about Marco and his friends at Camp Pikachu.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft and Pokemon; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

My Thoughts

I let me son review this book and then I did a quick read of it myself to get an idea what the story was about. He really enjoyed it, especially since he's a big Pokemon lover these days. It is a short chapter book and it didn't take him long to read. Being a boy, it was hard to get much feedback from him other than he liked it and he'd read more from the author and series.

I sat down with the book to get an idea what it was about. Marco was a great leading character. Of course, he isn't the only character in this book, as there is a great cast to also get to know. The book does have Pokemon in it, but there is more to it then that. The characters have to deal with real life situations and fears they may have and learn how to deal with them. I found this to be much more of a book with a message in it then I expected.

The writing was good too. It flowed well in sentence structure with realistic dialogue. The author kept my attention and didn't overly detail things. I really enjoyed this book and I'd read more as well as my son.

Book Review: Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler by Elena Ashley, PHD

“To Make A Friend, You Need To Be A Friend”
Dr. Elana Ashley writes a new children’s book that addresses bullying

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one out of four students are bullied during the school year. Even though most bullying can be found in schools among young children, there are still bullying epidemics that adults are involved in as well. 

Throughout Dr. Elana Ashley’s career, she has been able to mentor students, teachers, and parents through multiple workshops on child abuse, drug education, character development, self-esteem, and conflict management.

Knowing how prevalent bullying is in society, Ashley decided to write “Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler” available in both English and English/Spanish. In Ashley’s book, she focuses on the topic of bullying and how no one should handle bullies alone.

“Children will be able to understand that the answer to changing the behavior of a bully is for them to act in respectful ways and to let the other student know that he or she can become a welcome member in most situations,” Ashley said.

“Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler,” is about Ellie Elephant who turns to her friend Splunkey for advice. During the first half of the book, Splunkey gives Ellie and her friend important ideas on how to solve her bullying issue. 

Coupled with Splunkey’s advice and her own fast thinking, Ellie makes choices that save the day.

Throughout the book, Splunkey gives Ellie and her friend important ideas on how to solve her bullying issue.

“The world needs more kind and compassionate people to reach out with ideas and strategies for making this world a better place,” Ashley said.

By reading “Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler,” both children and adults will be intrigued by the images of Ashley’s real-life puppets, as well as the positive messaging about anti-bullying strategies and how to be the “bigger” person.

For more information, visit DrElanaAshley.com

“Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler”
By: Dr. Elana Ashley
ISBN: 978-I-4808-1957-3 (HC)
Available in softcover, hardcover, e-book
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Archway Publishing

About the author

Dr. Elana Ashley is an author, artist, storyteller, and ventriloquist who teaches children and adults strategies for dealing with everyday issues. For more than two decades, Ashley has presented instructional and entertaining programs for students, teachers, and parents within the Chicago area, and also nationwide.

My Thoughts

The first thing that caught my eye about this book were the images in it. Instead of illustrated photos, the author uses photographs on life sized puppets. Many of them made me smile and chuckle a little, bringing a unique experience while reading the story. My kids also thought the images were quite funny.

Of course, the story itself isn't funny, but I liked that the photographs in the books helped keep the seriousness of the story not so high. Bullying has been around for a long time and as much as we wish it would go away, it isn't. Everyone has a unique personality and some of us are just made to feel better about ourselves by being mean to others until learning to deal with those feelings in another way.

In this book, Holly Howler is the bully and she often doesn't have anything nice to say. Ellie is the target of Holly's mean words and asks for an imaginary friend to help. As the story goes on, Ellie find the strength to stand up to Holly, but also becomes Holly's friend, helping her to no longer be a bully.

This book is great for a child of all ages to read. It will help them see how to deal with bullies, or if they happen to be on the bullying side, how they are hurting other kids feelings.

Book Review: Four is a Little, Four is a lot by Cheska Komissar

FOUR IS A LITTLE, FOUR IS A LOT

New Book Makes Learning Number Sense Fun

You may not have heard the term “number sense,” but if your little one
has ever asked “Is a week a long time?” or “Is one scoop of ice cream
a lot?” or “Is seven old?” you have seen him or her trying to master
it. “Number sense” describes how children come to understand the
essence of numbers and quantities.

In FOUR IS A LITTLE, FOUR IS A LOT (Fourlosophy.com, 4-4-16, $14.00,
hardcover,) author Cheska Komissar introduces number sense and
creative thinking to young readers. With the help of four
illustrators, a diverse cast of four boys and four girls come to life
with charming visuals drawn in four distinct yet complementary styles.
“It was important for us to represent a variety of ages and races, to
reflect real-world ethnic diversity,” says Komissar. In the final
scene—Spoiler alert!—all the characters convene at a birthday party
celebrating the reader: “Four is a lot… when you’re not three
anymore!”

Komissar’s inspiration came from her two sons. First, was Jacob’s
question: “Mama, is four a little or a lot?” He was nearly four, and
Cheska thought he was asking yet again about his upcoming party, so
she answered playfully: “I guess it depends … Four is a little when
it’s four blueberries, but a lot when it’s four watermelons! Why?” It
was only when she heard his answer that she realized he was asking
about his younger brother, Josef’s, recent immunizations: “Four is a
lot of shots.”

At that moment, FOUR IS A LITTLE, FOUR IS A LOT was born. To turn her
story into a book, Cheska teamed with her brother, Ivan, and launched
Fourlosophy.com. The hardback version of their book about four will be
released on April 4th, 2016, exactly four years after the paperback
was introduced. The team shares sixteen percent of profits, with four
percent going to each of four non-profits. They’ve shared their book
with thousands of children, in every US state, and all around the
world, and they’ve already donated thousands of dollars!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheska Komissar holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education. She
works as a music instructor for children and also teaches art at the
pre-school level. She has worked and written extensively on the
importance of including kids with disabilities in recreation and
education. In addition, she provides tutoring services to kids and
teaches parents play techniques that can help their children learn and
grow while having fun. Cheska lives near Boston with her husband and
two boys (hey, that makes four!).

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATORS

Melissa Koch lives in the San Francisco Bay area and spends her time
drawing things she finds lurking in her imagination.

Jesse Mangerson is a painter, illustrator, and teacher living and
working in Madison, where he experiences four seasons in a year. This
is his fourth attempt at writing a rich bio for this book.

Say Oh has a degree in Visual Development from the Academy of Art
University and works as a concept artist while splitting time between
her native Korea and her adopted home in San Francisco.

Garrett Taylor is a Sketch Artist at Pixar Animation Studios and lives
in northern California with his wife and their growing brood of
children.

My Thoughts

This was a really cute book. I liked the idea behind the book. Such as four minutes in time-out is a long time and holding four watermelons is a lot, yet only getting to choose four pieces of candy doesn't seem a like a lot.

The book made me think because I'd never stopped to think about how much numbers can mean to a child. Four days until going to Grammy's probably feels like a life time. It got the kids and I talking as we read it, which is a big plus.

The writing was good and caught my attention. It was simple enough that my daughter could read a long with me and not stumble on any words. And if she read alone, she didn't have to keep asking me what words were. I loved the photos in the book. The illustrations were gorgeous and I could stare at some of the pages for a awhile, taking in each detail.

On a lot of of the photos, you could almost build your own story with them. The expressions on the faces of the people always made me smile and we liked to pretend what kind of conversations they characters were having.

This was a really fun book and I'm happy to have it in our collection.

Book Review: 100 Amazing Paper Animal Snowflakes

Create endless animal themed snowflakes with the unique and imaginative templates that crafters and artists will love!

Let it snow--animals! In 100 Amazing Paper Animal Snowflakes, artist and teacher Marion Nichols proves that this popular form of papercutting can yield far more than just pretty geometric designs. Crafters young and old can create her astonishing animal-themed designs by photocopying the full-sized templates, then folding and cutting along preprinted guidelines. The templates range in complexity from easy to challenging, so papercrafters of all ages and at all skill levels can snip these fantastic flakes. Eight of the designs are also printed on colored paper, all ready to fold and cut.

My Thoughts

This is a neat book. I got this for my daughter because she loves crafts, and I thought this would be a unique project for her to do. This wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be. We haven't made it past level one yet. This wasn't something I could hand her (she's 8), and let her be on her way. We had to do these together, which was fine. It gave us some bonding time.

To do these, you'll need scissors and a whole punch. You can copy the templates with a copier, and there is a link inside the book to download the templates to print. Then you have the ability to make as many as one as you want.

There are 4 different levels to choose from. 1 being easy - 4 being hard. Overall, we really liked the book. It lets you make some unique snowflakes to hang around your home during the holiday season. It's also a great activity to do as a family.

Book Review: The Spider on the Web by Lee Jordan

The internet is a terrifying place, with online predators, cyberbullies, and identity thieves lurking in every corner—and it’s laced with lots of young prey. When children use the web without supervision, they are exposed to a wide range of frightening situations.  Now, one father is on a mission to keep our kids safe by using a language they can understand—a cautionary short story with a rhythm and a purpose.

Jordan’s new campaign is a fresh take on internet safety. In One Creepy Street: Spider on the Web, he dives into the dangers of online games, social networking, and other seemingly harmless
communications. Readers are thrust into the tangled web of an online predator who prowls the internet, targeting children and using games to lure in his unsuspecting victims.

Spider on the Web is a whimsically illustrated story that not only appeals to children of all ages but also teaches valuable lessons such as:

• The perils of social networking and communicating online with strangers.
• Why sending pictures and other information over the internet is a recipe for disaster.
• How children can use their parents as online mentors, asking questions if anything seems creepy or suspicious.

My Thoughts

This was a really cute children's book that goes over the various dangers on the internet. It mainly talked about not knowing who was on the other side and to not give out private information or go somewhere and meet the person. I believe as a parent in the digital age, it's never too young to start teaching your kids about the safety of the internet.

In this book, the main character decides to meet this so called friend of hers online at the local mall, who turns out to be a big nasty spider. Her parents discover what she has done before it gets serious, but the book does hint on what could have happened.

My children are 8 and 10, and they had an easy time following along with the story. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. And the writing was very good and the words were easy to understand on my children's level.

Book Review: My Yellow Balloon by Tiffany Papageorge

There has been a lot of sadness in the news, from devastating natural disasters to violent protests and much more. It’s no secret that our children are directly or indirectly exposed to and aware of life’s most difficult occurrences, and in their true curious nature, they may have questions.

Whether your child has observed a loss or dealt with one of their own (death, divorce, moving away, deployment, etc.), helping them understand it all can be challenging. Tiffany Papageorge, sought-after speaker and author, addresses this difficult topic with her inspirational new picture book, My Yellow Balloon.

Breathtakingly illustrated by a Dreamworks artist, My Yellow Balloon tells the simple, powerful, and heartfelt story of a young boy who gets a yellow balloon while visiting a fair with his parents. He loves the balloon dearly until it accidentally slips from his hands. Without his yellow balloon, all of the color drains from the boy’s world, until one day when the boy sees the yellow balloon reflected in the sun and knows it will always be with him, even if it’s not in his hands anymore.

Providing comfort and clarity, My Yellow Balloon can help parents begin a difficult conversation with their children. Loss is very real, but doesn’t have to be so scary.

Age Level: 4 - 8 | Grade Level: P - 3
It all started at the carnival…That’s where Joey makes a new friend: a bright yellow balloon. Joey and his beloved balloon do everything together, until the balloon accidentally slips off Joey’s wrist and flies far, far away. What will Joey do without his special friend?

Tiffany Papageorge has crafted a poignant tale of love, loss, and letting go that will serve as a comforting guide to children who are navigating the complicated emotions of grief. Rich, luminous illustrations by Erwin Madrid perfectly capture these timeless themes, making them accessible to even the youngest reader.
Honest, unflinching, and ultimately reassuring, My Yellow Balloon will resonate with anyone who has endured the darkness of grief, while offering hope for brighter days ahead.

My Review

This was such a good book and my daughter really enjoyed it. There was a lot of emotion in this story and I think it's relatable for most children. Losing something, even a balloon is hard on a child. They don't fully understand why things are lost and not able to come back. The deeper meaning in this book is about losing a loved one, but the author words it in a way for children to understand and relate to.

I found the writing to be good and my daughter who is a reader, didn't have any issues pronouncing words or following along with the story and understanding it.

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and really help capture the reader as they find their way through this story. I personally feel like this is a book that all parents should have, because at some point during a child's life, they are going to have to deal with a loss that they just don't understand, and this story is helpful during that time.

Candlewick Press - What Would Princess Charlotte Read?

What Would Princess Charlotte Read?

In honor of Princess Charlotte, the newest addition to the British royal family, here is a list of books that any young royal would love to read!

In this selection of stories from Candlewick Press, there are tales of family, friendship, loyalty, and compromise. What better topics for a young royal to learn about? With ingenuity and curiosity, these princesses have the power to make things happen. From ornate royal gowns to black capes, from the comforts of the royal castle to dirt-filled flower beds, to learning about sharing and open-mindedness, these princesses show that being a princess is more than just a fluffy pink stereotype.

These princesses are full of curiosity, daring, and adventure, and it is a joy to read their tales and imagine along. Your young royal will undoubtedly find a book to enjoy!

THE PRINCESS IN BLACK. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by LeUyen Pham. Published by Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.

The Princess in Black

Written by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

HC: 9780763665104 ∙ October 2014 ∙ 16.99 ∙ 96 pages ∙ Ages 5-8

PB: 9780763678883 ∙ April 2015 ∙ 6.99 ∙ 96 pages ∙ Ages 5-8

Who says princesses don’t wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black!

« “The authors of "Rapunzel’s Revenge" and "Calamity Jack," writing here for a slightly younger audience, successfully turn the treacly princess genre on its ear, offering beginning readers a clever, adventurous, and self-reliant heroine who is equally at home in black or pink.” – Booklist

My Thoughts:

What an adorable read. I first handed this to my daughter to read who is 8 and was going to get her take on it. But then I picked it up and started to flip though the pages and found myself captivated in the adorable tale about a little princess who is like a Zorro of characters. A lot of other fun characters were created in this. It's the first book in the series. My daughter and I both enjoyed it and will be looking for book 2.

I found the writing to be easy to follow and easy for early readers. The illustrations were pretty and eye catching.

The Big Princess

By Taro Miura

HC: 9780763674595 ∙ May 2015 ∙ 14.99 ∙ 40 pages ∙ Ages 2-5

A simple fairy tale meets bold, geometric art in this fresh, witty story from Japan.

“The unique digital collage artwork will inspire a host of related art activities. The Big Princess is bound to be a big hit.” – School Library Journal

The Princess and the Peas

By Caryl Hart, illustrated by Sarah Warburton

HC: 9780763665326 ∙ February 2013 ∙ 16.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 3-7

Lily-Rose May will not eat her peas. Even when her father turns them into the most fabulous smoothies, shakes, or cupcakes, Lily can always tell they are there and turns her little nose up at them. Luckily, the doctor knows exactly what to do. He diagnoses an incurable case of princess-itus and sends Lily to live at the palace. Unfortunately for Lily-Rose May, the perfect food for a princess is . . . well . . . that would be telling!

“Indefatigably sprightly and lovingly detailed illustrations.” – Publishers Weekly

The Princess and the Presents

By Caryl Hart, illustrated by Sarah Warburton

HC: 9780763673987 ∙ August 2014 ∙ 16.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 3-7

Princess Ruby is the most spoiled princess you could ever meet. And when it’s her birthday, there are so many presents that the palace literally bulges at the seams. But when the palace and gifts finally collapse on the poor king, the tiny tyrant realizes that she has overlooked the most precious thing of all.

“Bright candy colors and rhyming text characterize this tale.” – Kirkus Reviews

Garden Princess

By Kristin Kladstrup

HC: 9780763656850 ∙ March 2013 ∙ 15.99 ∙ 272 pages ∙ Ages 10+

PB: 9780763676681 ∙ March 2015 ∙ 7.99 ∙ 272 pages ∙ Ages 10+

Dig in to this middle-grade fantasy featuring a horticulturally minded princess, a beautiful but evil witch, and a magpie with a shameful secret.

“What could have been just another fairy tale hints at a rich backstory and sweeps the reader into a bewitching adventure. The book is neatly paced, particularly in the latter half, when the chapters alternate between Edward and Adele. A solid choice for reluctant readers.” - Booklist

Book Review: Good the Goblin Queen

Good is a seven-year-old girl who was adopted by absolutely ghastly parents. One night, after wishing on hundreds of shooting stars to become a queen, an elderly ghost appears to grant her wish in the most unexpected way, making her queen of the Goblin Kingdom. Yet what seems like a curse becomes a blessing when she meets seven goblins on their way home.

They lead Queen Good to the Goblin Kingdom, until stopped upon discovering that a mysterious enemy has destroyed their homeland completely. Good must now help her fellow goblins discover who their enemy might be, and in doing so she just might discover who her real friends are, and who she really is—good, queenly, and a little goblin.

My thoughts:

Such imagination and creativity in this book.  My eleven year old daughter loved this book.  She read it in two days from front to back in two days.

In this book, Good just wants to fit in, and feels she doesn't with everyone.  Good gets turned into a Goblin and takes you along her magical journey in this book.  Good meets all kinds of characters as she travels as a Goblin.  This book is written so that you can almost visualize the characters that she encounters.  The illustrations are really cute and well done also. 

This is a book that the young and old would enjoy reading.

Celebrate Easter with Candlewick Press!

Spring is here!

…and with it comes warmer weather and melting snow.  It’s a great time to get little ones out and about, whether they’re romping around in the backyard, taking a trip to the playground, or participating in an Easter egg hunt!

These Candlewick titles for kiddos under 5 are perfect for getting you and your family in the mood for the new season.  Featuring a variety of adorable, furry friends (and a familiar one-haired baby covered in Easter egg paint), they’ll work at playtime and bedtime alike—and they’ll look great in an Easter basket with some chocolate eggs, too.

Peep and Ducky Rainy Day

By David Martin, illustrated by David Walker

PB: 9780763668846 ∙ February 2014 ∙ $14.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 0-3

Perfectly tuned to a toddler sensibility, this exuberant tale will enchant both listener and reader.

When Peep visits Ducky on a rainy day, the little pals have no trouble finding things to do. Inside, there is a tent to build and a pillow fight to be had. And outside, with the help of galoshes and umbrella, it’s fun to captain a boat—until a whoosh of wind and a clap of thunder sends them running back in!

« “Totally in tune with toddlers, this snappy read-aloud gets it right.” — Kirkus Review

Hop! Hop!

Written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli

Board: 9780763663193 ∙ February 2015 ∙ $6.99 ∙ 26 pages ∙ Ages 0-3

The Easter Bunny is coming! It’s time to dye eggs. Did you know that red and blue make purple? That blue and yellow make green? That an art project may result in a multicolored Baby? There are bunny ears to wear (for the dog and cat, too) and an Easter basket to put out before bedtime. What will Baby find inside it the next morning?

“Preschoolers, parents, teachers, and librarians will be excited to ‘hop’ to Patricelli’s latest.” — School Library Journal

My Thoughts:

Hop! Hop! was an adorable book that goes over the fun things kids get do at Easter. Such as coloring eggs! While coloring the eggs, children will learn things such as red and yellow make orange.

The little boy in the book does arts and crafts after he dyes Easter eggs, followed by eating jelly beans and going on an Easter Egg hunt.

Kids will enjoy this book because they get to read about the things they are already doing, as well as some learning along the way. My daughter enjoyed the book. The illustrations are bright and eye catching, and sure to keep your child looking all over the pages as they follow along with the story.

Cutie Pie Looks for the Easter Bunny

Written and illustrated by Jannie Ho

Board: 9780763675998 ∙ February 2015 ∙ $5.99 ∙ 8 pages ∙ Ages 0-3

Little readers will love joining in with Cutie Pie's search.

Cutie Pie's friends all have Easter eggs but Cutie cannot find the Easter Bunny to get her egg. Wherever can he be?

“An upbeat, interactive offering sure to make an appearance in Easter baskets and storytimes come spring.” —Kirkus Reviews

A Lullaby For Little One

By Dawn Casey, illustrated by Charles Fuge

HC: 9780763676087 ∙ January 2015 ∙ $12.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 2-5

At the end of a lovely day full of laughter and fun, little Bunny and Big Daddy Rabbit have time for one last game. All their woodland friends join in, too — woo-hoo! — but when little Bunny gets tired of all of the hullabaloo, Big Daddy Rabbit knows that a special lullaby is exactly what’s needed.

“Casey's rollicking rhyming text describes their romp, which draws the attention and enthusiastic participation of other woodland creatures. ... Fuge masterfully paints cheery bucolic scenes in watercolor. ... Young readers ... will relate to Little One's abrupt swing from rambunctious fun one moment and overwhelmed unhappiness at the unexpected result in the next. ... Sure to satisfy toddlers and preschoolers, this father-child tale will warm many hearts.” — Kirkus Reviews

Count with Maisy, Cheep, Cheep, Cheep!

Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins

HC: 9780763676438 ∙ February 2015 ∙ $15.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 2-5

Will all ten chicks be safe and accounted for by the last turn of the page?

It’s bedtime, but where have all of Mommy Hen’s chicks gone? Maisy is quickly on the case to find them, and little readers can help, too—by lifting the flaps to see who’s hiding in the stable, by the tractor, or up in the apple tree.

“The counting combined with the flaps, appealing barnyard animals and varied farm locations make this an ideal counting companion to better known stories and songs, such as "Old MacDonald." A book that doesn't take any "cheep" shots at the material.” – Kirkus Reviews

********

My Thoughts:

Count with Maisy, Cheep, Cheep, Cheep! was an adorable book. In this book, we are helping the mama hen find her chicks before bed, and she has 10 of them to find. They are hidden in quite some funny places all around the farm.

A child will want to read this one multiple times and find the chicks under the hidden flaps. My daughter loved the interactiveness of this book, and she had fun counting the chicks along the way. We also were able to do some math as we had to figure out how many chicks were left to find.