Ruthie & the Hippo’s Fat Behind by Margot Finke
August 29, 2010 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Karen Cioffi
Title: Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind
Author: Margot Finke
Illustrator: K. C. Snider
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
ISBN (Print): 13: 978-1-61633-059-0
ISBN (eBook): 13: 978-1-61633-060-6
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind is a delightful children’s picture book that deals with a “big change” in a little girl’s life. And, with the first line the reader is immediately hooked: “Young Ruthie’s mood changed overnight, her smiles slunk off in gloom.”
What a great introduction to a children’s story. The stage is set, Ruthie’s “smiles slunk off in gloom.” Right there on the first page, in the first sentence you know Ruthie has a problem . . . a big problem.
Due to a family move, Ruthie had to leave her school, her neighborhood, and worst of all, her friends. Everything she was familiar with was gone. And, like most children, Ruthie was having a very hard time dealing with the situation . . . the loneliness . . . and the adjustment to new surroundings.
Then one day, out of the blue, something changes Ruthie’s mood: “A whimper came, and then one more. Frowns melted into smiles. A Magic Moment, swirling fast, zoomed in and worked its wiles.” This is great writing.
As the title depicts, Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind explores Ruthie’s unhappiness and resulting reactions in a lighthearted and amusing manner. With rhyme and vivid description, Finke brings the reader along on Ruthie’s plight of loneliness, sadness, and anger with a twist of silliness: “Her moods grew big and ugly, like some Hippo’s fat behind!”
In addition to a great story, the book is filled with outstanding full page illustrations that are bold, colorful, and full of life. This combination will have kids wanting to read it over and over.
Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind is a book that children will absolutely love, and benefit from. To add to the value of the book, Finke includes a PARENT TEACHER GUIDE. This section offers useful tips and strategies to help children who are facing a “big change.” It also includes three links to websites that provide additional help and resources.
I am a huge fan of Margot Finke’s work, including Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind. With her expertise in rhyme and story telling, she has a knack for cleverly conveying what children may be feeling in a manner that engages, entertains, and is filled with humor. She also has a knack for magically weaving rhyming content into wonderful images that take the reader on an amazing journey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, freelance writer, and reviewer. She is also the founder and manager of VBT Writers on the Move, and on the team at DKV Writing 4 U. For information about writing and marketing, stop by karencioffi.com and sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter – you’ll also get 2 FREE e-books about writing and marketing.
Penny & Rio – The Diamond Collar Adventure
August 26, 2010 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Kristi Bernard
Jennifer Swanson, author of the Penny & Rio series of books for kids was this week’s guest on Book Bites for Kids. Click on the blogtalkradio player in the right sidebar of this page to listen to that interview.
Then CLICK HERE to read a review from Kristi Bernard of Swanson’s latest book in the Penny & Rio series – The Diamond Collar Adventure. Kristi also includes information about the fun contest for kids that Jennifer Swanson has going on right now.
Taneesha Never Disparaging by M. LaVora Perry
August 11, 2010 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Kristi Bernard
Title: Taneesha Never Disparaging
Author: M. LaVora Perry
Publisher: Wisdom Publications
Release date: 2008
ISBN-10: 0-86171-550-0
Taneesha Never Disparaging is a wonderful journey through the life of a teenager. Finding her way in regards to school, friendships, bullies and religion would be tough for anyone. Taneesha faces her fears and the reader will cheer her on all the way.
Taneesha Bay Ross is back to school after a long summer break. She is back to dealing with class bullies, homework assignments and worst of all school elections. And on top of all that everyone in the schools knows she is a Buddhist.
Her friend Carli has nominated her for class president. Taneesha, desperate in her attempt to stop Carli, chants but it doesn’t seem to work. As a result, Taneesha is trying to figure out a way to withdrawal her name from the nomination. She wants to tell her friend Carli to take her out of the running, but she is finding that is easier said than done. Along the way Taneesha shares with Carli her Buddhist religion and teaches her chanting.
Taneesha walks us through her role as a Buddhist by showing the meaning of “Nam Myoho Renge Kyo” which translates to “I devote my life to the wonderful Law of the Lotus Flower Teaching of the Buddha.” Taneesha turns to buddhism and chanting when she is feeling stressed. She and Carli are feeling the pressure of the school bully and everything seems to be escalating. As Taneesha faces her fears she finds that things are not always as bad as they seem.
A Witch’s Tale
August 11, 2010 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Kristi Bernard
Title: A Witch’s Tale
Author: Dawn Beaumont-Lane
Publisher: RealTime Publishing
Release Date: 2009
ISBN-10: 978-1-84961-024-7
Ages: 10-14
This is a delightful story for kids. It is filled with enchantment and magic. It is a story of kings, princesses and wizardry.
Aggie the witch lives in an enchanted forest. She spends her nights torturing the Wendles, a breed of half human and half goblin creatures of the forest. But that’s not all, she longs to be the Princess Chauntilla again. Princess Chauntilla and her sister Princess Dellaphina, or Mavilene the witch, were cursed by their stepmother because they fought over a King named Pazdro. The bitterness and hatred drew them apart. As time passed each would forgive the other, but neither knew of the others forgiveness.
What if Aggie’s new love, the wizard Craggle Nesbit, could get the two Princess’ to love each other a s sisters, turn them both back to who they once were, and make their lives glorious again? With a little magic could he also help turn Mick the Donkey back into Merinos the Unicorn? The battle begins as Glandugan fights to make Princess Chauntilla his wife. Craggle Nesbit fights to the death for the love of Princess Chauntilla. You will have to read this delightful story to see who wins.
Guardian by Katie Hines
August 10, 2010 by Writing for Children
Filed under Book Reviews
Reviewed by Donna M. McDine for the National Writing for Children Center
Title: Guardian
Written by: Katie Hines
Ages: 9-12
Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC
Print ISBN: 9780984070886
Published: January 2010
The promise to his dying mother intertwined with the talk of a treasure and one’s destiny at first intrigues Drew, until mysterious events plague Drew and his friends. Sent to his Grandpa Ian’s for his own safety, Drew convinces his friends to tag along for what he believes will be the chance to uncover a long ago lost treasure.
“I guess Dad is going to ship me off to Grandpa Ian’s. He lives close to the island where the treasure is, so maybe I can hunt for it.” His face brightened as a thought occurred. “You know what? Mom didn’t say I had to hunt alone. Why don’t you guys come along?”
En-route via ferry to Grandpa Ian’s and upon their arrival bizarre occurrences continue and Drew’s doubts grow. What is he to do? Forgot about his promise to his dying mother and return home or discover the lost treasure and his true destiny? Good versus evil is at every turn. Knowing who to trust and who to be wary of is a constant struggle for Drew and his companions. The internal dilemma of trusting ones instincts above what the Guardian says and what the Brother says sends Drew into a tailspin. Who wins out, good or evil? Find out in this fast pace fantasy within reality.
Come along for this roller coaster ride through the mysterious old age sect and discover who is truthful and Drew’s true destiny.
To learn more about author Katie Hines visit: www.katiehines.com or katiehines.blogspot.com
Look for her on Facebook
Follow Katie Hines on Twitter
