KREX BOOK OF THE MONTH, MAY 2013, BEST OF THE WEST featuring LITTLE RED HOT, COWPOKE & DIRTY DAWG, AND COWBOY UP!

     What are the odds of having three newly released children’s’ books about the West land in your mailbox at the same time?  May has unfolded as an ace high hand of three very different and wonderful books.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DOG by Lori Mortensen, COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO by Nancy Bo Flood, and LITTLE RED HOT by Eric Kimmel provide a trio of five apple books.

 

     Award winning author, Eric Kimmel is a master storyteller and re-teller.  LITTLE RED HOT with text by Kimmel and illustrations by Laura Huliska-Beith takes a classic and turns it into one creative hot read.  Set in Texas, Little Red Hot likes chili peppers.  Fearless and cleaver, she stands her ground with Senor Lobo.  What stands out in this book is Kimmel’s focus on his character’s uniqueness and strength allowing her to solve her own problem.  LITTLE RED HOT is a 1500 word, picture book. Heavy on the text like most classic tales, this book is for readers or is to be read aloud to school age children.  There are interesting facts about chili peppers placed strategically in the beginning of the book that make it clear the heat of chili peppers is serious business.

 I give this book 5 apples, outstanding. It takes a master storyteller to re-tell a story that has been over-told. LITTLE RED HOT feels new with just the right amount of heat.


     This book is a partial retelling of a classic tale, picture book that has a high word count. It is for children 6 and up.  It has high appeal for boys and girls.  The themes in the book are helping and helping your-self, and actions and consequences. 


     If you want to find out more about author Eric Kimmel, check out his website at: Eric’s Website.  LITTLE RED HOT is published by Amazon Children’s Publishing and is available online and through your local independent bookseller. 

 

     A cowpoke and his dog coupled with the rhythmic, rhyming, humorous romp of award-winning author Lori Mortensen and the dynamic, action oriented illustration of award winning illustrator, Michael Allen Austin energizes the reader in Mortensen’s latest book, COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG.  Mortensen is a first class, wordsmith with seamless rhythm and rhyme.   This fast paced, page-turner, pleases the eyes, ears, and hearts from children to adults, including cowpokes and dog lovers of all shapes and sizes.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is a 32-page picture book for school age readers and is a fun and fast read aloud for adults.  Page after page, readers will smile and wonder what’s going to happen next.  How will Clyde solve his dirty problem? 

     I give this book, 5 apples, cream of the crop. COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is a one of a kind, creative book with topnotch writing and illustration.


     This book is a picture book that has an average word count with complex language.  It is for children 6 and up and will appeal to boys and girls.  It could be used in teaching about poetry, rhyme and rhythm.

The theme is about sticking to resolving problems, humor, and knowing things will work out.


     If you want to find out more about author Lori Mortensen, check out her website at:Lori's Website.  COWPOKE CLYDE AND DIRTY DAWG is published by Clarion Books and is available online and through your local independent bookseller.

     COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO by award winning author, Nancy Bo Flood with photography by Jan Sonnenmair combines narrative poetry with detailed description of rodeo events that makes accessible a unique view of the Navajo rodeo.  COWBOY UP! is a non-fiction, story, picture book that captures what feels like the heart and soul of not just any ole rodeo, but a Navajo rodeo.  Bo Flood’s life on the Navajo Nation Reservation paired with research and skilled writing are precisely placed with poignant photographs that bring a charge to the page.  This nonfiction portrait is laced with narrative poetry and narrative from the rodeo announcer balanced with active description of the events.  Bo Flood not only carries out the task of writing from three different voices bringing them powerfully together She does it with the execution and confidence of the riders she depicts in her words. 

I give this book, 5 apples, cream of the crop.  COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO is unique and beautiful in its’ depiction of this rodeo slice of life on the Navajo reservation.   The themes in the book are rodeo, family and community.


     This book is a story, picture book that has a long word count and complex language.  It is for school age readers.   It will appeal to boys and girls.  It could be used in teaching about rodeo, native cultures, and poetry.


     If you want to find out more about author Nancy Bo Flood, check out her website at: Nancy’s Website.  COWBOY UP! is published by the WordSong an imprint of Highlights and is available online and through your local independent bookseller.

A BEST OF THE WEST BOOK is being given away this month to a lucky winner who posts a comment on this blog or signs up as a follower or likes the Book Wisdom by Diane Facebook page.  If you sign up as a follower please let me know you did, I do not have access to your name or use your information as I value your privacy. Drawing happens in June.

September 12th, Book Talk

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

A.A. Miline,  Christopher Robin speaking to his friend Pooh.

I was interviewed last month on KKCO as a former school counselor. One of the questions asked was  what do kids talk to school counselors about.  Over my fifteen years as a school counselor, friendship was one of the top topics for kids.  The sense of belonging or connectedness is part of who we are as human beings.  

My September's selection of books is a wide variety of books,  and friendship is the common denominator.  It takes two individuals to make a friendship.  To name a few, friends can be neighbors, classmates, sisters, brothers, siblings of the opposite gender, or cousins.  These individuals may be similar or different.  They may be helpful, self-centered, quiet and sensible, adventurous, or even mischievous.

Award winning author, Dori Chaconas delights her readers with the endearing friendship of CORK & FUZZ.  Dori has been telling stories her whole life and the ability to entertain others through her creation of memorable characters left me snickering and laughing as I read her book, CORK & FUZZ, THE BABYSITTERS.  Fully developed characters and fun, strong dialogue drives the reader page after page. Dori's words are matched perfectly with the lovable, and lively illustration of Lisa McCue. This book won The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award 2011 for The Best Children's Book of the Year by the Wisconsin Library Association. 

I rate this book a five apple book, cream of the crop, crisp and delicious. I smiled and giggled and laughed and longed for more.

CORK & FUZZ, THE BABYSITTERS is a chapter book for children of both genders, gages 6-9 who can read alone.

    The themes in this book are friendship, babysitting, and helping others.

    You can learn more about Dori,this children's book and her many other books at: Dori's Website.

     You can find CORK & FUZZ through the publisher, Viking Children's Books or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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Award winning author, Shirley Raye Redmond's book FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY is a non-fiction reader that brings to life the loyalty of friendship through the story of English cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright.  These friends stood by their fairy prank for sixty-four years when they finally shared the truth.  Shirley has taken the high appeal subject of fairies and transformed it into a early reader non-fiction book.  In 1981, Frances said, "It was just Elsie and I having a bit of fun."  Isn't that what all friends say?  

I rate this book a four apple book, a good non-fiction book.  Shirley takes high appeal subject matter and keeps it engaging as non-fiction. 

    FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY is for children of both genders, grades first through third who can read on their own and who no longer believe in fairies.

    The themes in this book are history of fairies, friendship and pranks.

    You can learn more about Shirley,this children's book and her other award winning materials at:Shirley's Website.

     You can find FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY through the publisher, Step Into Reading, Random House or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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    Colorado author, Marty Mokler Banks engages her readers with sisterly friendship in THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA.  The two sisters battle bullies, disasters, and loneliness when when one chooses to avoid returning to school by having one last summer adventure.  Marty accomplishes showing how different personalities whether in the realm of sibling or friend can be true to one's self and the other.  

I rate this book a three plus apple book, an enjoyable read. Marty has created a win-win with Tempest & Serena.

THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA is a chapter book for ages 7 and up of high girl appeal. It would make a good classroom read aloud combined with discussion.

The themes in this book are siblings, friends, adventures, and differences.

You can learn more about Marty and her book at: Marty's Website.

     You can find THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA  through the author or your local book store can order this book for you.  It is available in paperback and ebook. On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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Award winning author, Nicole Weaver's love of language, culture, and sisterhood inspired her book MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND,  a trilingual story in English, French, and Spanish.  Keeping the story structure simple and clear, Nichole creates a story that translates well into multiple languages.  Illustrator, Clara Batton Smith uses mirror images in her illustration to add a fourth level of understanding for the reader.

 I rate this book a three plus apple book, an enjoyable read,un agradabe leido,un agreable lu.  

            MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND is a story book for ages 4-8 with high girl appeal. The multilingual writing in the book will require fluent readers of the three languages.

The themes in this book are sisters and best friends.

You can learn more about Nicole and her book at: Nicole's Website.

You can find MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND through the author, Guardian Angel Publishing.  It is available in paperback, PDF Ebook, Flip book on CD. 

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TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER.  OCTOBER 16TH IS THE DATE FOR THE NEXT DRAWING.  GOOD LUCK!

August 24th, KKCO News 11, Today, Book Talk, Back to School

     
      As the new school year arrives, educators and parents often wonder about what books there are that help remind kids about building relationships or friendships, community, empathy and working together. Our complicated fast paced lives are easily filled with negative news and over reaction. Good people and their actions are easily forgotten unless we are in the middle of a crisis.  On KKCO, News11, Today with Terri Chappell, I shared two picture books that remind us that we and our children have choices on how we look at and interact with our world.

GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE by Lynea Gillen

     Author, Lynea Gillen knows that young children are very impressionable. Lynea's thirty years as an educator and counselor are the spine of her first children's book, GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE.  Simply and perfectly stated, Lynea uses her masterful writing skills to touch the readers hearts reminding them "goodness" exists everywhere in our daily lives.  Kristina Swarner's soft and colorful illustrations sew the author's voice and text to them creating a satisfying child-friendly book that is sure to become a favorite read aloud at home or in a classroom. Written for children 3 and up, GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE is a much needed and subtle reminder to be mindful on how to look at the world and sharing that message with our children.

I rate this book a four apple book, great read. Easy to read aloud, the wonderful text and illustrations will touch the child and adult, alike.

    GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE is for children of both genders, ages three and up. 

    The themes in this book are goodness, working together to make the world a better place, and empowerment.

    You can learn more about Lynea,this children's book and her other award winning materials at: Lynea's Website.

     You can find GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE through the publisher, THREE PEBBLE PRESS or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

THE LUNCH THIEF by Anne C. Bromley

     Observing real life situations with children, author, Anne C. Bromley utilizes her teaching experience to successfully write THE LUNCH THIEF, a book with multiple themes. With first rate observation and delivery, Anne focuses on the tricky subjects of responding instead of reacting, and hunger.  Believable characters carry this story portraying how easy it can be misunderstand others and situations. Illustrator, ROBERT CASILLA delivers the message in his strong use of point of view, line, and color that create additional emotional impact. For late elementary and middle grade readers and teachers, THE LUNCH THIEF shares difficult themes without being preachy.

I rate this book a four apple book, good - great read. I like how the author and illustrator were able to handle difficult subjects and making the story feel real.


THE LUNCH THIEF is for children of both genders, ages eight through middle school.

The themes in this book are responding appropriately, doing what is right, judgement, hunger, and kindness.

    You can learn more about Anne and her book at: Anne's Website.

     You can find THE LUNCH THIEF through the publisher, TILBURY HOUSE PUBLISHERS or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER.  SEPTEMBER 11TH IS THE DATE FOR THE NEXT DRAWING.  GOOD LUCK!

July 24th, KKCO News 11, Today, Summer Reads Series

     TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT WITH THE INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER AND GOOD LUCK.  BOTH BOOKS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY IN AUGUST.

     In my house of educators, summer is a time of grand plans and adventures often buffered with a great deal of resting.  We look for a balance which is about as easy to make happen as winning the lottery. It's July 24th and the retail "back to school" chant has begun.  My goal was to create great lists for parents to have for summer reading.  Although I have created them in my mind and on my legal pad, I have not got it translated into this website.  Perhaps this was a long term goal that was pretending to be just a short term summer goal.  Stay tuned.

     Today on KKCO, I shared about books and needs for young children, ages 2-6.  Children are always developing on multiple levels.  But, this time frame in particular is the ground floor or foundation for self esteem.  I recently visited a writer and colleague who is know as the "queen" of play.  A retired, child psychologist that focused on early years and play, Leah Kunkle Acus is such an inspiration and expert.  We talked a great deal about helping adults to understand the role of play and correlation with the development of self esteem. When I came home from our visit, there in my book pile sat the perfect fit with this conversation I had and today's book talk.

Cindy Moo by Lori Mortensen, Illustrated by Jeff Mack

     Award winning author, Lori Mortensen has taken a classic children's nursery rhyme to the next level, CINDY MOO, a positive, fun children's picture book where a spunky cow does not buy into what the herd believes.  Cindy Moo believes.  She believes in herself.  Can a cow jump over the moon?  Cindy thinks she can.  Illustrator, Jeff Mack helps to lift the text into a magical, night time adventure with his use of strong shapes, vibrant colors, and moonlit, cuddly, cow images.  You can check out their book trailer to this positively, wonderful book for little ones of all ages at Book Trailer, CINDY MOO.

     I rate this a 4 apple book, a good to very good, summer or anytime read.  Lori has created a strong voice in her character Cindy Moo who can do anything she sets her mind out to do.

    CINDY MOO  is 32 page picture book for young children, toddler to early elementary ages.  This book would be appealing to both genders. 

    The themes in this book are barnyard fun, "I Can Do It.", positive thinking, creative thinking, and self esteem.

    You can learn more about Lori and where to buy her book at: Lori's Website

     This book is published by Harper Collins Children's Books. You can find this book through your local independent bookstore.  In Grand Junction, our independent bookstore is GRAND VALLEY BOOKS.  Or you can find it at Harper Collins, Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

SHOW ME HOW! by Vivian Kirkfield

     The beginning of  author, Vivian Kirkfield's book SHOW ME HOW!, she includes the following poem, IF I HAD A CHILD TO RAISE OVER AGAIN by Diana Loomans.  This poem is about the building of self esteem in childhood and the power of play and love.  It is the perfect entry into the amazing resource guide for parents SHOW ME HOW!  Vivian has created a volume of work laid out in themed based chapters with an average of 15 picture books per chapter that help address the chapter's theme.  The picture books Vivian shares are a diverse mix of old classics and current books. After  a description of each book, Vivian gives a Positive Parental Participation Note to help parents and caregivers understand the the importance of the concept or idea brought through the picture book. This is done in a very professional, caring, non preachy way.   Each book is paired with a craft activity and a cooking activity.  The activities and books are meant to be used by caregivers, parents, and teachers working with young ones.  

I rate this a 4 apple book, a good to very good, parental/caregiver resource.  Vivian's expertise as an educator and parent speaker makes this book a wonderful resource.

    SHOW ME HOW! is 220 pages and for adults looking for books and activities that support building a strong self esteem in early childhood.  

    The themes addressed in this book are I can do it, I'm special, I love you and you love me, I am really mad right now, I'm a friend, and I like myself.

    You can learn more about Vivian and where to buy her book at: Vivian's Website

     This book is Indy published by MoneyPenny Press, Ltd . You can find this book through Amazon and Vivian's website.