Author:  Mila Bernadkin
ISBN-10: 1589851552
ISBN-13: 978-1589851559
Publisher:  Five Star Publications, Inc.

In this Young Adult novel, five best friends help each other through their final year of high school, and the one with the worst attitude gains a new improved outlook on life

Author: John Green & David Levithan
ISBN:  978-0-525-42158-0

Author: Sally O. Lee
ISBN:  1-4505-3102-4
ISBN:  978-1-4505-3102
Publisher:  Lee Publishing

This is not just another “monster under the bed” book.  It is much more than that giving us the message that if we examine our fears, make friends with our fears, we can overcome them and celebrate our power over things that disrupt our lives

Author: Dawn Mitchell
Illustrator: Josh Will
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc
ISBN: 978-1-4327-5404-4

I love this book! It's really cute and the bright, colorful illustrations are wonderful.

Author:  Brian D. McClure
ISBN: 13:  978-1-933426-07-5
ISBN: 10  1-933426-07-1
Publisher: Universal Flag Publishing

This is a wonderful talking point book for parents to read to their children with extended discussions on things that might not always go their way, fears and anxiety about the unknown.

ISBN 978-1-4327-2981-3
Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1-4231-2130-5

This author has managed to put together a story that’s fun, exciting, and interesting with a main character who’s extremely sarcastic and brutally funny

Author: Josh Berk
ISBN:  978-0-375-85699-0

Great mystery, great characters, great writing, but, above all, the sarcasm (which is my absolute favorite thing in the whole world) fills this book with perfect, laugh-out-loud lines.  Enjoy!

 

Author: Matthew Skelton
ISBN:  978-0-385-73381-6

Author:  Laurie Monopoli
ISBN:  13:  978-0-615-31139-5
ISBN:  10  0-615-31139-3
Publisher:  Don Monopoli Productions/The Learning Station

I would highly recommend The Book About Tony Chestnut.  It is an important issue that children think about on a daily basis, will I make a friend, or will I be rejected?  Tony shows that sometimes it is important to take a chance

Author: Varian Johnson
ISBN:  978-0-385-73804-0

 

This was not only a wonderful book for young adults that deals truthfully with the hard-learned lessons of maturing in a world of rules and regulations, but it’s also a great book for parents who need to see the problems that arise when our youth try their best to be the saints that so many of us want them to be

Author & Illustrator: Manjula Naraynan
Publisher: Author House
ISBN: 978-1-4490-3366-8

The Red Red Car is a book that adults can learn from, reminding themselves to take a breath once in a while and to calm down

Author: Dalton James-
Illustrator:  Dalton James
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1-4327-4560-8

It's not often that an 8 year-old will write and illustrate his own story, let alone get it published. Dalton James has accomplished this feat three times!

Author: Brian D. McClure
Illustrated by Buddy Plumlee
Publisher: Universal Flag Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-933426-09-9

“A Storybook With An Important Message for All”

ISBN:  978-0-7112-2885-6

Highly recommended book for its creativeness and timeliness in regard to children being more active physically and creatively!

Author: Lara M. Zeises
ISBN:  978-0-385-73146-1

There are many good things about this book, especially the storyline of a young girl trying to love both of her parents, but having to give up the dream that they will someday be a "happy" family.

Author:  E. Lockhart
ISBN:  978-0-385-73426-4

One of the greatest things about this book is the journal writing and footnotes that are added to almost every page

Author: Adam Selzer
ISBN: 978-0-385-73503-2

The sarcasm and wit in every sentence of this book is truly remarkable

Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
ISBN:  978-0-385-73750-0

When an author begins by using or quoting The Raven, (my favorite), then I automatically know I’m in for a wild ride.

ISBN: 978-0-385-73794-4

There are not enough adjectives in the human language to describe the story that Mr. Dashner has delivered

ISBN:  978-0-375-85758-4

This book is not only laugh-out-loud funny at times, but it also makes you think

Author: Lauren Mechling
ISBN:  978-0-385-73523-0

This is a classic example of a modern-day Nancy Drew which will please readers of any age.

Author: Olive Peart
ISBN: 978-0-9823077-0-0
Publishers: Demarche Publishing

What does it feel like to be someone else? What happens if one person changed into another’s body? Peart has written a young adult novel about just that. She takes the two protagonists, Steve and Greg, through this exchange

Author: Dalton James
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1-4327-4560-8

A book authored by an eight-year old!

Title : Mikey series
Authors : Amal & santa Simothy, Hitul & Seema Thobani
Illustrator : Anca Delia and Budeanu
Publisher : Kidz4mation

The authors have come up with an original concept to teach a different developmental value through separate stories and books. The skills that the parents/teachers want to impart to children/students  - Positive thinking, gratitude, raising self-esteem, calming down a little, positive affirmation, self-belief. The footnotes for children and parents/teachers are very valuable and reinforce the lesson learnt  from the story

ISBN-13: 978-1-59020-273-9

For all the issues I had with the book, I must say that Year of the Horse redeems  itself with a cracker of a showdown, a very satisfying solution to the mystery of the treasure, and enough tantalizing clues to suggest the possibility of a sequel

Author: Karen Boes Oman
Illustrator: Marilyn Brown
ISBN-10: 1449961592
ISBN-13: 978-1449961596

Gifts of the Heart, by Karen Boes Oman, is a treasure. It’s a wonderful story about giving rather than getting

Author: Enna Neru
ISBN: 978-1-4327-2348-4
Publisher: Outskirts Press

It is a great storybook to read to smaller children so you can explain things as you go along. But for reading purposes, more suitable for an older child who might comprehend the story better. It’s a story children are sure to remember and possibly tell their own grandchildren one day

Author: David Michael Slater
Illustrator: Andres Martinez Ricci
Publisher: Magic Wagon
ISBN: 978-1602706590

On the Level is an inspirational story that reminds children that if they believe in themselves, they can accomplish anything. It also tells them to show their faith in their friends to help their friends accomplish their goals, as well

Publisher: Simply Read Books
ISBN: 978-1897476192

The Bored Book by David Michael Slater is a wordless wonder that children of all ages can understand and enjoy 

Author: Steven C. Cunningham, M.D,
Illustrator: Valeska M. Populoh
Translator: Myriam Gorosope, Ph.D
ISBN: 978-0-9721241-6-4
Publisher: Three Conditions Press

Thanks to the efforts of authors like Dr. Steven C. Cunningham, the joys of poetry coupled with paleontology can painlessly be introduced to children

Title: Elmer the Christmas Elf
Author: Marilyn E. Randall
Publisher: Lulu Publishing
ISBN-10: 0557153336
ISBN-13: 978-0557153336

ISBN:  978-0-385-737-61-6

This book has so many amazing points that adults and children should learn and understand, that literally everyone on the face of the earth should pick this up and read it

ISBN:978-0-9841808-0-5
Publisher: GMI Books

I do hope that the author writes the sequel and let’s us know the future of Athena and her family

Publisher:  North Word
ISBN:  978-1-55971-640-6

Children of the Earth...Remember is the second book created by artist Schim Schimmel.  It tells the story of Mother Earth coming to be in the Universe, first inhabited by animals who loved her

ISBN:  978-1-55971-225-5

Mother Earth points out how humans have been destructing her gifts as they carelessly cut down trees in forests, thus taking away so many animal homes

ISBN:  978-0-9824260-0-5

Jingles the Elf by Krissy Smith is Elf on the Shelf amplified.  He comes in a special box containing the book and a little elf, but then so much more.

Author:  Lauren Kate
ISBN: 978-0-385-73893-4

The author does a wonderful job of introducing us to fantastic characters, especially Arriane (my favorite) who is a smart-mouth young woman who seems to know far too much about far too many things

The politics of the time, the history of how hard the struggle was for many poor families, is absolutely inspirational.  The writer did a wonderful job bringing us back to the past, and making us understand that bigotry – in any form – can only harm

Author:  Garth Dahl
Publisher:  Modern World Publishing
ISBN:  978-0-978-2839-2-6


Gassy the Cow by Garth Dahl is a children's book that has great potential to be really funny.  The premise is a cow that has lactose intolerance

ISBN:  978-1593155476

An extremely easy read, designed to allow you to relax for a couple of hours during this hectic holiday season

Author: Lily A. Goldman
Publisher: Azergo
ISBN: 978-2-9811384-0-8

In this day of “Going Green,” parents and educators can use this book as an introduction to composting. For further study, they can rely on the resources listed in the back

Author and Illustrator: Lily A. Goldman
Publisher: Azergo
ISBN: 978-2-9811384-0-8

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4392-5983-2

A visual and aural treat for every reader, young and old.

Author: Tracy Richardson
Publisher: Dowling Press
ISBN: 978-1-935462-25-5

Author: Kathryn Witt
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-160844-132-7

This would be a great book for any young girl and perhaps it might spark a love and appreciation for Gone With The Wind in yet another reader

Author: Marilyn E. Randall
Publisher: Lulu Publishing
ISBN-10: 0557100410:  ISBN-13: 978-0557100415

For Faithful Friends will be a treasure to share with young children or grandchildren and will enhance any school or home library

Author: Sally O. Lee
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
ISBN: 1-4392-61114-8:  ISBN: 9781439261149

Stop It is a children’s picture book focusing on the topic of bullying

Author: Samuel Lopez
Publisher: Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications
ISBN: 978-158985-160-3

The book can be used to teach children to be compassionate toward animals. It can also be a springboard for discussion about care of kittens

Author: Samuel Lopez
Publisher: Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications
ISBN: 978-158985-157-3

Again, Samuel Lopez provides colorful illustrations that will appeal to children. The end of the book is filled with real photographs of the real-life Tri-Ike, playing and having fun. You can’t help but fall in love with her spunk and vitality

Author: Samuel Lopez
Publisher: Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications
ISBN: 978-158985-158-0

The story demonstrates the kind of cruelty to animals that exists in this world, and shows how love and compassion can bring about miracles. It’s a great learning tool for children

Author: Samuel Lopez
Publisher: Little Five Star, a division of Five Star Publications
ISBN: 978-158985-159-7

This is another book that is great for teaching children how to be compassionate toward animals

Author: Barbara Gail Techel
Illustrator: Victoria Kay Lieffring
ISBN-10: 0-9800052-4-8
Publisher:  Joyful Paw Prints

 A delightful story as well as an introduction for young readers to profound concepts as dementia and death

Author: Elaina Redmond
Illustrator: Scott Stewart
Publisher: Spencer Publishing
ISBN: 978-09815515-0-0

Publisher:  CreateSpace
ISBN:  978-1449555979

This is a book that parents can share with their children and refer to during discussions that emphasize the values of patience and sharing.

Author: A MusicTale by Kit Eakle:
Illustrators: Jean Eakle with Aubyn Eakle
Publisher: MusicKit
ISBN: 0-9713194-0-5

Author:  Suzanne Lieurance
ISBN:  978-0-7660-3311-5

This book is an absolute gem offered by Enslow Publishers, who provide K-12 school libraries with some of the best non-fiction books available

Publisher: HappyAbout

Dignity Rocks should be in school libraries, the office guidance counselors, study schools, hospital libraries, group homes, and schools and in every home for all children to read. Dignity Rocks and so does author Stephanie Heuer for writing this book and sharing it with us.

Author: Manjula Maraynan
ISBN: 978-1-4490-3366-8
Publisher: AuthorHouse

In a very well illustrated book that will help a non-reader and younger reader understand the emotions depicted in each illustration, children of all ages can learn from our red Red Car that anger is an emotion that needs to be controlled or you might not like the end result

Author: Jennifer White

Illustrator: Colin White

Publisher: BookSurge Publishing

ISBN: 1-4392-5983-6

This highly creative effort from team White makes this one very special and delightful book perfect for any young ( or even older) reader who likes to laugh

Author: Paul Hightower
Publisher: Enslow Publishers
ISBN: 13: 978-0-7660-3408-2
ISBN: 10: 0-7660-3408-9

Once again, the Enslow Publishing house delivers another wonderful teaching story for children

Author: Olga Cossi
Illustrator: Gary Bernard
Publisher: Odyssey Books; 1 edition (August 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0976865580: ISBN-13: 978-0976865582

The fact that the book is dedicated to Pemba Doma Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest via the North Face brings the story even more alive as we see that somehow, somewhere one little girl really did choose to follow her dream and with determination in the face of criticism succeeded

Author: David Almond
ISBN:  978-0-385-73806-4

Every once in a while a book comes along that I have so many emotions about that it is almost impossible to know whether or not I actually enjoyed the book.  This is one of those stories

Author:  Jennifer Caloyeras
ISBN:  978-1-935290-08-7
Publisher:  Diversion press, Inc.

Like many YA books, this has a sleight case of bland parent syndrome; despite that, one of the best scenes is when Evan erupts in anger at them, and we get to feel Evan’s frustration

Author: Rebecca Barnhouse

ISBN: 978-0-375-85856-7

The Book of the Maidservant is a page turner, highly recommended for those who are used to a cushy life. Rebecca Barnhouse is a beacon of pilgrim knowledge, with all their hypocrisy and their goodness. It is reminiscent of Tracy Chevalier's The Girl with the Pearl Earring

Publisher: Chiron Books

A heartwarming and thought provoking book about life, growing up and finding purpose

Author and Editor:  Cynthia Brian
Publisher:  Morgan James Publishing
ISBN:  978-1-60037-632-0

Be the Star You Are! For Teens is the latest collection from teen empowerment expert and life success coach, Cynthia Brian.  It is a collection of 74 stories designed to empower and inspire teens

Author:  Wim Coleman & Pat Perrin
ISBN:  978-1-935178-06-4

The authors of this book have contributed, written, and/or edited more than sixty books for educational publishers and are currently developing a series of videos for classroom use.  As a mom, I must say that I hope many more books from these authors will turn up in school curriculums, simply because many of our children need to learn about people other than themselves.  I think it would be wonderful to raise the next generation to be interested and excited about the numerous factions, races, faiths, and more, that make up our country.

Author:  Wim Coleman & Pat Perrin
ISBN:  978-1-935178-07-1

I’ve been lucky enough to have read three books by this talented writer duo, and it was no surprise that this one was as wonderful as all the rest

Author: Rebecca Wingard-Nelson
Publisher: Enlsow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN: 978-7660-3142-5

I Can Count Money is an ingeniously designed book that effectively teaches young children how to count coins and paper currency

Authors: Ann Benbow, Colin Mably
Illustrator: Tom Labaff
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN:–978-0-7660-3151-7
ISBN:-10: 0-7660-3148-9

Master the Scientific Method with Fun Life Science Projects is one of the clearest tools I’ve seen that teaches and explains to children exactly how to methodically move from query to investigative conclusion using the scientific method.

Publisher: Booksurge

A book to read for its interesting vision of the future.

Author – Carmen Bredeson

Publisher – Enslow Publishers, Inc.

ISBN – 13: 978-0-7660-3122-7

ISBN – 10: 0-7660-3122-5

A new, creative, and compelling tale that takes us back to the time of King Arthur.

Author:  Kathryn Witt
ISBN:  978-160844-132-7

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to receive this book in the mail.  It couldn't have gone to a better person.

Authors: Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster
ISBN: 978-0-385-73767-8: 978-0-385-73768-5: 978-0-385-73769-2
Publisher: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

This is yet another YA that is also perfect for adults who want to venture into the past and enjoy a roller-coaster ride of fun

Author: Hitoshi Nakagawa
Publisher: One Peace Books, Inc.
ISBN: 978-0-9785084-4-9

The World’s Easiest Astronomy Book is a must have for anyone whose imagination is peaked by the universe

Author:  Schim Schimmel
Publisher:  SchimmelSmith Publishing
ISBN: 10: 0615295096 :  ISBN: 13: 978-0615295091

The Butterfly's Treasure by Schim Schimmel is one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring books I have ever seen. The vibrant colors on the cover alone inspire dreams of far-away places. Each turn of the page reveals another jaw-dropping, inspirational view of some of the world's most majestic creatures and places. As I read this book to my class of 3-6 year-olds, I was moved by their exclamations as they saw each painting

ISBN:  978-3-9502804-0-1

This children's book is unbelievably beautiful, and the morals it teaches are as beneficial for adults as they are for children.  To me, it's on par with The Polar Express, and the mystery of Santa Claus.  It teaches belief, faith, hope, and magic that should be carried inside our hearts into adulthood

Author: Ginny Christensen
Illustrated by: Sandy DiLeo
ISBN: 978-1-936046-43-0
Publisher: Mirror Publishing

Princess Andrea’s Birthday Surprise, is a sad, sweet, and memorable story for children.

Author: Terry Jones and Brian Froud
ISBN: 0-684-83206-2
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Editions

Lady Cottington's Pressed Faery Book seems to be the inspiration for this uproariously funny and often deliciously tasteless book devoted to the true nature of smells and stains. Apparently, smells and stains are living breathing creatures worthy of our respect and our curiosity.

Authors: Wim Coleman and Pat Perrin
Publisher: Chiron Books
ISBN 10: 1-935178-03-2:  ISBN 13: 978-1-935178-03-3

The Red Monocle Series is the next logical step for kids who have loved but outgrown the The Magic Tree House stories.

Authors:  Deena Haiber & Aimee MacDonald
Publisher:  Mushroom Hollow Press
ISBN:  978-0-615-24185-2

I think that the stories and concepts are a little too abstract for young readers, but older, elementary-aged children would be able to glean some understanding through conversation about each one

Author: Monika Mira
ISBN: 978-0-9793374-0-6

This is a great book, but not really a coloring book. It could well be placed in the regular curriculum of elementary schools and used as a teaching tool about Hawaii and the undersea creatures there.

Author: Leah Orr
Illustrator: Josephine Lepore
Publisher: authorhouse
ISBN: 978-1-4389-9398-0

Author:  David Michael Slater
Illustrator: Steve Cowden
ISBN:  1-55285-721-2
Publisher:  Whitecap Books

David Michael Slater's play on words in the title Cheese Louise let you know you're in for a comical treat before you even open the cover.  The verbal groaners just keep on coming, and you can't help but smile as you encounter each one.

Author:  Dawn Menge
Illustrator: Bobbi Switzer
ISBN:  978-1-59800-714-5
Publisher:  Outskirts Press

The book won an EVVY award from the Colorado Independent Publishers' Association and a Reader Views Literary Award

Publisher: The Hippocratic Press

This reviewer was enduring the sniffles as she sat down to read and review Katie Caught a Cold. Between coughs and nose-blowings I thought, “How ironic!” and then, “How appropriate. Who better to evaluate the effectiveness of the book?” Wishing I had a mommy’s lap to snuggle on, I grabbed a tissue and snuggled up next to the fire to begin

Author: Tom and Tess Hannah
Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1-4327-1610-3

An enjoyable collection for anyone with a yen for humorous verse

Author: Blume J. Rifken
Illustrator: Carl W. Wenzel
Publisher: Whirlpool Press
ISBN: 978-0-9796948-0-6

Scarecrow Finds a Friend is the charming story and delightful tale of how when friends work together they can get problems solved

Author:  Nellie Gonzalez Cutler, Managing Editor
Publisher: Time for Kids
ISBN: 10: 160320829:    ISBN: 13: 978-1603208291

President Barack Obama is one of the busiest men on Earth.  Time for Kids takes us inside the White House for an intimate look at a typical day for the President of the United States in their book, President Obama:  A Day in the Life of America's Leader

Author: Jim Stovall
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6593-2

Do you long to know the Wisdom of the Ages?  Pick up The King’s Legacy by Jim Stovall and find the wisdom that lies in the hearts and minds of all who surround you.  You’ll be glad you did!

Author:  Rick Yancey
ISBN:  978-1-4169-8448-1
Publishers: Simon & Schuster

Great job, Mr. Yancey.  I look forward with happiness, excitement, and a very nervous stomach for the second book in this thrilling series

Author: Murray Tillman

Publisher: Bascom Hill Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-9820938-3-2


Real or fictitious whether the events in this story really happened, it will remind you that all teenagers have issues and need to find themselves whether now or in the past

Author: Carol Baldwin
Publisher: Maupin House Publishing
ISBN- 978-1-934338-35-3

Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8 2nd ed. is one of the most effective and engaging books I have ever seen on how to teach creative writing to young students

Author: Kelly Moran
Illustrator: Lyn Lorbeske
ISBN-10: 0557094984: ISBN-13: 978-0557094981
Publisher: Lulu.com

The Tiny Caterpillar provides an important message about the differences between us all. I read The Tiny Caterpillar to my 3-year-old grandson and he enjoyed it. He listened attentively and was concerned about the tiny caterpillar. He also enjoyed the illustrations. This is the reaction an author wants from a young child. However, there were some drawbacks.

Authors: David and Mutiya Vision:
Illustrator: Ignacio Alcantara
ISBN-13: 978-0-9816254-0-9; ISBN-10: 0-981-6254-0-1
Publisher: Vision Works Publishing, New York

 
The Land of Expression is a heartwarming tale of appreciating each others’ differences and acknowledging that we all play a unique part in creating a larger whole

Author: Steve McGill 
ISBN: 978-1-4392-2371-0 
Publisher: Book Surge 

The Cave by Steve McGill is a fantastic, quick read, with plenty of suspense and chills to keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages as you follow along in the journey

Author: Tom & Tess Hannah
ISBN: 978-1-4327-1610-3
Publisher: Outskirts Press

Publisher: Chiron Books

Anna's World is an entertaining young adult novel about a fourteen year-old girl named Anna Coburn

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Aurora of the Northern Lights is a beautiful and touching story that is destined to become a Christmas favorite amongst young and old alike.

Author: Dawn Menge
ISBN: 978-1-4327-1169-6
Publisher: Outskirts Press

Publisher: PT Book Publishing

Martine Groenveld's upcoming book, Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy is a breath of fresh air in the world of children's books.

Author: Martine Groeneveld
ISBN: 978-0-9822959-0-8
Publisher: PT Book Publishing

Mommy, Draw Stars on My Tummy is a clever way to nurture your touch with young ones

Author: Taylor Rice
ISBN: 978-0-578-01205-6
Publisher: DeAnna Rice Media Group

My Cancer Mommy is a lovely story written by a brave daughter who learns how to survive her mother's scary journey of cancer

Author: Paul Nowak
Publisher: Eternal Revolution
ISBN: 0-9772234-9-3

The Inconvenient Adventures of Uncle Chestnut is a 64 page book intended for middle grade children

Author: Ginger Rue
ISBN: 978-1-582-46269-1

Ginger Rue’s fast-paced and compulsively readable debut novel, reveals the machinations and manipulations behind the creation of a top-selling brand and gives preteen readers an up-close look at the efforts and resources that go in creating a teen Sensation

Author: Paul Harrington
ISBN: 978-1-416-99498-5
Publisher: Simon Pulse

The Secret to Teen Power is a remarkable guide to success, dreams, and happiness. It is an easy read, but yet extremely informative. Even though this book is targeted for teens, adults can also grow and gain knowledge of what the law of attraction is and how it can transform their lives.

Publisher: Book Surge Publishing

Davey Bighead is a unique story about a kid with a special characteristic

Author: Lisa Woomer
ISBN number: 978-1-4327-3020-8
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.

Have you ever wondered what could happen if you ate too many cookies?

Author: Manjula Narayanan
Publisher: Authorhouse
ISBN: 978-1-4389-6957-2

Author: Tim Binding
Illustrated by Angela Barrett
ISBN: 978-0-385-75157-5

This magical novel is enhanced by Angela Barrett’s delicate and exquisite pictures

 

Author: James Patterson and Ned Rust
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
ISBN: 978-0-316-03618-4

Despite death and destruction galore, Daniel X: Watch the Skies is humorous entertainment, not endertainment, and readers should watch the skies for further adventures of the young Alien Hunter from Alparia.

Author: Steven Hornby
ISBN: 978-0-9815883-0-8
Publisher: Ecky Thump Books

Secrets of a Christmas Box is a fascinating and delightful story for all ages. Adults and children will enjoy learning about the festive world Larry, a Christmas snowman, and all the "Tree Dwellers" live in.

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
ISBN: 9780316013567
Publisher: Little, Brown (Hachette Book Group)

As always, Jerry Pinkney delivers a stunning and beautifully illustrated story. Highly recommended!

Author: Holly Hobbie
ISBN: 9780316166881
Publisher: Little, Brown (Hachette Book Group)

The illustrations were just beautiful and engaging. A delightful and insightful book.

Author: Paul Anders
Publisher: zanybooks
ISBN: 978-1441405524

I would have enjoyed reading the book had the language not been so strong and the descriptions of some of the more intimate scenes not so graphic. That is why I think the book should be geared to adults and not teenagers because of the strong language and sexual content.

Author: Dr. Charlotte Cowan
ISBN: 0-9753516-4-8
Publisher: The Hippocratic Press

A youngster with a scratchy throat would be calmed by this story and encouraged to know that medication will help

Author . Manjula Naraynan
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978- 1 - 4389 - 6957- 2

Author: Joe Dunthorne 

Publisher: Penguin

ISBN:  978-0-141-03275-7

Author: Barrie Summy
ISBN: 978-0-385-73602-2
Publisher: Delacorte Press

This is a great book that teaches children and adults that it is never too late to forgive, forget and love

Author: Candace Fleming
ISBN: 978-0-440-42229-7
Publisher: Yearling and Imprint of Random House Children’s Books

This book is not only a great read for a children to make them laugh, smile but learn some important life-long lessons too

Author: Patrick Shannon
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1-4327-3037-6

 Fables have been a time honored way to teach both children and adults.  Since Aesop, those witty stories with both wise and foolish animals making the same mistakes humans make have both entertained and enlightened.  The stories of Cisco the parrot in the book, Viva Cisco, are an excellent addition to the genre.

Author: Suzanne Davis Marion
Illustrated by: Marj Hales
ISBN: 9781439231654
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing

 This book, targeted for girls 3-8, is a brilliant exploration of colors and problem solving for young children.

ISBN: 1-4196-8627-5

Author Heather McPhaul  has crafted a charming coming of age tale in Raggedy Ann Heart, about  a family struggling to get by in rural West Texas in the 70s.

Every Day on Earth is 224 page book with educational, interesting and fun facts for young people (and for their adults)

Author: Lucy Nolan
Illustrator: Connie McLennan
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Age Level: 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-934359-96-9 (hardcover): ISBN: 978-1-607180-41-8 (pbk.)

As the title of this book implies, with ingenuity and an obvious love of the sea, Ms. Nolan took some wonderful old standard nursery rhymes and wove them into sea and coastline themed poems. Within these rhymes, Ms. Nolan introduces bits of nautical history and information. Instead of Jack and Jill, it’s Jack and June who go up a dune. Sing a Song of Sixpense includes a trawler crew, first mate, captain, and deckhand.

Author: Suzanne Slade
Illustrator; Joan Waites
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-934359-93-8 (hardcover): ISBN: 978-1-607180-38-8 (pbk.)

Highly recommended!

Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher:  Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1-4327-3704-7

Ever wonder about the childhood of a queen?  What shaped and formed her to be a leader?

 

Authored and Illustrated by Jennifer Sattler
ISBN: 978-0-375-85708-9
Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers

Every once in a while a children’s book unequivocably grabs your attention The first time you set your eyes on the book cover, you fall in love with Sylvie. Who is Sylvie? A human being, a cat, a dog? No, she’s a pink flamingo.

Author: Tanita S. Davis
ISBN: 978-0375-85714-0
Publisher: Knoph Books for Young Readers

Mare’s War is Tanita S. Davis’s second YA novel.  It is a tragic-comedy and it will make you laugh and it will make you cry. Her dialogues are so entertaining that you just can't help falling in love with the characters.

Author: Garth Dahl
Illustrated by Reka Hegedus
ISBN: 978-0-978-2839-2-6
Publisher: Modern World Publishing

Gassy the Cow is a charming and funny story that kids will enjoy and joke about long after the reading.

Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Denver Colorado
ISBN: 978-1-4327-3704-7

The stories of King Arthur and the knights of the round table are ones that we all know.   However, we seldom think about the childhood of these famous characters.  While we know all about Arthur and Merlin, what about Guinevere? 

Author's Name: Ellen Nibali
ISBN number: 978-0-9818154-0-4
Publisher: Fairland Books

 
The secret of St. Nicholas is a true heroic tale for Christmas. A classic story that not only gives you a better understanding of Santa Claus and St. Nicholas, but it also demonstrates what it has to do with Jesus and how the whole Christmas tradition evolved.

Author: Stephanie Blake:
Translator: Whitney Stahlberg
ISBN: 978-0-375-85688-4
Publisher: Random House

A priceless read for young readers beginning school!

Author: Karona Drummond
Illustrator: Estelle Corke
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 978-0-310-71508-5

A really delightful book to own and treasure.

Author: Victoria Laurie
ISBN: 978-0-385-73572-8
Publisher:Delacorte Press

Move over Harry Potter, Ian Wigby  has entered the adventure literary young adult scene.

Author: Laurie Dean
Illustrator: KevinCollier
Publisher: Big Tent Books Language: English 
ISBN-10: 1601310358: ISBN-13: 978-1601310354 

The story of Baron is endearing, he is the pup we all have known, and may still have in our homes.  He is energetic, eager to please and lots of fun, much as is my own pup!  Happy to recommend Laurie Dean’s - Baron Thinks DOGS Are People Too-

Author: Tony Mitton: Illustrator:  Paul Howard
ISBN: 037585083X ISBN-13: 978-0375850837
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers Random House Inc

What a delightful read.   

Author: Storyheart
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1-4363-7176-6 

When a British teen experiences life in America

Author: Ellen Potter
ISBN: 978-0-399-24705-7
Publisher: Philomel Books

Watch out for one final surprise at the very end – a small yet wonderfully life affirming gesture that had me awestruck, humbled and teary eyed all at once. This is a book I shall keep returning to for a long time. 

Authors: Christine Ford and Trish Holland
Illustrator: David Diaz
ISBN: 978-0-375-84752-3
Publisher: Random House Children’s Books

Ocean’s Child is one of the best illustrated children’s books I have ever read and reviewed. It should become a classic in your children’s collections.

Author: Douglas Glenn Clark 
ISBN: 978-143824380

The Lake That Stole Children: A Fable is a novella in fable format that combines Pinocchio, The Pied Piper, Jonah, and the prodigal son.

Author: C. M. Fleming
ISBN: 978-0-9790857-1-0
Publisher: On Stage Publishing

Finder's Magic is magical. It's packed with excitement, mystery, intrigue, despair, and hope. Young and old readers alike will enjoy C. M. Fleming's story of early twentieth century Atlanta.

Publisher: Dial

 Gratz scores again!

One thing's for sure, Alan Gratz is not a one-book flash-in-the-pan author. This guy just keeps knocking hits out of the ballpark!

Author:Joanna Harrison
ISBN: 978-0-385-75173-5
Publisher: David Fickling Books

Author:Louise Yates
ISBN: 978-0-375-85698-3
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE

A Small Surprise is a gigantic fun book. First time author Louise Yates has penned and illustrated this delightful story. She always wanted to be a book illustrator. “One of the things she loves most about picture books is the silences, the moments when the text shuts up and the pictures either tell you something that the text hasn’t or something totally different. She likes it most when they disagree.”

Authors: Emily Jenkins and Giselle Potter
ISBN: 978-0-375-83693-9
Publishers:Schwartz & Wade Books

Sugar, a handsome blue-gray cat, is offered a large piece of chocolate cake but won’t eat it. Perhaps he knows that chocolate is toxic for cats!!

Author: Carl Hiaasen
ISBN: 978-0-375-83486-8
Publisher: Knopf For Young Readers

Carl Hiaasen is a number one best selling author in the USA and in particular Florida. He has all the ingredients for mass appeal: a strong, mysterious character driven by her passion for teaching and her love of ecology, a vivid environmental backdrop, romance, humor, and hints of sordid deeds. Hiaasen’s recent novel Scat also boasts elements of good literature: dazzling characterization, strong narrative and believable dialogue that moves the action along. 

Author: Susan Marcus and Susie Monday
Publisher: Foundry media
ISBN: 978-0-615-19060-0

Who says creative thinking is child’s play?

Author: James Beverly
Publisher: Nightengale Press
ISBN: 978-1-933449-76-0

 This delightful children’s book by James Beverly is the perfect “tail” to read. It has been awarded and is said to enlighten readers about the values our pets bring into life.

Author: Herman Wouk
Publisher: Back Bay Books (Little Brown)
ISBN: 0-316-95511-6

This novel was not well received when first published in 1948 and a few years ago a new publisher reincarnated it. It has now become a classic of the Bronx and Herbie Bookbinder and is now a legend.