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Good Reads For Your Adventure Travels

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We Highly Recommend These Books For Children

For Help, Education, or Entertainment on Trips

By Bonnie and Bill Neely

BOOK & GAMES & CD/DVD REVIEWS

Please Note: The books and Audios reviewed here are my honest opinions. I received these unsolicited and free for promotional purposes, but I simply do not review the ones I do not believe to be review worthy.

The Warmest Place of All by Licia Rando and Anne Jewett is a delightful tale that warms children’s hearts. A day of winter fun in the snow comes to an end when Sophie’s mother calls her inside. Sophie wants to find the perfect place that will make her feel toasty warm, but no matter where her mother suggests, the chill of winter creeps back into her bones. Sophie cannot seem to find the warmest place. Packed with similes, this delightful tale concludes with the discovery that true warmth and comfort is found in the abundance of family love. Ideal for cozying up, The Warmest Place of All is sure to become a bedtime favorite and warm the hearts of little ones as they wait to see if Sophie finds the warmest place of all. The Warmest Place of All speaks the words in a child’s heart. All children want their parents to know that the warmest place of all is with the people who love and care for you.

Liking Myself by Pat Palmer, illustrated by Betty L. Shandeck is an excellent book for ages 8 and up with clever little illustrations and hand lettering that help the child identify with the pages. The important message in the book is for every person of every age and would prevent a lot of psychological disorders and depression in teen and adult life: It is OK and healthy to LIKE YOURSELF. There are many little habits and suggestions of self talk that are wisely given in ways children will enjoy, and exercises to do as a family group to reinforce each person's self image and self approval. I highly recommend this book as a MUST, not only for your child but also for yourself as a person and parent and for every teen.

The Mouse, The Monster, and Me by Pat Palmer, illustrated by Betty Shondeck is a book every parent should read and discuss with every child. Written for ages 8 and up, adults too will benefit greatly from this. With childlike hand lettering and illustrations Betty has augmented the writing in a way children will identify with. The book tells how a person can learn to be ME. It is not good to be a Mouse and let everyone walk all over you. It is not healthy or wise to be a Monster and attack those who disagree with you. It is wonderful and secure and happy to be ME by learning how to be pleasantly and non threateningly assertive in positive ways that encourage others also to be themselves. If everyone lived by the lessons in this little book, there would perhaps be no wars, crime, or divorce! The lessons are that powerful, and wouldn't it be great if we all learned these simple techniques as kids so that they became ingrained as daily, natural behavior. Get this book TODAY!

Nuni of Nunivak Island, A New Friend (With Lesson Guide) by PJ Nickels, Ilustrated by Juliann Kaiser This is a simple story of a little girl who lost her doll her mother made and how various animals help her find it. It is the first of a series of four books that depict the life, customs, people and language of Nunivak, an Alaskan Island in the far north. Words in Cup'ig language, native to that island, are interspersed through the books, with glossary at the back. This book is to teach cultural appreciation of the Nuniwarmiut People, and a lesson guide is also available, giving teachers and parents all kinds of activities, puzzles, pictures, and other interesting facts and activities to help children learn through this series about a little known part of the world and its people. The series is targeted for ages 7 10, with each book progressing the child further toward grade level goals while making learning fun. Also available as audio/music CD

Lewis The Lemur Adventures: The Belly of the Beast by P.J. Nickels and illustrated by Anita Saunders This little book is the first in a series on nine, written to teach children 8 12 to be mindful of caring for the earth and helping protect animals, especiallEn to teach children 8 12 to be mindful of caring for the earth and helping protect animals, especially endangered species. In this first book the lemur, komodo dragon and red billed hanging parrots. The author is highly qualified through degrees and work/life experiences to write this series, which is to help children progress through appropriate grade levels through fun and imaginative reading experiences. The series incorporates strange, whimsical words, with a dictionary for them at the back of the book, also maps and drawings. The lesson guide and audio cd give many related activities to make learning fun. Also available as audio/music CD

Vultures In The Cemetery by P.J. Nickels and art by Anita Saunders, for ages 7 10 is a good story about animals and birds who inhabit a cemetery in Colorado and is written from the imagination of the author, who passes this cemetery every day. The little chipmunk learns a valuable lesson of never judging anyone by his or her appearance, when the vulture, whom he criticized as ugly and mangey, seems to save his life. They become unlikely friends while the children reading the story gain great understanding and respect of people who are different. A good story and tool for teaching to grade level. The lesson guide offers many ideas to enhance the learning experience. Also available as audio/music CD

The Legend of Honey Hollow by Jeanne McNaney, illustrated by David Cochard is a delightful book for pre school and early elementary children to introduce the principles and reasons for protecting wildlife and practicing conservation. In the story when the bears' habitats are destroyed they escape to the enchanted forest of Honey Hollow and are saved by the children of the loggers. The wonderfully appealing illustrations by this French artist are captivating and draw parents and children into the plight of the bears in the story. At an early age children with this book can learn the inter connectedness of all life, so that future generations will do a better job than their parents and grandparents to protect the earth and endangered species. For children to learn these concepts early and in a fun way is the best way for the future of the earth.

The Day Meike Rang The Church Bell by Dr. Anna P. Adriana Rich, illustrated by Grace Liu. The author, drannette@citlink.net , is a minister, teacher, nurse and author and is using the book's proceeds to purchase land for a ranch for children. The book has a clever little story for children about a child in Holland who is so excited about the birth of a new baby that she goes to the church and pulls the bell continuously, the way the town is told of good news. But the people become very frightened because the bell is also rung as a warning for terrible events, as well. Meike's punishment teaches her a good life lesson and her obedience and learning are models for readers. The book has good teaching points in a simple little, old world story form.

Move It. Lose It. Live Healthy. Achieve a Healthier Workplace One Employee at a Time! by Thomas B. Gilliam; Jane Neill This excellent book is your family guide to a healthy and fun lifestyle. Explaining the basics of proper nutrition and fun ways to exercise, the authors detail the necessity of helping pre schoolers learn these healthy habits and learn why their bodies need for them to choose nutritious foods, not to develop bad eating habits,or smoking or alcohol. This book is a good guide to helping correct the problems with the current generation of youngsters who are the most obese, least exercised of any generation in history and the health problems for them as adults are staggering. This book presents adorable characters, Heart "E" and his friends, who help the parent teach the child how his body functions and which of these friends can help and which ones can hurt him and how he can protect himself from the harmful ones that destroy his body. This is an EXCELLENT book for the whole family to change to healthy, life enhancing life styles and have FUN and enjoyment while doing so. It is packed with great physical and scientific information but explained in simple to understand and follow ways. This is a MUST for every family...give your children and yourself the gift of happy energy, feeling great, and adult good health!

How The Moon Regained Her Shape by Janet Ruth Heller, Illustrated by Ben Hodson is a simple imaginary tale which in story form explains to children about the phases of the moon. The illustrations reflect the Pacific Northwest First People's culture and also the Native Americans of the Southwest. The book wond Children's Choices award from the International Reading Association and the Childdren's Book Council. The section at the end of the book for Creative Minds is an excellent and more scientific explanation of the moon, as a guide for teachers and other adults. I learned so much from reading this simple children's book, and you will too! A GREAT gift for any family!

Mad Tausig VS I3P Interplanetary Puzzling Peace Patrol, with puzzles by Ben Tausig and pictures by Goopymart is a new, challenging book of puzzles for upper elementary and middle school kids. With the theme of the reader being a recent graduate of the Interplanetary Puzzling Peace Patrol, the first assignment is to stop Mad Tausig. The puzzles relate to the theme and some are quite fun and difficult, requiring mental diligence. A fun book, perfect for Christmas stockings.

Billy the Bull, a Kids' Guide to Rodeo by "Cowboy Ted" Hallisey and illustrated by Craig Hayes is a very, very simple book for pre schoolers and the message and information is also pertinent for school kids. It this, the famous award winning rodeo cowboy Hallisey gives understanding for watching the various events of a rodeo, while instilling in kids the important message of never to smoke. Cowboy Ted has made it his mission to reach over a million kids and goes to various schools to present his book and talk. This book should be read first by any child attending a rodeo for the first time and makes a great rodeo souvenir to keep afterwards.

Hallelujah Handel CD a Classical CD for kids is a symphony of stories for all ages. Facts about Handel's life are woven into a fascinating story with more than two dozen exerpts of Handel's music featured throughout. In 1750 George Frideric Handel gave his magnificent composition of The Messiah to an orphanage in London.This history is spun through the eyes of a young musician in the orphanage whom Handel befriends. This CD series is a must for every member of your family to enjoy over and over, learning the marvelous music as well.

Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery CD A young orphan, Katarina, meets the great Vivaldi who is music director at the orphanage where she has been sent. In searching for all she has lost fills the void as Vivaldi teaches her to play the violin. This is a wonderful story based on Vivaldi's life and his music is played throughout. A terrific CD for your family library to enjoy often

Murmel Murmel Munsch! CD and Love You Forever: The Best of Robert Munsch CD are two musts for your collection of children's CD's. Performed by Robert Munsch himself these are collections of his many stories, favorites of children and adults everywhere. Each story is dramatically and simply told with many fun sound effects the author makes with his voice and the giggly responses of the audience of children on the recording, making these great learning to listen tools. Each story teaches concepts young children need to learn and because they are in delightful, silly story form, there is no resistance but eager participation from the children. Your children will be listening happily to these for years.

My Rewards Game from Halula & Co. is a fun new game that helps kids learn that it is fun to be good and to be helpful. Many testimonials from families who use the game regularly attest to its value as a teaching tool and its fun as a family game. Playing this game, earning points and moves for good behavior and good grades helps kids learn to be responsible for their own actions. The gameboard can hang on the wall to help the child see his or her own progress and feel personal satisfaction for achievements. Children of all ages, even teens, enjoy this and are highly motivated to achieve goals. Parents use it to show children why and when they earn or lose rewards such as allowance. The children can always look at their own score and see where they stand, eliminating arguments and battles! Excellent!

Read 'n' See DVD Bible by Stephen Elkins is a simple beginning reader Bible and also suitable for pre schoolers not yet able to read. The pictures are bright and cartoonish and on every page. The book comes with a DVD which uses the same cartoonish illustrations and interesting voices to read the book to the child. Each Bible story (Old and New Testament) is a very simplified version of many of the most significant Biblical characters, with the lesson of each story emphasized in a one liner. .

A CLASSICAL KIDS CHRISTMAS is a Symphony of Stories for all ages. This truly beautiful interweaving of traditional yuletide songs with stories and legends from around the world which illustrate each song is a CD that will become your family favorite for December for many years. The music, performed by some of the best artists in the world, is magnificent, and each voice chosen to tell one of the stories and legends is perfect for the spirit of that story. The CD is a magnificent treasure. Be sure to order many for your friends and family.

IT'S SPRINGTIME IN MY BACKYARD By Kathy Mazur is a simple pre school picture book about a child's relationship with a pair of ducks, Molly and Moe, that return each year in spring to live in her backyard. The photos and childish drawings are by the author, and the child pictured is her own daughter, Lauren. Lauren, now seven, reads the book on the CD that comes with it. This refreshingly simple book teaches about wildlife, trust, and caring.

SECRETS OF A CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE: "Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley" By Sally M. Walker won the Robert F. Sibert Medal and the Notable Award from the Association for Library Service to Children. Although the history of the submarines dates back to the 1620's, in 1864 the Hunley Submarine was the first submarine to ever sink an enemy ship, but the Hunley never returned to port and was lost for decades. "How the submarine, which lay buried in the mud of the ocean floor, left her bed there and what happened is a fascinating story of mystery, bones, and gold." The sub is now in North CHarleston, SC at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. In the 1870's PT Barnum offered $10,000 for finding the Hunley, which had silently delivered a torpedo which sank a Union ship blockcading the coast of South Carolina. The Hunley was re discovered in 1995 by archeologists. This fascinating book for young people is just as interesting and informative for adults in that it details in simple language and good photos the study of the layers of sediment for clues about the ship's sinking and about the demise of the passengers. All the archeology, history, forensics, discovery, and mystery solving are presented in an engaging way involving the intrigues of the sea and science. This is a terrific book for family or schools, good explanations, well written, and easy to read.

The Family Fitness Fun Book: Healthy Living for the Whole Family by Rose R. Kennedy is a must for every family book collection. It is a well organized and indexed guide to playing many types of active games with the goal of fun and fitness for every member of the family. With American children increasingly in danger of obesity and diabetes because of sedentary lifestyles, Rose gets your family into the habit of thinking “fun” instead of”work out!” Detailing many old timey games which require no planning or equipment,she tells the rules of the game in a quick glance chart telling :Indoor or Outdoor, Ages Appropriate, Number of Players, Suitable Weather, Time Required, Parental Supervision needed, and Intensity Level. She tells for each game what you need, how to set up, how to play, and the Rules. There are games for all ages, for indoor and outdoor, for small and large groups, Super Quick, Rainy Days, Snow Fun, Fun for One, Parties, etc. Kennedy explains how to determine heart rate and fitness levels and to set new goals for your family by incorporating daily movement into your activities just for fun and togetherness. The adorable black and white photos of laughing children throughout the book make the games look enticing. The book is a MUST!

The Jeff Corwin Experience from Blackbirch Press and Thomas Learning is a new series of nature books, long awaited by the young fans of the TV's crazy snake hunter Jeff Corwin, who is so popular on Animal Planet, Discovery, and The Learning Channel. In the introduction Jeff tells young readers,"I don't need to go (that) far to see amazing wildlife up close...you can still experience the awesome beauty of nature almost anwhere you go, any day of the week. The books in the new series for elementary age readers are 46 pages and loaded with full color photographs and Jeff's enthusiastic words telling about whatever place he is examining in each volume. Each has a very helpful glossary at the end to explain the terms he uses in explaining and teaching his readers. The series includes Snaketacular, which is about Jeff's passion and favorite species. There will be a book on each state, introducing kids to the natural wonders of plants and animals within or unique to that state. We selected Alaska, Arizona, Louisiana, California, and Florida and found each to be equally exciting and informative. Although the format and layout is the same for each, the facts and photos are completely unique in each. This is an excellent series to gift your school library or your children! And be sure to take these along on trips to enhance your learning and fun for the entire family. Adults will learn as much as the kids!

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