Category: Lucy’s Library

A B C & COLOR ME by Valeria Cis ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY


by Valeria Cis

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Doodling, hand-lettering, and coloring pages introduce young readers to hand-lettering with with easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons.

ABC & Color Me is a sweet and engaging drawing workshop for kids featuring their own personalized alphabet doodles and inspirational sayings. The book begins with an introduction to basic lettering and doodling techniques geared toward young artists. As young readers have just learned the alphabet and have only started to read, ABC & Color Me adds extra creativity for a fun exploration of doodling, coloring, and designing your own alphabet. Featuring interactive lessons and projects with easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions on how to hand-letter the alphabet in fun, quirky ways, ABC & Color Me encourages young artists to personalize their own unique doodles and inspirational sayings for hours of hand-lettering fun!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valeria Cis was born and raised in the city of Rosario, Argentina, where she lives with her son, daughter, and husband. As a little girl, Valeria spent many hours painting, drawing, and reading, especially on rainy days. Once she realized that she could merge her passions, she dedicated her time and talent to illustrating children’s books. Valeria studied fine art at The University of Humanities and Arts in Rosario. Her illustration, inspired by daily events and ordinary objects, is brought to life with special attention to detail and pattern. When not illustrating, she likes to spend her time playing with her son, Facundo, and cat, Roberta, and collecting wooden chairs and old irons.

MY THOUGHTS

A delightful activity book that will keep PreSchool and Elementary children occupied and learning at the same time.

There are pages for doodling, coloring the ABCs and learning to print and even a page of cursive.

There are 2 things that I really liked. The first is that there are different patterns for printing, such as Animal Alphabet (see image below), Swirly Alphabet and Bubble Alphabet, to name a few. Then for the older children, there are pages where on one side there are pictures to color and the page beside it, a child can write their own story to go along with the picture (see image below).

This book is more than a coloring book, it’s a learning tool for little ones, that will keep them occupied for long periods of time.

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Quarto Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

WOLF TALES (Read & Play Puppet Theater) by Oldrich Ruzicka and Klara Kolcavova, Illustrated by Maria Neradova ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY

by Oldrich Ruzicka and Klara Kolcavova

Illustrated by Maria Neradova

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

Read & Play Puppet Theater allows you to not only read your favorite fairy tales, but also act them out on stage!

Read & Play Puppet Theater allows you to not only read your favorite fairy tales, but also act them out on stage. The box can be used as a stage and contains puppets, set pieces, and a book of three fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood, The Wolf and the Young Kids, and The Three Little Pigs. Each tale includes a shortened script and will capture the attention of event he youngest children. Just set up the pieces, get the puppets ready, and let the performance begin! The boxed set contains: a foldout puppet theatre, a book of three fairy tales with shortened scripts and prompts, 5 colorful set backdrops, and 9 double-sided paper puppets.

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely love this!!!

Not only is this a board book with 3 Wolf Tales, including the classicsLittle Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs and The Wolf & The Seven Young Kids, it also has cardboard puppets and a stage (see images below) that children can create the stories with puppets.

At the end of each story, there is directions as to what puppets can be used and the set to go along with each scene.

The book’s illustrations are bright and eye appealing.

The suggested age states 4-6, however, I think even older children will also enjoy creating their “stage play” as they read along with the stories.

I will be purchasing PRINCESS TALES (Read & Play Puppet Theater) for Lucy as I’m sure she will have hours of fun with both!

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Quarto Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

SAMMY’S BROKEN LEG (OH, NO!) and the AMAZING CAST THAT FIXED IT by Judith Wolf Mandell, Illustrated by Lise C. Brown ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY

SAMMY’S BROKEN LEG (OH, NO!) and the AMAZING CAST THAT FIXED IT by Judith Wolf Mandell

Illustrated by Lise C. Brown

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

One minute your child is fine. The next minute, a broken bone. Hours later, in a clunky cast. For weeks or months, sidelined from favorite activities. If your child is like Sammy, (s)he gets glum and grumpy as days slog by.

Help is pages away in Sammy’s Broken Leg (Oh, No!) and the Amazing Cast That Fixed It, a whimsical book to entertain a child in a cast for healing a broken bone, or in a spica cast for hip correction (hip dysplasia).

Children in a cast will delight in a troupe of Kisses who cheer for Sammy and coach her to be patient. The Kisses are Sammy’s secret: only she can hear them. How and when they whooshed into her life will amaze and amuse.

It all goes to prove: One Kiss for a Boo-Boo. A Bazillion Kisses for a Cast!

Lavished with colorful, quirky illustrations, Sammy’s Broken Leg (Oh, No!) and the Amazing Cast That Fixed It is entertaining, educational and encouraging. The book:

Gives children and families realistic expectations about weeks or months of healing time.
Eases children’s fears, calms parents’ anxieties.
Hands parents a tool to boost their child’s (and their own) patience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SAMMY’S BROKEN LEG (OH, NO!) AND THE AMAZING CAST THAT FIXED IT began with a phone call: could I watch our infant granddaughter while my daughter rushed the two-year-old to the pediatrician. An “Oh, No!” fall had broken her leg. Eleven hours later I was handed a sleepy, scared child encased in purple fiberglass. The words “beached whale” came to mind.

The next month was hard as we watched pain, immobility and disruption of her vigorous life turn our granddaughter into a sad, scrawny version of her robust self. I vowed to someday write a book to help other young children and their families cope with the physical and emotional upset of life interrupted by a cast.

SAMMY’S BROKEN LEG (OH, NO!) AND THE AMAZING CAST THAT FIXED IT:

*gives children and their families realistic expectations about a prolonged recuperation; and
*gives children a secret, whimsical source of power over their circumstance. The idea of a troupe of cheerleading kisses came as an “A-ha,” inspired by a line from CYRANO DE BERGERAC: “A kiss is the rosy dot over the ‘i’ of loving.”

With degrees from top-notch universities — a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Arts from Harvard Graduate School of Education — I’ve had a razzle-dazzle writing career. I’ve been publicist for The Viking Press in Manhattan; in San Diego, public television producer, print journalist, mayoral press secretary and public relations practitioner; book reviewer and essayist. SAMMY is my first book.

Eight years in the making, SAMMY has been an adventure, a challenge and an exercise in trusting my judgment. I sent the early manuscript to friends and relatives. Most loved it, some disputed The Kisses. Harumph! Do these nay-sayers dispute Santa, Peter Pan, the Tooth Fairy?

Over time, research led to rewrites. My Katie heroine became a tomboyish Sammy when I learned that boys have twice the fractures as girls; a second grade “focus group” helped me choose from among alternative endings. I sent the manuscript to pediatricians, psychologists, educators to make sure my story stood up to professional scrutiny. Their testimonials are on the book’s back cover.

Networking rules! After an online search brought artists’ portfolios from around the world, I
I found my illustrator, Lise C. Brown, eight miles from home. Unusual in author/illustrator arrangements, our relationship has been collaborative and collegial. I treasure it.

I also treasure this compliment from Mark Levine, well-known author of six editions of THE FINE PRINT OF SELF-PUBLISHING:

“I read your entire book. You are an example of how to proactively and successfully create a publishable children’s book. The illustrations are definitely page-turners for a child. I also thought the story and illustrations balanced each other well. Plus, your resourcefulness in finding an illustrator and getting the files made for the various distribution platforms is impressive.”

Find out more about my book on SAMMY’S BROKEN LEG Facebook page and at sammysbrokenleg.com. Be in touch with me at judithwolfmandell@gmail.com.

MY THOUGHTS

As a retired nurse, this book should be mandatory in every Pediatric Hospital and Pediatrician’s office. Having witnessed young children having this procedure, and having had a body cast myself, it can be frightening.

The message in this book, and the colorful and age appropriate illustrations, explains the before, during and after of having to be in a cast and what to expect.

I loved the concept of all the kisses (vague…you will have to buy this book to find out) finding their way into the cast!!!

Little ones, unfortunately, may have to go through this, so keep this title in your mind, it will definitely help!

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from THE CADENCE GROUP. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

JUMBO STICKERS FOR LITTLE HANDS by Jomike Tejido ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY


JUMBO STICKERS FOR LITTLE HANDS

by Jomike Tejido

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

UNDER THE SEA
Large vinyl, reusable stickers of sharks, fish, divers, and more.

Jumbo Stickers for Little Hands: Under the Sea has 75 large (2 inches or larger) vinyl reusable stickers and 24 pages of colorful and joyful illustrations of scenery sure to inspire play and storytelling. There are no rules or set places for stickers to go, so your child’s imagination has free reign. Jumbo stickers are perfect for learning fine motor skills, and even the youngest children who haven’t yet achieved full manual dexterity can have loads of fun.

THINGS THAT GO
Large vinyl, reusable stickers of cars, trucks, spaceships, heavy lifters, and more.

The colorful and joyful illustrations in Jumbo Stickers for Little Hands: Things That Go are sure to inspire imaginative play and storytelling. With 75 large (2 inches or larger) vinyl reusable stickers and 24 pages of roads, construction sites, and more, there are no rules or set places for stickers to go. Jumbo stickers are perfect for learning fine motor skills, and even the youngest children who haven’t yet achieved full manual dexterity can have loads of fun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JOMIKE TEJIDO is an architect, painter, author and illustrator based in Antipolo. He has illustrated over 40 children’s books, some of which he also authored, including the award-winning Tagu-taguan (Best Reads 2010), Ang Pambihirang Sombrero, Anvil Nature Series and Foldabots Toy Books, a series of cardboard robots kids can make. As a painter, Jomike has held six solo exhibitions of banig or mat paintings in the Philippines, Singapore, and in Tokyo for his award in the Noma Concours in 2006. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Dabbling into applied arts, Jomike created the designer toy series, Robotars: robot tarsiers. Jomike’s latest creation is the Wood Menagerie, a series of animal wood sculptures with paintings rendered with his favorite cubist and deStijl influences.

MY THOUGHTS

These books remind me of Color Forms when I was a child.

A delightful activity book of 75 reusable stickers and colorful illustrations for a child to create their own stories. A book that would definitely entertain children for hours either by themselves or with family members and friends. A book that can spark the imagination of a child.

Can’t wait to share this with my granddaughter!!

Purchase Links:

UNDER THE SEA

THINGS THAT GO

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Quarto Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

WHO’S BAD AND WHO’S GOOD, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD by Steve Smallman, Illustrated by Neil Price ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY

WHO’S BAD AND WHO’S GOOD, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD by Steve Smallman

Illustrated by Neil Price

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

In Who’s Bad and Who’s Good, Little Red Riding Hood? our red-cloaked heroine is ready to set off with a basket of delicious cakes to Grandma’s house. “Be good, and don’t talk to strangers”, Little Red Riding Hood’s mum reminds her, “and if a stranger does talk to you, yell, run and tell!”

On the way, Little Red Riding Hood meets a weird-looking wolf and an adorable white bunny. Who’s bad? Who’s good? Little Red Riding hood will soon find out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV’s Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and

MY THOUGHTS

Little Red Riding Hood meets Stranger Danger with a twist.

Can anyone really know who’s good or bad by appearances?

What I really liked about this book is, not only the tale and illustrations, but there is a page of questions to open up a discussion with the child.

Unfortunately, in today’s world, this book is a must and should be in every child’s bookcase!!

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Quarto Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

GOD LOVES MOMMY & ME by Bonnie Rickner Jensen, Illustrated by Laura Watkins ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY

GOD LOVES MOMMY & ME by Bonnie Rickner Jensen

Illustrated by Laura Watkins

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

God loves Mommy and me, He knows we love Him too, When we pray we always say, “You’re so good, God—thank You!”

Snuggle in cozy-close with a sweet reminder of God’s love for mommies and their little ones. Celebrating loving mothers, precious children, and the God who loves them all, God Loves Mommy and Me will remind parents and little ones of how much they are loved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bonnie Rickner Jensen is a bestselling author, who for the past 20 years has written everything from children’s books to gift books to thousands of greeting cards. She’s won a Retailer’s Choice Award for her book, “I Love You Head to Toe”, and also several Louie Awards for her work in the social expression industry. Her inspirations are her grandchildren, running, and sunshine. She writes from her picture book, toy-filled office in Cleveland, Ohio.

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely love this board book! The illustrations will keep a little one enthralled. The message is how lucky one is that God loves both the child and Mommy, even if a mistake happens. It will be forgiven. The pages are thick so that a little one can help in turning the pages. I’m sure that this book will be read over and over to my granddaughter!!

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

THE GIRL THAT CRIED WOLF by Steve Smallman, Neil Price (Illustrator) ~ Lucy’s Library Review

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LUCY’S LIBRARY

THE GIRL THAT CRIED WOLF by Steve Smallman

Illustrated by Neil Price

5 Stars

SYNOPSIS

In The Girl Who Cried Wolf, we meet the demanding and cheeky Princess Arabella, who declares she is bored of living in the castle. She decides to swap roles with Tom, the lowly shepherd boy, as she thinks his job seems much more fun…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve Smallman lives in Staffordshire with his wife, two dogs and two cats. He has four children and a grandchild. Steve has been illustrating children’s books for almost 30 years and writing his own stories for slightly less. He also teaches illustration workshops in schools, including mural-painting. Steve is the author of Smelly Peter the Great Pea Eater (Winner of the Sheffield Children’s Book Award 2009) and The Lamb Who Came for Dinner (Shortlisted for the Red House Children’s Book Award and read by Meatloaf on CITV’s Bookaboo). When he’s not working, Steve enjoys films, television, gardening and walking in the countryside.

MY THOUGHTS

Princess Arabella is bored with her life in the castle, and out her window sees Tom, the shepherd boy, and his life seems to be fun. Until they actually swap lives.

Princess Arabella soon realizes that being a Shepherd isn’t too exciting either. So she cries WOLF! and the soldiers come running to protect the sheep, it was just a fib but it was fun. Until the wolf does appear and the soldiers don’t come to help.

Fibbing with little ones do occur, unfortunately. The message in this book, plus the beautiful illustrations, will teach young children how lies have consequences.

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from The Quarto Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.

IF I COULD CLIMB TREES by Jeff Minich (Lucy’s Library Review)

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LUCY’S LIBRARY

by Jeff Minich

Illustrated by Renan Garcia

4 Stars

SYNOPSIS

A little dog dreams of all the things she would see and the creatures she might meet– if only she could climb trees. On one beautiful blue-sky day, she imagines she’s climbed to the top of a tall tree. Once there, she discovers what life is like for the other creatures in the tree and then comes to find that they also dream their own little dreams. Together they picture a world where bugs have shoes for their little feet; birds have paws to bury treats; and yes, even four-legged Nuggies can climb trees! Moving between day and night, If I Could Climb Trees is a whimsical bedtime story that encourages children to explore their imaginations, dream bigger dreams, and see the world through the eyes of others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Minich is the author of the Nuggies illustrated children’s book series. Created in collaboration with illustrator Renan Garcia, the series includes Daddy Forgot My Dinner (Vol. 1); All the Other Nuggies (Vol. 2); A Very Scary Pumpkin (Vol. 3); Oui Oui, Gigi! (Vol. 4); and If I Could Climb Trees (Vol. 5). You can learn more about the Nuggies book series by visiting http://www.getnuggies.com

MY THOUGHTS

A little pup wonders what it would be like to be able to climb a tree and see and do what others see and do that high. But then he thinks how much he can do and wonders if those friends dream about doing what he can do.

A cute book with bright illustrations that little ones would enjoy having it read to them. My opinion would be that this is a good book that 3-5 year olds would enjoy and understand the message that it is fun to dream.

The only negative I found was that the pages were a bit difficult to turn.

Purchase Links:

DISCLAIMER

I won this book via GoodReads

ADDENDUM

I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.