Bink and Gollie: Two for One (times two!)

(This is a repost of a review of this book I did back in February... Contents below are identical, but the book comes out this month, so I wanted to draw your attention to it again!)

Bink and Gollie: Two for One
Kate DiCamillo, author
Alison McGhee, author
Tony Fucillo, illustrator
Candlewick
2012

We thoroughly enjoyed Bink and Gollie, and I am delighted to see these friends return in a new set of adventures! Early reader/chapter books really shine when both text and illustrations are at the top of their game; Bink and Gollie books provide a terrific example. Once again, DiCamillo and McGhee have given us funny stores about two devoted friends who have different interests and adventures, but who wind up supporting each other as only best friends can do. And once again, Fucillo's illustrations really steal the show. His use of color, the graphic novel feel of some pages, his use of perspective--perfect.

Parenting with Scripture

Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments
Kara Durbin
Moody Publishers
2012

All in all, this book delivers exactly what it says it will do: presents a handy topical guide for teachable moments, all tied to Scripture! Topics are covered in two pages each. The topic is listed and then followed by several Scripture references (actually, quite a few in some cases), then discussion questions and activities for reinforcement. Parenting tips are also sprinkled throughout as they correspond with a given topic. I appreciate the positive spin on so many topics (i.e. "honesty" and "thankfulness" are covered as well as topics like "complaining" and "anger"). This lets you easily use this book as a devotional guide with your children, covering topics as they arise in the book. Since the topics are listed alphabetically and cross-referenced in the back, it's also an easy book to use "in the moment." (The author makes a point of saying in the introduction that she couldn't find books that used Scripture in this manner; I think that's not quite true. Doorposts has some thorough resources in this vein; Don't Make Me Count to Three, Teach Them Diligently, and Shepherding a Child's Heart are also books in this vein, but they don't provide quite the practical Scripture reference guide.)

I think this book is probably most helpful with older preschoolers and up; very young children won't really "get" the questions (although you can always start memorizing Scripture with them as soon as they can talk!).

Perhaps my biggest "issue" with the book is the absence of grace, or the seeming lack of emphasis on it. Certainly we are to be working out our salvation, striving to obey the Lord, seeking to "put off the old and put on the new." But in all these things, we are more than conquerors...through Christ! We can only do these things in his strength and through his grace. Similarly, I found the explanation of the gospel a little lacking.

That being said, I still think this is eminently helpful resource for Christian parents; I plan to buy the book and will just adapt some of the information to my own Reformed theology. This new edition will be available in stores this month; check it out!

Advance review copy from netgalley; cover image from goodreads.com

Freddie Ramos Makes a Splash! (Zapato Power #4)

Freddie Ramos Makes a Splash! (Zapato Power #4)
Jacqueline Jules, author
Miguel Benitez, illustrator
Albert Whitman and Co.
2012

I am definitely going to check out the Zapato Power books 1-3! This is my first introduction to funny little Freddie and his amazing shoes (zapatos). The first Freddie Ramos book apparently won a Cybil award for Early Readers in 2010 (the Cybils are like the big-time ALA awards only given by bloggers!), but I missed meeting little Freddie until now.

What I like about Freddie Ramos and his crazy shoes are (1) an approachable early reader/chapter book centered around a boy that (2) doesn't depend on bathroom humor and (3) features a nonwhite main character that is still (4) very approachable and "relatable" to a wide audience. The illustrations aren't my favorite style, but they work nicely nonetheless. The graphic novel feel will no doubt appeal to the kids who pick up this series. I like that Benitez makes Freddie look like any kid--no real identifying markers as to ethnicity or economic state. The text lets the reader know enough of Freddie's background for the story to make sense (single parent home, words like "zapato"), but anyone, anywhere in the U.S. can probably relate to Freddie. Freddie is still definitely Hispanic (or, at the very least, conversant in Spanish); it's wonderful to have a book like this with a main character like Freddie on the early reader scene, especially since it doesn't feel like Freddie's heritage is the "point." It's just one more facet of who Freddie is.

Freddie is busy solving "crimes" and figuring out mysteries (such as, who left the big globs of bubblegum on the sidewalk and who "stole" his backpack); his shoes can make him as fast as a superhero--a responsibility Freddie takes very seriously. His adventures are a perfect fit for the age range/reading level range for this book (my bet is 1st-3rd grade or so, give or take a year). Younger kids will probably relate better than those at the older end of the range.

This book comes out this month! Keep an eye out for it; it may take a little while before it appears on library shelves, but you can always ask for it.

ARC from netgalley; cover image from Albert Whitman

Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books

Lit!: A Christian Guide to Reading Books
Tony Reinke
Crossway
2011

Lit! is a terrific introduction to what it means to read as a Christian, from a Christian worldview; Reinke covers why we, as Christians, should be readers, how we should read, and what we should read. He covers a lot of ground succinctly (less than 200 pages) and includes both theoretical and practical information. This book, in particular, is a good introduction to a Reformed worldview, to the idea that the gospel is both central to our existence and informs everything we do, that common grace insights can be found in many places, and to a basic understanding of Christianity and the arts. If you are already familiar with the ideas of thinkers such as Neil Postman, James Sire, C. S. Lewis, Puritan theologians such as John Owen, Reformation "greats" such as Calvin and Luther, and are widely read in the more well known creative authors in Christendom (Tolkien, Lewis, John Donne, Dostoevsky, Flannery O'Connor, etc.), then this book will be a refresher course. If most of what I've just discussed in this first paragraph sounds like Greek to you, I highly recommend this book.

The Glass Collector

The Glass Collector
Anna Perara
Albert Whitman and Co.
2012

This book had some serious potential that it didn't quite live up to. I read it via an ARC from netgalley, so perhaps there will have been a touch more editing before the book is published? (ranging from simple fixes in typos--"mommies" instead of "mummies" to the more difficult job of both shortening/tightening the plot and helping the ending out some).

In short, the book centers around a teenager named Aaron who is part of the Zabbaleen people (who are Coptic Christians) outside the city of Cairo. Their job is to collect a large part of the city's trash, and they recycle about 80% of what they collect. Only they aren't like our Western garbage men. They pick the trash up with their bare hands, cart it back home, sort it into various piles, live with it in their homes for up to two weeks, and finally sell it a merchant on his biweekly trek to their area. The descriptions of the filth in their lives, of the hardships present all around them, and of their poverty are heart-breaking.

Aaron is a beauty-loving expert at collecting bits of sparkling, colorful glass without hurting himself, but gives into temptation and steals some. That is a serious offense in his community, and he is ousted from his stepfamily. Through the rest of the book, he manages to survive--even collecting medical waste at one point--until, suddenly, things resolve at the end of the book... rather too neatly, in my opinion.

Strong social consciousness elements, strong environmental issues, pointed remarks about the wastefulness of the wealthy, and Aaron's interesting realization that even he--a poor Zabbaleen--has an important role to play in society make this a book for discussion. But the point of view wavered, the ending was too neat, and the plot rambled a bit--making this a book most kids won't suffer through voluntarily unless they're interested in the concepts presented.

The Glass Collector will be on shelves March 1; it will be an interesting addition to groups that are looking to discuss books with elements like those mentioned.

Cover image from Albert Whitman.

Cosmic

Cosmic
Frank Cottrell Boyce
Macmillan UK, 2008
published in US in 2010

This book is totally cosmic...really. Hilarious. Well-written. Great characterization. Celebration of dads (I mean, c'mon--since when does THAT happen in a middle grades book??). Out-of-this-world adventure (for real). And I am *definitely* bumping Boyce's Millions to the top of the to read pile.

When the book opens, we hear Liam narrating to his cell phone: "Mom, Dad--if you're listening--you know I said I was going to the South Lakeland Outdoor Activity Center with the school? To be completely honest, I'm not exactly in the Lake District. To be completely honest, I'm more sort of in space...."

Indian Captive

Indian Captive
Lois Lenski
Originally published 1941
Newbery honor
Re-issued multiple times, most recently by Open Road Media in e-book format
e-book date 2011


Megan should really be writing this review since she did her thesis on Lois Lenski's "historicals," as they're often called. Lenski was a prolific author/illustrator, illustrating such works as the Betsy-Tacy series, creating multiple picture book series (we're big fans of the Papa Small books around here!), and writing quite a few novels.  Her novel Strawberry Girl earned her a Newbery; Indian Captive earned her a Newbery honor. In addition to her historical novels, she also did a series of novels about different regions of the country (Strawberry Girl is part of that series, I believe). If you're unfamiliar with her work, you need to remedy that!

If you're unfamiliar with her work, though, this e-book from Open Road may be just the place to start. In addition to reproducing Lenski's original text and illustrations, the Open Road folks have also included a nicely done short biography of Lenski complete with several photos of the author and her family.

I was delighted with how approachable this book still is for today's audiences. Published in 1941, this book is more than 70 years old--how would its treatment of Native Americans, for one, translate to today's sensibilities and politically correct emphasis? Quite well, actually. This is a wonderful novel based on the true story of a young girl taken captive in the 1750s by Indians the day before her family was killed by the same group of Indians; after two years in captivity with the Seneca Indians, Molly Jemison, aka Corn Tassel, chose to stay with them. She'd learned much from her Indian family, had grown to love them, and realized that she could indeed make a life as a white girl amongst an Indian tribe. They accepted her as their own, even though she'd been technically a captive. The Seneca Indians are shown to be a hard-working, beauty-loving, stern-yet-loving people; they are also caught between the French and English as they battle for control of the continent. By the end of the novel, the reader can't help but affirm Corn Tassel's decision to stay with her new family.

All of Lenski's original illustrations are also in the e-book format. She not only draws the characters but illustrates multiple examples of Indian crafts and tools. Lenski clearly did her research into the time period and its cultures.

I've labeled it historical fiction partly because I think it would be shelved with fiction in a traditional library; it's really closer to a biography covering 2 years of Mary/Molly Jemison's extraordinary life. This would be a great option for a book lists for students doing outside reading on different periods in history; upper elementary and middle school students could read it on their own, but it could be read aloud to younger students, too.

Hide and Seek Devotional

Hide (the Word) and Seek (the Lord) Devotional
Stephen Elkins, "creator"
Amanda Gulliver, illustrator
Thomas Nelson
2012

Can you have too many kids' devotional guides? While I certainly like some story Bibles and devotionals better than others, I'm also inclined to think that just about anything that gets kids reading their Bibles and hiding God's Word in their hearts is on the right track. Enter: The Hide (the Word) and Seek (the Lord) Devotional!

What I like: This devotional gives a (very) short summary of a Bible story but suggests kids read it for themselves and gives the Scripture references. Each "chapter" is centered on a Bible verse that works thematically with the Bible story presented. Verses are organized in ABC format AND include full A-Z lists for BOTH Old and New Testaments!! The verses are not the "usual" contenders for their given letters, either. Rather, a key word that starts with that letter is used instead of merely the first letter of each verse. (The "Old Testament" and "New Testament" categories refer to the memory verse location, not necessarily that the coordinating story is from the same testament.) This means that some of my all-time favorite verses make an appearance (such as Zephaniah 3:17). Another bonus: there is a Scripture memory song for each verse. Lyrics are given at the bottom of the page. AND there are free downloads on Thomas Nelson for the songs as well as an audio version of the short story given on the page (narrator? Kirk Cameron). In my experience, nothing helps cement something in your memory like music. I also like the layout of each page. At least in my digital review copy, there aren't many illustrations to distract the reader/listener.

What I don't like: the short paragraph versions of the Bible stories are a little "chatty" and "cute" but I think kids will like them. I'm willing to overlook some of that in favor of the encouragement to the kid readers to get in the Word! The Scripture translation used is NIV; we tend to use ESV in our house, but again, I'd be willing to "give" on this one in favor of kids actually learning the Scripture. In addition, the entire verse isn't given (i.e. "A gentle answer turns away wrath" without also including "but a harsh word stirs up anger.") You can still encourage your children to memorize the entire verse and in whatever version you choose; the songs, however, will not correspond.

I should point out that I haven't read every page yet. I won't answer to the theological accuracy of each verse/story. What I have seen, though, makes me tempted to look into this for a gift for one of my kids.

Recommended age group: older preschool-mid elementary

Even in the advance review copy I have, the website given is up and running. So, check out the Hide and Seek Bible site to listen to the songs for yourself (you'll also get to hear the devotional parts, too). Cover image above from same website. ARC from .

Bink and Gollie: Two for One

Bink and Gollie: Two for One
Kate DiCamillo, author
Alison McGhee, author
Tony Fucillo, illustrator
Candlewick
2012

We thoroughly enjoyed Bink and Gollie, and I am delighted to see these friends return in a new set of adventures! Early reader/chapter books really shine when both text and illustrations are at the top of their game; Bink and Gollie books provide a terrific example. Once again, DiCamillo and McGhee have given us funny stores about two devoted friends who have different interests and adventures, but who wind up supporting each other as only best friends can do. And once again, Fucillo's illustrations really steal the show. His use of color, the graphic novel feel of some pages, his use of perspective--perfect.

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great (The Knights' Tales)
Gerald Morris
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
2008

I flew through this book on my Nook and chortled the whole way through. I thoroughly enjoy Morris's irreverent take on the Arthurian legend. Kids who are bored with the usual romantic treatment of this era will appreciate Morris's wry authorial intrusions throughout; in describing a fight scene, he often makes comments such as (not a direct quote), "I won't describe the entire fight in detail since fights are always more interesting to watch than to actually read about."

Sir Lancelot quests and adventures his way through this short, illustrated volume, rescuing damsels in distress, fighting jousts and duels, and learning a bit about character development along the way. Prose is perfect for newly independent readers; I think struggling older readers would appreciate these books as well.

Recommended for elementary and up

100 Cupboards

100 Cupboards
N. D. Wilson

2007

I was going to wait and review this whole series once I finished it. However, I just finished book 2 and cannot wait any longer to bring them to your attention!! THANKS to Brandy for introducing me to them. WOW.

In this first book of the trilogy, we meet Henry York, nephew to Frank Willis and his cheery wife, Dottie, and cousin to Henrietta, Penelope, and Anastasia. They happen to live, ironically enough, in Henry, Kansas (Henry is from back East). Henry is living with his cousins for the summer; it turns out to be a most interesting summer....

NOOK: First Thoughts

I've now had my NOOK for 3 days. I got the color version instead of the e-ink version! I've hardly used it (believe it or not), so these are just a few preliminary thoughts in case you are interested in the e-reader phenomenon:  (I'll keep you posted; my tech-y hubby is drooling over the possibility of converting the NOOK to an Android tablet... that's what happens when you're married to an electrical engineer!)