"Marty Moose First Class Mischief" a Candlewick Editors' pick - Best Books Ages 6-8

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief by Claire Powell 

ISBN: 9781536247800
Hardcover $16.99 USD

My thoughts: Sheer delight and quirky fun and mischievousness! Bright colors and detailed drawings characterize the lively charm of postman Marty as he goes about his adventurous mail route.  

The book opens to a map of Marty Moose's "town" - Little Ditch - which is situated between Big Ditch and Long Ditch. The town's locations consist of Creepy Willow, Thorny Thicket, and Round the Bend; and we shouldn't forget Foggy Forest and Right Pond and Left Pond. The map will guide readers as well as Marty Moose on this adventurous romp to deliver the mail.

The author of this frisky romp artfully uses word phrases and name designing that adds a delightful imagining of the frolics and characters - whimpering whiskers and Ravenous Rascals, Baffling Blackberries, etc. Such delights!

In spite of Perilous Postcards and Horrifying Hairballs, Marty Moose gets through the mail route and delivers his bag of mail. Marty returns home and readers await his next venture.

A delightful chapter book that will delight young readers.

About the book: "A roller coaster of a book loaded with mayhem, wordplay, burps and farts, and onomatopoeia that will keep readers tuned in and laughing out loud." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Who knew delivering the mail could be so perilous? A silly, mischievous story of independence, self-confidence, bravery, and friendship.

Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you can’t be brave.

That’s the advice Great-Aunt Ada gives Marty Moose for his first day on the job as a mail mouse for the Little Ditch Post Office. With his mailbag in hand, Marty is ready to follow in her footsteps, but filling them proves difficult even with the help of a scrappy and energetic bunny named Nibbles. When a pair of pesky neighbors prevents him from delivering his last package, Marty and his new friend Nibbles must figure out together how to finish the job, even if that means breaking the rules. With lively, funny, and characterful illustrations and a charming narrative voice, this series first is just right for newly confident readers.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

New books in The Mystery of the Ancient Map series: "The Brave Queen" & "The Big Fish" [Review & Giveway]

Children’s chapter books that celebrate faith, bravery, and biblical truth in an engaging, family-friendly way:  The Brave Queen and The Big Fish

Personally, I am not fond of retelling of Biblical stories especially with insertion of modern life characters into the story. That being said, I realize that sometimes for children reading these "we were there" type stories do tend to hold their interest. It is the responsibility of parents to clarify any errors in interpretation for their children. I listened to the available preview of the audio version of The Brave Queen and found it an exceptionally well done audio. Plus the story would surely capture the imagination of young listeners. The print copies of this "Mystery of the Ancient Map" series for The Brave Queen and The Big Fish are just the right length for early chapter book readers. I love the large print and the abundance of illustrations. These are NOT a picture books. They are early chapter books for the established reader. Of note in The Brave Queen, at the end of the book young Peter encounters the "Captain" who challenges Peter. Peter "sees" that it is Satan and calls the Captain "Satan." This is a bit mature for this age reader and I don't see the wisdom of its inclusion in the story. Another character insertion that is worthy of note is Michael, the archangel. Children need to learn the role of Angels in God's plan for our lives and how they watch over and protect us. In these books, Michael actually appears to them with wings and a sword. I see both of these books as fun reads for early readers and they will surely promote interest in the Bible and events and people of the Bible. Both stories are from the Old Testament. The Brave Queen is from the story of Esther in the Bible; and in The Big Fish, the story of Jonah being swallowed by the fish. Both stories are opportunities to learn of God's plan and protection for us. I recommend these for families with early chapter book readers (younger read-aloud-to-me listeners, too) but with parental caution to use guidance on some aspects of the stories. The Brave Queen: Book 1 The Brave Queen is the first book in the new Mystery of the Ancient Map series that expands the world of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, but it can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers not familiar with Peter, Mary, and Hank’s previous adventures. Peter and Mary are getting ready for a new school year after a summer of time travelling with Great Uncle Solomon’s hidden scrolls, but life seems very boring after all their adventures. Then they get an invitation to go to Israel where Great Uncle Solomon is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award in Archaeology. During Great Uncle Solomon’s acceptance speech, a mysterious woman slips Peter an ancient map with red Xs marking different locations. When they investigate the map, the kids discover a new hidden scroll that takes them to Persia, back to the time of Queen Esther, where they meet Mordecai, the evil Haman, and Queen Esther, and try to solve the secret of the scroll. The Brave Queen: Buy on Amazon Follows the events of Esther: 1-10. Reminds readers that, like Esther, God has a plan for their lives. Is the first book in a chapter book series perfect for emerging readers ages 6-9. Includes illustrations throughout, bringing all the action and adventure to life. Great gift for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.

The Big Fish: Book 2 The Big Fish is the second book in the new Mystery of the Ancient Map series that expands the world of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, but it can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers not familiar with Peter, Mary, and Hank’s previous adventures. Great Uncle Solomon takes Peter, Mary, and Hank on a train trip to investigate a new red X on their ancient map. It leads them to the sea, where they discover a new hidden scroll that takes them back in time, and they stowaway on a ship. When a huge storm comes up, they meet Jonah and end up being swallowed with him by a giant fish! It’s an adventure unlike any other as they journey to Nineveh, encounter the Enemy, and try to solve the secret of the scroll. 🌈 The Big Fish: Buy on Amazon Follows the events of Jonah: 1-3. Reminds readers that, like Jonah, in times of trouble they can pray to God. Is the second book in a chapter book series perfect for emerging readers ages 6-9. Includes illustrations throughout, bringing all the action and adventure to life. Great gifts for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.  👑🦈👑🦈👑🦈👑🦈👑 DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone.  #mysteryoftheancientmaps #mjthomas #secretofthehiddenscrolls #hiddenscrolls @zonderkidz @themikejthomas

Fun books for kids age 7+ to read themselves [Review & Giveaway] ✝️

Lily, the Lemur, and the Lamb King with contributors Bob Hartman, Keila Elm

My thoughts:  Young readers have a delightful early chapter book - chapters are just a few pages long and have engaging and fun black and white illustrations that will capture their interest. Parents will love having their child read uplifting stories about a child and an assortment of critters.

These retellings of stories from the Gospel with playful Lily and friends in on the action, teach lessons in a fun method but do not detract from the actual Gospel.  At the back of the book, each chapter has an explanation of the Biblical account's interaction with the story of Lily and friends and can be used for a time best suited to make applications.

A delightful book for young readers or even to be read to those who can't yet read.

About the book: The whimsical and imaginative short stories in this adventurous book will transport children to a different world, giving them a fresh way to engage with truths about Jesus and what it's like to follow him.

They’ll join Lily and her friend the Lemur on a series of adventures in the Lamb King's mysterious and exciting playground. Secret word: happy - They'll explore a me-tree, play Scrabble with a slow loris, and save an entire family of squirrels from the cold!

Along the way, children will find themselves exploring key truths about Jesus' kingdom—such as how to be welcoming, what gives people value, and why a self-sacrificing king is the best king of all.

Perfect as an independent read for children aged 7+ or as a read-aloud for ages 5+.

 Look inside - Click Here 

Abigail Gets Left Out by Bethany McIlrath & illustrated by Katie Saunders

My thoughts: Sometimes children can be mean and cruel to one another and some are very sensitive to the cruelties they hurl at each other. Sensitive children can really have a hard time when this happens. In Abigail Gets Left Out we see this scenario played out and see how Abigail learns how to deal with it personally.  

Abigail's grandmother plays a big part in helping Abigail. A delightful story just full of good stuff and life lessons.

About the book: 

Can’t sing. Can’t dance. Can count on Jesus!

9-year-old Abigail can’t sing, and she can’t dance. So when her friends start rehearsing a musical performance, Abigail feels very much left out and self-conscious. Isn’t she good at anything? Doesn’t anybody want to be her friend?

Jesus does! When Abigail reads Psalm 139, she realizes that Jesus made her wonderfully, just the way she is, so she doesn’t need to worry about not being good at musical things. And when she encounters John 15, Abigail learns that Jesus loves her perfectly and empowers her to be a loving friend, even when others let her down. 

As Abigail sees what a wonderful friend Jesus is, it transforms her other friendships—and it ends up transforming the girls’ musical performance too!

Look inside - Click Here

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 23

Ends May 22 @ 12:00 Midnight EST

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

TRIM (Adventures of Trim) children's historical fiction series by Deborah Hopkinson [Review & Giveaway]

 Chapter books for early readers

This delightful early reader series by acclaimed author Deborah Hopkinson is inspired by the true story of Trim, often called the most famous ship’s cat in history. Owned by British explorer Matthew Flinders, Trim traveled on the HMS Investigator on the first expedition to circumnavigate Australia (1801–1803).

Trim Sets Sail  (Adventures of Trim #1) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:   As a young reader's book this is excellent! I found the story engaging and felt it would be very appealing to young readers. As a introduction to "chapter books," this allows for breaks in the story line, mental outlining of the story, and a non-tiring way for reluctant readers to read the entire book by breaking it into sections.

The young cat's personality is captured well by the story line as well as the illustrations. As an introduction to historical fiction this sets the stage well to let children know that the past is fun to learn about. 

I highly recommend.

About the book: One small kitten learns about the great big world as he sets sail with his fellow shipmates, animal and human, in this historical fiction intermediate reader.

When Trim trips over a napping dog, little does he know that soon he’ll set sail and begin learning how to be a ship’s cat. Among his first lessons: the parts of the ship (the front is called the bow, like “bow wow”), the dynamics among his new colleagues (Jack the ship’s parrot is not so easy to befriend), and basic skills like climbing (up is easier than down) and swimming. With the assistance of Captain Flinders, Penny the ship’s dog, and Will the ship’s artist, Trim learns new skills, tests his limits and abilities, and finds a way to contribute to life onboard.

Trim Helps Out (Adventures of Trim #2)  by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:  In Trim Helps Out, book #2 in the series, Trim is learning how to be a ship's cat and what he needs to do. One is to patrol the hold watching for rats. Sadly he doesn't know what a rat is and actually befriends one. The adventure actually has Trim saving his friend Penny from a deadly scorpion bite.  Another good early chapter book "read" for intermediate readers with enough excitement and vocabulary to capture their interest. The illustrations are great!

I highly recommend.

About the book: Trim is eager to do a good job on his first day as ship’s cat—but what is his job? All around him, members of the crew are busy with their responsibilities—too busy to notice a small kitten looking for an opportunity to contribute. Jack the parrot directs Trim to the hold, to patrol for rats. But Jack neglects to tell Trim exactly what a rat is. Surely Princess Bea, the new friend he meets below deck, isn’t a rat. She doesn’t resemble the creepy, scary-looking creature that Jack warned Trim about and she’s happy to have an assistant to fetch her biscuits from the galley.

Trim Saves the Day (Adventures of Trim #3) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

My thoughts:  In this third book in the Trim series, the cat learns about everyone pitching in to help aboard ship with various tasks and then especially when a major event occurs. Trim actually discovers a really big problem and helps to save the day by alerting shipmates about the problem.

An early chapter book for the intermediate reader (maybe ages 5 to 8) that is fun to read and filled with cute illustrations that capture the main character, Trim's, daily adventures and mishaps.

I recommend. 

About the book:  Trim likes being part of the ship’s crew. The captain says that everyone has a jobs they do alone and other times they help each other out. And if there’s a big problem, then it’s all hands on deck.

But what is Trim’s job? He really wants to help, but everyone is very busy. Penny is helping the sailors mop the deck, so Trim decides to mop too. Swish! Swish! SWISH! Trim gets water everywhere. Jack is helping the captain steer the ship, so Trim thinks he can steer too. Whee! Whee! WHEE! But there’s not enough room on the wheel. Doesn’t anyone have a job for a kitten who really wants to help?

Trim Sails the Storm (Adventures of Trim #4) by Deborah Hopkinson & illustrated by Kristy Caldwell 

My thoughts: Trim faces a major sailor's test - storm at sea! He learns many things as he, along with other shipboard mates, prepare to ride out the storm. 

The things Trim learns are good lessons to see everyone through the many storms we face. Major storms and small storms. They are ways to cope with the storm and can be applied to our emotional and mental state of mind as well as when we face the hurricanes and tornados we see from weather systems.

I love the illustrations that capture Trim's riding out the storm.

I recommend.

About the book: Secret word: kitty Trim has learned a lot about life at sea. He understands the daily routines and the responsibilities of each crew member, and he knows many of the ways to help. But one day he ventures outside and experiences something new and scary: a storm is brewing. As the wind whips his whiskers and the sky grows dark, Trim’s heart beats like a drum. All his friends are doing new things: preparing the sails, closing any openings on deck, and securing loose items. Penny and Jack explain each step to Trim and he is comforted to learn all the ways to prepare for a storm. And then he hears a strange noise coming from the lifeboats. There he finds Wisdom, a young albatross who is also experiencing her first storm. Can these two small creatures help each other ride out a storm and make a frightening experience a little less scary?

GIVEAWAY

 Set of 4 "Trim" books

Begins August 13

Ends September 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE:  I received complimentary copies of these 4 books from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize books are provided and shipped or mailed directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Candlewick summer reading fun [Book Spotlight / Review & 5-Book Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story, by Dave Eggers & illustrated by Júlia Sardà

 

My thoughts:  This is an absolutely hilarious story. This is an absolutely real story about a real silver mine, a really big house, a house that was moved, really. And it all happened in a really real place in Idaho. I love this story and the method it is written in makes it a "got to be read aloud" book. 

I just love the illustrations, too. They are spot-on quirky and the neutral tones with a bit of red make them even more charming. I recommend!

About the book: Author Dave Eggers and artist Júlia Sardà spin a quirky historical event into a whimsical and tall-ish true tale of American ingenuity.

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump by Carole P. Roman [Review & Giveaway]

Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump

Book #2 in the "Oh Suzannah" series by award winning author, Carole P. Roman continues with charming Suzannah encountering life and its problems as they pertain especially to her. In Book #1, Oh Suzannah: Its in the Bag, young Suzannah learned that you can't simply tuck your problems away and out of sight just because they are difficult.

In Things That Go Bump, Suzannah learns ways to manage her fears. The book is short with 44 pages but fairly complex for a young reader. As Suzannah faces an invitation for a visit for a sleepover at a "scary house" that creaks she learns that noisy houses are just that, noisy houses and not scary things like ghosts.

I do not celebrate Halloween and don't participate in scary stories. This book appears on the cover to be a story involving Halloween with its Jack-o-Lanterns and ghostly faces in the trees and scrubs. It is, however, simply a story about the fears one encounters - fear of catching a runny nose, fear of clowns, fear of creaky old houses. We all have fears at some point in our life and Suzannah learns that she can overcome or manage these fears she encounters.

The portion of Suzannah's story that included an event to which Suzannah's mother took her that was sponsored by her employee and benefited physically challenged children was a highlight. Suzannah had a friend at the event who was visually impaired and the compassion shown and friendship is a true plus for the story.

The colorful cover of Things That Go Bump is charming and you just want to love this sweet little girl and her friends. I would love to have seen the illustrations larger and sprinkled throughout instead of tiny thumbnail images at the beginning of each chapter.

Sample page "Things That Go Bump"

Oh Susannah: Color With Me: An Oh Susannah Coloring Book

Oh Susannah is now a coloring book. Filled with Mateya Arkova's delightful pictures, you can color pivotal scenes in Susannah Maya Logan's life. Join Susannah and her friends and retell Carole P. Roman's charming story through illustrations.

What a fun companion to the two Oh Suzannah books. This little coloring book helps children immerse themselves into the stories by providing pages to color of illustrations featuring the characters and actions from both stories.

Read Chat With Vera's review of Oh Suzannah: It's In the Bag - Book #1

GIVEAWAY - 3 Winners

1 Grand Prize: Books #1 & #2 + Color With Me

2 Other Winners: Book #1

Begins October 7

Ends October 28 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. Author will provide winner's copy and ship prize directly to the winners.

If You Were Me and Lived in .... CUBA & Oh Susannah: It's In the Bag by Carole P. Roman [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 978-1947118485
Softcover $12.96

My thoughts:  The author has written extensively about countries around the globe introducing children to cultures that vary and yet prove to be somewhat similar. Just what is it like to be a child living in..... Cuba?

We explore the daily life, food, and special events of a couple of kids living in Cuba. It seems that the family in the story eats a lot of rice dishes. Of course their name for rice is different from "rice" and it seems they combine it with meats and vegetables. The island's history is touched upon and entices the reader to delve into the settlement of the Spaniards on this little island so far away from Spain.

The glossary in the back of the book is helpful with word or phrase meanings and proncunciation.

Another interesting introduction to world cultures by Carole P. Roman.

Abou the book: Join Carole P. Roman when she visits the exciting island of Cuba in the newest book of her informative series. Learn about the varied customs and cultures. Travel to the Caribbean to discover what you would eat and do for fun. See the country through the eyes of a youngster like you and understand what life is like in this exciting place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ISBN: 978-1543034615
Softcover: $8.99

My thoughts:  The author's foray into early reader chapter books is interesting and provides more than just an entertaining story about Suzannah. It teaches that Suzannah, and all of us, can't simply tuck our problems away and out of sight just because they are difficult.

Suzannah learns to ask for help in solving those nagging and tedious emotional, learning, or social problems. The book is short with 34 pages but fairly complex for a young reader. Suzannah goes about her day toting around her ever-present backpack into which she puts problems with which she has difficulty - math tests, invitations, book report - so many hurdles.

The picture of Suzannah at the start of the book and on the cover are charming and you just want to love this sweet little girl. I would love to have seen the illustrations larger and sprinkled thoughout instead of tiny thumbnail images at the beginning of each chapter. I love the way mom and dad come to her rescue and help Suzannah find solutions.

I'm looking forward to more from little Suzannah and just wish this were a hardcover book so that libraries would add it to their collections.

About the book:  From award-winning author Carole P. Roman comes a new chapter book featuring Susannah Logan, a young student having a very bad day. It all begins with homework trouble and an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn’t want to go to. Would you want to go to a sleepover in a creepy house? Rather than dealing with her problems, Susannah stuffs them into her backpack. But how much can a backpack take? Will she be able to confront her worries before the backpack bursts? Or will she just continue to hide them away? Join Susannah and her friends in this story sure to charm busy young readers everywhere.

GIVEAWAY

3 winners chosen to receive 1 copy of each book

Begins July 14

Ends August 6 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author: Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts two blog radio programs and is one of the founders of a new magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. Oh Susannah is her first Early Reader Chapter book series. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.

Her series include:

• Captain No Beard
• If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural 
• If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical
• Nursery series
• Oh Susannah- Early Reader

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review of my own opinions. I was not compensated. Winner's copy is provided directly to the winner by the author.

Freddie Ramos Rules New York (Zapato Power #6) by Jacqueline Jules & illustratrated by Miguel Benítez [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN13: 9780807594971
Hardcover - $14.99
Albert Whitman & Co. Pub.

My thoughts: This is my first exposure to Freddie Ramos and his wonderful shoes. This early chapter book has just the amount of text in the vernacular that will engage the young reader, especially boys, and a sprinkling of pen drawings.

I love the positive attitude portrayed in the character of Freddie Ramos and his desire to be helpful. But this is not an overtly sweet, do good to others book. No, this is a fun book about a young boy who perceives he has super powers from the wonderful wristband (previously given to him by his friend, Mr. Vaslov) and his Zapato shoes.


If you've every truly watched a small child when they have a brand new pair of colorful sneakers, especially those with flashing lights, you know the personality lift the shoes seem to impart. Well, Mr. Vaslov has previously given Freddie a pair of purple Zapatos and now they are too small. Almost magically, Mr. Vaslov brings a new pair to Freddie just before Freddie and his mother leave for a trip to New York.


His adventures in New York with his "superpowers" are fun to read. The story flows smoothly. There is a tiny sprinkling of Spanish words or phrases which enriches the reading. Gently the words are re-said in English in the flow of the text without appearing to be "teachy."

I'd love to see the entire set of these positive, well done books in elementary libraries across the country.

About the book: Freddie and his mom are visiting Uncle Jorge in New York City! Just before they leave, Mr. Vaslov gives Freddie a new pair of zapatos to replace the ones that were getting too small. But Freddie worries if his new zapatos will work as well as his old ones. Will Freddie be able to save the day when Uncle Jorge misplaces an engagement ring in the middle of a New York City traffic jam?

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 27

ENDS February 16 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other books by Jacqueline Jules here on Chat With Vera include:

Never Say A Mean Word Again, and Feathers for Peacock. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and I was not compensated.