Elwood’s Crown
by Shannon Rumple
AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1-4259-7742-9
Children’s Book
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Elwood’s Crown is a delightful children’s picture book in a soft cover that is bilingual and is the first in the series.  This is a story of a carefree frog and lessons learned,  the story is told with bright vibrant colorful illustrations and is told in both English and Spanish all within the same page. The story is for children of all ages, teaching children the concept of taking care of their belongings, the story will engage them all while teaching a lesson.

Elwood’s Crown is a story that you will fall in love with no matter your age, the author writes with skill that will light an imaginative spark within.  This is a series that both you and your children will want to read and the message the story delivers is a positive one.  The story provides an important message about promises, wishes and the taking care of one’s belongings along the way.

The pages are filled with bold and vibrant imaginative illustrations, the art work is superb to ignite the child’s imagination.  I highly recommend this children’s book, both you and your children will enjoy reading this story together time and time again all while delivering a great lesson.

I look forward to all the future books in the series to continue, and will honestly being collecting each one for my grandson Caden to enjoy. This is a wonderful book for all young readers and is highly recommended for the children in your life.

Let’s Get Ready For First Grade!
by Linda Desimowich and Stacey Kannenberg
Cedar Valley Publishing
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Let’s Get Ready For First Grade! is a must for all parents with young children, I myself as both a mother and grandmother highly recommend this for your children. This book is a must and one that I have been searching for, it is packed with great information, it is beautifully illustrated and was created with style. Let’s Get Ready for First Grade! will capture your child’s attention as it is packed with fun activities and colorful illustrations making learning fun for all.This series will delight not only the children but parents as well, allowing you to take an active role in your child’s education even before they enter school, allowing children to make the transition with confidence with advancement in each grade level.

This book is wonderful and again I would like to stress is a MUST for all parents and grandparents looking for that perfect educational tool before sending our children off to the first day of school.

When my daughter was small I tried to find the perfect tools to help her before sending her off to school and so wish this series had been available, I will make sure to purchase each for each grade level to help to assure my grandson is ready and is confident before he starts each grade level beginning with kindergarten (see previous review of Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten!). An additional plus for these books are that they are durable, they allow the children to write in them with a dry erase pen and wipe off with ease for future practice over and over again.

Again I would like to say these are GREAT and are a MUST and come highly recommended!!

I found both of these in this series to be invaluable tools for our children’s education and a MUST, I applaud the series.

The Secret of the Lonely Grave
by Albert A. Bell, Jr.
Ingalls Publishing Group, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-932158-79-3
http://www.albertbell.com

Reviewed by Terry South for Armchairs

The Secret of the Lonely Grave is a fictional story with a real setting. The setting is in southern Kentucky just a few miles from the Tennessee state line, in the area known as the Land Between the Lakes. The authors wife’s family has a houseboat on Lake Barkley and enjoyed fishing, Albert was not fond of fishing so decided to take a walk instead. He found himself walking through a cemetery near the lake and discovered a tombstone off by itself and began to wonder why it is off from the others. That is where the author begins his story of the Lonely Grave.

As the story begins to unfold Kendra and Steve are beginning their summer vacation, they pass by the cemetery on their way to the bus and the lonely grave just outside the cemetery. They begin to notice someone has been leaving flowers on the lonely grave. Kendra wants to become a detective one day and Steve wants to become a novelist so they join together to solve the mystery of the lonely grave and who has been placing the flowers. On their quest they discover that a college history professor has been the one leaving the flowers; soon the three begin to work together to solve the mystery by delving into research to discover the truth that lies behind the lonely grave of the young girl named Amanda.

The Secret of the Lonely Grave is a gripping, powerful and genuine page turner. The story has both a pacing and engaging plot all while the author incorporates history, family values and friendships formed. Bell’s characters are well defined and believable. If looking for an interesting and entertaining read look no further this one is sure to please and I give it 4.5 stars.

A Wild and Woolly Night
by Lorraine Lynch Geiger
Illustrated by Sharon Vargo
The RGU Group
Children’s book, Fiction, 32 pages, $15.95
ISBN-10: 1891795252
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

“A Wild and Woolly Night” is a children’s picture book for children ages 4 to 12.  A hardback edition with a cover that is beautifully illustrated with a boy in his bed surrounded by a variety of animals.

This is an enchanting story of a little boy named Phillip, he is different from most children as he is eager to go to bed and sleep.  But Phillip’s bed time is a great adventure filled with different animals with each change of his bed covers.

Every page leads to a different adventure and discovery of a new animal: “he found a purple spread with tiny polliwogs. But when he climbed back into bed  They all grew into frogs.”  The pages are beautifully illustrated and the stories rhyme which will delight both you and your child.  The art work is superb and will ignite the imaginations of all.  A highly recommended children’s book that can be enjoyed by the entire family and will make the perfect bed time story.

Lorraine Lynch Geiger is the mother of five, grandmother to fifteen and resides in Sebring, Florida, and spends part of the year where she was born in Newfoundland, Canada.  She has published a young adult novel “Trouble at the Blueberry Patch”, and is a prize winning poet.

Sharon Vargo is the illustrator of many children’s books.  She is also the author and illustrator of “Senor Felipe’s Alphabet Adventure”. She has also had her acrylic paintings appear in magazines, murals and limited edition prints.  She currently resides in Carmel, Indiana with her husband, and their pet frog named Romeo, they have four grown sons.  She graduated from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

Stone Pizza
by Susan K. Mitchell
Illustrated by McNevin Hayes
The RGU Group
Children’s book, fiction, 29 pages, $15.95
ISBN-10: 1-891795-26-0
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

“Stone Pizza” is a children’s picture book for children ages 4 to 12.  A hardback book with a cover that is beautifully illustrated with a coyote on the cover wearing a purple bandanna with yellow polka-dots, a pair of green sunglasses and holding a stone pizza.

A delightful tale involving the critters of the desert where food is hard to find.  Coyote finds no hospitality when he wanders into that stretch of the highway in the desert.  The story of Stone Pizza focuses on team work and sharing.  The book is engaging and a pure delight and offers a wonderful cast of characters.

The pages are filled with bold and vibrant imaginative illustrations, the art work is superb to ignite the child’s imagination.  I highly recommend this children’s book, both you and your children will enjoy reading this story together time and time again all while delivering a great lesson of sharing and team work.

Susan K. Mitchell is a full time preschool teacher with two young daughters of her own.  Stone Pizza is her first published children’s picture book.  She has written for several children’s magazines, she also writes monthly for Style & Living magazine.  She has also written non-fiction books, and a biography of actor Will Smith.  She currently resides in Texas with her husband and their two daughters.

McNevin Hayes currently resides in Pittsford, New York with his wife and their son.  His artwork has appeared in magazines, murals and galleries.

Edgar Font’s Hunt For A House To Haunt

 

Edgar Font’s Hunt For A House To Haunt
Adventure One:  The Castle Tower Lighthouse
by Patrick H. T. Doyle

Edgar Font’s Hunt For a House To Haunt

Adventure One:  The Castle Tower Lighthouse

By Patrick H.T. Doyle
Reviewed by Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

An enchanting story that introduces Garrett and Audrey to some pretty wondrous adventures that delivers a positive message to children everywhere.  Garret and Audrey are brother and sister, and as they head to China to join their father they have no clue of the great adventure that lies ahead.  The children usually stay with their aunt while their father is off on his trips as an architect but this year the children’s aunt is asked to join their father for the summer in China.  The children end up spending most of their time with Edgar Font, their grandfather.  Edgar is on a quest of finding the perfect place to haunt when he passes away, and their summer adventures begin, their adventures will be remembered a lifetime.  Their first adventure begins at an abandoned lighthouse which is full of puzzles, ghosts and mystery.  As their adventure continues through the lighthouse they must rely on everything they know and the lessons that they have learned along the way to ensure they will make it out without being harmed.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse is a children’s book that everyone will fall in love with no matter your age.  The author writes with such skill that lights an imaginitative spark in the reader.  The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the message the story delivers is of a positive one.  This is sure to be a series you will want to keep and treasure for years to come.  I intend to collect each in the series for my grandson to enjoy, which I am sure will ignite another book lover in our family.  I cannot wait until Edgar Font’s Hunt For a House To Haunt Adventure Two: The Fakersville Power Station comes out in July.  I am ready to enjoy another great adventure with Edgar Font on his search for the perfect place to haunt.

You will not want to miss the website and blog devoted to Edgar Font, they will add to your enjoyment, check them out at:

http://edgarfont.com

http://edgarfont.blogspot.com

The blogspot gives you so much informative information, which includes how the author came up with the story.  Here you will find the information about Edgar Font, Audrey and Garrett.  Be sure to read the top 10 questions that are asked relating to the story as you will find some very interesting facts.

The Edgar Font series is highly recommended for everyone.  It has been such an honor and a pleasure to be able to review such a treasure that will be added to my collection to pass on from generation to generation.  A message to the author: not only have you created such a great story for children, you have accomplished reaching readers of all ages with this series and need to be commended.  I personally thank you, Bravo!

The author has created a treasured collection for readers of all ages!!!!!

A New Forum for Authors and Readers

QBR (Quality Book Reviews) has just opened a new forum dedicated to and for authors as well as readers alike. I would like to invite everyone to drop by check it out and offer any suggestions to make this a better place for all. The new forum has a little of everything including a place where authors may drop in introduce yourselves, introduce your works, new releases, upcoming titles, and add links to your sites and blogs.

http://terrysouth.proboards83.com/

For readers we are developing a reading group, reading guides, open discussions, etc…

The forum categories added so far include:
General
Books & Novels
Bookshelves
Authors Place
Readers
Quality Book Reviews

Under each of the forum categories is a wide variety of sub-categories for everyone’s enjoyment.

We have also added a live chat and as we grow further would love to schedule live chats between authors and their readers.

We also would like to add to our schedule interviews with various authors to be placed on the forum as well as our site so that their readers can learn more about their favorite authors.

Thank you and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Terry

Quality Book Reviews

Toaster Pond
By Peter de Witt
Fantasy/Adventure
ISBN: 1-933255-21-8
http://www.toasterpond.com
DNA Press
PO Box 572 Eagleville, PA 19408
http://www.dnapress.com
Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

Toaster Pond is a wondrous adventure for children. The setting is a place called Waterville. In Waterville during the summer the teens are ready for their championship game of Hide and Seek. But this is not your normal regular game.

The story will captivate your child’s imagination. You can discover within the pages six toed fairies, as well as a wealth of different characters. The stories main characters include Doug, Skip, and Pierce, and they are on the Hide and Seek team termed the best team. Peter de Witt transports the game to a magical place of Sangerfiled, here the main characters must put their expert skills into action. Will they be able to save Sanger Castle? To find out you will need to pick up a copy of this great adventurous tale, you will not be disappointed.

Toaster Pond is a quick compact read, once your child has started they will not be able to put this one down. This is Peter de Witt’s debut and is an excellent creation and there will be a high demand for more. This is one enchanting and magical read that the entire family will want to read. This title will win the parents approval, and will be captivating families for generations to come.

Peter de Witt is an author, a adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY., and he is also has been teaching elementary school for eleven years. He currently resides in New York.

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo

Written and illustrated by Ed Baker

http://www.kittencuckoo.com

ISBN:  1-933572-04-3

Centro Books

200 E. 90^th St ., New York, NY 10128

http://www.centrobooks.com

Reviewed by Terry South for Bookpleasures

The Story of Kitten Cuckoo, written and illustrated by Ed Baker is an endearing picture book with cartoonish characters that are simple yet adorable.

The story is for children of all ages, teaching children the concept of friendship.  Ed Baker has developed a loosely rhyming poem to enrich this tale of an unlikely friendship.  Kitten Cuckoo and a baby elephant named Paquile E. Derm are best friends, despite their obvious differences.  The animals at the zoo would stare, giggle and make fun of the unlikely pair.

Paquile escapes from the zoo with Cuckoo and ends up being captured and sent to Africa.  Cuckoo returns home to find Harrison Cruz has moved; now homeless he decides to do what any friend would do, travel to Africa to find his best friend.  In the end he finds not only Paquile but Harrison Cruz too.

The story delivers the perfect idea of true friendship and will engage young children while teaching them not to give up on friendships formed.

You will find games, wall paper, art and other goodies located on their website at http://www.kittencuckoo.com/

The game located on their website is addicting to both children and adults alike.

Butterfly Lullaby Fairytale
By Sharon J. Bainbridge
ISBN: 0-9554454-0-X
http://www.butterflylullaby.com/
http://www.butterflylullaby.co.uk/
Published by Butterfly Lullaby
Illustrated photographs by Sharon J. Bainbridge
Fairy costumes designed & made by Sharon J. Bainbridge
Story by Sharon J. Bainbridge
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews

Brilliant & Delightful with vivid color and detail.
5 stars

Butterfly Lullaby Fairytale is very delicately done with bright vivid colorful illustrations of children in beautiful costumes set to the enchanting backgrounds.

Promotions include photographs where you can become one of the characters in the story. You have your photo taken in costume or you can send in your image and they will transform it into fairy art. They also talk of the characters visiting real places from the story which include Plantasia, Swansea, Wales, Castell Coch, Cardiff, Wales, Upwey Wishing Well, Weymouth, Dorset.

Butterfly Lullaby is the enchanting fairy story about a little Butterfly Fairy called Princess Melody. And a very jealous Prince puts the Princess under a magical spell. Princess Melody runs away as she is frightened for her mother’s safety.

The evil Prince leaves Wet Springs and destroys his new found land. Magical fairies are called upon, but can the spell be broken and will the Queen, Princess, and Fairyland be saved?

Butterfly Lullaby was written with special children in mind and in the heart of the author. The child’s name is Jodie, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. And the author Sharon J. Bainbridge has a special dedication to Jodie on page 3. Above that a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this storybook will be contributed to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in finding a cure.

Not only is this author very talented with the writing of this story, but to the photographs, the designing of the costumes, she also is a lady with a big heart wanting to help children with Cystic Fibrosis to find a cure. So I would like to highly recommend that everyone pick up a new copy of Butterfly Lullaby whether you have little ones or not, the story is very well written, the illustrated photographs are vivid and lively and so brilliantly colorful that everyone will want to add this treasure to their own collection.

A Must Have!