Thursday, June 13, 2013

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis




Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis is a great new book for middle grade readers that is sure to keep them laughing.  I was immediately drawn to the book when I saw it on the bookstore shelf.  At first glance the title suggests a character who is not sure of himself but it is just the opposite.  Timmy is full of so much confidence and self assurance that I laughed out loud thinking I know kids like him. He  is an endearing character too because he wants to become rich not just for himself but to help his Mom  pay the bills.  This is the perfect book for kids who like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series which is probably what the author intended.  I like when an author grabs onto a genre but doesn't copy it verbatim.  I also like how it is a sweet funny book that doesn't talk down to the reader.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.....

Monday, June 10, 2013

These Seas Count! by Alison Formento illustrated by Sarah Snow

Yesterday at the annual BookNJ event I finally got a chance to meet Alison Formento an award winning author of popular nature picture books.  I have seen her books for awhile and heard such wonderful things about her.  She does phenomenal school and store visits that always enthrall the children she talks to.   I realized that even though she had been on my list of authors to suggest I never wrote about her.


These Seas Count by Alison Formento and illustrated by Sarah Snow is a wonderful picture book for children to help them learn how important the ocean and beaches are to our world.  It is the perfect book to read to children before they start their summer vacation--especially if they are going to the beach.  I love how Ms Formento doesn't talk down to the reader and tells her story simply and sweetly.  I also love Ms Snow's beautiful collage paintings which perfectly match the gentle text.  These are perfect a nature loving child's bookshelf and they make great gifts for a teacher's classroom.

Other books in the series are just as wonderful:

This Tree Counts

These Bees Count


In this environmentally conscience age these are must have books to own....