Book Review - Scholastic Discover More: Titanic

About the Book
A modern reference book about the Titanic in the expert reader strand.

TITANIC encourages children to think for themselves about what caused this great disaster, and how it could have been averted. It presents evidence that allows readers to determine who the heroes and who the villains of the tragedy were. The book introduces all the key players--the owners, the builders, the crew, and the passengers--and tackles the controversies at the center of the drama. Unique, specially commissioned artwork explores the ship, deck by deck. And moving eyewitness accounts from survivors help the reader understand their plight in the countdown to disaster.



My Take on the Book
This was an amazingly complete book. You get to learn not only about the Titanic but also about many other facts and figures that help give context to the era that Titanic was built within as well as the human stories of the passengers that rode the Titanic as well. Filled with full color beautiful images and many pages that will draw you into the book and have you learning so much. My daughter is an aficionado when it comes to the RMS Titanic, so her mouth dropped when she saw that we received a book on her favorite topic. With this in mind we dived right in and on the first night we ended up reading through almost half of the book (it was that good). Beyond that, we started getting lost in the text and emotion portrayed in the pages of the book, and this continued throughout our reading of the book itself. All-in-all this was a great book for anyone interested in the RMS Titanic. Whether you are new or old to examining this disaster, you will come out of reading this satisfied and ready to read it again and again!


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Book Review - How To Be Like Walt, Capturing The Disney Magic Every Day Of Your Life

About the Book
These are but two of the Walt Disney-isms that pepper the pages of the latest book on the man, How To Be Like Walt: Capturing the Disney Magic Every Day of Your Life (HCI Books - $13.95 – August 2004) by Pat Williams with Jim Denney. The authors conducted over 1000 interviews to present the man behind the myth. To tie them all together, Williams and Denney share lessons they gleaned from their in-depth study of this icon of American family entertainment.

Williams, whose personal fascination with Disney began when he relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1989 to build a new NBAA basketball team, considers Walt Disney to be one of his mentors. In fact, his team, the Magic, was named in honor of one of Disney's most famous creations, the Magic Kingdom. The name was chosen not only because the team's proximity to Disney World, but also as a tribute to how Walt Disney's "magical personality” touched his community.

To help readers make their own dreams come true, the authors have assembled the following lessons learned by observing Walt Disney's extraordinary life:

• Lesson 1: Live the Adventure
• Lesson 2: Be a Salesman
• Lesson 3: Dare to do the Impossible
• Lesson 4: Unleash Your Imagination
• Lesson 5: Become an Animated Leader
• Lesson 6: Take a Risk
• Lesson 7: Deal with Loss
• Lesson 8: Plus Every Experience
• Lesson 9: Be a Person of Stick-To-It-Ivity
• Lesson 10: Be a Sponge for Ideas
• Lesson 11: Ask Yourself – "How About Tomorrow”
• Lesson 12: Live for the Next Generation
• Lesson 13: Build Complementary Partnerships
• Lesson 14: Stay Focused
• Lesson 15: Accept Your Mortality
• Lesson 16: Make Family Your Top Priority

How To Be Like Walt follows Disney from his humble childhood years on a farm outside of Kansas City until his death in December of 1966. What is clear throughout the book is a life of imagination, perseverance and optimism. And, although some controversy accompanied Disney's legacy, his impact lives on in the hearts and minds of people all around the globe.

As friend and colleague, Art Linkletter, says: "Of all the books written about Walt Disney, this may be the most important.”

About The Authors:

Pat Williams is senior vice president of the Orlando Magic and author of more than 30 successful books, including 4 books in the How to Be Like series.

Jim Denney is a professional writer who has collaborated with Pat Williams on several books, including How to Be Like Jesus and the upcoming Three Success Secrets of Shamgar.



My Take on the Book
I have been a fan of Walt Disney for years, not only for what he built, but for what he stood for and believed. This book brought into focus many new facets of both Disney's life but also his wisdom. You can tell that the author has a deep respect for Disney and he brings out the qualities that made him great and shows the readers how they can turn these qualities into something that they can incorporate into their own lives.

Even though the book shares a ton of inspirational ideas that can be incorporated into all of your lives, the book also is a biography of sorts and you get a much better understanding of Walt Disney the man.

I found a ton of transferable concepts that I know that I can use in my own personal and professional life and know that this will be a book that I will read over and over again and will share with others as I continue on my own journey.

All-in-all I highly encourage you to read this and learn and grow with each page that turns!


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Book Review & Movie Announcement- Flowers in the Attic

About the Book
A major Lifetime movie event—the novel that captured the world's imagination and earned V.C. Andrews a fiercely devoted fanbase. Book One of the Dollanganger Family series.

At the top of the stairs there are four secrets hidden. Blond, beautiful, innocent, and struggling to stay alive…

They were a perfect family, golden and carefree—until a heartbreaking tragedy shattered their happiness. Now, for the sake of an inheritance that will ensure their future, the children must be hidden away out of sight, as if they never existed. Kept on the top floor of their grandmother’s vast mansion, their loving mother assures them it will be just for a little while. But as brutal days swell into agonizing months and years, Cathy, Chris, and twins Cory and Carrie realize their survival is at the mercy of their cruel and superstitious grandmother…and this cramped and helpless world may be the only one they ever know.

Book One of the Dollanganger series, followed by Petals in the Wind, If There be Thorns, Seeds of Yesterday, and Garden of Shadows.


Tune in to Lifetime on Saturday, January 18th to watch the World Premier of Flowers in the Attic!

Starring:

• Heather Graham as Corrine
• Ellen Burstyn as Olivia
• Kiernan Shipka as Young Cathy
• Dylan Bruce as Bart
• Mason Dye as Christopher
• Chad Willett as Christopher Sr.
• Ava Telek as Carrie
• Maxwell Kovach as Cory

My Take on the Book
I remember reading this book when it first came out, but it had been a long time. Getting back into this story I remembered how good the story was. It was a compelling read and was definitely one that kept me entranced from beginning to end. The plot was strong and the characters are ones that draw you in. I was so glad to see that not only did they bring this story back for a new generation, but at the same time I am looking forward to the upcoming movie as well as I know that this will bring the book alive in a brand new way as well!



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Book Review - Let There Be Light

About the Book
'In the very beginning, God's love bubbled over when there was nothing else---no trees, no birds, no animals, no sky, no sea---only darkness.' Let There Be Light combines the love and warmth of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the extraordinary talents of bestselling author and illustrator Nancy Tillman. This retelling of the biblical story of creation vividly portrays the wonder and beauty of God's creation on each of the seven days. Using Archbishop Tutu's lyrical text from the Children of God Storybook Bible and Tillman's remarkable illustrations, Let There Be Light brings the story of creation to life for readers young and old.





My Take on the Book
LET THERE BE LIGHT is a retelling of the biblical story of creation . Archbishop Tutu writes an informative, simple, and easy to understand creation story that children and adults will enjoy reading together. He gives specifics such as "tall trees and grass" and "let there be animals: elephants, giraffes, cats, mice , and bees and bugs."

It is a story filled with the wonder of a new creation by God. It is filled with God's joy with his creation and its beauty. It is also written with purpose: " I will make people and they can enjoy the earth and take are of it."

You will find this book one you will reread many times. Look carefully at the illustrations created by Nancy Tillman. There are some colorful surprises within the pages.



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Book Review - Love is Forever

About the Book
My love for you will never stop. It lives on in your laughter, in your heart, and in your thoughts. -lines from book. Losing a loved one is hard for anyone, especially a child who might be experiencing loss for the first time. This book gives caregivers and children a beautiful way to begin talking about loss and grief, and how to keep loved ones close in heart and mind through shared memories. Endearing artwork perfectly complements this heartfelt story about keeping love alive in the present and in the future. Additional resources and information are included from professionals who work with children and families experiencing grief and loss.


My Take on the Book
"Someday you may not see me or hear me, but you can always feel my love in your heart."

Casey Rislov has written a beautiful story for children about loving someone and losing them through death. I loved the story line showing the activities and shared love between grandpa owl and little owl. The activities they shared were similar to what we share with our grandchildren/children and produced the memories little owl and his sister would hold in their thoughts and minds in the days, weeks, months and years after their grandpa died.

Included in the book, at the end, is a section written for parents or caretakers of children about death, attending a funeral, and how to help children express their thoughts and feelings. I felt this section was especially important to read prior to reading the story in case the child had questions during the story reading. Rachel Balsaitis created the beautiful illustrations. They were done with great detail, but sensitivity to show the joy and then grief of the characters in the story. I know you will enjoy sharing Casey's book with your child.



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DVD Review - Power Rangers Megaforce: The Mysterious Robo Knight

About the DVD
The super-charged Power Rangers Megaforce adventures continue with Power Rangers Megaforce: The Mysterious Robo Knight arriving on DVD and Digital HD January 14 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The hit Nickelodeon series entertains fans with exciting tales of best friends who must work together to defend the planet from evil. Immerse yourself in the epic saga as the Rangers join forces with a mysterious transforming robot and awesome new Megazords in their quest to defeat the invading monsters! The Power Rangers Megaforce: The Mysterious Robo Knight DVD includes four robo-charged episodes and a bonus collectible Mega Blok® Series 2 Micro Figure (while supplies last), which will all be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

The action-packed series continues as Troy, Noah, Emma, Gia and Jake POWER UP to defend Earth from evil insectoid monsters! The Rangers must use friendship, teamwork and their Megazords to overcome evil villains Beezara, Dizchord, Bluefur, Bigs, Hisser and Creepox! Then, when all seems lost, a mysterious new ally emerges – ROBO KNIGHT! With the help of this transforming robot, Earth’s mightiest defenders will never surrender!

Episodes Include:

• United We Stand
• Harmony and Dizchord
• Who’s Crying Now?
• Robo Knight

My Take on the DVD
Another great collection of episodes included on this DVD. The only bad thing in my opinion was that there were only four episodes as we all would had more! On this DVD you get some great action as well plot lines that draw you in from beginning to end! If your family loves power rangers, you will love this DVD!


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DVD Review - The Adventures of Chuck & Friends: Trucks Versus Wild

About the DVD
Catch Spring Fever with Chuck and his pals Digger*Boomer*Rowdy*Soku*Biggs and Handy. Chuck likes to celebrate good friends and good fun and these 10 episodes feature new adventures in titles like "Beach Blanket Uh-Oh" and "The Checkup" while reinforcing themes of staying safe and being healthy.



My Take on the DVD
This was a great collection of shows for any fan of this series. You get 10 episodes that include:

1. The Checkup
2. Chuck’s Perfect Plans
3. Trucks Vs. Wild
4. Kid Stuff
5. As The Engine Coughs
6. Beach Blanket Uh-Oh
7. Fender Bender
8. Sleep-Driving Chuck
9. Mind Your Own Business
10. The Pothole

All of these episodes were fun and had a great message within them! My youngest really likes the series and it is definitely one that I would recommend for younger audiences!

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