Book Review - Geronimo Stilton Micekings: Pull the Dragon's Tooth!

About the Book
Miceking chief Sven the Shouter has a new goal: to transform smarty-mouse Geronimo Stiltonord into a true macho mouseking. Geronimo must undergo special training, leading up to a terrifying final test -- pulling a tooth from a dragon's mouth! Shivering squids! Will he ever earn a miceking helmet?



My Take on the Book
Geronimo Stilton is involved in a new adventure. In this story he is a mouseking in an ancient north land. There are dragons to fight and helmets to win for bravery. 

As the story begins, the townspeople decide Geronimo needs to be stronger so they hire Max Musclepaw to train Geronimo. Musclepaw thinks he is invincible but as the story progresses the reader will see the challenges that Max encounters. 

Geronimo shows that a good brain and problem solving skills are as important as muscles and strength. By the end of the adventure, Max agrees. 

There are many humorous situations in this book. The fun use of language will delight the reader. A child in second through fourth grades will enjoy this chapter book.
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Book Review - The Story of Moana: A Tale of Courage and Adventure

About the Book
Inspired by Disney Animation Studios' latest film, Moana, this middle grade novel features characters and adventures based in the rich culture of the islands of Oceania. It includes original content in the form of mini folk tales interspersed throughout the story of the film. Bonus temporary tattoos included!



My Take on the Book
This chapter book tells the entire story of Moana. The story gives the reader excellent details about Moana's growing up. Moana's gramma tells the tale of the warrior Maui being struck from the sky and losing his fish hook. The tale continues because TeFiti lost her heart. Thus the darkness, lack of fish in the ocean, and the TeKa demons take over the island and the livelihood of the island.
Although this is not an illustrated book, the text is so rich in descriptive language that the reader will easily be able to use their mind to see the action in the story.

The reader will see Moana's challenges as she tries to solve the problems and face TeKa. She convinces Maui to help even with out his magical fish hook.

Moana's story is one of perseverance, love of family, devotion to a cause, and courage. I am eager to see the Disney movie now that I have read this story.
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Book Review - Project Droid: Soccer Shocker

About the Book
When Mom tells Logan that Java is joining his soccer team, the Purple Wombats, he’s not thrilled. It’s a lot of work teaching his new robot cousin how to act like a human—and keeping him out of trouble—and Logan needs a break.

Still, being programmed for success means that Java’s also great at scoring. He might just turn the Wombats into a championship team, beating Sherry and Jerry Silverspoon and their Red Polar Bears . . . if he’d just let the other kids play, too. After being replaced as the Wombats’ MVP, Logan’s had enough.

But when Java gets wet and goes on the fritz, can the whole team—even a short-circuiting Java—come together to score the winning goal?

The second in a fantastically funny new chapter book series by internationally bestselling author Nancy Krulik and her daughter, Amanda Burwasser, Soccer Shocker is destined to win tons of fans.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.



My Take on the Book
Logan Applebaum's mother invented a droid who lives with them. Java, the droid, is playing soccer with Logan and his friends. Because Java is not human, he can hit the ball higher and faster. He becomes the best soccer player.

When Java gets short circuited and is out of commission, Logan and his friends realize how much they miss him. Logan was jealous of Java and was upset because his friends liked Java more than him. However as the story continues you see Logan's feelings change. 

The story shows jealousy, friendship, and forgiveness. Telling the truth is highlighted too.

There are again humorous sections where Java has his own understanding of what people are saying. Often this causes some questions as Logan's friends do not know Java is a droid.
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Book Review - Project Droid: Science No Fair!

About the Book
It’s a pretty normal day for Logan Applebaum—until his inventor mother announces that she’s built him a new robot cousin. And Java may be really smart, but he’s also going to be a major handful. No one can know about his secret. This is going to be a long school year.

With the third grade science fair coming up, though, Logan thinks maybe a super computer cousin could come in handy and he’ll finally have a shot at beating the nosey Silverspoon twins who win at everything.

But when Sherry and Jerry steal Java as their partner, and then start suspecting something is up with the new kid, can Logan think fast before this crazy experiment becomes an epic disaster?

In Science No Fair! internationally bestselling author, Nancy Krulik and her incredibly talented daughter, Amanda Burwasser, team up to introduce a new comedic pair that combines the literalness of Amelia Bedelia with a wacky modern edge, making for hours of laughter.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.



My Take on the Book
Logan Applebaum's mother is an inventor. in this story she makes a droid for Logan. Java, the droid, becomes Logan's "cousin". Java does everything with Logan. There are many humorous situations involving Java because he does not understand the way we use our language. For example Logan said he had "butterflies in his stomach". Java thought he meant real butterflies and turned Logan upside down to remove the butterflies. 

There is a science fair at the school which causes some challenges for Logan and his friends. Java is involved in the Science Fair disaster. 

The story shows Logan accepting Java at the end of the story. He was even protecting him from two bullies.

The story shows pretty typical third grade behavior . There are difficulties with friends, jealousy, friendship, and problem solving. 

At the end of the book, the authors have included Logan's science experiment for your child to make.
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Book Review - Moana Read-Along Storybook & CD

About the Book
A 32 page book and CD retelling Moana.


My Take on the Book
Moana is the chief's daughter. She has a kind heart and helps others. Moana is brave. In this story her Gramma tells her the story of TeFiti and with the special shell she finds, she decided to restore TeFiti's heart. Once this is done the islands will thrive again.

The story contains challenges for Moana and and the magical warrior Maui. Together they work to defeat the fiery demon known as TeKa.

There is magic, adventure and suspense. Moana perseveres even in the face of danger. Moana finds her destiny and saves her family, friends, and her island.

This is a good family story.
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Book Review - Art of Coloring: Moana: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity

About the Book
Relax, and let the creativity flow through you. Whether a skilled artist or an everyday dabbler of drawings and doodles, fans of all ages will enjoy these stunning pen-and-ink illustrations of beautiful landscapes, elaborate patterns, and memorable characters from Disney's new animated feature Moana. The lovely packaging includes a convenient "lay flat" book block.



My Take on the Book
This is a creative coloring book filled with 100 images from the movie Moana. The images include the main characters of the book/movie. There are beautiful patterns, Pacific artwork, tatoos from the warrior Maui, and beautiful designs. There are hours for coloring enjoyment for your child and you to share using this book.
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Book Review - Moana and the Ocean

About the Book
This beautiful jacketed picture book based on the upcoming Disney Animation Studios' film, Moana, features an engaging story about Moana's unique relationship with the Ocean that playfully interacts with stylized artwork.



My Take on the Book
Heather Knowles and Annette Marnat have created a beautiful story together for a young child. The story is written as if the ocean is telling the reader about Moana. You see Moana as a child . The ocean tells the story of her growing up and the wonderful kind spirit Moana portrays. The ocean observes Moana as she interacts with her family, friends, and animals.

You and your child will love the gentle and beautiful illustrations that accompany the text so well. Such a wonderful example of text and art together.
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Book Review - Elena of Avalor A Palace Fit for a Princess

About the Book
With over 100 flaps, readers will discover the enchanted world of Avalor with Elena and her friends--including rooms and treasures in her castle that have never been seen before!



My Take on the Book
This story is about Princess Elena , her family , and her friends. The books takes the reader through the palace rooms. Each page describes the room and there are flip open sections on the pages to reveal other drawings. 

There are over 100 flaps to open. I am sure a young child will enjoy this part of the book very much. The pages are colorful and it will give the reader a full view of the inside of Elena's home. There are many small details to point out and enjoy as the story is read.
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Book Review - Elena of Avalor Elena and the Secret of Avalor

About the Book
Princess Elena from the kingdom of Avalor has been magically trapped inside an enchanted amulet, waiting for another princess to set her free. Come along on this magical adventure and meet Disney's newest princess, Elena of Avalor!


My Take on the Book

I believe this story could be the first story to introduce readers to Princess Elena.

There is a selfish woman in Avalar, named Shuriki. She is greedy and trapped Princess Elena in an amulet which Princess Sophia has in her possession. 

Princess Sophia is able to restore the kingdom with assistance from friends of the princess. There is a happy ending to the story and thus the reign of Princess Elena is restored. 

This is a story that included adventure, challenges, and magic. The authors show the courage and perseverance of the characters to do what is right even if they are fearful. 

I found it an interesting story which was fun to read.


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Book Review - Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad: A Royal Christmas

About the Book
Elena decides to host one big Navidad celebration in the park so everyone can celebrate together. But each community is trying to prove that their traditions are the best. Can Elena help her subjects see what the holidays are really about?



My Take on the Book
Here is a new Christmas story to share with your child.It is a story about competition and how competition can get out of hand when there is a lack of cooperation among the competitors.

The reader will see how Princess Elena is wise and able to problem solve and take care of a major challenge during Christmas.

It is a nice story showing people working together , even if they are different in some way, can create a beautiful celebration for everyone.
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Book Review - Nanette's Baguette

About the Book
Today is the day Nanette gets to get the baguette! Is she set? YOU BET!

Mo Willems' hilarious new picture book, Nanette's Baguette, follows our plucky heroine on her first big solo trip to the bakery. But . . . will Nanette get the baguette from baker Juliette? Or will Nanette soon be beset with regret?

Set in a meticulously handcrafted-paper-modeled French village, the uniquely vibrant laugh-out-loud world of Nanette's Baguette may be Mo's best creation yet. Get set to krack into an irresistible tale you won't soon forget!




My Take on the Book
Mo Willems has written a humorous and enjoyable story about a little frog named Nanette who's mother gives her the responsibility to purchase a baguette at the bakery. This is a new responsibility for this little frog so she takes it very seriously.

The author used delightful rhyming text which is fun to read. The author illustrates the happiness, fear, curiosity , and seriousness in little Nanette's facial expressions. 

You will be surprised to see what occurs after Nanette is walking home with her baguette. However, even though there is a slight problem when Nanette arrives home, her mother shows patience and forgiveness as they return to the bakery once again.

This is a nice story to share with your young child.
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Book Review - Stripes The Tiger

About the Book
Stripes is the biggest, strongest, fiercest hunter in the jungle . . . well, actually that's what Stripes would like to be. Stripes is a small tabby cat. Young and rambunctious, he challenges his owner at every turn -- seriously testing his owner's patience. He tears up the couch, he chases the dog, and he wreaks havoc everywhere. Finally, his owner has had enough! He takes Stripes to the zoo to see a real tiger. But both Stripes and his owner are in for a surprise, proving that things are not always as they seem, and most importantly, you should always follow your internal roar (or purr) . . . however loud or soft it may be.



My Take on the Book
Your young child will enjoy this humorous story abut a striped cat who wanted to be a tiger. The cat did everything to appear to become a tiger and finally its owner , who was tired of this charade, took him to the zoo to meet a real tiger. The ending is so cute and so funny. It will make you smile. It is truly a surprise what happens at the end of the story.

Your child will see the determination and courage of the striped cat to follow its dream. One never knows what will happen if you follow your dream.

Benegere Delaporte's illustrations show perfectly how the striped cat tries to become a tiger.

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Book Review - Bella's Fall Coat

About the Book
BELLA’S FALL COAT by Lynn Plourde with illustrations by Susan Gal (Disney-Hyperion; On Sale: September 6, 2016) is a loving and whimsical picture book that captures the wonders of fall as it reflects the common childhood desire that everything stay exactly as it is forever. Bella loves the sights and sounds of fall--the crinkle-crackle of fallen leaves, the crunch of crisp, red apples, the honking and flapping of migrating geese. She wants the season to last forever. She also wants her fall coat--the one her Grams made especially for her--to last forever. But the coat is worn-out and too small. . . . With a snip and a whir, Grams makes sure Bella will be warm when the first snowflakes fall. And Bella finds a perfect use for her old favorite coat--on the first snowman of the season.

About the Author
Lynn Plourde (www.lynnplourde.com) has had thirty picture books published, including You're Doing That in the Talent Show?!, You're Wearing That to School?!, Wild Child, and Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud. She considers herself a “teaching author,” because she makes so many visits to schools to teach kids how to become better writers. Lynn lives in Winthrop, Maine, in a house surrounded by woods, and during her favorite season of fall, the trees fill her yard with colorful leaf confetti.

About the Illustrator 
Susan Gal (www.galgirlstudio.com) began her illustration career as a poster and calendar artist in Los Angeles and then became an "in-betweener" (the artist who fills in movements between key frames in animation) for Disney Animation in Florida. Susan now lives in the Bay Area of California, where she happily creates lively, textural, and whimsical illustrations. She has written and illustrated several books for children, including Night Lights, Please Take Me for a Walk, Into the Outdoors, and Day by Day. When not working, Susan enjoys biking, backpacking, and hiking to really high places with her husband and daughter.




My Take on the Book
This was a beautiful book that brings together a wonderful story with a fun plot and memorable characters. On top of this you also get a book that is strewn with colors that simply jump off of the page and illustrations that truly bring you into the fall season. This is a truly wonderful story that you will love to share as a family!


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Book Review - Thea Stilton and the Madagascar Madness

About the Book
The Thea Sisters are off to Madagascar for Adventure Camp, a wilderness survival competition! The five friends love exploring and learning about the many plants and animals that live there. But then they discover that they're not alone in the nature preserve -- and endangered animals are under threat! Can the mouselets help before it's too late?



My Take on the Book
Colette, Nicky, Pamela, Paulina, and Violet are best mouse friends. They call themselves the Thea Sisters. The best friends decide to take a vacation to Madagascar. They become involved in a Wilderness Survival Competition.

The story includes many facts about Madagascar, the transportation, food, and the animals. It stresses how important it is to save endangered animals and preserve the environment for the animals. 

In the story the young mice are involved in a mystery when they are in the rain forest. Many strange things begin to happen and they cannot understand who or what is causing the problems. 

Of course by the end of the story the reader finds out about thieves and animal traffickers. 

I felt this story was a good one that stressed the importance of our responsibility to try to help our earth , the animals, and the "footprint" that humans make on the land.

The book was written for students in second through fourth grades.

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Book Review - The Complete Walt Disney World 2017

About the Book
SPECIAL TENTH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Your best vacation ever. It's easy to have with the help of this award-winning full-color guidebook. Filled with the most detailed information ever published about Walt Disney World, it combines a thorough description of everything Disney has to offer with a cornucopia of advice and insight to help you enjoy it. In other words, it's a handbook on how to have fun. Critics agree. The Orlando Sentinel calls it "a fantastic planning tool." The St. Louis Post-Dispatch says it's "refreshing in its honest opinions." Also included: more than 454 photographs and over a thousand fun finds and facts. Smartly organized, the 416-page book fits easily in your purse or backpack.

Honest insight, helpful detail. A former Walt Disney World concierge supervisor, Julie Neal freely shares her unique insight, offering hundreds of inside tips and secrets, while also tossing in an encyclopedic depth of facts and figures that you just can't find anywhere else.

An award-winning family guide. The Complete Walt Disney World has won dozens of national and international book awards, including eleven Travel Guide of the Year honors and an Outstanding Family Product award from Disney itself. Features for families include a collection of fun ways to involve your children in the planning of your trip and "fear factors" for scary rides and shows. Children enjoy flipping through the guide's pages with their parents, as its abundance of images makes it easy to declare, "Let's do that!"



My Take on the Book
This is a great book that has an amazing amount of resources. Filled with tons of full color pictures and even more detailed information, this is the go-to resource for any and all people that are planning to go to Walt Disney World in the near future. This books has so many insider tips that I can honestly say that I do not think I would turn to any other guides. The book was very easy to read and it offers a very balanced approach to looking at all aspects of the parks.

This book seems to compile information that otherwise you would be searching for online for days, all in one place. It is something that you can take with you and refer to all the time on your trip!

The book not only has park information, but you will be able to find out information about food, restaurants, lodging, rides and so much more.

Get ready to be a true Disney insider after you read this book!

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Book Review - The Highest Mountain of Books in the World

About the Book
Lucas was convinced he was born to fly. He spent hours watching birds and airplanes in flight and tried to design his own sets of wings -- many times. But each time they failed. He wrote letters to Santa, pleading for help, but was disappointed with the toy wings and capes he received. Then one day, something magical happened, without him even knowing it. His mother put a book in his hands -- and Lucas began to fly. And fly. And fly. Both a delightful story and a celebration of the wonder of books and their power to transport us to places beyond our imagination.

My Take on the Book
My wife is a librarian and as one she and I have encouraged our kids to be voracious readers from early in their lives. Now they love to read and constantly are trying to find new books. This book captures the joy of reading and what it can do to allow you to do whatever you want to do. Books can do that! This was a wonderful book and anyone that loves books will find the joy in this book. You will love the images and the story!


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Book Review - If You Were Me and Lived in...Viking Europe

About the Book
Hop in our time travel machine and join Carole P. Roman as she visits a Viking settlement in the year 890 AD. Learn what your name could be and the kind of food you might eat. Read about the different levels of society, how they affect where you would live, and the type of clothing you might wear. Mateya Arkova's beautiful illustrations illustrate what Vikings ate and their children did for fun. If You Were Me and Lived in.. Viking Europe is an exciting trip that shows a colorful culture through the eyes of a child.



My Take on the Book
This is a much longer book than many of the other books written about places that this author has written. Within the pages of the book though you can tell that the author has done her research on the people and the era in which we are exploring. The book is great for sharing what society was like back in the era of the Vikings. You easily can tell that life was not easy. The book also explores clothes, food, and even entertainment and other lifestyle issues. This is a great book that really takes you back in time and you and your family will love exploring this era along with the author, I know my family did!


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