Bonnie Ferrante's Blog, page 24

The Power of Three – A Numerically Themed Month

When my littlest granddaughter turned three, I shared numerous books with her about the number three, amazed at how often it appears in literature and culture. Three is significant in religious stories. Christianity has the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three Magi bring gifts to the baby Jesus. Jesus prays three times in … Continue reading The Power of Three – A Numerically Themed Month

Elephants by Rebecca Heller. Illustrated by Suzie Mason. Book Review.

I was delighted to receive this book for review just in time for World Elephant Day. This picture book is for preschoolers or very beginning readers.  On the left side of each spread are the words “Elephants…” composing either a two or three word sentence. It begins with “Elephants wake.” and ends with “Elephants never … Continue reading Elephants by Rebecca Heller. Illustrated by Suzie Mason. Book Review.

World Elephant Day

Saturday, August 12 is World Elephant Day. In homage to these amazing beings I have made a video, for ages 8 and up, chronicling the lives of two Indian elephants. The story is a blend of the lives of several elephants. The events are common and factual. Elephant fans of all ages will appreciate this … Continue reading World Elephant Day

Ava’s First Day of Kindergarten by Kristen Weber. Illustrated by Isabel Belmonte. Book Review.

I was happy to receive a copy of this book since my granddaughter is starting school in September. It is written in rhyme which, unfortunately, clunks in spots. Rhyming books also make it more difficult to show and not tell and to evoke emotion. The tone of the book was light and positive. It has … Continue reading Ava’s First Day of Kindergarten by Kristen Weber. Illustrated by Isabel Belmonte. Book Review.

Build This City (Lego City). Book Review.

When I ordered this book for my granddaughter, I thought it was an instruction book on how to build a city out of Legos. I was disappointed to find that it was actually a book about how buildings were constructed using Legos for the illustrations. But I changed my feelings about it when I shared … Continue reading Build This City (Lego City). Book Review.

Ali the Inventor Saves the Garden! by Amire Makin. Book Review.

This was a unique and positive picture book. Ali is a boy who loves math and electronics and considers himself an engineer and inventor. He looks to be about 10 or 12 years old. Ali explains to the reader that electronics show how a thing really works. Math formulas solve electronic problems. Allie goes out … Continue reading Ali the Inventor Saves the Garden! by Amire Makin. Book Review.

Conclusion of Celebrity Writers Theme

That concludes my book review theme of celebrity writers. Of the books I reviewed, I would have to say they were rather good. Celebrities can afford to hire great editorials and illustrators. They also sink money into an attractive package. . This makes the book look polished and professional. They have the funds and connections … Continue reading Conclusion of Celebrity Writers Theme

Sing It – Marsupial Sue by John Lithgow. Illustrated by Jack E. Davis. Book Review.

 Click here to buy Marsupial Sue This book is actually a song set to illustration which is why the rhyming sometimes feels a little awkward. Often lyrics depend on the melody to create a comfortable rhythm. Should you wish, you can turn to the last page and learn the song from the musical score. Then … Continue reading Sing It – Marsupial Sue by John Lithgow. Illustrated by Jack E. Davis. Book Review.

Little Car Trip on the Prairie – Recycled Sundays

I spent a day my children probably consider a waste of good summer weather traveling to a town on the Minnesota Prairies with a population of 650. It wasn’t an obligatory visit to relatives, the usual excuse to head into the boonies. The person I wanted to see lived there are about 100 years ago. … Continue reading Little Car Trip on the Prairie – Recycled Sundays

Dancing on Daddy’s Shoes by Gabriel Dietch. Illustrated by Ashley Lucas. Book Review.

This book subtly addresses a complicated topic, that of infertility, with grace and beauty. I think it is written for parents to share with their children. I’m not sure if it’s necessary, though. Do children need to know that their parents had trouble conceiving and had to take medicine? Perhaps this is more of a … Continue reading Dancing on Daddy’s Shoes by Gabriel Dietch. Illustrated by Ashley Lucas. Book Review.