Magda M. Olchawska's Blog, page 9
November 2, 2011
“Buzzz, Buzzz And Other Funny Poems” The Poems & Illustrations of Mitch Fairchild
I love these poems. They are funny and clever and made me laugh like crazy.
It’s a perfect read when you feel blue. After reading couple of the poems your mood totally changes. The drawings & the rhymes transported me back to my childhood. I felt calm & happy. I think I felt safe.
Mitch Fairchild did a fantastic job with his pen.
I personally would recommend his poems more to the grown-ups than children.
It’s a perfect read when you feel blue. After reading couple of the poems your mood totally changes. The drawings & the rhymes transported me back to my childhood. I felt calm & happy. I think I felt safe.
Mitch Fairchild did a fantastic job with his pen.
I personally would recommend his poems more to the grown-ups than children.
November 1, 2011
“Feet And Other Silly Poems” - Poems and Illustrations by Mitch Fairchild
If you one of Dr Seuss fans and read it to your kids, you are going to enjoy Mitch Fairchild’s poetry, too.
It’s witty, skilfully written and has charming illustrations. Once again it was a pleasure to indulge my mind and heart in Fairchild’s poems.
My favourite one is “Carly” & for past few nights I’ve been reading “Feet” to my son (it seems it helps getting him to bed).
I would recommend his poetry to both children & parents & non-parents from age of three to 120.
It’s witty, skilfully written and has charming illustrations. Once again it was a pleasure to indulge my mind and heart in Fairchild’s poems.
My favourite one is “Carly” & for past few nights I’ve been reading “Feet” to my son (it seems it helps getting him to bed).
I would recommend his poetry to both children & parents & non-parents from age of three to 120.
October 31, 2011
“A Recycled Christmas” written & illustrated by Heather Payer-Smith
Every year the Elves are working hard making toys for kids for Christmas. Every year Father Christmas is checking up on the boys & girls if they were good or naughty to add them to his Good List.
However, to his dismay he soon learns that the children have been dumping their last year toys to make room for new toys from Father Christmas.
So, Father Christmas has a brilliant idea how to save the dumped toys.
Payer-Smith did a fantastic job on illustrations and the story. I love the idea of making children aware (starting at a very young age) that throwing out good toys (or other things for that matter) only create piles of garbage, which pollute our planet. She gives the kids another idea what to do with the unwanted toys.
This book teaches our little ones a very valuable environmental lesson and the sooner they learn the better for all of us.
My recommendation for this book is children age 2-7, parents, teachers, librarians, environmental organizations & clubs.
However, I think this book should be read by every kid & adult to make our society more environmentally aware.
I enjoyed the story a lot.
However, to his dismay he soon learns that the children have been dumping their last year toys to make room for new toys from Father Christmas.
So, Father Christmas has a brilliant idea how to save the dumped toys.
Payer-Smith did a fantastic job on illustrations and the story. I love the idea of making children aware (starting at a very young age) that throwing out good toys (or other things for that matter) only create piles of garbage, which pollute our planet. She gives the kids another idea what to do with the unwanted toys.
This book teaches our little ones a very valuable environmental lesson and the sooner they learn the better for all of us.
My recommendation for this book is children age 2-7, parents, teachers, librarians, environmental organizations & clubs.
However, I think this book should be read by every kid & adult to make our society more environmentally aware.
I enjoyed the story a lot.
October 30, 2011
Velvet Ball a little hero.
Velvet Ball is a nine years old girl. She is bold because she was very sick and all her hair fell out and for some reason don’t want to grow back. To improve Velvet’s health her parents decide to move to the countryside.
However, her new school is horrible. She is bullied all the time & all the kids are making fun of her calling her Pixie and other names.
She is trying to be brave but when everyone is ganging up on her it becomes incredibly hard.
While running away from the bullies through the forest, Velvet accidentally finds a talking doll, which looks like a fairy. From that moment Velvet’s life is never going to be the same again.
The story grabbed me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I related to Velvet’s story so much because I also moved with my parents into the small town and I also was bullied in my new school.
“Velvet Ball and The Broken Fairy” is a fantastic book. Velvet’s story teaches the kids that bullies do get punished and should be punished for an unacceptable behaviour. The kids also learn that good behaviour doesn’t go unnoticed and there will always be some kind of an award for children who respect other people and are kind and giving.
Patricia Puddle with incredible ease writes about difficult subjects such as: children illness or bullying. I love the way Patricia gave power to Velvet to fight the bullies off and find her own strength.
I would recommend the book to kids age 7-12, parents, teachers, librarians and hospitals (if they buy books for kids).
After reading Velvet’s story I think I’ve become one of Patricia’s biggest fan.
However, her new school is horrible. She is bullied all the time & all the kids are making fun of her calling her Pixie and other names.
She is trying to be brave but when everyone is ganging up on her it becomes incredibly hard.
While running away from the bullies through the forest, Velvet accidentally finds a talking doll, which looks like a fairy. From that moment Velvet’s life is never going to be the same again.
The story grabbed me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I related to Velvet’s story so much because I also moved with my parents into the small town and I also was bullied in my new school.
“Velvet Ball and The Broken Fairy” is a fantastic book. Velvet’s story teaches the kids that bullies do get punished and should be punished for an unacceptable behaviour. The kids also learn that good behaviour doesn’t go unnoticed and there will always be some kind of an award for children who respect other people and are kind and giving.
Patricia Puddle with incredible ease writes about difficult subjects such as: children illness or bullying. I love the way Patricia gave power to Velvet to fight the bullies off and find her own strength.
I would recommend the book to kids age 7-12, parents, teachers, librarians and hospitals (if they buy books for kids).
After reading Velvet’s story I think I’ve become one of Patricia’s biggest fan.
October 26, 2011
“The Mystical Wood” by Simon Jenner, illustrated by Pierre Fihue
A boy & his dog Max are playing in the garden when Max decides to venture beyond the gate where a dark forest grows. Not thinking much the boy goes beyond the gate to rescue his beloved friend.
The forest turns out to be a magical place, full of scary creatures & a wizard who sets a challenge for the boy.
To get back home the boy needs to complete three tasks.
“The Mystical Wood” reminds me of Dr. Seuss’ books & also “Where The Wild Things Are”.
The story teaches the kids that once you make a decision, you need to take full responsibility for it as well, with all the consequences.
The children can also learn not to judge by the looks and see that not all scary looking things are in fact scary. Sometimes we just need to give it a little time to learn about one another.
Simon Jenner wrote a lovely story about friendship & responsibility, which I enjoyed reading a lot. I would recommend this book to kids age 5-10, parents, teachers & librarians.
The forest turns out to be a magical place, full of scary creatures & a wizard who sets a challenge for the boy.
To get back home the boy needs to complete three tasks.
“The Mystical Wood” reminds me of Dr. Seuss’ books & also “Where The Wild Things Are”.
The story teaches the kids that once you make a decision, you need to take full responsibility for it as well, with all the consequences.
The children can also learn not to judge by the looks and see that not all scary looking things are in fact scary. Sometimes we just need to give it a little time to learn about one another.
Simon Jenner wrote a lovely story about friendship & responsibility, which I enjoyed reading a lot. I would recommend this book to kids age 5-10, parents, teachers & librarians.
October 25, 2011
“Star – Crossed Rascals” by Patricia Puddle
Polly and Gertie are best friends forever. They do everything together, whether it is disgusting like chewing bubblegum they have just picked up on the street or riding a bike like crazy.
Polly does get upset with Gertie for being silly or being totally careless when Polly thinks taking a risk is totally unnecessary. However, everything always works out between the two of them. (not going to give out any spoilers here)
When we meet Polly, her parents are away so auntie Mabel looks after her for the time being. However her aunt isn’t the best possible choice for a babysitter, which makes Polly’s life miserable and extremely difficult. Aunt Mabel doesn’t even try to understand Polly and can’t stand Gertie around Polly, blaming her for all the trouble Polly gets into. But telling the truth, when it comes to trouble Polly is as creative as Gertie.
Polly’s story made me laugh like crazy & made me cry at the end of the book.
This girl reminds me so much of another little girl I remember from my childhood. Little red Scandinavian rascal named Pippi.
Patricia Puddle did an excellent job at portraying friendship between two girls who aren’t into ballet & doll house parties. Their friendship is not easy but real friendships never are and they usually require a lot of unconditional acceptance.
Polly and Gertie’s friendship is realistic, they have ups & downs but most importantly one loves another and they are there for each other.
The book is a fantastic read for kids age 5-13 (not to put any crazy ideas into little kid’s minds ☺).
I would recommend “Star – Crossed Rascals” also to parents, teachers & librarians.
Polly does get upset with Gertie for being silly or being totally careless when Polly thinks taking a risk is totally unnecessary. However, everything always works out between the two of them. (not going to give out any spoilers here)
When we meet Polly, her parents are away so auntie Mabel looks after her for the time being. However her aunt isn’t the best possible choice for a babysitter, which makes Polly’s life miserable and extremely difficult. Aunt Mabel doesn’t even try to understand Polly and can’t stand Gertie around Polly, blaming her for all the trouble Polly gets into. But telling the truth, when it comes to trouble Polly is as creative as Gertie.
Polly’s story made me laugh like crazy & made me cry at the end of the book.
This girl reminds me so much of another little girl I remember from my childhood. Little red Scandinavian rascal named Pippi.
Patricia Puddle did an excellent job at portraying friendship between two girls who aren’t into ballet & doll house parties. Their friendship is not easy but real friendships never are and they usually require a lot of unconditional acceptance.
Polly and Gertie’s friendship is realistic, they have ups & downs but most importantly one loves another and they are there for each other.
The book is a fantastic read for kids age 5-13 (not to put any crazy ideas into little kid’s minds ☺).
I would recommend “Star – Crossed Rascals” also to parents, teachers & librarians.
October 24, 2011
“The World According to August” by Sandra Westendorf-Coelho
“The World According to August” is a wonderful treat for families not only with autistic kids. Beautiful story about kids & friendship. My little one Mikolay is going to love both the story & illustrations. If you haven't read it yet just go & get the copy.
October 22, 2011
“Leon Chameleon P.I. and the Case of the Missing Canary Eggs” by Janet Hurst-Nicholson & illustrated by Barbara McGuire
Leo Chameleon is a private detective just like Sherlock Holmes. The way he works reminds me very much of the way Holmes worked using observation & comparison to similar cases.
Together with various police forces Leo helps to uncover the truth regarding the disappearance of three canary eggs.
I love the way Hurst-Nicholson impersonated the forest creatures, just like Potter used to do with her little rabbits.
“Leon Chameleon P.I. and the Case of the Missing Canary Eggs” is a fantastic study of animal habits and behaviours put, in an easy way to understand, to a young reader.
I really enjoyed the interaction between the different species and the little fears and disagreements they would face while trying to create a forest community.
My son adored the illustrations and was imitating all the animals he knew.
I would recommend this book to children age 3-10, teacher’s & librarian’s.
I’m looking forward to reading the next story because Leon did grab my heart.
Together with various police forces Leo helps to uncover the truth regarding the disappearance of three canary eggs.
I love the way Hurst-Nicholson impersonated the forest creatures, just like Potter used to do with her little rabbits.
“Leon Chameleon P.I. and the Case of the Missing Canary Eggs” is a fantastic study of animal habits and behaviours put, in an easy way to understand, to a young reader.
I really enjoyed the interaction between the different species and the little fears and disagreements they would face while trying to create a forest community.
My son adored the illustrations and was imitating all the animals he knew.
I would recommend this book to children age 3-10, teacher’s & librarian’s.
I’m looking forward to reading the next story because Leon did grab my heart.
October 21, 2011
“The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump – Mortimer’s Sweet Retreat” by Mandi Tillotson Williams
What a lovely short story with the cutest & very unusual illustrations.
“The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump – Mortimer’s Sweet Retreat” is a story of friendship between Mortimer and Boo Woolly who, at the first glance, looks like a super scary monster.
However, Boo Woolly isn’t a monster but a creature in a need of friend. Mortimer is taken to a land of sweets & fun & proves to be an amazing friend to Boo Woolly when he needs him the most.
It is a captivating story about friendship with a moral twist that appearances may be misleading. Something to think about for us all, not only our little precious bunnies.
I would recommend the book to parents of children age 1-4 and to pre-school teachers, children groups & libraries.
I did enjoy Mortimer Crump adventures & am looking forward to more.
“The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump – Mortimer’s Sweet Retreat” is a story of friendship between Mortimer and Boo Woolly who, at the first glance, looks like a super scary monster.
However, Boo Woolly isn’t a monster but a creature in a need of friend. Mortimer is taken to a land of sweets & fun & proves to be an amazing friend to Boo Woolly when he needs him the most.
It is a captivating story about friendship with a moral twist that appearances may be misleading. Something to think about for us all, not only our little precious bunnies.
I would recommend the book to parents of children age 1-4 and to pre-school teachers, children groups & libraries.
I did enjoy Mortimer Crump adventures & am looking forward to more.
October 20, 2011
“Franklin Bean” by Emmy Swain, illustrated by Levi Whitworth
John is a 10 years old boy who has just moved to a new neighbourhood after his mom lost her job. John is going through all the fears any child would experience while moving to a new house (I remember how I did when my parents decided to move from a big city to a small town.)
The thing John is the most afraid of is that he won’t be able to find any new friends. While hanging around the park he decides to cross a very busy street but luckily is saved by Franklin Bean. Franklin Bean is a lovely talking dog that happens to be homeless. The two of them immediately become friends and make their lives much easier and happier one another.
Emmy Swain wrote a beautiful tale about friendship, hardship (unfortunately a lot of families have to go through nowadays) and change that is an inevitable part of human life. Illustrations by Levi Whitworth are very sweet & charming and give to the book additional value.
From “Franklin Bean” kids can learn about value of money, acceptance of differences and preciousness of friendship that we all need.
It’s a fantastic read for parents, kids and teachers.
The thing John is the most afraid of is that he won’t be able to find any new friends. While hanging around the park he decides to cross a very busy street but luckily is saved by Franklin Bean. Franklin Bean is a lovely talking dog that happens to be homeless. The two of them immediately become friends and make their lives much easier and happier one another.
Emmy Swain wrote a beautiful tale about friendship, hardship (unfortunately a lot of families have to go through nowadays) and change that is an inevitable part of human life. Illustrations by Levi Whitworth are very sweet & charming and give to the book additional value.
From “Franklin Bean” kids can learn about value of money, acceptance of differences and preciousness of friendship that we all need.
It’s a fantastic read for parents, kids and teachers.
