Kiddo enjoyed this one, although as usual with Basher science books there was too much of an emphasis on puns and some of the more complicated conceptKiddo enjoyed this one, although as usual with Basher science books there was too much of an emphasis on puns and some of the more complicated concepts get overly simplified. It does give a good grounding in the basics of chemistry however and gives a jumping off point for more learning on the subject. It paired nicely with the Basher periodic table book, a more complicated periodic table book, a DK science encyclopedia, and a National Geographic chemistry set....more
Kiddo (7) got very interested in the periodic table recently and we've been enjoying this series so this was the logical next choice for a bedtime booKiddo (7) got very interested in the periodic table recently and we've been enjoying this series so this was the logical next choice for a bedtime book. They were definitely very interested and enjoyed hearing about the elements, though as usual some of the puns went over their head and we had to stop and explain. I really wish this book didn't use 1/4-1/3 of the text space for each element with puns that don't really add anything. Still, though, it was a nice read and did pack a lot of information....more
This was a kind of boring read for me and I imagine it was for my kiddo as well -- it was basically a list of space vehicles, probes, telescopes, etc This was a kind of boring read for me and I imagine it was for my kiddo as well -- it was basically a list of space vehicles, probes, telescopes, etc and their features. It did put them to sleep quickly each night, but as an interesting read it fell short....more
An enjoyable way to learn about features of the Earth. Kiddo enjoyed it and thought it was a good bedtime story (though they were concerned about riftAn enjoyable way to learn about features of the Earth. Kiddo enjoyed it and thought it was a good bedtime story (though they were concerned about rift valleys). Some of the puns went over their head and make the text a bit convoluted but had a lot of good information too....more
This was such a good introduction to quantum physics - especially the elementary particles and forces. Once it tried to get into the more complicated This was such a good introduction to quantum physics - especially the elementary particles and forces. Once it tried to get into the more complicated subjects it simplified them rather too much until they didn't make much sense. But really it's impossible to summarize some of these brain-bending concepts in a paragraph. My 7-year-old LOVED it....more
This book had some really fascinating and brain-bending concepts and my 7-year-old really loved it. It catapulted them from wanting to learn about astThis book had some really fascinating and brain-bending concepts and my 7-year-old really loved it. It catapulted them from wanting to learn about astronomy / the universe to wanting to learn about quantum physics. XD It wasn't really written for a 2nd grader (in fact I think it's aimed at an 8th grade and up level) but my kiddo was very interested and mostly followed along. It's explained simply enough that they could grasp it. I did explain some things further, but really it's got a great amount of information that is as easily accessible as it could be, for what it is....more
Read this one with kiddo (7) and they really enjoyed it. They rated it 4 stars (most likely because to get 5 stars from them it would need to be aboutRead this one with kiddo (7) and they really enjoyed it. They rated it 4 stars (most likely because to get 5 stars from them it would need to be about baseball). The story is sweet (it is about chocolate after all) and simplifies some heavy historical topics to give a basic understanding of how Benjamin's grandfather became "The Chocolate King" in France after being forced to leave Spain for being Jewish.
The events that unfold are funny if a bit implausible, and Benjamin is endearing. The king is portrayed in a rather comical fashion which fits with the time period. Overall an enjoyable read that teaches a bit about history and includes information on the history of and process of making chocolate.
The illustrations are sweet and funny and suit the story and the characters. I really like the colors that are used - they give it an old-fashioned feel that makes it seem more authentically historical.
The story is short and rather simple - perhaps simplified a bit too far in an effort to make kids understand it. While my kiddo enjoyed listening to it they don't seem inclined to read it again. It could have included more historical detail and a bit deeper story to invite rereading and further exploration of the time period.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Pen&Sword, Green Bean Books for providing an e-arc for review....more
Read this with my baseball-obsessed 7-year-old as a bedtime story (a chapter a night). They'd already read it on their own but asked for it again. I hRead this with my baseball-obsessed 7-year-old as a bedtime story (a chapter a night). They'd already read it on their own but asked for it again. I have a feeling they've memorized just about every bit of it. It was easy for them to read, but also is well-written enough that it's not tedious for an adult to read. It packs quite a lot of information and is told in a way that is quite exciting.
Edit to add: We've read this three times now XD It's a comfort read I think for kiddo. They needed something familiar to lull them to sleep and this seems to be what they want right now....more
I read this with my 7-year-old who is currently obsessed with baseball. Here are our thoughts:
7-year-old: I really enjoyed this book. I would give it I read this with my 7-year-old who is currently obsessed with baseball. Here are our thoughts:
7-year-old: I really enjoyed this book. I would give it a 4 or a 5 because it's about baseball and I love baseball. My favorite parts where when they were playing baseball on the baseball field. I think Lenny must have been frustrated in some parts like when he missed the ball or it went over the fence.
me: This is such a cute and sweet book! And it has a great message. No matter whether you're a baseball great or just starting out, sometimes you'll miss the catch or strike out, and sometimes you'll catch the ball or hit a home run. No one is perfect and to get better, you just have to keep practicing. These messages were also cleverly told through a story in a way that felt organic -- not like when a book really hits you over the head with the message. The story was easy to get caught up in and the main character very relatable.
The illustrations were also clear and made it easy to follow the story. The images and moments chosen to illustrate the story were perfect and definitely added to the overall delivery.
My 7-year-old has asked to read this many times since we first read it. It's definitely a hit with them.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for providing an e-arc for review....more
This one was a little strange. It was suspenseful (kiddo was on edge for most of it) but yet... very little actually happened. I'm still not sure whatThis one was a little strange. It was suspenseful (kiddo was on edge for most of it) but yet... very little actually happened. I'm still not sure what to make of it. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more as a kid?...more
kiddo (7, first-grade) was into this because they're currently into anything dinosaurs. They found the second half pretty stressful and scary, but as kiddo (7, first-grade) was into this because they're currently into anything dinosaurs. They found the second half pretty stressful and scary, but as it was short we were able to read to the end and resolve the scary feelings. They said to rate it 4 stars, and I agree. The writing was pretty simple, but as it's clearly aimed at beginning chapter-book readers I'm willing to accept that as necessary. ...more
This is a fantastic bedtime book - my first grader loved it. It's gorgeous and full of stunning photos of the various space objects and phenomenons. IThis is a fantastic bedtime book - my first grader loved it. It's gorgeous and full of stunning photos of the various space objects and phenomenons. It also somehow manages to condense each one into a single page of easy-to-understand and mind-blowing text that conveys the beauty and wonder of the universe. We read 4-5 pages a night, covering 4-5 objects/phenomenons, and that was the perfect amount to keep my kiddo engaged and also lull them to sleep.
I immediately bought the author's other two books like this and look forward to reading them.
Update 11/29/21
This is the third time kiddo and I have finished this as a bedtime story, and it's really a gorgeous and engaging book. I would say it's loads better than the other books in the series. ...more
Kiddo loves these stories as bedtime stories. They're sweet and funny and have lots of heart and stay true to the Winnie the Pooh stories I loved as aKiddo loves these stories as bedtime stories. They're sweet and funny and have lots of heart and stay true to the Winnie the Pooh stories I loved as a child. Definitely recommend for repeat reading....more
All right... kiddo said he liked it so he'd give it 3 stars. If I'd been reading just for me I'd have given up and given it 1 star. As I was reading tAll right... kiddo said he liked it so he'd give it 3 stars. If I'd been reading just for me I'd have given up and given it 1 star. As I was reading to him... I'll compromise and go with 2.
Most of this book is the characters talking aimlessly or arguing. Occasionally they'll see something interesting and then the spend a while talking and arguing about that. And then they'll see something else....
Also it has rather a lot of fatphobia, some racial stereotypes, and the Centipede regularly calls people ' you ass.'...more
Kiddo (6) says four stars because it was good (and about trains) but also a little scary.
I say four stars because the moral lessons (which I agree wiKiddo (6) says four stars because it was good (and about trains) but also a little scary.
I say four stars because the moral lessons (which I agree with) were not particularly subtle.
Update: changing my rating to 5 stars because it's 10 days after we finished the library copy and they have their own copy and we're rereading it - but this time they're willing to alternate reading chapters with me. They love it just as much this time around. We've discussed the bits about endangered animals and the things we can do to help. I thought the endangered animals bits were a bit too 'hit you over the head' the first time around, but they seem to have made my kiddo think so I'm willing to admit that Lev Grossman might just know what he's doing.
Also, note that while they normally try to get out of reading picture books they are perfectly happy reading entire chapters of this book. We get done with school for the day and they immediately go, "can we read the Silver Arrow? You read 2 chapters and I'll read a chapter?" Sometimes they even read two.
They draw pictures of the Silver Arrow and Twilight Star. They build them in LEGO. They are basically obsessed lol. Any book that can kick off a kid's love of reading deserves 5 stars in my opinion.
They've even decided we'll read a new book once we finish this one - another book about a magical train I've suggested but they were hesitant about. (They are skeptical of new books because I guess new books are more stressful than familiar books.)
So, anyone with middle-grade magical train book recommendations -- send 'em my way.
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Update March 2021 - we've now finished the audiobook version (kiddo's first audiobook) and they once again LOVED it. I suspect this is going to become a monthly thing for us. I really hope there's another one in the works....more
I started reading this to my 5-year-old to help him get to sleep, and he really enjoyed it. I hadn't read it since I was a kid, and I have mixed feeliI started reading this to my 5-year-old to help him get to sleep, and he really enjoyed it. I hadn't read it since I was a kid, and I have mixed feelings about it.
Most of the book consists of the four children and/or Prince Caspian wandering around. My kid really loved those parts. He was less interested in the battles and long tedious conversations between the adult Telmarines.
Once everyone comes together for the climax, things get rather muddy. The boys split off to prepare for battle and Aslan takes the girls aside. The battle and confrontation with treacherous Nikabrick was fairly straightforward, but each time Lewis chose to immediately go back in time to what the girls had been doing during that time (which was mostly just sitting around and seemed rather pointless). Susan started with her archery saving Trumpkin and kicking off their whole adventure, and Lucy was supposedly supposed to follow Aslan even if the others didn't, but they ended up being totally superfluous to the plot and useless.
Then Aslan shows up and the Telmarines run away and he sends them back to Earth. And one wonders why the kids were so vital to his plan?
There were also issues with the language -- first, it's overly complicated for a children's book. Second, there are several instances of demeaning fat characters and making that an obvious evil trait (standard for the time, perhaps, but a little cringey now).
Aslan came off as really weird to me. I don't remember that from when I read it as a kid, but the religious parallels are hit-you-over-the-head obvious and also he comes off as incredibly patronizing....more
Still not as good as howl’s moving castle, but kiddo enjoyed it (until the last few chapters when they declared it too scary and refused to let me conStill not as good as howl’s moving castle, but kiddo enjoyed it (until the last few chapters when they declared it too scary and refused to let me continue reading). Rather too much Orientalism which is rather uncomfortable- also fat phobia- I’ve had to edit a bit as I read. Though it did introduce kiddo (7) to the concept of sexism which horrified them. We had to stop and discuss it (a good thing tbh). The fat phobia was pretty blatant - there's the two potential brides for Abdullah early on, but also near the end there's all the princesses. And all the princesses 'said' this and 'cried' that but then when something not-terribly-important is said 'the fat princess' 'bleated' it, which. Yeah. On the positive side, the story does eventually become quite engaging with the whimsy and inventiveness of Howl. And Flower-in-the-Night becomes quite the strong-minded feminist which was amusing and also made me think more positively about it....more
This was absolutely amazing. I knew it would be, but it exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed watching the anime version of this several years ago, but This was absolutely amazing. I knew it would be, but it exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed watching the anime version of this several years ago, but of course the story was much richer and made much more sense in written form. The reader of the audiobook was excellent as well. I didn't want it to end. It reminded me in spirit of the Enchanted Forest chronicles, which I loved as a child. It had the same light spirit and humor about it. This is one I'll definitely reread / re-listen to again.
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Update July 2 - kiddo (7) absolutely loved this book. It is excellently paced for bedtime reading, with all but 2 chapters calm enough (and lacking suspense enough) for slowing an active brain. The only trouble they had was with the ending, which they described as "everything happened at once" -- an observation I have to agree with. I think it would have been better if she'd slowed the pace back down and stretched the end over a few chapters. ...more
Kiddo really enjoyed this one, though he found it a little scarier than the first book. I think we'll hold off on the third for awhile (he is only 6 aKiddo really enjoyed this one, though he found it a little scarier than the first book. I think we'll hold off on the third for awhile (he is only 6 after all). It was nice to go back and revisit since I hadn't read it in years and years....more
Asked kiddo what he thought and would rate it and he says a 3 because it was good but they talk a lot. Which is true. It's a very wordy book and I'm sAsked kiddo what he thought and would rate it and he says a 3 because it was good but they talk a lot. Which is true. It's a very wordy book and I'm sure there were quite a few details that went over his head. (He did find the scene where Jane pushes Martha beneath her seat at the theater hilarious.) It's funny because I remember absolutely loving this book as a kid and reading many times, but reading it aloud this time I really felt how slow and bogged down with unnecessary words it is. Publishing norms have changed over the past few decades I guess. It's still fun and the magic is amusing and they learn some good lessons but it just didn't live up to my memory of it....more
Read this with my 6-year-old after despairing of getting him interested in chapter books or longer stories and... he loved it! The last two chapters wRead this with my 6-year-old after despairing of getting him interested in chapter books or longer stories and... he loved it! The last two chapters were a little scary but he did a great job hanging in there. He would actually ask me to read it and declared that the next book we read should be book 2 -- I'd say he was hooked within the first few chapters. Harry Potter works its magic yet again. :-)...more
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