Monday, August 7, 2017

Nonfiction Monday


Oceans in 30 Seconds by Dr. Jen Green with illustrations by Wesley Robins offers a great deal more than the title suggests and will keep young readers engrossed as they explore the rich variety of subjects covered in 30 topics. 



Six sections: Blue Planet, Stunning Seascapes, Ocean Life, Ocean Perils, Exploring the Oceans, and Using the Oceans provide readers with clear organization and each begins with a Glossary of words pertinent to the content. Each of the five topics per section offers brief, well-written and fact-filled discussions paired with a 3-second summary, and an activity. As an example: Blue Planet addresses Oceans and Seas, Wind and Waves, Tides, Swirling Currents, and Air and Oceans. Each subject is paired with a colorful map or vibrant illustration.


Recommended as a delightful introduction to Oceans and a handy resource for home or school.

Friday, August 4, 2017

Picture Book Friday


I'm changing it up today. This isn't your traditional picture book, but still plenty of fun!

CAVERN OF CLUES by David Glover is a mystery wrapped in a puzzle for young adventurers 8-12 years of age. 



Armed only with a map and basic math skills, readers must negotiate their way from one challenge to another in their quest to discover the buried treasure of the fearsome pirate Black Beard.  Solve each puzzle correctly, and the reader moves forward through the story.  Make a mistake, and the reader will find an explanation of what probably went wrong before being sent back to try again.

This is one in the Math Quest series of books designed to encourage and develop math skills in an entertaining format. Colorful illustrations paired with a lively text draws the reader into the story. A glossary of Calculation Words explains terms and demonstrates methods to provide support for readers on a variety of topics from addition to percentages.

Not every reader will become a math whiz, but they will discover that math can be fun even when it's also a challenge which is a great confidence booster for reluctant mathematicians.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Writers Wednesday

Jean Bregman’s debut novel, TheTimeKeepers, is a legal thriller built around idealistic lawyer, Sarah Brockman’s sudden descent into a dark world of greed, corruption, and murder built on insurance fraud that works both sides of the system.



After witnessing a near fatal hit and run, Sarah finds herself unable to say no when the victim’s son appeals for her help in filing a suit against the driver. It’s just the kind of personal injury case that keeps her barely able to pay her bills, but as she begins to investigate, she discovers this case is nothing like she expected. Her vicious adversary is playing for keeps and Sarah is clearly in over her head. No one can be trusted…not even, Sam, the new man in her life, who’s working the same case, but from the other side.

If you’re a Grisham fan, check this out!


The Gingerbread Cowboy Book Trailer