Children’s books, like adult books, are available in various genres. Not having children (and it having been some time since I was a kid), I never gave it much thought. This week I received three children’s books to review and realized this point. While the majority of children’s books are written to teach youngsters, they can still be put in different genres or maybe it’s just different styles of writing.
Here are my three reviews. Each one has a lesson to teach children. Are they in different genres or is it just different writing styles?
THE GOLDEN PATHWAY by Donna M. McDine
David is a young boy living during the time of slavery. Jenkins is a teenage boy and a slave owned by David’s Pa, who is a brutal man that beats him.
Even though David is small and considered a sissy by his father, he is determined to help Jenkins to freedom. Despite the consequences of his actions, David enlists the help of a Quaker (whites that didn’t believe in slavery) to obtain Jenkins’ freedom.
This delightful and inspiring book tells the story of the Underground Railroad that helped many slaves to freedom. The beautiful illustrations by K.C. Snider enhance THE GOLDEN PATHWAY. This book is geared toward youngsters ages 8 to 12 years old.
Donna M. McDine’s website is http://www.donnamcdine.com and her blog is www.thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com
The Golden Pathway by Donna M. McDine, Illustrations by K.C. Snider, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. @2010, ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0, Paperback, 24 pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
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NURSE VACCINE by Justin Noble
NURSE VACCINE by Justin Noble
The cooler temperatures will bring relief from the heat and humidity, but will also lead to the dreaded flu season.
Parents with small children may want to pick up a copy of NURSE VACCINE before telling their youngsters they have to have a flu shot. The book helps explain why children need a flu shot rather than ‘just because.’
In this enjoyable book, Raymond Brain informs his fellow Body Village residents that they are getting a flu shot. He receives groans and complaints from them. However when he reminds the residents what they all suffered last flu season, they begin to think differently.
The attractive illustrations by Ann Cannom introduce youngsters to Larry Lung and his twin sister, Rosey; Steve Stomach; Betty Bladder; Lyle Liver; Kelly Kidney; Beri Bicep; and Harry Hamstring.
This is the second installment in the Body Village series. The first book is ARTIE’S PARTY featuring the Vita-men. I would say this book is geared toward youngsters under age 10.
Justin Noble’s website is http://www.mybodyvillage.com
Nurse Vaccine by Justin Noble, Illustrated by Ann Cannom, The Body Village series, Lulu.com, @2010, ISBN: 978-0-557-28875-5, Paperback, 32 pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
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SAVIOR OF THE RAIN FOREST by Bruno Gonzalez
SAVIOR OF THE RAIN FOREST by Bruno Gonzalez
This is a wonderful story of courage, understanding, gratitude, and acceptance when the animals of the rain forest come face to face with man for the first time.
Zalvator is a black panther and the most respected animal in the region. He keeps watch over the rain forest and its animals from his lookout post atop a pyramid.
One day a red parrot flews to Zalvator’s post exhausted and unable to speak. When he regains his strength, the parrot tells of men coming into the jungle where he lived and of a great fire that followed destroying his home.
Zalvator puts the animals on alert for any unusual activity. Days later a boat arrives. While observing the boat, Zalvator sees a small boy fall overboard. Without thinking of his own safety, Zalvator springs into action to save the child. The results lead to a better understanding between the people and the animals of the rain forest.
The rich and lovely illustrations by Helen Luzgin transport the reader to the rain forest. This book is geared toward youngsters ages 9 to 12 years old.
Bruno Gonzalez’s website is http://www.savioroftherainforest.com
Savior of the Rain Forest: An Adventure of Zalvator the Black Panther by Bruno Gonzalez, Illustrated by Helen Luzgin, Trafford Publishing, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-4269-3185-7, Paperback, 40 pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
All three of these books would be an entertaining and informative addition to any youngster’s library collection.
