Kid Konnection: 1,000 Facts About Ancient Egypt

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you an educational book for kids interested in ancient Egypt.

Summary: Mummies, pyramids, pharaohs, King Tut! Kids everywhere are fascinated by the wonders of ancient Egypt, and this colorful reference book is jam-packed with 1,000 fascinating facts. From the Great Pyramid and the Valley of the Kings to the Nile River and Cleopatra, discover all you have ever wanted to know about this ancient civilization. Unearth ancient hieroglyphs and their meanings; find out what was in King Tut's tomb; and get insights about the science of mummification. Learn about ancient Egyptian gods and famous pharaohs, and follow Egypt's battles for power in the world. After this deep dive into Egyptology, you'll be able to dazzle your friends and family with your newfound knowledge. -- National Geographic Kids

1,000 FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT EGYPT by Nancy Honovich is yet another fantastic National Geographic Kids book. Honestly, if you haven't picked up one of these books and shared it with your kids, you need to NOW! These books are both educational and entertaining, and the photographs are outstanding (as you would expect from a National Geographic publication.)

1,000 FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT EGYPT is non-stop fun facts about ancient Egypt. After a foreword from a renowned professor of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Penn, the book jumps straight into pages and pages of facts. That would almost have to be the case to fit over 1,000 tidbits of Egypt trivia into this book. Some of the facts might be old news to some adults, but I bet most of them will be fascinating to kids. Heck, most of the facts were fascinating to me!

You might think that a book with just a listing of facts about Egypt would get old and maybe overwhelming, but I can assure you that's not the case. 1,000 FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT EGYPT has information presented in such a way that each page is more interesting (and fun to look at) than the next. The fact boxes include not only text, but images and photographs which add to the learning fun. In addition, there are different sections of the book that make it easy for readers to focus on one or two subjects rather than just a huge assortment of facts.

It's hard to sum up the scope of this book because it covers so darn much about ancient Egypt, but I thought I'd pick out a few "fun" ones. I was attracted to the section on Medicinal Diseases and Cures:

Egyptian dentists filled cavities with cement or a mixture of tree sap and minerals.

Wealthy Egypitans could affort meat, which is high in fat content. As a result, many people in the upper classes suffered from heart disease.

And here's another one from the 50 Plowed-Up Facts About Farming:

The limbs of fig trees are too weak to hold the weight of a person, so ancient Egyptians trained monkeys to climb up and collect the fruit.

I could go on and on with facts that I found interesting! I can't recommend 1,000 FACTS ABOUT ANCIENT EGYPT enough. This book is a must-have for school libraries and classrooms as well as home libraries!

Thanks to Media Masters for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Code-Breaking Activity Adventure

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fantastic book for those kids who are interested in coding!

Summary: Unlock ancient puzzles and secrets introduced via supercool codes and ciphers in this companion book to the new Explorer Academy series.

In the first activity book based on the Explorer Academy, kids test their knowledge of ancient codes and ciphers in a series of head-scratching puzzles designed to outwit even the most clever cryptographers. When kids successfully navigate the codes, they are rewarded with a first-class tour of the Academy.

Kids will have a blast, teaming up with the characters from the series and learning firsthand from the world's most renowned scientists, explorers, conservationists, photographers, and journalists. It's a far-flung adventure, too, traveling to historic and majestic locations around the globe. - National Geographic

I know my nephews (and my sister!) had their eyes NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER ACADEMY: CODE-BREAKING ACTIVITY ADVENTURE when I first posted it in a Mailbox Monday post. Like my son, they are huge fans of the National Geographic Kids books and that's with good reason. These books are just incredible -- beautiful photography, fun, and educational!

CODE-BREAKING ACTIVITY ADVENTURE is part of the Explorer Academy series of books and the first activity book. I just love how this book engages middle grade readers. The book begins with a letter from the "Explorer Academy President" welcoming them to the elite Explorer Academy. She goes further to explain that they will be participating in the first challenge -- the annual explorer scavenger hunt. There is a "unique series of missions that will test your codebreaking skills." Sounds fun, right?

As kids solve the puzzles/codes, they will receive a tour of the Academy. Along the way, they can "work with" teams made up of characters from the other Explorer Academy books. These characters include scientists, photographers, conservationists and more that will teach them about creative ways to unscramble encrypted maps and messages.

Over the past ten plus years that I've been reviewing kids' books, I have to admit that CODE BREAKING ACTIVITY ADVENTURE is one of the most unique books I've encountered. I would have enjoyed this book as a kid, and I know my kids would have too. The interactive nature of the book will appeal to the most reluctant of readers, and kids who are already interested in science and decoding will love it too!

This book has a lot going on! There are six different missions as well as an answer key in the back. There is an assortment of puzzles and codes on every page, some of which are challenging and some which seemed rather simple. There are also little side articles which teach kids about coding and problem solving tips.

Overall, CODE BREAKING ACTIVITY ADVENTURE is a fun way to learn problem solving and code-breaking skills. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the Media Masters for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: I'm a Gnome!

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a silly picture book with some enchanting characters!

Summary: Fans of Mo Willems and Dev Petty’s I Don’t Want to Be a Frog will love this humorous tale about one gnome’s journey to prove he is unlike the other magical creatures in the forest.

Join Gnome (that’s spelled G-N-O-M-E–don’t ask why the G is silent!) as he travels through the magical forest to attend the annual Gnome Festival.

Along the way he encounters elves, dwarves, trolls, and fairies. But don’t be mistaken. He is NOTHING like those magical creatures. Well, maybe he is . . . but only a little bit!

When Gnome finally arrives at the festival, he realizes that all the traits he thought made gnomes different from the others actually made them alike–and that’s just fine. -- Crown Books for Young Readers

I'M A GNOME! by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus and illustrated by Poly Bernatene is too darn cute from its cover, to its endpaper, to its characters, to its story! I can't help but smile every single time I take a look at this picture book. I mean how cute is this cover?

I'M A GNOME teaches kids about all things gnomes... and fairies and elves and dwarves and so on. The book begins with a gnome traveling through the enchanted forest on his way to show readers the Gnome Festival. Along the way, he introduces readers to all of the characters in the forest who can sometimes be mistaken for elves. But he makes it very clear that gnomes are quite different... or are they?

I'M A GNOME is a very fun book that's perfect for reading out loud. As I read this book to myself, I couldn't help but want to read it to a little one. As the gnome travels through the forest, he tries to stress to the reader that gnomes are very special indeed. However, he quickly learns that it's not as easy to describe a gnome as being unlike any other magical creature. It's extremely cute with lots of humor, and I'm certain that parents and kids alike with enjoy reading this picture book over and over again. Plus, there might be a nice message or two about stereotypes and inclusivity!

I'M A GNOME is absolutely adorable. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Up Up Up Down

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you an adorable picture book from an author that has already received a starred review from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly for her book THE CLASS!

Summary: Follow an energetic toddler’s day with Dad that’s full of opposites – up and down, make and break, yum and yuck, and more.

From his first demand to be picked up and then immediately put down, opposites pop up all day long for this energetic boy. Breakfast is no, no, no, yes! At the sandbox, it’s make, make, make, break! And jumping into the pool goes from can’t, can’t, can’t, to can!

Kimberly Gee’s expressive illustrations emphasize the loving connection between a boy and his father in this clever concept book about everyday highs and lows that is sure to entertain little (and big!) members of the family. -- G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers 

UP UP UP DOWN by Kimberly Gee is a cute book that takes readers through a day-in-the-life of a toddler and his father. The book begins when the baby wakes up and wants, "Up, Up, Up" and then "Down!" It then follows the toddler through his day as he eats breakfast, gets dressed, swims, and more. The story demonstrates how the toddler initially demands one thing and then after he gets it, he immediately wants something else. Sound familiar, parents?

I liked the simplicity of this book and that it's perfect for even the most active toddlers. However, I also liked the humor in the story as well as the illustrations. I especially appreciated how the author was able to show the special relationship between the child and parent. 

UP UP UP DOWN is too cute! It's a picture book that toddlers and parents alike will want to read again and again!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Connection: How Do You Dance?

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute picture book that celebrates all things dance!

Summary: There are so many ways to dance! You can jiggle or wiggle or stomp. You can bop or bounce or go completely nuts. You can dance at the market or the bus stop, with your fingers or your face. You can dance because you’re happy or even because you’re sad. 

But, what’s the best way to dance? 

Exactly how you want to! 

In How Do You Dance?, author-illustrator Thyra Heder explores dance in all of its creativity, humor, and—most of all—joy, in a picture-book celebration of personal expression that will inspire young and old readers alike to get up and get moving. -- Abrams

HOW DO YOU DANCE? by Thyra Heder is coming out on Tuesday, and it's one of those picture books that just makes you feel good. It's almost been awarded a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, and it's no wonder why. This book explores the wonder of dance and celebrates all of the different ways you can do it!

I adore HOW DO YOU DANCE? This picture book is so cute and I absolutely love each page shows a different way to dance. But I also appreciated how the one little boy is reluctant to dance. The ending has a cute little surprise about his dancing preferences that is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

The illustrations in this books are nothing short of terrific. I love how the author shows not only the variety of dances and places to dance, but she also includes all shapes, sizes, and colors of people! She somehow manages to also capture the joy in their faces as they let loose and express themselves with movement.

HOW DO YOU DANCE? is a beautiful (and fun!) celebration of dance. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Connection: Just for Me

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a picture book that teaches kids the importance of sharing!

Summary: The adorable and spunky Ruby learns a new life lesson about sharing: “just for me” isn’t nearly as much fun as “just for us!”

When Ruby has something special, she likes to say “just for me!”

That includes everything from her dolly to the colorful candy sprinkles she uses to decorate her cookies. But when a friend comes over for playtime, Ruby takes her mantra just one step too far, and a precious toy is broken. Just when it looks like playtime has been ruined, Ruby realizes that having a friend is much more fun than having everything to herself.

“Sharing is caring” has never felt so spot-on as it does in Just For Me. With sparse text and bright, bold illustrations, this is the perfect story for parents to share with their little readers–and for readers to share with their friends! -- Viking Books for Young Readers

JUST FOR ME by Jennifer Hansen Rolli is an adorable picture book with a very important message. Ruby is a pretty typical toddler... or at least I can relate with my kids! Ruby loves to say, "Just for me!" She uses this term for her dolly, sunshine, sprinkles on her cookies and even a new friend. But Ruby also uses this term when she's playing with her friend, and she gets quite adamant. It takes a little intervention from her dad, with a kind explanation about sharing, for Ruby to realize that she can have even more fun when she shares with a friend.

I loved JUST FOR ME. It goes without saying that the lesson on sharing is one that almost every young child needs. However, I also loved how Ms. Rolli presented the information. She used few words while definitely getting the message across to the reader. In addition, she had delightful and colorful artwork of Ruby and her new friend. Her illustrations of the children's (and dad's) facial expressions brought the story to life as well!

I was pleasantly surprised by the little twist at the end of the story. I assumed that it would end with Ruby and her friend learning to share with each other... and it did. But it also showed that there are a few special things that are just for Ruby -- like her parents! It was a sweet surprise that also shows children that it's okay to sometimes have special things just for themselves!

JUST FOR ME is a wonderful book that should be a must-read for parents and preschool teachers alike. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: The Evil Princess vs. The Brave Knight

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a picture book from a dynamic brother/sister duo!

Summary: For every parent tired of telling their kids to PLEASE JUST GET ALONG, this hilarious and imaginative new picture book–from the beloved creators of Babymouse–is here to help. Sort of.

Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn’t much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story. -- Random House Books for Young Readers

THE EVIL PRINCESS VS. THE BRAVE KNIGHT by Jennifer L. Holm vs. Matthew Holm is too cute for words! This entertaining picture book demonstrates sibling rivalry at its best. Kids will find themselves laughing out loud at the way this brother and sister find ways to irritate each other!

The "evil princess" isn't truly evil, just mischievous and a little mean; and her brother, the "brave knight" does his best to live up to his hero reputation. She practices casting spells and he practices fighting dragons and saving cats. However despite working towards their individual goals, they always seem to find a way to not get along!

I'm certain THE EVIL PRINCESS VS. THE BRAVE KNIGHT will resonate with kids and parents alike. I love the battle between the brother and sister, and I especially appreciated the surprise twists in the story. Let's just say that things might not be like they initially seem!

THE EVIL PRINCESS VS. THE BRAVE KNIGHT is terrific! Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: I Have An Idea!

Every weekend, I host Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun picture book from an author I love!

Summary: From one of the true creative geniuses of this generation comes a unique meditation on and celebration of the magic of the birth of a simple idea. Sparkling with visual wit and bubbling with imagination, this is a richly emotional exploration of the creative process: from an initial tentative inkling, to the frustration of chasing the wrong notion, to finally the exhilaration of capturing—and nurturing—just the right idea. I Have an Idea! is a scrumptious cloth-spined package of color and inspiration equally at home on a child's bookshelf, in a new graduate's backpack, or atop a creative's desk. -- Chronicle Books

I HAVE AN IDEA! by Herve Tullet is a must-have picture book! I love Herve Tullet's picture book, especially PRESS HERE; and I think he's brought an entirely new level of creativity to children's books.

I HAVE AN IDEA! celebrates the wonder of ideas and imagination! First, this delightful picture book describes beautifully the feeling of capturing an idea, and then it continues to explore the creativity process. It starts with that feeling you get when you have an idea trying to surface and ends with the final defining of a great idea. It also describes the feeling you get when you might not be on the exact right track, but it encourages the reader to keep on searching. It's a wonderful message for both kids and adults alike!

I love I HAVE AN IDEA! from its simple text, to its unique and colorful artwork, to its important message. I really can't rave enough about how special this picture book is. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: I Will Race You Through This Book!

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute picture book that is guaranteed to bring out the competitive nature in your budding reader!

Summary: See if you can beat Book-It Bunny in a reading race!

In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids’ confidence and create lifelong readers!

This easy-to-read adventure breaks the fourth wall as Book-It Bunny challenges the reader to race her to the end of the story. But with distractions and tricks up her sleeve along the way, the competition becomes both fierce and funny at the same time. On your mark, get set, read!

Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent. -- Penguin Workshop

I WILL RACE YOU THROUGH THIS BOOK! by Jonathan Fenske is a picture book that makes reading fun for early readers. Join Book-It Bunny as she races through the book trying to beat the reader!

I WILL RACE YOU THROUGH THIS BOOK! is adorable. I love the character of Book-It Bunny, and she definitely makes turning the pages rewarding. Book-It Bunny is hilarious as she tries to come up with ways to get to the end of the book first. She fakes and distracts as she tries to slow the new reader down.

As cute as this book was, I also really appreciate how this book encourages children to read. The illustrations are funny, and the text on each page is simple enough not to overwhelm beginning readers. I WILL RACE YOU THROUGH THIS BOOK! is a page-turner (in the literal sense of the word!), and I think it's a great way to introduce independent reading to your child.

Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Weird But True! USA

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you another fun book from National Geographic Kids.

Summary: It's weird. It's true. And now, it's red, white, and blue! Explore the wonderfully wacky side of the United States of America Weird But True! style. Calling all patriots! Get ready to explore wacky wonders, facts, stats, tidbits, and trivia about America's 50 states and territories! Did you know that there is a floating post office in Michigan? Or that a library book checked out by George Washington was returned to a New York City library 221 years late? Maybe you'd be amazed to discover that the ink used to print U.S. paper money is magnetic? In this latest and greatest edition of Weird But True!, you'll encounter all kinds of bizarre people, places, events, and things that make our country great. -- National Geographic Kids

WEIRD BUT TRUE! USA: 300 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE FIFTY STATES is another great addition to the Weird but True series from National Geographic Kids. This book is an entertaining way for kids to learn about the United States, and it's perfect for summer fun! 

WEIRD BUT TRUE! USA provides strange/interesting/unique facts about America's fifty states and its territories. Each page of this pint-sized book has amazing photographs (of course -- it's a National Geographic publication!), and fun facts that are guaranteed to make you scratch your head. In fact, some of these tidbits are almost too strange to believe, and you won't believe how much material this little book covers.

Rather than try to describe this book, I think it's best to let the book speak for itself:

The United States averages 1,250 tornadoes every year -- about 10 times more than any other country.

Jell-O is the official state snack of Utah.

A study found that Americans report more UFO sightings on the Fourth of July than on any other day.

At Oregon's Great Salt Lick Contest, competitors present blocks of salt licked by cows and sheep as art.

During a hurricane, 30 flamingos at a zoo in Miami, Florida, were herded into a bathroom.

Green Bay, Wisconsin, is known as the toilet paper capital of the world.

As you can see, WEIRD BUT TRUE! USA has entertaining trivia about the good ole' USA! Kids and parents alike will enjoy sharing these interesting facts. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Media Masters for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Build Your Own Theme Park

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun book that allows kids to use their imagination to create their very own theme park.

Summary: Get the fun going for makers of all ages with Build Your Own Theme Park with just scissors, glue, and your imagination! The first in a "Build Your Own" series of dynamic, interactive 3D activity books that combine engineering and creativity in an accessible way.

Kids and adults alike will love the creativity and 3D thinking that comes with this paper cut-out theme park. Based on Lizz Lunney’s characters and illustrations, build your theme park from the ticket booth to vending machines, arcade games, food stand, a carousel, a water ride with frogs, and mountain roller coaster. Invent your own ride additions for the park, make it your own, and share it online with #BuildYourOwn. -- Andrews McMeel

LIZZ LUNNEY'S BUILD YOUR OWN THEME PARK is such a great activity for kids this summer! This activity book allows kids to use their STEAM skills (and some paper engineering) to create their own unique theme park. This book contains all of the pieces they need to make rides including a castle, roller coaster, a merry-go-round, train, and more. Just add scissors, glue sticks (or tape), and a little creativity and your child can create their very own masterpiece.


I can guarantee that BUILD YOUR OWN THEME PARK will entertain your child for hours! There are hundreds of colorful pieces to cut out and assemble into 3D versions of theme park attractions. Each little piece is beautifully drawn and colored by Lizz Lunney, and I absolutely love the variety of characters and the little details in her drawings.

I'm not going to lie to you. The cutting out and assembly of pieces requires some patience on the part of your child (and maybe you too!) This book is definitely geared towards older kids rather than younger ones; however, I will say that there are great instructions and helpful hints. The book also has fun text and adorable pictures (like a map of the park) which are entertaining too look at good for generating some ideas.

I'm not sure my review is expressing just how adorable these attractions are once they are assembled. I'll just let this picture do the talking:

LIZZ LUNNEY'S BUILD YOUR OWN THEME PARK is a great activity book that helps to build STEAM skills. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Max Attacks

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute picture book about a cat who happens to attack!

Summary: Fish and birds and lizards and socks…is there anything Max won’t attack? Watch your ankles and find out in this clever, rhyming picture book about a very naughty kitty cat.

Max is a cat. He attacks. From socks to strings to many a fish, attacking, for Max, is most de-lish. But how many of these things can he actually catch? Well, let’s just say it’s no even match. -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers

MAX ATTACKS by Kathi Appelt (yes -- that Kathy Appelt!) and illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan is an adorable book about Max, a cat who likes to attack... everything! Max is always on the hunt for something to attack including pet fish, socks, shoelaces, iguanas, and more. The big question, though, is how successful is Max at attacking?

I thought MAX ATTACKS was a fun book that captured the essence of a kitty perfectly. I remember the days when my cat Zoey would pounce on everything that moved... even my foot under the covers, and Max reminded me so much of her. Kids and parents alike will laugh at Max's attempts to conquer a variety of things around the house.

There are a few things that I really enjoyed about MAX ATTACKS. First of all, I loved the catchy, rhyming cadence of the story. There are only a few phrases per page, but they make the most of the story. There's different sizes and colors of text which make it fun to read, and the rhyming words and alliteration work so well to read out loud.

In addition, I really liked the illustrations. Max is a bright blue at and the other characters and objects are brightly colored too in yellows, greens, pinks, and reds. The illustrations are whimsical in nature and capture the essence of Max's antics perfectly. MAX ATTACKS is her first children's book, but she's done lots of other artwork for ads, magazines, products, and more.

MAX ATTACKS is a fun book that's perfect for bedtime and storytime. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a fun picture book that's perfect for summer reading!

Summary: It’s summertime, and you’re invited for a rollicking day at the pool with Charlie and his pet dragon (and best friend!), Rosie. But be careful—swimming with a dragon can be, um, challenging. As Rosie and Charlie blow bubbles (don’t forget your umbrella!), practice flutter kicks (watch out for tidal waves!), and offer shoulder rides (hang on tight!), Rosie proves that dragons make the most fun pets ever. Now if only Charlie can keep Rosie’s attention focused on the rules at the pool and NOT on her gummy snacks (you know, the ones that cause stinky dragon breath!)…Grab your towels and sunscreen and join Rosie and Charlie for a fun-filled summer adventure! -- Two Lions

ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES by Lauren H. Kerstein and illustrated by Nate Wragg is a cute picture book about what happens when a little boy Charlie and his pet dragon Rosie go to the swimming pool. As you can certainly imagine, there are some challenges associated with taking a dragon to a community pool!

Charlie does his best to treat Rosie like a normal friend at the pool. Rosie practices blowing bubbles and kicking (much to the dismay of the other people swimming). However, Rosie only has eyes for her gummy snacks... which just happen to give her stinky dragon breath! It's a fun day at the swimming pool for these two friends.

ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES is a funny book that kids will love. Rosie and Charlie aren't exactly typical friends, but they do manage to have a great time at the swimming pool. Kids can follow their adventures as Rosie practices blowing bubbles in the kiddie pool and causes major waves when she jumps into the pool. The pictures of the reactions of the other people at the pool are hilarious, especially when they need umbrellas to protect themselves. But the truly funny part is when Rosie manages to "sneak" her gummy skunks!

I really appreciated the illustrations in this book. The characters are adorable and the pictures are bright and colorful. My favorite picture is when Rosie surprises Charlie with her bad breath. The look (and color) on Charlie's face are so funny!

I think ROSIE THE DRAGON AND CHARLIE MAKE WAVES is a great book about two unlikely friends... and it's ideal for summer reading!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Show Me History! Books

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a series of books that parents and kids alike will love!

Summary: Considered by many historians to be the greatest American president, Abraham Lincoln led the Union at the greatest turning point in the nation’s history. Abraham Lincoln: Defender of the Union! tells the story of one of America’s most admired figures in graphic novel format. From his childhood on a farm in Kentucky to the battlefields of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln served the United States with resolve, intelligence, and courage unlike that of any other president. Readers of all ages will be entertained and educated by the full-color illustrations and historically accurate narrative of this graphical biography. -- Portable Press

Summary: Alexander Hamilton: The Fighting Founding Father! tells the story of one of the most ambitious and controversial figures in American history in a graphic novel format. From a rough childhood on the Caribbean island of Nevis to the highest levels of American politics, Alexander Hamilton’s life was filled with adventure, conflict, and controversy. Full-color illustrations and an entertaining narrative make this graphical biography of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury accessible for readers of all ages. -- Portable Press

Summary: This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King’s life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration. -- Portable Press

Summary: When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, she immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. In Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!, the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life is presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages. -- Portable press

I am so impressed with the Show Me History! series of biographies for readers ages 8 - 12. These books are a winner of the 2019 National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA), and they are a fantastic way to make learning fun for kids. The four books in the series are ABRAHAM LINCOLN: DEFENDER OF THE UNION! by Mark Shulman and Tom Martin, ALEXANDER HAMILTON: THE FIGHTING FOUNDING FATHER by Mark Shulman and Kelly Tindall, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.: VOICE FOR EQUALITY! by James Buckley Jr. and Youneek Studios, and AMELIA EARHART: PIONEER OF THE SKY! by James Buckley Jr. and Kelly Tindall; and I honestly can't even pick a favorite because they are all so outstanding. These hardcover books are written in a graphic novel format with colorful illustrations, and I think even the most reluctant readers will be drawn to these history books about some of our country's most interesting heroes.

I've read some graphic novel history books in the past and enjoyed them quite a bit, but I think the Show Me History! series has definitely perfected this art. Each of these books provides a brief history of these individuals' lives and accomplishments with fun pictures and few words. Kids will definitely learn the highlights of these people's lives while not being turned off by a long and "boring" biography. In fact, the books' website claims, "It's a time machine you can read!"

In addition to the accounts of history, the end of these books also include some interesting pages that complement the biographies. There are lists of other individuals who were relevant to the specific cause as well as timelines, glossaries, and ways to find out more about these people. I love that these books encourage kids to discover more about these American heroes on their own by providing books, websites, and videos!

I definitely recommend this series to teachers as well as parents because the publisher has made these books ideal for learning. In addition to the approachable format of a graphic novel, they also have made resources readily available to enrich the reading experience. There are reading guides as well as interviews with the creators. There are also sample pages to download:

I highly recommend the Show Me History! series of graphic novels for all school and home libraries.

Thanks to Media Master for providing review copies of these books.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: We Are (Not) Friends

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a picture book about friendship!

Summary: Two fuzzy friends are having a fun playdate when a new pal hops in. As the day continues, each friend feels left out at times. It isn’t so easy to figure out how to act when everything seems to change. With humor and heart, the beloved characters from Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small navigate a friendship triangle as only they can. -- Two Lions

When my kids were small, it always seemed like there were issues when we had playdates with three kids. Things would be fine when there were two, but when you added that third child to the mix, it seemed like someone was always left out. There were occasional fights and tears, and lots of parent involvement; and I'm sure it was a great learning experience for the kids, but... wow!

So when I picked up the new picture book WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, I could totally appreciate the message. This cute picture book, with its three lovable (and furry) characters, teaches children that it's okay to add a third friend to a friendship. Even though it's sometimes awkward to navigate a friendship triangle, these characters learn how to change the way their view their current friendship and include everyone.

As a mom who has lived through many situations like the ones in WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS, I can't help but think that this book has a great message for little ones. Not only does it show that it's normal to have these feelings when a new friend enters a relationship, but it also shows that you can be open-minded, inclusive and still have fun!

I thought WE ARE (NOT) FRIENDS was a precious book with a great message and adorable furry characters. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Kindness Rules!

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a board book that's especially important during these times!

Summary: Manners don’t come naturally to everyone! But did you know that elephants are known for their impeccable etiquette? It’s true! This hilarious guide to good manners offers many fun teaching moments for kids and their parents—it covers all the basics for the preschool set, from saying “please” and “thank you” to sharing and being kind to others. Filled with bright, adorable illustrations in Hello!Lucky’s inimitable style, young children will love learning about manners with this delightful, sturdy board book. -- Abrams

I absolutely love the concept of KINDNESS RULES! by Eunice Moyle and Sabrina Moyle. This little board book teaches manners to little ones in a very fun way... and parents will appreciate it too!

KINDNESS RULES! is so darn cute! While the book definitely has some important messages about how to act in specific situations, it is presented in an adorable way. Check out the picture below to see what I mean -- it's one of my favorite pages.

Magic Manners (a little elephant) is the moral compass in this book. He has great manners and shows kids how to act and be kind. For instance, when Magic Manners meets someone new (or old!), he always says hello. The other characters on the page reinforce that concept with speech bubbles saying "Have a firm handshake!," "Greet people by name," "Introduce yourself," and more.

As you can see, the illustrations are fantastic. Of course, I love Magic Manners. But I also think the supporting cast of brightly colored characters are too cute. There are a lot of characters on each page of this book, so it should keep the attention of even the most reluctant readers.

All in all, I think KINDNESS RULES! is a great book with valuable messages for today's little ones. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: National Geographic Kids Almanac 2020

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you the latest edition of a book that I've reviewed quite a few times!

Summary: It's the 10th anniversary of the world's best-selling almanac for kids! This year the Almanac features all-new content, interviews with explorers in each chapter, a special look at what was going on in the world when the first National Geographic Kids Almanac came out 10 years ago, plus the results of the 2019 Almanac Challenge and a new Challenge for kids who want to get involved with helping our planet. Kids can have fun keeping up with our quickly changing world with the New York Times best-selling almanac, packed with incredible photos, tons of fun facts, crafts, activities, and fascinating features about animals, science, nature, technology, conservation, and more. There's a whole chapter full of fun and games, including activities, jokes, and comics. Practical reference material, including fast facts and maps of every country, has been fully updated. Homework help on key topics is sprinkled throughout the book. -- National Geographic Kids

Every year I tell myself that I've already reviewed the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC, yet every year I can't help but feature it again. It really is one of my favorite kids' books (ever), and the NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2020 is no exception. This is the 10th year anniversary of the publication of the almanac, and the publisher manages to add new things each year and keep it fresh!

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2020 is a must-have for home and school libraries. There is more information in this book that you can imagine; and somehow, the presentation and content make it so fun to read. Honestly, what's better than an education and entertaining book for kids?

Of course, one of the highlights of the almanac is the photography. It's absolutely amazing and often times breathtaking! You know what I mean if you've ever opened a National Geographic Kids' book. In addition, there are also crafts, fun facts, games, quizzes, comics, jokes, and more! One of my favorite things about the 2020 book is that it provides interviews with real life National Geographic Explorers including a geologist and climate scientist, an anthropologist, a bioengineer, and an underwater photographer.

There truly is something for everyone in this book. The chapters are as follows: Your World 2020, Amazing Animals, Science and Technology, Going Green, Culture Connection, Space and Earth, Fun and Games, Awesome Exploration, Wonders of Nature, History Happens, and Geography Rocks.
There is also a 20/20 Visionary Challenge which asks readers to imagine the world 10 years int he future and to imagine a positive change, invention or discovery that they'd like to see happen. The results will show up in the 2021 Almanac.

I know some kids are going to read this book from cover to cover, while other ones will just page through it and read what interests them. Either way, I think readers will become more socially conscious about the world around us... and that's a very good thing.

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS ALMANAC 2020 is a winner. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Media Masters for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kid Konnection: Hug Me Finger Puppet Books

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you two adorable picture books that would be perfect for Easter baskets!

Summary: Share your love with this huggable finger puppet book! The sweetly reassuring stories in this brand-new series celebrate all the things a parent's arms can do for their child, from playing games to sharing a treat and—best of all—showing their love with a hug. Adorable illustrations and two plush finger puppet arms make for a cozy, interactive reading experience for babies and their loved ones. -- Chronicle

Summary: Share your love with this huggable finger puppet book! The sweetly reassuring stories in this brand-new series celebrate all the things a parent's arms can do for their child, from playing games to sharing a treat and—best of all—showing their love with a hug. Adorable illustrations and two plush finger puppet arms make for a cozy, interactive reading experience for babies and their loved ones. -- Chronicle Books

HUG ME LITTLE BUNNY and HUG ME LITTLE BEAR are two interactive board books that are ideal for little ones. These finger puppet books are too cute with the animals' soft arms and hands, and kids are sure to love the way they move during storytime!

I thought the text in these books is as sweet as the characters themselves. Each book describes the things that a parent's arms can do for their child. For instance, a parent's arms can catch a child when they fall, tickle them on the belly, pick flowers, and of course provide hugs! In addition to having a very special message, these books are small enough that young ones can hold them comfortably but sturdy enough that they would be hard to damage.

I think this new Hug Me series is so darn adorable! Highly recommended for shower gifts, new baby presents, and more!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Kids Konnection: Max Explains Everything - Soccer Expert

Every weekend, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekly feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute picture book about a kid who "knows" a lot about soccer.

Summary: This hilarious, tongue-in-cheek guide from kid-expert Max reveals everything you need to know about the game of soccer.

Max knows a lot about soccer. After all, he’s been playing it for almost three weeks! So he’s pretty much an expert. Here Max shares his one-of-a-kind helpful tips including how to warm up (stretch, twirl, somersault), who’s who on the field (the ref is in yellow and wears a whistle–you should not bring your own whistle), and what to do with your hands since you can’t touch the ball (wave at fans, hide them in your shirt, play itsy-bitsy spider). But could Max possibly be forgetting something very important? Full of humor, energy, and warmth, Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert is the perfect read aloud for novice players as well as for fellow “kid experts” on the game. -- Putnam

MAX EXPLAINS EVERYTHING: SOCCER EXPERT by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Deborah Hocking is a picture book that will bring a smile to kids' and parents' faces. Max is definitely a "soccer expert" or at least he poses as one in this adorable picture book. His advice to other kids about playing soccer includes a few helpful tips (like warming up, not using your hands, etc.), but for the most part, it's pretty tongue-in-cheek... because Max is a little kid with a not-so-fully developed attention span. He likes to see images in the clouds, play with dandelions, and eat snacks all while playing soccer!

It's been a long time since my kiddos played soccer, but I could definitely relate to this book, especially when it came to my daughter. When she was five, she played soccer for half a year... and let's just say, she was more than a little like Max. When she asked us after one game why everyone couldn't just take turns kicking the ball, we decided that she was much more inclined towards her dance interests!

I thought MAX EXPLAINS EVERYTHING: SOCCER EXPERT was so much fun. The story is cute and the illustrations are perfect for the book's tone. I think kids and parent alike will appreciate Max and his expertise!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!