Allison Investigates by Nicoletta

Allison Investigates; Does Chocolate Milk Come From Brown Cows, Written and Illustrated by Colette Omans Nicoletta is a wonderful books for kids of all ages! The words per page are few enough to keep an active two year old interested. At the same time, the content is unique enough to keep older kids attentive as well.  The book, about how chocolate milk is made, reminds me a bit of that show "How It's Made" (but not as dry as the show).  I also really love the the illustrations. In a children's book, so much in conveyed in the pictures that they are, in my opinion, just as important as the text.  These are informative without being so detailed that the kids miss the point.  I truly hope Nicoletta will do many more Allison Investigates books!

(ISBN-13: 978-1-59298-356-8  Copyright 2011)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through Bostick Communications (http://www.bostickcommunications.com). I was not encouraged or required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Dreaded Weaved Catcher

Review by Julie
The Dreaded Weaved Catcher is the first book in a series called The Adventures of The Thundering Whales by Stephen Vadakin.  Vadakin is a artist, sculpting and drawing marine animals.  His love for the ocean and it's residents is obvious in this book and in his dedication to create an marine education program that has already been shared with 50,000 elementary school children.

The story is about three dolphin friends and their adventures to reunite after one gets pulled away when caught in a fishing net.  The 55 page book is very educational (maybe a little too educational?) and introduces many different animals, concepts and advanced vocabulary words.  I'm guessing a child in grade school would enjoy having this book read to them, but my preschooler got lost in the unfamiliar vocabulary and complex relationships.  That's probably for the best though because the chapter where the dolphins are hunted by Orca Whales might have been a little too scary for him. The art work in the book is colorful and interesting, with a full color page for every two or three pages of text. I'll be interested to see if my son takes to the book when he's older.

(ISBN 987-1439263877 Copyright 2009)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through Bostick Communications (http://www.bostickcommunications.com). I was not encouraged or required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”