Book Review: One Little Blueberry by Tammi Salzano

Who knew one little blueberry could cause so much trouble? When one little blueberry falls to the ground, all the hungry insects are eager to have it for themselves. Who will end up with this tasty treat?

Counting has never been so much fun as with One Little Blueberry by Tammi Salzano. Coupled with the charming artwork of Kat Whelan, this hardcover with spot laminated cardstock pages, will be a popular read in your house. I found the spot lamination to be quite an intriguing feature, as the glossy spots immediately capture the reader's eye.

I truly loved this story. It takes a great deal of imagination to create a simple book that teaches counting, but Salzano makes it seem easy. Whelan's bright and colorful illustrations in some ways matched the simplicity of the text: the angular lines of the ants' faces, the insects' dot eyes, the wispy lines of the antenna. Yet, there is so much going on in these zany pictures of insects chasing after the coveted blueberry, that you're captivated by them as much as you are by the story.

This might just be my favorite book of the spring season!

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 24 pages

Publisher: Tiger Tales (March 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1589258592

ISBN-13: 978-1589258594

SRP:  $12.95

Book Review: Roly-Poly Egg by Kali Stileman

What would spring time be without a new life story? In this charming book by Kali Stileman, Splotch the bird lives high up in a tree. One day she lays a very spotty egg that is perfect in every way. Splotch jumps with excitement, which shakes the branch and sends the egg rolling down onto a variety of animals. Readers follow the dotted line to see where the egg will land next.

Filled with Stileman's vibrant illustrations, Roly-Poly Egg is a delightful story. As a true mother, Splotch knows her spotty egg is perfect in every way. A giraffe, two zebras, a crocodile, an elephant, and some monkeys get a chance to see the roly-poly egg, while readers follow the dotted line marking the egg's journey.

A fun book to read or read aloud, the last page includes a flap that readers can lift for a colorful surprise. Geared toward kids ages 3 to 7 (4 - 8 on Amazon), Roly-Poly Egg will enchant your youngster. I can see this book being read many times over. And at a suggested retail price of only $12.95, it's a great value.

This book would make a great addition to your child's Easter basket.

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tiger Tales (March 1, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1589258525

ISBN-13: 978-1589258525

SRP:  $12.95

Spring Titles for Your Young Reader

Here are a few books I've had the chance to review at my kid's book blog that will make excellent Easter reading.

Stubby’s Destiny is an inspirational story about a defeated donkey, Stubby, who feels he was born wrong. He was just about to give up when divine destiny tapped him on the shoulder. He was chosen to carry the King of Kings upon his back. Stubby’s Destiny will bring hope to hurting children who feel their situation is hopeless.

This book is great to read this time of year because it tells the story of how a donkey who feels he will never amount to anything ends up carrying Jesus into Jerusalem on his back, where palms are laid on the ground as they pass by.

You can read my full review at The Children's and Teens' Book Connection.

Purchase Stubby's Destiny by Dixie Phillips at the Guardian Angel Publishing website.

This is a heartwarming adventure of two cherubs, Kennedy and Tristan. They help children understand what the angels might have felt when Jesus came to Earth and was crucified.

This book covers a lot of ground. It starts with the cherubs being upset that Emmaunuel is leaving them. They hear about His baptism and soon turn sad over news of His death. Luckily their sorrow only lasts three days, as Emmanuel's Resurrection means all the people can live in Heaven one day.

You can read my full review here.

Purchase Angel Eyes by Dixie Phillips at the Guardian Angel Publishing website.  

Jordan's Guest is the latest book in Davy Liu's Invisible Tails series. The author tells the story of Jesus’ return to Jerusalem and his arrest and crucifixion from the perspective of the animals living in the stable.

I've read all the books in this series, and I highly recommend them. You can read my review of Jordan's Guest at my kid's book blog.

Purchase Jordan's Guest from Amazon.com.

Here are a few books I found online that I thought looked cute. I haven't read them:

The importance of both family and sharing are emphasized in this board book with simple descriptions about Easter celebrations. Sparkling glitter and velvety flocking highlight Tomie dePaola’s bright illustrations, while his easy-to-follow text explains the special traditions associated with the holiday.

Features of Every Day of Lent and Easter:
48-page booklet packed with colorful illustrations
Games, puzzles, mazes, and activities
Explanation of themes and traditions of the season
Lenten calendar
Helps children focus on the meaning of Lent and Easter in their lives
For children in grades 1, 2, & 3

This book retells the events of Palm Sunday through Easter day (Matthew 21:1-28:10; Mark 11:1-16-8; Luke 19:29-24:12; John 12:12-20:10). The Arch(R) Book series tells popular Bible stories through fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are enjoyable and easy to remember. This product is part of the Accelerated Reader(TM) program and carries a point value of .5.


These and more spring titles are available at Amazon.com!