Children's Book Reviews
And Interviews with Children's Authors

Great summer reading for kids - Karin Gaffney

Books to keep kids motivated in late summer - Karin Gaffney

Click here for a list of children's book authors based in Rochester, NY, with photos, descriptions, and links to their web sites.

Reviews

Jungle Gym Jitters, written and illustrated by Chuck Richards. In the world of George Jingle, the most mundane objects are but a hammer-blow away from the realm of fun and fantasy. Walker Books for Young Readers, 2004, for ages 5-9. Reviewed by Stefanie Newman.

Pieces of Another World, by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Selima Alikhan. Jody's father surprises her with a late-night meteor shower adventure. Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2005, for ages 4-8. Reviewed by Debra Ross.

Dewey Doo-It - "Dewey Doo-it" is a new series of books and CDs for kids about a group of imaginary characters called The Doo-its who live and play in the fantasy world of the Jingle Jangle Jungle. The stated mission of the Doo-its to teach children the value of compassion, but we find that we primarily enjoy Dewey and his friends for their competence to solve problems, and their energy in getting done the job that needs to be done. There are lots of kind people in the world, but fewer people who can actually put the right amount of thinking, energy, and effort into solving the world's problems. Those who want to nurture these qualities in their kids will enjoy the talents of the authors, composers, and musicians who comprise the Dewey Doo-it team. The production quality of their musical storybooks is top-notch, and our kids loved the CD as well. Comprensive review of their 2005 release "Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again," coming soon!

We are constantly bombarded with surveys suggesting that American kids who go through 13 years of public education are nevertheless graduating both without the basic skills they need to survive in our highly technological world, and without the knowledge of American and world culture that they need to make meaning of such a world. Many parents realize that it is their own responsibility to make sure that their children are well educated -- that sending them to school is no longer sufficient. Several book series have sprung up as useful tools to help parents keep their kids on track for what they need to know. We are currently working on a comprehensive review of textbooks, curricula, and workbooks that take your children through the grades, such as E.D. Hirsch's Core Knowledge series (books from preschool through high school), the Summer Bridge Activities series from Rainbow Bridge Publishing, and several others.

Interviews

Interview with Stu Smith, author of The Bubble Gum Kid and other books, as well as a Rochester elementary teacher.