Anansi Jr and the Mango Truck is the second installment in the Coomacka Island series. Based in part, on Afro-Caribbean folklore, Anansi was the great trickster and somewhat of cult hero to islanders. For hundreds of years, folk tales about the Macka Tree and the spirits dwelling within roots have been passed down through the generations. As with many cherished stories, the fictional fires erupted from a spark of truth.

The story begins with AJ tending his garden, filled with beautiful plants, including his award winning Monkey Tail Shrub. There was only one thing that he loved more than gardening and that was eating. However, he was a very greedy spider and had never experienced the joy of sharing. Nevertheless, on this day, he would learn a valuable lesson about the spirit of giving and friendship.

Once again, Hooper and Degand have delivered a fictional tale, filled with life lesson of immense importance. From the first colorful page, the reader is transported to the heart of the Caribbean. The emotion-filled drawings bring the words, as well as, the island itself to life. Introducing names with various origins, such as Swahili or Haitian, offers children an opportunity to expand their vocabulary, while embracing cultural diversity. Although Coomacka Island is an uncharted, fictional Island, the morals and values found here have universal appeal.

Featuring an entertaining forward and fun facts at the conclusion, Hooper and Degand have created a multi-layered, multi-cultural series that will be cherished by children, parents and teachers the world over.Happy Reading!     RJ xx3Rs-Real Reader Reviews©

The Story of Spider and Ant, is the first book in a series written by Don P. Hooper and Illustrated by Darnel Degand. Coomacka is an uncharted Caribbean Island, where each of the stories takes place. Although the Islands itself is a fictional place, much of the inspiration is based on Afro-Caribbean folklore.In this story, Spider manipulates Ant by being dishonest and pretending to be injured. Ant, believing his friend, enlists his family to help. After working all day for Spider, the ants were tired. However, the selfish Spider had no compassion for the ants nor did he appreciate all their hard work.

 

Reveling in his deception and trickery, the greedy spider celebrated. However, the truth was soon revealed. Realizing this is not how friends are supposed to interact; the ant sets out to teach the spider a lesson.

This beautifully written story has an important lesson hidden just below the surface. Books such as this, that teach silently, while entertaining loudly are rare finds indeed. In addition to the child’s bedside table, this series should be available at every preschool and daycare, elementary school and library. The rhythmic sounds of the island are beating within the colorful drawings. The expressive eyes of the characters convey genuine emotion. Hooper and Degand have delivered a fun, entertaining story that will keep children wide eyed and interested. And that’s exactly what a good children’s book should do!

Happy Reading!    RJ xx3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

Alec Flint is a 4th grade super-sleuth. When the Christoper Columbus exhibit is stolen from the local museum, Alec's Dad, a police detective is called in to investigate. Alec, picking up on several clues, decides it is a great mystery to test his skills! At school, impressed by a fellow classmate, Gina, an expert at math who can also write in a supersecret code - he decides to partner up to solve his mystery. Gina, not only teaches him the nifty code but proves incredibly useful to his investigation. More than that - it turns out that Gina has a mystery of her own to solve - the Art teacher's gone missing too!

A fun kid's mystery read with excellent attention to detail and good behavior modeling. Alec tells a lie and feels "mushy" inside and owns up to it! They also have very good behavior in the library, not running, putting things away correctly and even exhibit good information literacy skills when selecting their research material!!! Not overly sophisticated, so while you are learning some good stuff, you are still having loads of fun! Lots of great fun facts about Christopher Columbus are also included!

The first thing that I noticed was the oversized, imprinted, hardcover, reminiscent of the Golden Books I loved so much as a child. What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow has everything a parent or educator could ask for in a children’s book. Making it a rare find that will leave children pleading…. “ read it just one more time, please,” and parents happily obliging.Carla Jo Masterson has created a literary work that will leave children smiling and parents feeling good about their choice of reading material. To deliver messages of such importance in fun, enjoyable ways is a testament to the talent of the author. Together, with the illustrations by Omra Jo Fochtman, this book should be read in daycare centers, schools, and homes everywhere.What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow is much more than a bedtime story. Carla introduces us to Mr. Positively, who leads the reader not only through the book, but through a door to understanding and accepting ourselves and our feelings, as well as, those of others. .With the number of broken homes increasing, school violence and bullying on the rise, and the general decline of moral values, the need for a book such as this has never been greater. Carla Jo Masterson has answered that call with What’s On The Other Side of The Rainbow. To create a morally sound, entertaining book for children is no easy feat. However, Masterson has delivered all this, with a genuine sincerity that is both heart warming and refreshing!

Happy Reading!RJ xxAs with all children's books (or any outside media introduced to your children), as the parent you must decide what is age appropriate for your children.

After reading Willow’s Bend, you too will be surprised to learn that this is Kat Michaels debut book. Children will undoubtedly sit in astonished silence, mesmerized by the brightly colored, intricately detailed glossy pages. This hardcover children’s book is easy to read and a delightful adventure for family members of all ages. Because of the catchy, rhythmic tones used throughout this book, I found myself almost singing the words. Which, of course, brings smiles, of all shapes and sizes to the faces of children the world over.

Willow’s Bend is the story of a grumpy little frog, with four little toes that lives on a lily pad near where the willow tree grows. He is introduced to a beautiful butterfly, a playful elf, and a rambling rabbit. All interesting characters but all very different from the frog. Believing he could only befriend those who were like him, he refuses to play with any of them. Until he meets another frog. A happy, singing frog that is on his way to the Willow Tree to meet all of his friends. Our grumpy little frog learns a valuable lesson - our unique qualities aren’t meant to separate us, but to bring us together.

A life lesson of immense importance that is taught with love, tenderness and humor. Willow’s Bend is a definite must have for all parents, grandparents and caregivers. Kat Michaels is a talented writer, loving mother and wife that has created a work filled with the same magic that fills her heart.Happy reading!RJ xx3Rs-real reader reviewsNOTE:Kat Michaels is currently working on a new children's book - tenatively scheduled for release 2008!Visit Kat's Site