Shannon Rumple introduces readers to a feisty frog and his loving mom, in her debut children’s book, entitled, Elwood’s Crown. Important life lessons are cleverly woven into the very fabric of this heartwarming tale of responsibility, accountability and personal character. The first thing I noticed was the unique layout of this book. Designed so that when opened, one page is dedicated to art work, while the opposing page displays the written story. The full page, black canvas illustrations compliment the story, creating a captivating visual to keep wondering eyes interested. On each adjacent page, English occupies the fist half of the page, with the Spanish translation, paragraph in full, underneath. Thus providing an excellent teaching tool for those learning English as a second language. While at the same time, giving parents of English speaking children the opportunity to introduce their children to the Spanish language. Both of which lay the foundation of cultural acceptance and understanding.

Filled with interesting illustrations and engaging text, Elwood’s Crown addresses important questions of behavior and character, for the whole family. Shannon has been busy working on Elwood’s second adventure, “Fly Cake”, tentatively scheduled for release next summer. There’s much to love about Elwood’s Crown, with the seamless bilingual format inside, the overall dimensions, thick pages, and slick coat, easy to clean cover, this is a well constructed, family friendly book, that will undoubtedly spend very little time on the shelf.

NOTE: All autographed copies of Elwood’s Crown, include a collector’s edition, post card size, puzzle. This is a special offer and only available through the author’s website.

Happy Reading!RJ  

Mmmmm, how to write a thousand characters on a concise children's book containing a fraction of that amount (coming from someone who needed 120,000 words to discuss a few piles of stone in his doctoral thesis).

Lost and Found is the tale of a lost penguin and the small boy who tries to help him find his way home (assuming it is a him - penguin gender is not one of my strengths). The story is heart-warming and like all children's book carries with it a message pertinent to all small boys, girls and penguins. In this case the importance of friendship.

Each of the 32 pages is beautifully illustrated in the artist's distinctive style using watercolours. The vibrant colours and characters not only illustrate the story but also tell their own story - ideal when capturing the attention and imagination of young children - whilst each illustration is simple enough for children to enjoy but rich enough for this adult reader to take pleasure from.

In sum there is nothing not to like in this gem of a book and although aimed at the younger child this book will appeal to the child in all of us.If not you have a heart of stone!

Molly Monkey: Farmward Bound, introduces readers to a spirited little monkey named Molly as she travels from her home in the jungle to join her adoptive family on their farm. Beautifully written and expertly illustrated, this is first book in a new children’s series that will follow Molly through a variety adventures.

 After reading this delightful story you will be surprised to learn that Molly Monkey: Farmward Bound is John Rosano’s debut into the wonderful world of children’s literature. Rosano has concocted a winning recipe with this character driven story that is loads of fun for everyone. The rhyming words are easy to read and follow a rhythmic flow throughout the book. The story itself demonstrates to children the importance of following your dreams, not allowing fear of the unknown to hold you back and meeting new friends is very exciting. Rosano’s remarkable accomplishment with this adorable story is how well he has disguised these lessons as part of Molly’s adventure. The illustrations compliment the story and bring each page to life with entertaining scenes that capture and hold even the youngest child’s attention.

This is a wonderful storybook to share with your children, for young readers to enjoy independently and with the promise of future installments, parents and children alike will look forward to following this fun-loving, energetic character through whatever adventures creator, John Rosano imagines.

Pig Scrolls is the adventurous and hilarious tale of Gryllus, once a mighty hero and friend of Odysseus, having triumphantly peeled potatoes at the battle of Troy, and inventor of the Trojan Cow, but now living life as a fat and happy pig. After surviving the incident at the Cyclops's cave, and being turned into a pig by the Sorceress Circe, Gryllus decided he had had enough of being a human, thank you very much; and made his way in life, henceforth, rotund, jolly and porcine.

What could possibly pull him from his daily joy of joys, sleeping in while pesky over-zealous birds tweeted and twittered, but that of intruders, and much worse than that, hunters! What then transpires is the adventures of a talking, very intelligent, formerly human, mischievous and cowardly pig. Though influenced no doubt by his cohorts, a wanna-be priestess from Delphi, a poetic young lad named Homer and a very strange fellow that Gryllus just can't quite figure out where he's seen before...

Pig Scrolls is a laugh riot from start to finish. This pig really cracks me up. It was also quite a memory jog of all the Greek mythology one has picked up over the years. For those young readers less familiar with Greek mythology, there is a brief glossary in the back that can offer some explanation. This is one I will certainly read the sequel to.

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