Book Review: 'Seven Little Mice Go to School' by Haruo Yamashita

✰✰✰✰✰ Seven little mice are starting school tomorrow. They have new hats, book bags, and shoes, but there's just one problem. None of the little mice want to go to school. Each has an excuse for not wanting to go. "School is too far away!" said one. "There will be a snake on the path!" exclaimed another. Oh, what a fuss the little mice made. What is Mother to do?

Late that night, Mother comes up with a plan. When her children wake up in the morning, they are surprised to discover that the train for school is leaving soon. With each little mouse holding the tail of the one in front, they become the Mouse Train. They chug along through the forest until they come to a dark tunnel where there is a surprise waiting for them. Will they get to school on time or will they all turn around and run home? Read this charming picture book to find out.

The Bottom Line: First published in Japan in 1981, Seven Little Mice Go to School is a classic tale of first day of school anxiety. Through Yamashita's gentle storytelling, the little mice learn that going to school can be an adventure. Soft watercolor illustrations by Kazuo Iwamura perfectly complement the story by adding humor. Anxious little ones heading off to preschool or kindergarten for the first time will enjoy this picture book. Highly recommended for kids ages 3 - 5. Also, be sure to check out the other adventures the seven little mice have.

Details: Seven Little Mice Go to School written by Haruo Yamashita & illustrated by Kazuo Iwamura. Hardcover picture book published by North-South Books in 2011. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7358-4012-6

Book Review: 'A Sense of the World' by Jason Roberts

✰✰✰✰ In a time before airplanes and luxury cruise ships, a solitary, sightless man named James Holman traveled around the world from 1819 - 1832. As a child, Holman dreamed of traveling, but his father had other plans for him. When joining the clergy did not pan out, Holman joined the British Royal Navy. As Holman pursued his naval career, the rigors of sea life caught up with him. He became bedridden due to "exquisite pains" and was deemed “unserviceable.” While Holman recuperated at a spa, his pain subsided. Unfortunately, he was suddenly stricken with complete blindness. With few opportunities available to the blind at the time, Holman joined the Naval Knights of Windsor. Hoping to find a cure for his own blindness, he also became a student of literature and medicine during that time. Eventually, Holman sought to relieve his pain by visiting a more favorable climate...alone.

Due to the success of that journey, he was hooked on solitary travel. With only a natural aptitude for languages, a curiosity for other cultures, and limited funds, Holman became a solitary world traveler. Known simply as the Blind Traveler, Holman survived being held captive in Siberia, fought slave trade in Africa, climbed Mount Vesuvius, and helped chart the Australian outback. He even circumnavigated the globe, an impressive accomplishment for any individual, but especially for one without sight. His adventures were legendary, and he was quite famous during his time only to be forgotten over the years. Fortunately, by picking up this book, the reader can once again travel along with Lt. James Holman as he explores uncharted lands and discovers native cultures.

The Bottom Line: Lt. James Holman was an extraordinary man who was ahead of his time. When repeatedly faced with insurmountable challenges, he continually adapted by reinventing himself. Holman was a man who tested the limits of his disability instead of wallowing in pity. During his lifetime, he was a sailor, knight, student, physician, tourist, and author, but always a traveler. Additionally, Holman easily adopted the latest technology and developed echolocation on his own.

A Sense of the World is an enjoyable and entertaining biography. It is a great example of nonfiction that reads like fiction. In fact, it’s almost as if the author had the uncanny ability to walk in Holman’s shoes. Additionally, Roberts explains the social expectations of the time in a language that is reminiscent of the era. Roberts also includes many short biographies and anecdotes of the fascinating people Holman met during his travels. The paperback edition I read included maps of Holman’s travels and an interview with the author. The only thing missing was an index.

Highly recommended for fans of biographies, travelers, and armchair travelers. This epic tale of one blind man’s quest to “see” the world will transport you to another time and leave you amazed. By simply living his life, Holman became an inspiration to others. Holman, also, remains somewhat of a mystery as his memoir was never published.

Book Club Notes: This inspirational biography of Lt. James Holman provided ample material for an engaging discussion. This book is full of details and is written in a style that prompts discussion. Holman lived during a great era of exploration and invention. Furthermore, he lived his life fully despite his disability. Through reading about Holman’s travels and challenges, the group was able to discuss his examples of life lessons. We were also eager to discuss the mystery of what caused Holman’s blindness and what happened to his unpublished memoir. On a rating scale from 1 – 5, the group gave it an average of 3.25 because some members felt that the first 100 pages were a little too detailed and dry.

Book clubs interested in discussing this book can find discussion questions at LitLovers. Finally, book clubs can supplement the discussion by taking a look at A Voyage Round the World, Volume 1 by James Holman which is available through Project Gutenberg.

Details: A Sense of the World: How a Blind Man Became History’s Greatest Traveler by Jason Roberts. Paperback edition published by Harper Perennial in 2007. 400 p. ISBN: 978-0-00-7161065

Book Review: 'A Pirate's Night Before Christmas' by Philip Yates

✰✰✰✰✰ On the night before Christmas aboard the pirate ship, the Black Sark, all is quiet. With the stockin's stuck to the bowsprit and visions of treasure chests dancing in thar heads, Sir Peggedy is bound to visit the buccaneers. When suddenly thar arose such a racket and eight giant sea horses and a sleigh with Sir Peggedy flew up from the sea. He said not a word and went straight to his work stuffing stockin's with presents only a pirate could love. There's holiday cheer for every good buccaneer except one. Just when it looks like one little pirate is left out, a simple piece of parchment floats down to the deck. What could it be? Will it save Christmas Day? Check out this seaworthy tale to find out why even pirates look forward to Christmas and a visit from Sir Peggedy. 

The Bottom Line: This is a fun parody of Clement C. Moore's classic poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas. The poem is filled with pirate lingo. A pirate glossary is included at the end for those unfamiliar with typical pirate talk. Serra's digitally colored illustrations are fun and engaging. Highly recommended holiday reading for little buccaneers and seadogs in grades Pre-K - 2, especially those interested in pirates and the sea. This would also be fun for story hour at school or the library. Kids will love learning to speak Pirate.

Details: A Pirate's Night Before Christmas written by Philip Yates & illustrated by Sebastià Serra.  Picture book hardcover published by Sterling in 2008. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-4027-4257-6

Cookbook Review: 'Sweet Christmas' by Sharon Bowers

✰✰✰✰½ If visions of peppermints, fudge, gingersnaps, rum balls, sugared pecans, and pralines have been dancing in your head, then check out this holiday cookbook to make your dreams come true. With recipes for Homemade Ribbon Candy, British Christmas Cake, and Salted Caramel Sauce, cookbook author Sharon Bowers has come up with a holiday winner. She also includes recipes for a few savory treats like Hot Spinach Dip and Spicy Cheddar Coins.

Sweet Christmas includes an introduction with notes on ingredients to clarify some items like which size eggs to use or what kind of flour is best. There are also notes on equipment and storage suggestions. The recipes are grouped into eight sections including a chapter for making ornaments and decorations (some edible, some not), and a chapter with ideas for making edible homemade gifts to give at the holidays. Each recipe features an introduction, and the ingredients are listed in a different color from the main text. Finally, this cookbook includes at Conversion Guide and a Recipe Index at the end.

Taste Test Notes: It was a challenge choosing a recipe to attempt for this review as there are so many I'd like to try. However, the recipe that really caught my eye was for Chocolate-Covered Cherries (p. 30), which are one of my favorite candies. I had never even thought of attempting to make these at home, but the recipe made it look so easy. Additionally, I happened to have all the ingredients in my pantry. While the recipes in this cookbook do not include prep times, I wasn't sure how much time I needed for this attempt. However, these looked so yummy I decided to give it a try anyway; I just made sure to give myself enough time to finish.

The directions were very easy to follow. The only thing that I did differently was to store these beauties in the refrigerator as I made them in July. I noticed after dipping the cherries in the melted chocolate that the chocolate would not set due to the warm room temperature. Thus, in the fridge they went. Here are some photos of my cooking adventure:

Here are the cherries wrapped in fondant and waiting
to be popped into the freezer for 30"

The finished Chocolate-Covered Cherries waiting to be sampled.

This is what they look like on the inside. Yum!

All in all I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this recipe was fantastically easy to prepare. Just be careful not to burn your fingers when dipping the fondant covered cherries in the melted chocolate. I was able to complete this project from start to clean-up in just two hours. Finally, the best part was eating these luscious cherries; these are far better than the store bought kind. I think it's the fondant that makes them so special. These are absolutely decadent. P.S. These would make a great homemade gift for the holidays.

The Bottom Line: This holiday cookbook featuring candies and sweets is highly recommended for foodies and chefs of all levels of expertise. This cookbook is also recommended for public libraries and personal cookbook collections. There is a wide variety of treats to choose from including vintage sweets like Christmas Divinity and Peppermint Bark. There are also cookies and cakes and some savory treats as well. This cookbook features beautiful food photography by David Bowers, so even if you don't cook or bake, you'll have a great time looking at the photos. I will definitely be buying a copy to include in my own cookbook collection. My only (tiny) complaint is the rather small print.

Details: Sweet Christmas: Homemade Peppermints, Sugar Cake, Chocolate-Almond Toffee, Eggnog Fudge, and Other Sweet Treats and Decorations by Sharon Bowers. Hardcover published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang in 2012. 176 p. ISBN: 978-1-61769-000-6

Book Review: 'The Christmas Giant' by Steve Light

✰✰✰✰ Humphrey the giant and Leetree the elf are the best of friends. Their job is to make the wrapping paper for all of Santa's gifts. However, during the rest of the year there isn't much to do. Then one year Santa gives the friends a special project to grow a Christmas tree for Christmastown. The pair is so excited; they begin by planting a tiny seed. They take their assignment very seriously and carefully water, prune, and tend to the tree. When the tree is at last large enough, the pair leaves to deliver it. Unfortunately, when they stop to rest something goes terribly wrong. The tree is gone, and there isn't enough time to grow another one. What will the Humphrey and Leetree do when Santa finds out? Together the pair comes up with a plan to deliver a surprise that everyone in Christmastown will be talking about for years to come.

The Bottom Line: Things don't always go as planned, but Steve Light's gentle story of friendship reminds us that by working together, problems can be solved. Through a combination of storytelling and illustrations, Light has created an adorable holiday story that kids in Preschool - Grade 1 will love to read over and over. Children will also enjoy Light's fantastic and detailed illustrations. The folk art style and the use of a limited palette have a calming effect on the reader.

Details: The Christmas Giant written and illustrated by Steve Light. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2010. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-4692-9

Book Review: 'Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List'

✰✰✰ It's almost time for Santa Claus to visit. Peppa Pig, her little brother, and all her friends have written letters to Santa asking for gifts. Everyone wants something different. Soon Peppa's family finds the perfect Christmas tree to decorate on Christmas Eve. Later that night the two little pigs surprise Santa. Peppa asks Santa how he knows which presents to give everyone. Why, it's easy. Santa has a list...or does he? When Santa's list gets lost, how will he know which presents to leave behind? Check out this picture book to see how Peppa saves the day.

The Bottom Line: The pages are colorful and the text is large and easy to read. Unfortunately, both the digitally created illustrations and the text fall a bit flat. Additionally, the story lacks originality. Nevertheless, if your little one enjoys watching the Peppa Pig TV series, then by all means check it out.

Details: Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List by Candlewick Press. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2012. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-7636-6276-9

Book Review: 'What Am I? Christmas' by Anne Margaret Lewis

✰✰✰✰½ As part of the My Look and See Holiday Book series, What Am I? Christmas provides fun holiday reading for the little ones. There are 10 flaps for kids to look under; each featuring an item commonly found around Christmastime including an angel, a gingerbread man, a Christmas stocking, and many more. Each page also features a simple rhyme to help your child guess what the item is before looking. Additionally, the colorful illustrations are charming and help give visual hints as well. Kids will want to read this one again and again.


The Bottom Line: If you have a toddler in your life, this would be a great book to have in your collection. This lift-the-flap style hardcover picture book is engaging for the little ones and is highly recommended for toddlers. It's the perfect book for reading at bedtime or any time. It is also highly recommended for public libraries as it would be fun to feature in story time.

Details: What Am I? Christmas (My Look and See Holiday Book) written by Anne Margaret Lewis and illustrated by Tom Mills. Hardcover picture book published by Albert Whitman & Company in 2011. 24 p. ISBN: 978-0-8075-8958-8