Mini Book Bytes
Book reviews, trivia, news, & more in short & sweet bytes.
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Book Review: 'Oh No, Not Ghosts!' by Richard Michelson
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Book Review: 'The Vanishing Pumpkin' by Tony Johnston
The Bottom Line: While searching the shelves for new Halloween books to review, I came across this blast from the past. Perfect seasonal reading for kids in grades 1 - 3, this picture book probably has more words in it that kids are used to today, so be prepared to read-along. Illustrated in dePaola’s signature style, this book is enthusiastically recommended.
Details: The Vanishing Pumpkin written by Tony Johnston & pictures by Tomie dePaola. Hardcover picture book published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 1983. 30 p. ISBN: 0-399-20991-3
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Book Review: 'Ralph Masiello's Halloween Drawing Book' by Ralph Masiello
The Bottom Line: Kids and adults alike will be inspired. With step-by step drawings so that you can follow along at your own pace, this book is sure to be a seasonal treat for those who love to draw all things Halloween. The lessons start out easy and get progressively more difficult as you turn the pages. Each subject includes a beautiful, mixed media full color finished example. The only thing that would have made it better is a few more tips on how to add color, but this is first and foremost a book about drawing. If you enjoyed this one, check out one of the others as this is just one of many books in the Ralph Masiello's Drawing Book Series which includes topics like dinosaurs, dragons, and bugs. Enthusiastically recommended for artists of all ages who enjoy drawing seasonal, spooky pictures.
Details: Ralph Masiello's Halloween Drawing Book: Simple Steps Make Anyone an Artist written & illustrated by Ralph Masiello. Hardcover picture book published by Charlesbridge in 2012. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-57091-541-3
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Book Review: 'The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky' by Jory John
The Bottom Line: As the Bad Seed learns, there’s no need to take your bad mood out on others. Some things just aren’t that big of a deal, and all we need is someone to point this out. However, it’s never too late to make things right. This book is part of The Food Group series, and kids will enjoy this seasonal offering. Oswald’s illustrations were the highlight of this book; nevertheless, this installment didn’t have quite the snarkiness of the original.
[Note: This book comes with 150 spooky stickers; however, since I checked out a copy from a local library, there were none inside. Thus, the stickers were not a part of my book review.]
Details: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky written by Jory John & illustrated by Pete Oswald. Hardcover picture book published by HarperCollins in 2021. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-295454-1
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Book Review: 'Who Said Boo?: Halloween Poems for the Very Young' by Nancy White Carlstrom
The Bottom Line: These engaging and fun poems are accompanied by colorful, dreamy, and humorous illustrations rendered in pen and ink and watercolor. Recommended seasonal reading for children who enjoy poetry.
Details: Who Said Boo?: Halloween Poems for the Very Young written by Nancy White Carlstrom & illustrated by R. W. Alley. Hardcover picture book published by Aladdin Paperback in 1999. 32 p. ISBN: 0-689-80308-7
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Book Review: 'An Uninvited Ghost' by E. J. Copperman
The Bottom Line: This is the second installment of The Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries. With so many characters and subplots, the story gets a little jumbled at times. Also, since a cat is prominently featured on the cover, I expected one in the book; no such luck. Nevertheless, it’s still a fun weekend or beach read. An enjoyable read recommended for fans of cozy mysteries and paranormal mysteries.
Details: An Uninvited Ghost by E. J. Copperman. Paperback published by Berkley in 2011. 304 p. ISBN: 978-425-24058-8
Horrorfest of Books 2024!
P.S. The free clipart is from Wilsoninfo. Thank you!