The Loud Book by Deborah Underwood | Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg

*If you are Canadian, you can enter to win these two books and more HERE but Sunday, May 8th is the last day!

Stars: ****

Thomas Allen & Sons (2011)
Picture Book
32 pages

Summary: Just like there are lots of quiets, there are also lots of louds: Good louds (HOORAY!) and bad louds (CRASH!) And louds that make you feel like you are the center of attention (BURP!). The Loud Book compiles all these kid-friendly noises from morning to night, in a way that is sure to make readers CHEER! - GoodReads


The Loud Book is a follow up to The Quiet Book however I've not read that one. You can read either one by itself but it would make a great book set. Perfect for ages 2-5, when kids love to hear their own voice and BE LOUD!

There are many different types of loud which is exactly the point the book makes:

"Surprise Loud, Belly Flop Loud and Bad Crash Loud"

My kids and I had fun learning about the different kinds of loud. There were some more abstract ones I had to explain too like "Deafening Silence Loud." However I usually tend to make sure they understand what we read in any book so I'm used to explaining things.

The illustrations are by Renata Liwska and are adorable. Soft and muted, perfect for young viewers. My eldest daughter pointed something wrong with one of the illustrations however. The "Good Crash Loud" one shows a bear bowling but he's standing on the part of the lane you are not supposed to stand on (the slippery part - past the line.) Leave it to my five year old to notice.

"You're not supposed to stand on that part though mommy."

She's got a point.

Links of Interest: Deborah Underwood,
Other Reviews: There's A Book, 5 Minutes for Books,  Shelf Elf (Guest Post),
Buy The Loud Book at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Stars: *****

Thomas Allen & Sons (2011)
Children's Nonfiction
40 Pages
Ages 6+

Summary: At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done before—she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride! - GoodReads

The author of The Polar Express, Jumanji, Just a Dream and many others takes a step away from fantasy to write about history. Chris still manages to deliver a spectacular book that draws the reader in and makes the reader not able to pull away until the book is done.

It's a mixture of the soft, detailed illustrations and the way the story reads that draw you in. I can't think of another picture book writer that can accomplish the same thing. This book is a great way to learn about this story and would be great to provoke discussion in a school setting.



Links of Interest: Chris Van Allsburg,
Other Reviews: NONE YET
Buy Queen of the Falls at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*If you are Canadian, you can enter to win these two books and more HERE but Sunday, May 8th is the last day!

Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism & Point to Happy: a book for kids on the autism spectrum

© Flickr User BLW Photography

Today concluded Autism Awareness Month (and April) and I wanted to squeeze in these two books that I only recently was sent. I have always been interested in Autism, although I'm not sure exactly why. None of my family or friends are autistic or have autistic children. I have met autistic children but my interest is from when I was a teenager, before I ever met an autistic child.

Perhaps it's the fact that there are so many ideas about it's cause and how to treat it. I find it intriguing that something can affect so many children without us having a better idea of it's cause. I've read books on Autism and articles and even did research on my own as a teenager. I don't spend time researching it anymore but if I come across a mention of something on autism, I will read it. So as such I've heard of many different therapies for autism.

Cutting-Edge Therapies for Autism 2011-2012 by Ken Siri and Tony Lyons (Stars: *****) has the most comprehensive list of therapy ideas for autism I've ever seen and it will be updated every year in April. This is the second edition so far and it already has 25 more chapters than last year, plus other updates. If you are familiar with autism therapies a bit, you may have heard of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), music therapy, occupational therapy and psychotropic medications. However have you heard of Craniosacral and Chiropractic therapy, Melatonin Therapy for sleep problems or Technological-Based Interventions for Autism - There's an app for that!

Also included is a list of organizations and schools for kids on the autism spectrum, but it's mostly American since that's where the book was published. There are some international organizations and five Canadian schools listed though.

Point to Happy: a book for kids on the autism spectrum by Miriam Smith and Afton Fraser (Stars: ****) is a book to encourage communication skills and provide visual support in autistic children. With beautiful photographs by Margo Smithwick and an attached pointer, the parent can read the words and the child can attempt to point to the answer.

e.g. The boy is happy. Point to happy. The boy is sad. Point to sad. 

There is a place to add a picture of your child's favourite food to the foods page and a whole section for you to add photos of four people important to the child and their names. I don't work with autistic children but I can imagine it would work well.

*I was sent these books in the hopes that I'd review or mention them. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the item.

Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg

Stars: *****

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Originally 1990, Updated 2011)
Picture Book
48 pages

Summary: When it comes to the environment, young Walter is not an enlightened individual. He's a litterbug who believes sorting trash is a big waste of time. What's more, he thinks his friend's birthday present, a tree, is the most ridiculous gift he's ever seen. Walter believes the future is going to be wonderful, filled with robots and other amazing inventions. One night while lying in bed, Walter wishes he could visit the future. He falls asleep and his wish comes true. But the world Walter sees is not exactly what he'd imagined. When he returns to the present, he is changed and so are his dreams.  - from author's website

This is a great book for Earth Day or anytime you want to teach about environmentalism. Although it's an older book, I'd not seen it. It's by the author of The Polar Express and Jumanji (and many others,) so you know the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.

The little boy's dreams show just how scary our world could end up the way we are going. He pops in and out of different dreams, showing many different scenarios. At the end he learns his lesson and pitches in and his dream that night is quite different.

I was a little surprised at first with the "ideal world" dream as it shows a return to simpler days with no clothes dryers or electric lawn mowers but I quickly realized that we would have to limit our energy usage in order to reverse the poor environment our children can look forward to (or not) in the future. It makes sense to me!

I read this to my 4 and 5 year old but it was over their head. I tried to explain as much as possible and I think the got a bit of it but it was too long and involved. I'm not sure the target age range but I'd say 8+

Links of Interest: Chris Van Allsburg,
Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Just a Dream at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Pink Brain, Blue Brain: How Small Difference Grow into Troublesome Gaps - and What We Can Do About It by Lise Eliot, Ph.D.

Stars: *****

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2009)
432 pages
Adult Nonfiction

Summary: From the best-selling author of What's Going On In There?, neuroscientist Lise Eliot shatters the myths about sex differences, arguing that few are truly innate and that the brains of boys and girls are shaped by how they spend their time. - from Thomas Allen & Sons. (Click link for longer description)

This was an AWESOME book. I am always interested in sociology and gender differences fits right in. I've read other books and articles on the subject but this one takes the cake. In fact this one shows why some of the other ones I read weren't scientifically accurate. Any book that makes scientific claims needs to back them up but when I was younger, I just assumed if someone wrote a nonfiction book, they knew what they were talking about. How I of course know better.

Lise explains many different studies to back up what she says and mentions when a study is smaller and therefore can not be taken as "gospel" but with further research, can be proven one way or the other. You can tell she's done her research and she knows what she's talking about.

The most popular argument of course is whether boys and girls really do like different types of toys or whether we condition them that way. Lise seems to settle it once and for all. Boys and Girls DO play differently and are attracted to different toys - in GENERAL. Of course there are exceptions (which explains the boy who LOVES his dolls and the girl who rolls in the mud. However that doesn't mean we shouldn't encourage our boys and girls to play with the toys they tend to shy away from. Children learn different skills from different types of toys. So girls tend to be more communicative because they play with dolls and stuffed animals and play house which requires communication. Boys tend to have better large motor skills because they run around and chase, play cars and blocks. You can read more about this in the article linked below in Links of Interest.

I especially liked that the book talks about gender differences in each stage of life from prenatal to adult although there is more on children as the older you get, the harder it is to see if someone was born with that difference or just learned it throughout their life.  The prenatal section was very interesting to me since I'm pregnant.

There were only two small things that I should mention about the book.

1. It's somewhat technical. It's not a book you can read with lots of distractions but it's interesting enough to read through the technical parts. There would be no way the book could be written less technical though without being less believable as being a book written by a knowledgeable writer.

2. You can't just read some and then go tell everyone what you learned without continuing to read. Many times Lise would explain something a study showed and then just when you think that explains everything, the next section explains what that studies results can't be taken as fact. For example in the prenatal section, baby rats are studied to show how a release of androgen (hormone) affects baby boys. In the next section titled "Boys are Not Rats" it is explained why this doesn't necessarily mean the same thing with human babies.

Overall this was a great book and one I intend to share with some people I know who would appreciate it although I'll be holding on to it myself after that.

Links of Interest: Globe & Mail Article: Why Boys Need Barbies and Girls Need Footballs, Lise Eliot (especially check out the FAQ),

Other Reviews: Pussreboots, 5 Minutes for Mom,

Buy Pink Brain, Blue Brain at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi

Stars: *****

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (2011)
Illustrations by Tim Bowers
Picture Book
4 and up

Summary: Poppy the Pig has big dreams - lots of them! But following her dreams isn't always easy, and whenever Poppy thinks it might be time to give up, her family reminds her to "Dream Big!"

Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi has created her very first picture book. I am normally reluctant to read picture books by celebrities as it feels to me like they just aren't happy being famous for TV, movies, music and/or sports and want to be great at everything.

The summary of the book is what drew me in and made me want to check it out and I'm glad I did. It can be very disheartening when you try something you like only to be told you are no good at it and should try something else. The book is all about realizing your dreams with practice and enjoyment of what you do, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable and the cover has sparkles, which according to my girls, is the best thing ever. We will be revisiting this book when my children express interest in a certain activity but then feel discouraged.

About the Author:
Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion who knows about dreaming big. The motto "Always Dream" serves as Kristi's personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children.

Links of Interest: Always Dream,

Other Reviews: Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile, For Immediate Release Reviews - Kids,

Buy Dream Big Little Pig! at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher.  All opinions are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

C'mon Papa: Dispatches From a Dad in the Dark by Ryan Knighton

Stars: *****

Knopf Canada, a division of Random House (2010)
Nonfiction: Memoir/Biography/Parenting
272 pages

Summary: C'mon Papa is Ryan Knighton's heartbreaking and hilarious voyage through the first year of fatherhood. Becoming a father is a stressful, daunting rite of passage to be sure, but for a blind father, the fears are unimaginably heightened. Ryan will have to find novel ways to adapt to nearly every aspect of parenting: the most basic skills are nearly impossible to contemplate, let alone master. And how will Ryan get to know this pre-verbal bundle of coos and burps when he can't see her smile, or look into her eyes for hints of the person to come? - from Random House

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be blind AND a parent? Wonder no longer. Ryan Knighton tells us the good, the bad and the ugly in his most recent memoir. The book switches from educational, to humourous, to breath holding moments, to sympathy inducing.

I learned about blindness in general as well as parenting while blind. I already knew that blind people keep things in their house in a certain spot so they can maneuver around but it never occurred to me that a blind person could have a job. (I apologize to all blind people who work.)

I think this is a much needed memoir that more people should read. Most of us don't really know what it's like to live with a special need let alone how to be a parent with a special need. Ryan Knighton is the perfect author as well, he tells a great story.

However he does include just a few swear words.  I am turned off my swear words and could have done without them but there were only a few so it was easy to just ignore them and continue reading.

Links of Interest: Ryan Knighton, Ryan Knighton on Twitter,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy C'mon Papa at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Confessions of a GP: a year of life, death & earwax by Dr. Benjamin Daniels

Stars:*****

HarperCollins UK (2010)
Adult Nonfiction/Memoir
336 pages

Summary: A woman troubled by pornographic dreams about Tom Jones. An 80 year-old man who can't remember why he's come to see the doctor. A woman with a common cold demanding (but not receiving) antibiotics. A man with a sore knee. A young woman who has been trying to conceive for a while but now finds herself pregnant and isn't sure she wants to go through with it. A 7-year-old boy with "tummy aches" that don't really exist. These are his patients. A witty insight into the life of a family doctor, this funny and moving account will change the way you look at your doctor next time you pop in with the sniffles. - from Good Reads

This book was quite funny, interesting, sometimes gross and once, so funny I was laughing so hard I was crying, (although to be honest, that part wasn't written by the author, but was a chain mail that went around online - I even remember getting it once and I'm pretty sure I laughed that hard then too.)

I must say though that reading a book written in the UK is quite challenging as a Canadian. Yes we both speak English but here in Canada, especially so close to the US where I live, we speak a version of English that is much closer to US English.  There was also some UK Spelling which in my part of Ontario at least, we use a bit of (like Colour and Neighbourhood) but some we use the US spelling of (like Tranquillizer - not Tranquilliser like it is in the book.) I knew most of the UK words as I love words but had to look up one of the medications mentioned. E.g. surgery (meaning emergency department) or stroppy (easily offended or annoyed), row (argument), trolley (streetcar) and paracetamol (mentioned often - it's acetaminophen)

There are two controversial areas of the book that I want to mention. If you are able to read about ideas you may not agree with, then this isn't a problem. But if you will dislike the whole book because of one opinion, I'd rather you know before you pick up the book.

The doctor sees a patient with measles because his mom chose not to vaccinate him. She believes she just needs to strengthen his immune system with healthy foods and such. Doc explains that's not how it works. Doc explains his frustrations with those who choose not to vaccinate. Specifically because it puts those children who are unable to vaccinate (because of allergy to vaccination or they are deathly ill) at risk too.

The other has to do with alternative practitioners. The doctor sees a patient who has a simple problem but chooses to see many different alternative practitioners first who do everything but examine the problem area. She ends up back at Doc after having spent lots of money. So Doc makes a comment (not to patient) about his dislike of alternative practitioners.

I did appreciate that all the stories are only a few pages long. It's good for a quick reads (like in the bathroom)

Links of Interest: NONE YET

Other Reviews: Naomi's Book Reviews,

Buy Confessions of a GP at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Homework for Grownups: Everything You Learned At School and Promptly Forgot by E. Foley & B. Coates

Stars: *****

Harper Collins Canada (2010)
Canadian Edition
Nonfiction
432 pages

Summary: Homework for Grown-ups is a brilliantly informative and entertaining book of old-school knowledge for adults. It is the ultimate refresher course on mathematics (remember Pythagoras' theorem? You will!), English grammar and literature (do you know your Margarets?), and chemistry and the sciences (including the big bang theory). It spans geography (can you name the planets in order?), history (what exactly was the Family Compact?), art, Latin, phys. ed. (hockey!), home economics and much more... including, crucially, recess (finally, definitive rules for Red Rover!).

I LOVED school. Well I loved the education part, not the social part. I love learning and I love knowing a little about a lot of things. It bugs me that I've forgotten knowledge I learned in school. I love watching Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? but it makes me mad that I can't remember it all, or at least the subjects I enjoyed. So this is the PERFECT book for me.

In this book, the following subjects are covered: English, Mathematics, Home Economics, History, Science, Religious Education, Geography, Classics, Physical Education and Art (plus a Recess!) For each subject there is a section covering some of the basics you would have learned in school. Important terms, dates or names are in bold. At the end of each section is a quiz (answers are at the back) if you really want to feel like you are in school. I didn't really take the quizzes. I looked over them and answered the ones I could quickly but didn't write anything down, score myself or look up answers.

I really enjoyed reading the subjects I enjoyed and was good at but found myself struggling with the ones I didn't care as much about. I guess I only care about remembering what I learned in school in certain subjects. This is NOT a book you read in one day. It took me a few months to get through this book because I read a bunch of other books as well. For the last few chapters I kept the book in the bathroom as a little knowledge pick me up when I get a break. (If you're a parent you know what I mean!)

Links of Interest: NONE

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Homework for Grownups at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Homer's Odyssey and Dewey's Nine Lives (Cat Books)

Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper

Stars: *****

Delacorte Press (Random House) 2009

Summary: The last thing Gwen Cooper wanted was another cat. She already had two, not to mention a phenomenally underpaying job and a recently broken heart. Then Gwen’s veterinarian called with a story about a three-week-old eyeless kitten who’d been abandoned. It was love at first sight. Everyone warned that Homer would always be an “underachiever,” never as playful or independent as other cats. But the kitten nobody believed in quickly grew into a three-pound dynamo, a tiny daredevil with a giant heart who eagerly made friends with every human who crossed his path. - read the rest at Gwen Cooper

I read this book last year but never got around to reviewing it because I lent it out to someone who took a while to return it. I'm a sucker for animal books, especially true heroic tales. The first few chapters when the author first finds and acquires Homer just about had me in tears. I think Gwen Cooper is the true hero as she changed her life to accommodate her blind cat and make his life the best it could be.

I wish I could give a more thorough review but it's been too long since I read it. All I remember is an overwhelming feeling of sadness for the first half of the book and happiness for the second half.

Please Note: 10% of all Gwen’s domestic royalties from Homer’s Odyssey will be donated to organizations that serve abused, abandoned, and disabled animals, including Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc.

Links of Interest: Gwen Cooper,

Other Reviews: Lesa's Book Critiques, Maggie Reads, In the Shadow of Mt. TBR,

Buy Homer's Odyssey at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small-Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

Stars: ***1/2

Penguin Group (2010)

Summary: The author (and caregiver) of Dewey, the Library Cat has compiled another book of nine stories. Two are new Dewey stories and the other seven are from other people about their cats.

I loved Dewey and so was excited to read this. I was a bit disappointed although I still recommend the book for cat lovers. I'll make this a point form review.

• I think the authors picked a great nine stories to share with us.
• However Vicki narrates them ALL. She interviewed the others and so tells their stories with a mixture of quotes and narration on what she observed
• This bothered me. I want to hear about other people's cats from the other people. Completely in their words, even if they are not the best writers. But perhaps it wouldn't bother you.
• Some of the stories were TOO long but then I have a short attention span sometimes. Nine stories (and a prologue) in a 300 page book is too much for me. 
• My favourite story was the fourth one about a couple who run a resort and the 28 cats they ended up with at one time. 
• I actually didn't read the last two or three stories because I just couldn't get into it anymore. I'm sure it's not the stories themselves but just that the rest of them were so long (sometimes with Vicki going on an on about something other than the cats) and because Vicki was narrating. 

Links of Interest: Dewey Read More Books, 

Other Reviews:  Lesa's Book Critiques, Today I Read, Books, Movies and Chinese Food, 

Buy Dewey's Nine Lives from amazon.com and Help Support SMS Book Reviews

Your Baby is Speaking to You by Dr. Kevin Nugent

Subtitle: A visual guide to the amazing behaviors of your newborn and growing baby.

Stars: *****

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 2011
Nonfiction, Parenting, Childcare
128 pages

Summary: Your Baby Is Speaking to You illustrates the full range of behaviors--early smiling to startling, feeding to sleeping, listening to your voice and recognizing your face. The newest research--including information on subtle and fleeting behaviors not seen or explained in any other book--illuminates the meaning of the things babies do that concern and delight new parents.

I was happy to review this book being that I'm pregnant with my third child. I basically already knew most of it as I read a LOT with my first child but I was reminded about a few things. Also although I have read about baby communication, it was all within large nonfiction books full of other information. Not every new parent is as obsessed with information as I am. This is a much better way to teach new parents about baby communication without overwhelming them with 300 pages of small text.

The book includes professional photography by Abelardo Morell. We're talking about eye catching, captivating baby shots. I'd buy a coffee table book just full of photos by Morell. Each open spread includes the text on the left side and a photo on the right. Each section is very small and cuts right to the point. I read the whole book in one hour. If you bring a book to the hospital with you when you give birth, this one would be perfect as it can be read in short little parts whenever you have a few minutes. 

Topics Covered: (all baby communication regarding:)

 - Types of Sleep
 - Types of Crying (full cry vs fussing)
 - Eating (Search response and feeding)
 - Newborn Reflexes
 - Baby's Senses (including the difference between cuddly and not so cuddly babies)
 - Settling In (startles, drowsiness, over-stimulation, signs of distress, sooth-ability, not easily settled baby)
 - Social Newborn (Looking into eyes, feeding and communication, power of your voice, imitation, learning, temperament and social smile.)
 - Growing Baby (Reaching Out, Exploring, Empathy, Learning to Love)
 - Parent/Baby and Lifelong bond

It's a great book for parents to be, either new or seasoned, especially if its been a while.

Links of Interest: You Tube Book Trailer,

Other Reviews: Escape in a Book, Becky's Book Reviews, This Mom Loves, Dog Ear Diary,

Buy Your Baby is Speaking To You at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Speed Reviews - Mixture

No Kids: 40 Good Reasons Not To Have Children by Corinne Maier
Stars: ****

Summary: The shocking treatise that was a bestselling international media sensation upon its 2007 publication in France now makes its eagerly anticipated English-language debut. In forty to-the-point, impressively erudite chapters drawing on the realms of history, child psychology, politics, and the environment, Maier effortlessly skewers the idealized notion of parenthood as a natural and beautiful endeavour. Speaking to the still “child-free”, to fellow suffering parents, and to adamant procreationists alike, No Kids is a controversial, thought-provoking, and undeniably entertaining read. - from Amazon.ca

I have children but I just had to read this. I don't regret having children at all but there are times of course that I feel overwhelmed and wish for a few moments of silence (although interestingly enough, when they are both gone I miss them and it's too quiet.)

The reasons are quite convincing but personally I can't imagine not having kids. I think this book may be more serious for those who don't have and don't want kids and more humourous for those of us who do.

My only real problem with the book is that the author has children and openly says she regrets having them. That's sad, I feel sorry for her kids. I think either a woman with children should have written the book as humourous (which it's NOT listed under) or a woman without children should have written it as is.

Links of Interest: No specific website but a search will result in many articles both agreeing and disagreeing with the author.

Other Reviews: Amy Reads,

Buy No Kids at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits by Mary Ann Winkowski
Stars: *****

Summary: Lights flicker on and off for no good reason. You feel drained and inexplicably irritable. Your four-year-old is scared to enter her bedroom. Tell these things to Mary Ann Winkowski, and she'll tell you that you have a ghost. A happily married, devout Catholic, suburban mother and full-time paranormal investigator, Mary Ann Winkowski has been able to see earthbound spirits, spirits that are trapped on earth and haven't "crossed over," since she was a little girl. Mary Ann works with these spirits to help them make peace with what keeps them here - whether it be people they can't let go of or homes they love. In WHEN GHOSTS SPEAK, Mary Ann will tell the amazing story of growing up with this gift, and will share tips on how to recognize when you're not alone, and what to do if you are in the presence of a ghost. - from amazon.com

Books about ghosts always bring out the skeptics. I don't think everyone who claims to talk to spirits really does but I do believe there are those out there who can. I believe Mary Ann really does talk to spirits and the fact that she is the consultant for the TV show Ghost Whisperer makes me believe a bit more too. That means a TV station has faith in her too doesn't it?

I was intrigued throughout the whole book. There were a few parts that seemed a bit unbelievable but just like when you are talking to a live person and you can misunderstand what they say, I think it's possible she misunderstood the ghosts sometimes. I will admit that there seem to be a lot of ghosts hanging around, at least in her book. However I think it just seems more common than it is because she's only telling the stories of when ghosts are around.

It's been a while or I'd have a more thorough review. I'd like to recommend you check out the reviews on Good Reads and the few linked below for more information.

Other Reviews: Darque Reviews, Yak Talk, The Reading Monk,

Buy When Ghosts Speak at amazon.com and help support SMS Book Reviews

A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy by Charlotte Greig
Stars: ***1/2

Summary: Susannah’s official boyfriend, Jason, is the perfect foil for her student lifestyle. He is ten years older, an antiques dealer, and owns a stylish apartment that prevents her from having to live in the seedy digs on campus. This way, she can take her philosophy major very seriously and dabble in the social and sexual freedom of 1970s university life. But circumstances become more complicated than Susannah would like when she begins to have an affair with her tutorial partner, Rob. Soon she is dating two men, missing her lectures, exploring independence and feminism with her girlfriends, and finding herself in a particularly impossible dilemma: she becomes pregnant. Forced to look beyond her friends and lovers for support, she finds help and inspiration from the lessons of Kierkegaard and other European philosophers. - from Other Press

If you are a regular visitor to this blog, you know I don't read much adult fiction but I have always been intrigued by philosophy and figured a fictional book would be easier to understand. I'm glad I read this book. I've never been great at reviewing fiction and it's been way too long for me to review in detail but I do remember the basics of the story and that I enjoyed it. It was a little slow in certain parts before she gets pregnant but after that, the story is captivating. References to philosophy are just enough to be interesting but not dry. It inspired me to look up philosophy a bit more although I haven't found a good nonfiction book that I can understand on the subject.

Other Reviews: The Literate Housewife Reviews,

Buy A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy at amazon.com and Help Support SMS Book Reviews

*All books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Speed Reviews - YA Fiction

If you've been keeping up with me this week, I've got some more speed reviews of books I read a year or more ago.

Stolen Voices by Ellen Dee Davidson
Stars: ****

Summary: Life in Noveskina is perfect until Miri discovers she has no Talent, and therefore faces life among the lower classes. As Miri searches for her Talent, she discovers a sinister secret about Noveskina. Will she have a chance to speak out before they come for her voice? - from Ellen Dee Davidson

Even though it's been a while since I read this book, I remember it very clearly. I really enjoyed it. It's along the same lines as The Giver by Lois Lowry. In this particular world, almost everyone develops a talent as they mature that dictates what they do with their future. Anyone who matures without a talent is an outcast at the lowest class.

I think this would make a great read in school. Perhaps even after studying The Giver to study the similarities and differences between the two worlds. It's a shame I didn't review it right away so I could give a more indepth review. Please don't be put off by my short review.

Buy Stolen Voices at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

The Chosen One: a novel by Carol Lynch Williams
Stars: *****

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family - from Good Reads

Another one that I remember well even though it's been a while. I was excited when I got a copy to review of this book because of the great things I'd heard about it. It wasn't over-hyped, just talked about enough by trusted book bloggers.

I know Polygamy books seem to be quite common now but in 2009 when this was published, they weren't quite as common. This was a dramatic novel that kept me reading the way a good novel should in my opinion.  I remember not wanting to put it down for long. At just over 200 well spaced pages, it's a quick read so expect to read it in one or two sittings. A great ending! Be sure to check out the more in depth reviews linked below.

Other Reviews: (note: any giveaways mentioned are long over) Book Addiction, Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin?, Maw Books, The Story Siren, Booking Mama,

Buy The Chosen One at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*Both books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Speed Reviews - Adult Nonfiction

I have a bunch of books that just never got reviewed and I want to start fresh ASAP and review books within a week or two of reading it at the most. So I need to catch up on these reviews. Considering I read these over a year ago, I may not remember enough for a full review anyways.

Confessions of a Bad Mother by Stephanie Calman
Stars: *****

Summary: Do you feel that other mothers are "doing it properly" while you're getting it All Wrong? Do you give your children chicken nuggets for supper, herd them into bed and slump down exhausted for a drink? Do you wish there could just, please, be a little less pressure? If you try your best but frequently feel like a failure, if you - or your children - are in any way imperfect, then join the club: the Bad Mothers Club. Stephanie Calman has broken every rule and done it all "wrong". From giving birth with her pants on to making her kids watch more telly, she has persistently defied all accepted wisdom and professional advice.

This book is funny and a great stress relief read for moms who are worried they aren't good enough. Very humourous and the accompanying website is a great resource: http://www.badmothersclub.co.uk In fact the author has a new book: How (Not) to Murder Your Husband.

However if you are very adamant that how you parent is the ONLY right way, don't read this book.

Buy Confessions of a Bad Mother at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.
Stars: *****

Summary: With humor, keen insight and proven experience, Dr. Phelan breaks down the task of parenting into three straightforward jobs: Job 1: Controlling Obnoxious Behavior, Job 2: Encouraging Good Behavior, Job 3: Strengthening Your Relationships

I'm not exactly still putting these ideas into practice but they are great ideas. If I wasn't busy reading other parenting books I'd read these one a few times over and fully put it into practice. As with self-help books, most parenting books do no good unless you put them into practice.

The book contains example narrations to show you how to use their advice. There are 1-2-3 Magic books for various topics and they have sold a lot. This book is the Winner of the National Parenting Publication Gold Award and a new, 4th edition has come out since I read this one.

Buy 1-2-3 Magic at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year by Esme Raji Codell
Stars: ****

Summary: Just as it says, a diary of a teacher's first year. She teaches fifth grade and has all kinds of creative ways to teach. She also includes 25 tips for teachers and teachers-to-be.

I remember liking this book a lot. I wanted to be a teacher at one point and so I've always liked reading teacher memoirs. I love when teachers have creative ideas. If you look at the reviews on amazon, they are quite split between 4-5 stars and 1-2 stars. The ones who disliked the books talk about the author being stuck up, focusing on how awesome she is or being obnoxious but I didn't get that feeling at all.

Buy Educating Esme at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*All books were received in exchange for a review if I finished them. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Jingle the Husky Pup Interactive Storybook & Story Buddy

*This is a cross-post between my two blogs. You will find the exact same post at Callista's Ramblings today. 


This is a Great Last Minute Gift Idea - if you still have more shopping to do like me!

When I saw this cute book-toy set in a Hallmark flyer, I thought it was the cutest idea and something every child would love. So I contacted them and they were nice enough to send one along for me to review.

This is the first Interactive Storybook from Hallmark but they have plans for future ones in 2011. The book is titled Jingle All the Way and as you read key phrases from the book, Jingle the Husky Pup responds with barks, whines and other doggy noises.

The stuffed dog is really cute, with a really big head that makes it top heavy and a cute little bell around it's neck. My kids love him. He looks just like he does in the book. When you are ready to read, you just press a button in his ear and he's ready to go. Turn him off when you are done to conserve batteries.

The story is a GREAT story. Although it mentions Christmas and you see some of Santa, it's more of a holiday book than a Christmas book. It teaches that everyone deserves a home, especially for Christmas.

An adult or older child should read this book as you have to speak clearly for Jingle to respond. If the words are stumbled over or there is too much background noise, Jingle may not respond properly.

KID TESTED!
I brought the story to our Spark/Brownie meeting and to playgroup to share. All 12 children total loved it. I was going to send it with my daughter to her JK class but didn't get around to it since she was sick one day but another teacher brought it in and her class of 45 loved it. At playgroup, the older kids listened attentively while the younger ones (under 2) zoned out of the story but perked up every time Jingle made a peep. If it wasn't for Jingle, the under 2s would have wandered off but they started to watch Jingle, anticipating that he would make a sound again. A few times Jingle barked when he wasn't supposed to or didn't bark when he was supposed to but that was because the classroom next door was unusually loud.

My only qualm... Jingle should have responded more. I think he should have had something to "say" on EACH page.

After you fall in love with Jingle, you may be interested to know Hallmark also has a Jingle the Husky Pup keepsake ornament, Jingle webcam greetings and an iphone/ipad app.

*Disclaimer: I was sent the product in exchange for a review. All reviews are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the item.

The Chimp Who Loved Me And Other Slightly Naughty Tales of a Life With Animals by Annie Greer & Tim Vandehey

Stars: *****

Diva Press (2010)
215 pages
20% of sales go to the ASPCA!

Summary: The Chimp Who Loved Me is a collection of true stories from the life and times of Annie Greer, a veterinary chiropractitioner, animal healer, radio host, speaker, farmer's wife and all-around magnet for bizarre animal behavior. [...] if you crave twisted tales of sex, poop, pee and death, where apes throw donuts at chefs during dinner parties and stoned veterinary students dispense bizarre advice to puzzled dog show contestants, then you won't be able to put The Chimp Who Loved Me down...until it hits you in the nose because you're reading in bed. - excerpted from thechimpwholovedme.com

This Book is Hilarious!

No, seriously. I'm so glad I review self-published books or I would have missed this one. To think all these stories REALLY happened to Annie Greer. Oh My Gosh. She really IS a magnet for weird animal behaviour. I must warn this book has some mature language. However it's not in an excessive, totally not needed sort of way. It's also not so much swearing as adult language such as sexual terms, although there is some swearing. Normally I hate swearing but if I was in that situation, I think I would swear too!

I cannot decide which story is my favourite, they were all great. I chuckled or laughed out loud a few times. I wanted to read passages to my husband but he hates when I do that so I restrained.

I'm not sure what else to say other than buy and read this book. I hope it gets picked up by a bigger publisher and gets put on amazon so it's more readily available.

Links of Interest: The Chimp Who Loved Me,
Other Reviews: NONE YET

The Chimp Who Loved Me is not available on Amazon.com [UPDATE: It will be on amazon.com in January, I will provide a link when I get it.] but you can buy it through Lulu. Remember: 20% of sales go to the ASPCA.

Christmas Picture Books I Recommend

Mr. Christmas by Roger Hargreaves (Mr. Men. Series)

Stars: ****


Summary: Meet Mr. Christmas! One day, Mr. Christmas receives a call from his uncle, Santa Claus. He needs help with the Christmas presents! Can. Mr. Christmas deliver the presents to all the Mr. Men.

I love the Mr. Men Series and was delighted to see a Christmas version. Although it's not very believable that Mr. Christmas is related to Santa Claus (since Santa isn't a strange shape) the story was really cute and it's not like most kids are as analytical as me. 


Links of Interest: Mr. Men and Little Miss Website,

 Other Reviews: NONE YET


Buy Mr. Christmas at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Little Miss Christmas by Roger Hargreaves (Little Miss Series)

Stars: ****

Summary: One Christmas, Little Miss Christmas decides that she needs a break from wrapping presents, so she asks Santa Claus and Mr. Christmas to wrap the last few instead. But will they finish in time?'

I recommend reading Mr. Christmas before Little Miss Christmas only because it shows something from the Mr. Christmas book which will seem a little weird if you haven't read Mr. Christmas. This book is cute but also had a good lesson in it about being responsible.

Links of Interest: Mr. Men and Little Miss Website,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Little Miss Christmas at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

The Three Bears' Christmas by Kathy Duval

Stars: *****

Summary: This is a Christmas version of the tradition Three Bears story. Instead of Goldilocks, the visitor is Santa, but it doesn't quite end in the same way as with Goldilocks!

We just got this one from the library but I would love to own it. It's close to the traditional story but different enough that your child won't be bored with the story. Older children will love pointing out the similarities and differences between the two stories. Adorable illustrations by Paul Meisel. The author also has created The Three Bears' Halloween.

Links of Interest: Kathy Duval,
Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy The Three Bears' Christmas at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews