Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Chronicles of Narnia

            No young adult recommendation would be complete without talking about C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia.  The Chronicles of Narnia are a seven book series that features four siblings (Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy) and their adventures in Narnia.  The siblings do not appear in all of the novels, but they are a main focal point.
            There are two ways to read the series either by publication date or the chronological order of the books.  I believe the best way to read them is in the chronological order.  It helps the stories make more sense and carry on in a continuous manner.  The chronological order is as follows The Magician’s Nephew, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, and The Last Battle.
            The series is fantastical and imaginative.  I would also like to point out that these are also classed as Christian books.  I want to explain that while the symbolism is present, I personally did not read those tones until I was an adult.  It is up to you as a parent to decide if you wish to explain this to your child or not.

            I love this series.  The adventures are creative and Lewis’ writing drags you into Narnia.  I highly recommend this series.  It’s recommended for ages 8 & up.  I agree with this recommendation.  I want to suggest that it makes great bedtime reading.  You can purchase the entire series as a set.  As a note, all the sets you purchase are ordered chronologically. 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

It's A Book by Lane Smith

            As a child who grew up loving to read and loves reading as an adult, I love this picture book!  (Side note, there is also a board book version).  It’s A Book defends books over digital media and is a delightful story.

            It’s A Book is recommended for ages 6-10.  I believe that it also makes a perfect bedtime story for younger children.  It’s simple, effective language should bring joy and laughter to both parents and children alike.  It makes a perfect gift.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Disney Fairies Chapter Books

            I want to recommend The Disney Fairies Series as a chapter book series for young girls.  They are recommended for ages 6 & up.  I have read a few of the books and I enjoyed them.
            The Disney Fairies Series follows Tinker Bell and her friends who live in Pixie Hollow.  Each of the books incorporates teamwork, friendship and problem solving.  I’ve heard parents complain about the repetitive nature of the books.  I would like to point out that repetitiveness is a characteristic you want in a child’s chapter book series.  It helps your child become a more confident and curious reader. The more confidence they build, the greater their desire to read becomes.
            I know that there are over twenty books in the series.  The Trouble with Tink is the first book in the series.  I always recommend reading books in order for continuities sake.  I highly recommend this series for young girls who love Disney and Disney Fairies.  There are several gift sets available as well.

            Disney Fairies are also in Step Into Reading books as well.  So, if you have or know a reader who is not quite as advanced, grab them the Step Into Reading Disney Fairies book!

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Peter & the Starcatchers Series

           The Peter & the Starcatchers Series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson is a phenomenal young adults series.  It’s recommended for ages 10 & up, but I believe the age can be lowered to 8 with an advanced reader.  Disney publishes this series.
            Peter & the Starcatchers explains how Peter becomes Peter Pan.  There are five books in the series.  They are all fantastic.  Peter is the main male character and Molly is the main female character.  Molly and Peter meet on a ship that is traveling to Rundoon.  Starstuff is on the boat and both pirates and a secret organization are after it due to its special powers.  They end up on Mollusk Island and the adventures continue to take place.  I don’t want to give too much away!  I couldn’t wait to read all the books!

            I highly recommend this series to both parents and gift givers.  It’s a great bedtime and anytime story.  There are box sets if you are looking for a fancier gift.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Step Into Reading

             I haven’t recommended any early readers (ages 5 & up) as of yet.  Step Into Reading is a great early readers series.  Step Into Reading is a leveled reader series.  It has levels one to five and they increase in difficult: level one is Ready to Read and step five is Ready for Chapters. 
            They are meant for both boys and girls and have subject matter for both.  Disney has several books spread throughout the different levels.  They have books featuring characters from movies such as Cars, the Princess movies, Frozen, Toy Story and Planes.  There are also historical books and superhero books.

            This series is a fantastic early readers series.  They come in collections that have several books each and those make great gifts!

Friday, February 7, 2014

The Magic Tree House Series

            The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne is a fantastic children’s chapter book series.  I realized I hadn’t written about a good chapter book series for children, so I think this is an excellent series to start with.
            I feel I should briefly explain the difference between early readers, chapter books, and young adults.  Chapter books are the bridge between early readers and young adults.  Early readers are leveled readers that progress in difficulty as they go up in level.  Early readers are generally recommended for ages 4 and up.  Chapter books are generally recommended for ages 8 and up.  I believe that you can lower the age if you have an advanced young reader.  Chapter books also make great bedtime stories.  As a side note, young adult books are ages 10 & up.
            Back to the Magic Tree House!  This series by Mary Pope Osborne is a fantastic series for both boys and girls.  Jack and Annie are the main characters, a brother and sister team.  One day they discover a magic tree house and are whisked off to prehistoric times.  This starts off a whole series of historical adventures.  Not only are these books great reads, but also they teach children about history and animals and many other subjects.

            At the current moment, there are about 50 books in the series.  These books will keep your kids entertained for hours.  There are several gift sets, so if you’re looking for a great gift, look no farther!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Peter Brown

Peter Brown is an amazing storyteller and illustrator.  All of his picture books are incredible.  I missed an opportunity to meet him once at Barnes  & Noble and I am still gutted!
My favorite one of his picture books is You Will Be My Friend.  It stars Lucille Beatrice Bear.  Lucille is looking for a friend. She doesn’t quite understand how to go about it and ends up frightening the other animals.  Just when she’s down in the dumps a friend comes along and it’s a flamingo.  The two of them become instant friends and have adventures together.

Peter Brown’s picture books are perfect for infants up to early grade students.  You cannot go wrong with any of his books.  I cannot recommend Peter Brown more highly.