Author Archives: Annette McQueen

Gilly’s Monster Trap

Posted on by

Young Gilly lives on the coast of Lighthouse Bay where she spends most of her time in the water until an unseen monster arrives one day. The monster makes things disappear, like: snapper, prawns, and a wooly sweater, but it isn’t too serious until it snatches one of Gilly’s beloved flippers right off of her foot as she sits on the end of a dock. Rumors begin to fly around the little coastal town about the monster. Then one day, the monster grabs Gilly’s other flipper! That does it! Gilly will trap this monster to get her flippers back. The town helps Gilly set a trap. Nothing happens, until one day the monster is struggling out in the water caught in a fishing net. It could drown. Gilly convinces the town to help rescue the monster or else they won’t get their missing things back. In the end, Gilly needs rescuing from the monster trap she has fallen into. ‘ “Hey, you’re not a rotten monster– you’re a sneaky walrus!” ‘ The town folk get their items back and become friends with the walrus.

Cyndi Marko’s illustrations make me want to go find this lovely quaint little seaport in Northern British Columbia or southern Alaska surrounded by snow capped mountains. I loved the humorous pictures of Gilly’s pet gold fish who goes everywhere with Gilly ( in and out of its goldfish bowl).

Marko includes an entire page full of walrus facts and over 1 1/2 dozen websites for those who will want to learn even more about walrus.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Finch House

Posted on by

Twelve year old Micah discovers the old dilapidated Victorian house her grandfather (Poppop) makes her promise she will never go near has been repaired and has people living in it. Micah knows this because she has just met Theo, the boy who lives there, outside in his yard. That is one promise she has broken to her dear Poppop.

Micah’s curiosity about Finch House grows the more Poppop refuses to talk about the house. Finch House has drawn many children into itself over the decades, so many that these missing children no longer make the news. Poppop’s sister Jenn was one of them. Little by little Micah is drawn into Finch House, literally. That is another promise Micah has broken to her Poppop. Curiosity has trumped Micah’s rational behavior. Will Micah be able to escape the hold her great aunt Jenn has on her and escape Finch House? Or will Micah be trapped inside Finch House forever?

This book draws the reader into itself much like Finch House does to the children (now ghosts) that live within it.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Why are We Afraid?

Posted on by

When the light go out “after the clap of thunder” Max asks his father ‘ “Dad, have you ever been afraid?” ‘

So begins this conversation starter book on a story about fear. Fear can be about the: unknown, shadows, words or blows, lonely or alone, real monsters, freedom, falling short, free-falling, fading away, and/or the armor will crack open.

Older children will see or may need help seeing the symbolism both in the words and in the illustrations. Fear is pictured as a black hole in the sky on the front end cover and as a black oval shape that can carried around through the story pages.

The adult sharing this book may want to read the last two pages first – SHINING A LIGHT ON FEAR. They include: the original fear, the types of fear, the lessons behind our fears, the masks of fear, and the appeal of fear. Plus, two activities.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Does a bear Poo in the Woods?

Posted on by

Shy Barry the bear seeks some privacy when he does his ‘ “First job of the day.” ‘ Barry treks through the woods avoiding the woodpeckers, skunks, and moose until finally his old friend Brenda Bigpaw tells him of a place up stream. Lucky for Barry, he finds the cabin before the burly woodsman returns there to do his business on the “POO THRONE”.

Cute, humorous illustrations with a nice rhyme scheme.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Class Pet

Posted on by

Harvey the Hammerhead Shark is busy drawing his latest Iron-Manta-Ray comic book when he gets caught not paying attention in class. His teacher, Ms. Lumpy, chooses this time to teach Harvey a lesson in responsibility by having Harvey take the class parrotfish Pirate home for the weekend. Pirate is annoying with his squawking, to say the least. Harvey’s parents don’t want pets and are upset that Harvey was not paying attention in class. As a consequence, Harvey’s parent make the decision that Harvey choose between taking care of Pirate at home or take care of Pirate at the big birthday party Harvey’s been looking forward to going to all week.

Flash, the birthday boy, has already asked Harvey not to bring Pirate to the party. Harvey chooses to go to the party. The party’s DJ, Sea J. Marsh-shallow, has an allergic reaction to Pirate and leaves immediately.

The party is ruined! but NO! Pirate is a terrific DJ. Problem solved.

And Harvey has the rest of the weekend to put the finishing touches on his Iron-Manta-Ray comic.

This series includes: a Cast of Characters list ( character’s names are in bold the first time they appear in the story), word list (glossary), glossary words featured in bold type in the story, statements said with strong emotion are in larger font in bold type, five chapters, three or more black and white illustrations per chapter, and questions at the end.

My biggest problem is with Ms. Lumpy. I realize this is a children’s story but in real life Ms. Lumpy would be in hot water for sending the class pet home for the weekend without the parents’ consent.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Friendship Wish

Posted on by

Moving to a new place is just as hard for this little mermaid- Rosie- as it is for any other person. In this first book of the Mini Mermaid Tales series, Debbie Dadey works her magic of sharing life experiences with which young readers will be able to relate.

Rosie, the little mergirl, is too young to start Trident Academy. Rosie just moved into the area 3 days ago and is lonesome. Rosie has only just met Aqua, who talks her into going to take a quick look at the school. From there, they get swept into the school as the regular students enter the building. Impetuous Aqua cannot help herself from exploring the school, while shy Rosie is weary and reluctant, but follows Aqua deeper into the school.

First, they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for making a mess in the art/music room and later they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for leaving their neighborhood without telling anyone.

Despite their destressing first experience together, Aqua and Rosie become friends when their parents are shown a school for younger ‘mini mermaids and merboys’.

Six chapters, two or more black and white illustrations per chapter, table of contents, large font, word list (glossary),and story questions at the end all make this a fin-tastic (47) first book in a new series!

Words from the glossary appear in bold type within the story. Even bigger and bolder words of strong emotions also appear.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Into the Deep!

Posted on by

Dr. Ick is excited to introduce the reader to “…all things that might make other people say, “Ick!” ‘ (4) This time Dr. Ick is exploring sea creatures. Along the way Dr. Ick gives a tiny bit of information about “five regions: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.”(7) , its terrain, and depths.

Dr. Ick tells a little about the oarfish, blobfish, the red-lipped batfish, frogfish, leafy sea dragon, and mimic octopus.

“There are so many more species waiting to be discovered in our ocean!” (22)

Much of the book is illustrated in cartoon characters with eight inserted photos of the actual sea creatures giving this book more of a whimsical presentation of a factual one.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL TEAM PROFILES, by EPIC

Posted on by

Visually pleasing, with info-graphs, times lines and rich with statistics, this book aims to please 2nd graders on up to middle school. The sentences, vocabulary and content should read fluently with 2nd-4th graders and with ease for older students. There is still enough content to hold the attention of our later group of readers. Information about famous players is in the sidebar, maps including the hometown of the team, and an opportunity to use and interpret different info-graphs, along with amazing clear, colorful highlight pictures from games.

I recommend this book for your sports series on football.

The Tennessee Titans, NFL TEAM PROFILES, by EPIC

Posted on by

Visually pleasing, with info-graphs, times lines and rich with statistics, this book aims to please 2nd graders on up to middle school. The sentences, vocabulary and content should read fluently with 2nd-4th graders and with ease for older students. There is still enough content to hold the attention of our later group of readers. Information about famous players is in the sidebar, maps including the hometown of the team, and an opportunity to use and interpret different info-graphs, along with amazing clear, colorful highlight pictures from games.

I recommend this book for your sports series on football.

The Washington Commanders, NFL TEAM PROFILES, by EPIC

Posted on by

Visually pleasing, with info-graphs, times lines and rich with statistics, this book aims to please 2nd graders on up to middle school. The sentences, vocabulary and content should read fluently with 2nd-4th graders and with ease for older students. There is still enough content to hold the attention of our later group of readers. Information about famous players is in the sidebar, maps including the hometown of the team, and an opportunity to use and interpret different info-graphs, along with amazing clear, colorful highlight pictures from games.

I recommend this book for your sports series on football.

The Seattle Seahawks, NFL TEAM PROFILES, by EPIC

Posted on by

Visually pleasing, with info-graphs, times lines and rich with statistics, this book aims to please 2nd graders on up to middle school. The sentences, vocabulary and content should read fluently with 2nd-4th graders and with ease for older students. There is still enough content to hold the attention of our later group of readers. Information about famous players is in the sidebar, maps including the hometown of the team, and an opportunity to use and interpret different info-graphs, along with amazing clear, colorful highlight pictures from games.

I recommend this book for your sports series on football.

Hungary

Posted on by

Alicia Z. Klepeis explores the 35,918 square miles Central Europe’s Hungary. Klepeis uses snapshots of Hungary’s location, landscape, wildlife, people, school and work, play, and food. The 32 pages just give a quick overview of what this country has to offer with two or three paragraphs of text per topic accompanied by half a page-spread of color photos.

I continue to find the TIMELINE in this “Country Profiles” series confusing to the eye with its segmented lines stating facts above and below the actual timeline leading to the events’ locations on the timeline. It might be better to print the statements on a slant with a single line segment drawing the eye to the timeline location.

The HUNGARY FACTS on pages 28-29 provide good visual graphics to show the flag, where people live, their work, important cities, main exports, and unit of money.

Factsurfer.com provides more information with safe internet.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Belize

Posted on by

Alicia Z. Klepeis explores the 8,867 square miles Central America’s Belize. Klepeis uses snapshots of Belize’s location, landscape, wildlife, people, school and work, play, and food. The 32 pages just give a quick overview of what this country has to offer with two or three paragraphs of text per topic accompanied by half a page-spread of color photos.

There is a problem with text boxes set on top of photos that do not match the picture in the photo, though the photos follow along with the information in the main paragraph on the page. On page 14 the photo is of a thatched house while the box talks about Mennonite communities. On page 17 the photo is of a painted mural, while the box talks about colorful clothing. On page 19 the photo is of a guided tour by horseback, while the box talks about Belizeans working in other countries. And on page 25 the photo is of a dance group on Garifuna Settlement Day, but the box talks about Maya Deer Dance. The photos are labeled correctly. It is the inset text boxes that are problematic and could cause confusion on the part of the reader.

I continue to find the TIMELINE in this “Country Profiles” series confusing to the eye with its segmented lines stating facts above and below the actual timeline leading to the events’ locations on the timeline. It might be better to print the statements on a slant with a single line segment drawing the eye to the timeline location.

The BELIZE FACTS on pages 28-29 provide good visual graphics to show the flag, where people live, their work, important cities, main exports, and unit of money.

Factsurfer.com provides more information with safe internet.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Panama

Posted on by

Alicia Z. Klepeis explores the 29,120 square miles Central America’s Panama. Klepeis uses snapshots of Panama’s location, landscape, wildlife, people, school and work, play, and food. The 32 pages just give a quick overview of what this country has to offer with two or three paragraphs of text per topic accompanied by half a page-spread of color photos.

I continue to find the TIMELINE in this “Country Profiles” series confusing to the eye with its segmented lines stating facts above and below the actual timeline leading to the events’ locations on the timeline. It might be better to print the statements on a slant with a single line segment drawing the eye to the timeline location.

The PANAMA FACTS on pages 28-29 provide good visual graphics to show the flag, where people live, their work, important cities, main exports, and unit of money.

Factsurfer.com provides more information with safe internet.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Venezuela

Posted on by

Nicole E. Rodriguez Mata explores the 352,144 square miles South America’s Venezuela. Rodriguez Mata uses snapshots of Venezuela’s location, landscape, wildlife, people, school and work, play, and food. The 32 pages just give a quick overview of what this country has to offer with two or three paragraphs of text per topic accompanied by half a page-spread of color photos.

I continue to find the TIMELINE in this “Country Profiles” series confusing to the eye with its segmented lines stating facts above and below the actual timeline leading to the events’ locations on the timeline. It might be better to print the statements on a slant with a single line segment drawing the eye to the timeline location.

The VENEZUELA FACTS on pages 28-29 provide good visual graphics to show the flag, where people live, their work, important cities, main exports, and unit of money.

Factsurfer.com provides more information with safe internet.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Singapore

Posted on by

Nicole E. Rodriguez Mata explores the 278 square mile urban city-state of Singapore. Rodriguez Mata uses snapshots of Singapore’s location, landscape, wildlife, people, school and work, play, and food. The 32 pages just give a quick overview of what this city-state has to offer with two or three paragraphs of text per topic accompanied by half a page-spread of color photos.

I continue to find the TIMELINE in this “County Profiles” series confusing to the eye with its segmented lines stating facts above and below the actual timeline leading to the events’ locations on the timeline. It might be better to print the statements on a slant with a single line segment drawing the eye to the timeline location.

The SINGAPORE FACTS on pages 28-29 provide good visual graphics to show the flag, where people live, their work, main exports, religion, and unit of money.

Factsurfer.com provides more information with safe internet.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Acadia National Park

Posted on by

Christina Leaf takes on an impressive undertaking of providing elementary age readers with the who, what, where, when, and why of the Acadia National Park in 32 pages of color photos and text.

Leaf gives basic facts and visuals on Acadia National Park while not being a vacation travel advertisement. Acadia National Park was the 6th most visited national park in 2021.

Leaf includes: plants and animals (p 12-15), history of peoples in the area (p 16-21), how ice breaks down granite (p 8-9), top sites (p 22-23), and perhaps most importantly protecting the park (p24-27) from too many visitors and climate change.

Leaf also includes graphics of 6 Acadia National Park facts, food web, and a timeline (p28-29).

More information on the Acadia National Park can be gotten safely through Factsurfer.com..

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Grand Canyon National Park

Posted on by

Christina Leaf takes on an impressive undertaking of providing elementary age readers with the who, what, where, when, and why of the Grand Canyon National Park in 32 pages of color photos and text.

Leaf gives interesting basic facts and visuals on Grand Canyon National Park while not being a vacation travel advertisement. Grand Canyon National Park was the 4th most visited national park in 2021.

Leaf includes: plants and animals (p 12-15), history of peoples in the area (p 16-21), how river erosion happens (p 8-9), top sites (p 22-23), and perhaps most importantly protecting the park (p24-27) from too many visitors and climate change.

Leaf also includes graphics of 6 Grand Canyon National Park facts, food web, and a timeline (p28-29).

More information on the Grand Canyon National Park can be gotten safely through Factsurfer.com..

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Yosemite National Park

Posted on by

Christina Leaf takes on an impressive undertaking of providing elementary age readers with the who, what, where, when, and why of the Yosemite National Park in 32 pages of color photos and text.

Leaf gives interesting basic facts and visuals on Yosemite National Park while not being a vacation travel advertisement. Yosemite National Park was the 8th most visited national park in 2021.

Leaf includes: plants and animals (p 12-15), history of peoples in the area (p 16-21), how geologic intrusions formed (p 8-9), top sites (p 22-23), and perhaps most importantly protecting the park (p24-27) from too many visitors and climate change.

Leaf also includes graphics of 6 Yosemite National Park facts, food web, and a timeline (p28-29).

More information on the Yosemite National Park can be gotten safely through Factsurfer.com..

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Rocky Mountain National Park

Posted on by

Christina Leaf takes on an impressive undertaking of providing elementary age readers with the who, what, where, when, and why of the Rocky Mountain National Park in 32 pages of color photos and text.

Leaf gives basic facts and visuals on Rocky Mountain National Park while not being a vacation travel advertisement. Rocky Mountain National Park was the 5th most visited national park in 2021.

Leaf includes: plants and animals (p 12-15), history of peoples in the area (p 16-21), how geologic uplift happens (p 8-9), top sites (p 22-23), and perhaps most importantly protecting the park (p24-27) from too many visitors and climate change.

Leaf also includes graphics of 6 Rocky Mountain National Park facts, food web, and a timeline (p28-29).

More information on the Rocky Mountain National Park can be gotten safely through Factsurfer.com..

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Sunshine

Posted on by

A little science meets fun outside in the warmth of sun in this part of the Weather Forecast series by author Kirsten Chang.

Sunshine provides warmth and light ,and also helps plants grow.

There is a graphic on HOW EARTH GETS SUNSHINE, a two word glossary with a photo for each word, and more information safely provided on FACTSURFER.com website.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Snow

Posted on by

A little science meets fun outside in the beauty of snow in this part of the Weather Forecast series by author Kirsten Chang.

Snow provides water once it melts, but before that happens it is frozen ice crystals.

There is a graphic on HOW SNOW FORMS, a five word glossary with a photo for each word, and more information safely provided on FACTSURFER.com website.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Yellowstone National Park

Posted on by

Chris Bowman takes on an impressive undertaking of providing elementary age readers with the who, what, where, when, and why of the Yellowstone National Park in 32 pages of color photos and text.

Bowman gives basic facts and visuals on the Yellowstone National Park, the third most visited United States National Park in 2021, while not being a travel vacation advertisement.

Bowman includes: plants and animals (p 12-15), history of peoples in the area (p 16-21), how the geysers erupt (p 8-9), top sites (p 22-23), and perhaps most importantly protecting the park from too many visitors and climate change (p 24-27).

Bowman also includes graphics of 6 park facts, food web, and a timeline (p28-29).

More information on the Yellowstone National Park can be gotten safely through Factsurfer.com.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Posted on by

Chris Bowman takes on an impressive undertaking of providing elementary age readers with the who, what, where, when, and why of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 32 pages of color photos and text.

Bowman gives basic facts and visuals on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited United States National Park, while not being a travel vacation advertisement.

Bowman includes: plants and animals (p 12-15), history of peoples in the area (p 16-21), how the Smokies were formed (p 8-9), top sites (p 22-23), and perhaps most importantly protecting the park from too many visitors and climate change (p 24-27).

Bowman also includes graphics of 6 park facts, food web, and a timeline (p28-29).

More information on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be gotten safelythrough Factsurfer.com.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong