The Bella and Harry series of books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection.

Bella and Harry Let's Visit Cairo!, by Lisa Manzione is the newest book in the adventure series of two lovable chihuahua puppy siblings who travel the world together with their 'people.'  In the Let's Visit Cairo! edition, these pups travel on the backs of camels and have the opportunity to visit the Sphinx, and King Tut's tomb, among other notable attractions within the region.  As always, these books inspire a love for travel while educating and broadening horizons for young readers.  The Bella and Harry books are excellent as stand alone book selections, or would be especially rewarding as a collection. 

We highly recommend Bella and Harry, Let's Visit Cairo! which earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Penguin Lady provides educational opportunities to compare and contrast, count, and learn about geographical regions of the world

The Penguin Lady is the whimsical tale of Penelope Parker, a woman who lives in a little white house with black trim, located on Penguin Place.  She always dresses in her favorite colors: black and white . . . and just happens to walk with a waddle.

One year on her birthday,  her brother sends her a penguin from the Galapagos Islands.  Then her sister sends her two penguins from Argentina.  The newspaper prints a story about her, and soon people begin sending her orphaned penguins from all over the southern hemisphere of the world.  Eventually, more and more penguins begin to appear at her doorstep as the numbers increase progressively up to ten. 

This amusing book, with fanciful illustrations, will allure and entertain, while offering educational opportunities to compare and contrast, count, and learn about geographical regions of the world. 

The Penguin Lady  comes highly recommended and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Gopher to the Rescue - Recommended as an Educational Aid

Gopher to the Rescue  A Volcano Recovery Story, written by Terry Catasus Jennings and illustrated by Laurie O'Keefe, is a picture-book depicting the story of wildlife creatures on a mountain range which are affected by a volcano that destroys their habitat.  Gopher, protected by his underground tunnels, is unharmed from the blast of the volcanic explosion.  Meanwhile other animals run to save themselves from the fall-out while others are injured or killed.  Afterward most of the animals stay away because there is no longer enough food available for them to survive.

But gopher still finds tasty bulbs and roots to eat.  As he burrows through his tunnels, he transports seeds and churns the soil, making the ground fertile and helping to propagate new life.  The few remaining creatures . . . mice, ants, beetles and pollywogs are joined by other creatures who are able to return and survive in the desolate conditions.  Months and then years pass before many of the wildlife animals are able to fully return.

Gopher to the Rescue is an educational book full of interesting details about habitat revitalization in the aftermath of traumatic volcanic activity.  Scientists spent years studying life as it slowly returned to a liveable state following the affects of the volcano eruption at Mt. St. Helens in 1980.  This fictionalized story is based upon their research of the recovery of a volcanic region.

Gopher to the Rescue is a valuable teaching tool for children.  Readers may visit the publisher's website for further educational opportunities related to the topic of volcano recovery.  We recommend this book as a learning guide and as an aide in classroom settings.  Gopher to the rescue has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Great Divide, by Suzanne Slade, Highly Recommended

The Great Divide, by Suzanne Slade, is a clever little book full of lyrical rhymes and mathematical queries for young readers.  While teaching children the names for groups of various types of animals, this picture-book challenges youngsters to figure out the answers to simple division problems. 

Colorful and animated illustrations by Erin E. Hunter help set the stage for this captivating book which would make an excellent addition to any home or school library.

A fabulous array of online resources linked to this book include Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts! quizzes.

The Great Divide comes highly recommended and earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Sea Turtle Summer, by Nancy Stewart, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Sea Turtle Summer is the story of two brave young girls who simply won't take 'no' for an answer when it comes to saving a clutch of young turtle eggs.  --After witnessing a turtle laying eggs on the beach, they rush to tell the ranger so no harm will come to the eggs.  Upon discovering that the ranger is out sick for the day, the girls take matters into their own hands.  Despite numerous obstacles, the girls insist upon helping ensure the safety of the eggs.  In the end, they are rewarded for their efforts when, months later, they have the opportunity to help guide the hatchlings safely to sea.

Sea Turtle Summer offers an inspiring message of empowerment while fostering a love for nature and wildlife.  Nancy Stewart, bestselling author of the Bella and Britt Beach Series children's books, has created another heartwarming tale of hope and determination which is sure to instill positive values in the minds of young readers.

Sea Turtle Summer earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Terple Always Dream Bigger Earns our Seal of Approval

Look to the stars, then close your eyes.
Breathe in deep and realize...
If you wish enough and see it through,
That wish you wished will come true.
                                                 ~ Terple 

Terple Always Dream Bigger, written and illustrated by Richie Frieman, is a cleverly captivating bedtime storybook.  When Terple has trouble falling asleep, he finds a note tucked under his door with a message full of hopes and dreams for a wonderful life yet to come.  Comforting words of encouragement and fabulous quotable tidbits are found throughout this lovely book which is sure to be cherished by parents and children alike. 


Dreams are only as strong as those who dare to wish.
                                                     ~Terple

Terple Always Dream Bigger earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng - A relevant message for young readers

The Year of the Book, by Andrea Cheng, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

The Year of the Book, by Andrea Cheng, is the story of a young girl, Anna Wang, who has a hard time accepting that she is different.  She is of Chinese descent and the daughter of a mother who cleans buildings and a father who manages a convenience store. Anna does her best to 'blend in' with the other kids in school.  When some of her schoolmates ask her what her mother does for a living, she tells them that she works in a high rise professional building downtown, leaving out the fact that she actually performs janitorial duties there.  Meanwhile, Anna finds a means of escape through the books she reads.  As she becomes more engrossed in her reading, she gradually pushes more and more people out of her life, including one of her closest friends.  As the story progresses, Anna learns that no-one seems to be judging her for her differences as much as she herself seems to; that in fact, others are intrigued by those things that make her unique.  Eventually, she learns to embrace her culture and while she still enjoys reading, she does not make her books a priority over her friendships and responsibilities. 

This is a valuable book with a relevant message for young readers. Recommended for 4th grade to middle-school level readers, The Year of the Book will speak to kids on the importance of respect for self and others. 


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com

Clara's Great War earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Clara's Great War earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Clara's Great War, written by Evelyn Rothstein and Illustrated by Elizabeth Uhlig, is a heartwarming children's chapter book with great historical significance.  In 1914 Clara was just eleven years old when her home in Kobrin (on the border of Poland and Russia) was occupied by German soldiers.  Her story, as written by author Evelyn Rothstein (Clara's daughter) nearly 100 years later, is written in first person narrative from Clara's perspective on how WWI affected her and her family first-hand.  Her story is both insightful and educational.  Children can glean a message of hope and perseverance as they learn how Clara and her family found the courage to survive in the midst of enemies who took up residence within their home.  Clara's Great War is part of a series written about the author's parents, Clara and Dave.

Clara's Great War earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Reviews & Awards http://literaryclassicsreviews.com