Review: WINNIE, The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker (C)

WINNIE

The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh

by Sally M. Walker

Illustrated by Jonathan D. Voss

Release date: January 20th, 2015

Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC from the publisher. 

SUMMARY

Who could care for a bear?

When Harry Colebourn saw a baby bear for sale at the train station, he knew he could care for it. Harry was a veterinarian. But he was also a soldier in training for World War I. Harry named the bear Winnie, short for Winnipeg, his company’s home town, and he brought her along to the training camp in England. Winnie followed Harry everywhere and slept under his cot every night. Before long, she became the regiment’s much-loved mascot.

But who could care for the bear when Harry had to go to the battleground in France? 

Harry found just the right place for Winnie while he was away — the London Zoo. 

There a little boy named Christopher Robin came along and played with Winnie — he could care for this bear too!

Sally Walker’s heartwarming story, paired with Jonathan Voss’s evocative illustrations, brings to life the story of the real bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh.

MY REVIEW

I always knew that Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by a real bear, but I never knew the actual story about how that bear came to inspire A.A. Milne's book. Told in a story format for all children to understand and enjoy, we learn about where the bear was found, how she was loved and brought to England, and how the famous author came to meet her.

During a quick train stop, Harry sees a bear and needs to know why there is a bear on a leash on the platform. He immediately runs off the train to see. And ends up buying the bear and bringing it with him to army training camp.
I don't think Harry, who names the bear Winnipeg, ever thought that he would be caring for a bear while taking of the army's horses during the war. And especially never could have foreseen how she would change everyone's lives, bring so much love and joy to those around her and would later go on to become one of the most famous bears in the world.

What my kids and I enjoyed the most is being able to see black and white photos of Harry, Winnie and other persons mentioned in the book. Along with the grand illustrations, which were precise with age and historical aspects, Winnie's story not only came to life for us, but it felt like we were there, alongside all the characters, discovering this sweet little bear and the world around her.

This is the perfect book for all who love Pooh, history and, also, those with lively imaginations that will allow them to hop on the train with Harry and Winnie and experience a wonderful adventure.

*An ARC was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Sally M. Walker

Sally M. Walker has written science books for children, including Earthquakes, an NSTA/CBC Best Science Trade Book of 1997. 

She lives in DeKalb, IL.

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Blog Tour (Review): WITHERWOOD REFORM SCHOOL by Obert Skye (MG)

WITHERWOOD REFORM SCHOOL

by Obert Skye

Illustrated by Keith Thompson

Expected release date: March 3rd, 2015

Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)

Genre: Middle Grade

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC from the publisher.

SUMMARY

After a slight misunderstanding involving a horrible governess, oatmeal, and a jar of tadpoles, siblings Tobias and Charlotte Eggars find themselves abandoned by their father at the gates of a creepy reform school. 

Evil mysteries are afoot at Witherwood, where the grounds are patrolled by vicious creatures after dark and kids are locked in their rooms. 

Charlotte and Tobias soon realize that they are in terrible danger — especially because the head of Witherwood has perfected the art of mind control. 

If only their amnesiac father would recover and remember that he has two missing children. 

If only Tobias and Charlotte could solve the dark mystery and free the kids at Witherwood — 

and ultimately save themselves.

MY REVIEW

There are very few authors that can pull off such a wickedly humorous story about two siblings that !

The narrator tells us the story about how Tobias and Charlotte Eggars ended up at Witherwood Reform School. And it is not a pretty nor easy story to tell.
Tobias is a normal boy that likes a little mischief. He's very smart and thinks better when he can write things down and loves to study and draw maps. Very protective and attuned to his younger sister.
Charlotte is also just a normal girl who always sees the bright things to every situation. She compliments her brother's darkers side too well. She always seems to be the voice of reason.
The school is dark, mysterious, strange and... perhaps even evil. Too many odd and unexplained things occur. A headmaster that is able to brainwash the students. Unknown guardians that could possibly kill any intruders, and/or, escapees.
And the narrator knows how to guide us with what is right, what is wrong, and what Tobias and Charlotte should have and shouldn't have done. The narrator is very smart, cautious and to the point. Anyone reading this book should take much care in what the narrator suggests.

There is no happy ending here. Tobias and Charlotte brought this bad luck onto themselves. And it will definitely take some time to figure out what they have done, what they are mixed up in... and if they will ever learn their lesson(s) and be able to make amends in order to get out of Witherwood... sane and whole.

Definitely for fans of Lemony Snicket's Unfortunate Events series, this book will have you laughing out loud, grossed out and on the edge of your seat! I anxiously await for the next book to be released! Will the Eggers siblings be able to behave enough to not get into anymore trouble? Will they figure out a way to leave the reformed school for good? So many questions, so little time... can't wait!!!

*An ARC was sent to me from the publisher for the blog tour and an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Obert Skye

Obert Skye is the author and illustrator of the Creature from My Closet series: Wonkenstein, Potterwookiee, Pinocula, and Katfish (forthcoming September 2014). He has also written the bestselling children’s fantasy adventure series Leven Thumps and Pillage. 

He currently lives indoors and near a thin, winding road with his family. 

Goodreads / Website

Macmillan "Witherwood Reform School" Blog Tour Schedule

2/18: Little Red Reads

2/19: A Reader’s Adventure

2/20: Stories & Sweeties

2/23: The Hiding Spot

2/24: Bumbles and Fairytales <---

2/25: Manga Maniac Café

2/26: The Book Monsters

2/27: Mundie Kids

3/2: Milk & Cookies: Comfort Reading

3/3: Green Bean Teen Queen

Review: TEN RULES OF BEING A SUPERHERO by Deb Pilutti (C)

TEN RULES OF BEING A SUPERHERO

Written and Illustrated by Deb Pilutti

Release date: October 14th, 2014

Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Format read: ARC from the publisher.

SUMMARY

In order to be a real superhero, you have to follow some important rules:

Rule #1: A superhero must ALWAYS respond to a call for help.

Rule #2: Saving the day is messy. But everyone understands.

In this handy guide, Captain Magma and his trusty sidekick, Lava Boy, take young readers on an adventure to learn all ten rules of being a good superhero.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

An amusing and fun illustrated book for the little superhero in your life!

Captain Magma and his sweet sidekick, Lava Boy, show you some pretty important things on how to be a superhero. Following these rules will help you succeed in being the best superhero that you can be - and having a trusty sidekick is a super-bonus!

A few important rules to follow:
Rule #2 - Even though saving the say can be a messy job, somebody has to clean it up! (Meaning, even though you had a fun time learning, playing, etc. in the end, you must be responsible and clean up after yourself.)
Rule #3 - A superhero is always brave... but it's okay not to be. Sometimes even the strongest are afraid of something. And that's okay, as long as we try to overcome it. And even if we don't. Trying to understand why we are and coping can be good enough too.

This interactive book will have your little superhero ready to go and eager to count and read along. The colorful illustrations will not only engage them to play along with Captain Magma and Lava Boy, but will also help them see the moral to each rule and remember the true meaning of being a good superhero.

The ultimate book for the inventive child in your life!

*The publisher sent me an ARC for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Deb Pilutti

Click here to learn how to pronounce the author's last name :)

Goodreads / Website

Review: LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG CITY by Mike Curato (C)

LITTLE ELLIOT, BIG CITY

by Mike Curato

Expected release date: August 26th, 2014

Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)

Genre: Children (1yo and up)

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC from publisher.

SUMMARY

Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life. 

In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy — like cupcakes! 

And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter — a friend.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

A delightful and magnificently illustrated children's book about a little elephant who finds encouragement from an unexpected new friend.

Little Elliot is a tiny elephant trying to get by in the Big City. But because of his small size, he is easily lost in the crowd and ignored. It is difficult for him to accomplish daily chores and errands. And most importantly, he can never get the attention nor help he needs to buy a much wanted cupcake.
Until one day, he meets someone who is even smaller than he is -  a little white mouse - who seems to be struggling with the same things that Little Elliot is.
Together they become friends, a team, and they help each other accomplish the things that they have always wanted to do. And in the end, they are finally rewarded with a cupcake.

When it comes to picture books, the actual illustrations have to tell me the story - but they not only need to tell me the story, they also need to make me feel what the characters are feeling and thinking before I read the words that are accompanying that page's storytelling. Mike Curato not only gives us the sweetest little elephant and mouse I have ever seen, but also delivers exactly how a little person would portray and feel being in a large city - making us feel even smaller, lonely and sad. But also, through Little Elliot and his mouse friend, gives us encouragement and hope that one day we can accomplish the big things that we want to do.

Little Elliot may be a tiny elephant, but he has the biggest heart I have ever seen, and felt. I highly recommend adding this to your child's shelf and reading it over and over again... one to be handed down to generations to come!

*I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Review: NINJA! by Arree Chung (C)

NINJA!

by Arree Chung

Release date: June 3rd, 2014

Published by: Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)

Genre: Children's Picture Book (2yo+)

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: ARC received by publisher for an honest review.

SUMMARY

A ninja must be strong, courageous, and silent! 

He creeps through the house on a secret mission. 

There may be obstacles! 

But have no fear — a true ninja can overcome all challenges.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

There aren't enough words to praise this book!

Super cute! Imaginative! Sweet! Adorable!

Maxwell is a ninja! His mission today is to get the cookies and milk...
a ninja must be quick, but quiet. He must be the master of danger and surprises.
Let no obstacles get in the way of accomplishing his mission.

I feel that this book can encourage small children to use their imagination not only in playtime, but to use their 'ninja skills' in everyday situations too - especially with small ones that are still learning to talk, or have a hard time using their words. Being a ninja requires patience and strategy. Max is not only trying to get the cookies, but he also has to get 'the cup' and milk... not an easy task with a little sister around. Once Max masters his ways, he decides to share what he's learned and accomplished with his younger sibling. A very sweet ending indeed.

I cannot get over adorable this book is!
The illustrations are so different and original - most picture books are expected to be cutesy with either pastel-like or monochromatic colors. NINJA isn't! It's dark and mysterious, just like a ninja. The illustrator was not afraid to go where no other children's picture book has gone - with the unexpected dark color scheme and pages. But still managed to keep the little boys adventure in a light tone in a way that a small child can relate too and not be afraid by it.

Extremely fun and light-hearted! I highly recommend this book to children ages 2 and up.
Especially if you have a little ninja on the loose... look behind you!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Arree Chung

Arree Chung makes picture books but he didn’t always do so. Once he made spreadsheets all day long and he decided that he wanted to make pictures instead. Arree learned how to draw, paint and think a little bit differently at Art Center College of Design. 

In the past decade, Arree has worked in the games industry as a designer and Art Director. Arree’s first debut picture book, “Ninja!” publishes June 3rd, 2014. When Arree is not practicing his Ninja moves, you can find him playing basketball or riding his bike.

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