'101 Wacky Camping Jokes' By Melvin A. Berger Book Review

 

'101 Wacky Camping Jokes' By Melvin A. Berger is a book full of corny summer camp jokes that are best appreciated by those who went to summer camp.

As for me, I never went to camp, at least not the kind they joke about, and these jokes have nothing to do with my experience. When I was a kid I went camping with the Cub Scouts and rafting with my family. In all those cases I was with my mother who would have kicked the living crap out of anyone who would have asked me to sleep in a leaking tent. 

For me, the jokes about bad food and wild animals don't mean much, and I didn't really laugh. However, this is a scholastic book meant to get kids to read and I guess it does that well.

Who should read this book? Lovers of corny jokes. 

Books read: 240 of 5000

'Barkus, Sly and the Golden Egg' by Angela McAllister Book Review

 

'Barkus, Sly and the Golden Egg' by Angela McAllister is one of those morality tales all too common in the world of children's books.

Barkus and Sly are both anthropomorphic foxes who are the local thieves who horde there loot in a shed. However, they steal a group of chickens who plan to get free and teach the foxes a lesson.

Given that the chickens will be eaten by the farmer who owns them sooner or later escaping the pot isn't all that great of a feet. Still, the moral lessons of those who steal with you will steal from you ring true.

Who should read this book? Anyone.

Books read: 239 of 5,000

"The little baby Snoogle-Fleejer" by Jimmy Carter Book Review

 

"The little baby Snoogle-Fleejer" by Jimmy Carter, yes president Jimmy Carter, is the story of the friendship between a boy and a sea monster called the Snoogle-Fleejer.

Carter told this story to his own family before writing it down for the rest of us to share. I find this a shade ironic given that the larger conflict of the story rises from poverty and a need for universal healthcare. 

In truth, this is a story about not taking things at face value but rather looking deeper into the character of people, or monsters, that you come across. 

Who should read this book? Everyone. 

Books read: 238 of 5,000

"The Library of Planets: Jupiter" by Abby Young Book Review

 

"The Library of Planets: Jupiter" by Abby Young is a look at the largest planet in the solar system and many of the missions to investigate this interesting giant.

The book is a little dated now as it was written before Pluto was named a dwarf planet. In addition there is a good amount of talk about the definition of a moon.

I would have been happier to see the probes themselves that visited this great planet. The evolution of technology is fascinating to me, but then this was not the topic of the book.

Overall this was a great little science book that had so much to say about our largest solar companion that is not a star. I found it informative and entertaining. 

Who should read this book? Space Lovers like me. 

Books read: 237 of 5,000

"Down a River" by Carole Telford and Rod Theodorou Book Review

 

"Down a River" by Carole Telford and Rod Theodorou is a look at the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. It details the life and landscape along the way from the head of the rivers to their termination. 

This is a wonderful fact filled book that will get children interested in the great out doors, biology, and the environment. This book sports both illustration and photographs of the flora and fauna of the rivers, and it is voiced as if the reader is taking a trip down river. 

The book does what it can with thirty two pages and can only be improved by being longer and more detailed. 

Who should read this book? Everyone.

Books read 236 of 5,000

"The Wonderful Way Babies Are Made" by Larry Christenson Book Review

 

"The Wonderful Way Babies Are Made" by Larry Christenson

is a Christian centered look at reproduction. It carries an abstinence only look at making more humans. 

By far the best part of this book is that it caters to two reading levels indicated by large and small print on each page. This gives the parent child reading more interaction and a greater level of detail.   

This is a book that should only be read by parents looking to build a strong religious construct in their child's mind. Only a parent can decide if that is right for their child.

Who should read this book? Christians 

Books read: 235 of 5,000

"The Bad Seed" by Jory John Book Review

 

"The Bad Seed" by Jory John is a book about a literal seed that is rude to other seeds and refuses to wash his hands.

Why is he a bad seed? Because instead of getting eaten he got spit out and left under a bleacher. This made him keep to himself and be bad. Then one day for no reason at all he has a change of heart and things are better. 

This is a fun book but I don't know if spontaneous change is a good lesson to teach children. I mean, it can happen. However, when people are suddenly nice to you in real life it's for a reason. This shouldn't hurt your reading of this book, but it could have been better if the seed had a reason for his change. 

Who should read this book? People looking for a fun read.

Books read: 234 of 5,000

"Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night" by Lauren H Kerstein

 

"Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night" by Lauren H. Kerstein is a children's book about a boy and his dragon.

This is a colorful book about bedtime, pets, and a childhood sense of wonder that transcends the book. I think this may have started as a child with a stuffed animal who said that his pet was afraid of a storm. 

This is the story of a boy who has to get himself and his dragon ready for bed, and he does things like brush is teeth and bathe. 

I would have loved this book when I was a child, and I once even had to ask my mother how often I should wash my body. Where as this book does not answer that question it brings bath time into the conversation. I call this a read.

Who should read this book: Everyone. 

Books read: 233 of 5,000

"I Love to Eat Fruits and Vegetables" by Shelley Admont Book Review

 

"I Love to Eat Fruits and Vegetables" by Shelley Admont is a book about rabbits eating vegetables. The hope being that your children will also eat theirs if they read this book.

I would point out that the vegetables are not good for rabbits. Carrots and tomatoes have too much sugar for the animals. Then again, this is just a book and feeding off our natural  misconceptions is nomral.

What you have here is a book where a character tries to get candy, sees bad results, then fixes the problem with vegetables. This is a good lesson for children and a fun read. 

Who should read this book: Everyone

Books read: 232 of 5,000

"Sesame Street Comics: H is for Hero" by Jason M. Burns Book Review

 

"Sesame Street Comics: H is for Hero" by Jason M. Burns is my first look into the ideas of the Sesame Street Comics. I have to say that there were a lot more stories than where on the cover.

You would think that a book titled 'H is for Hero' would be about heroes, but there are sections of the dreams of Cookie Monster eating the moon as one big cookie. I wanted to hear more about Super Grover. This is a character I never got much of as a child. This comic would have benefited from greater focus. 

All and all, this is still a fun red for children but the large number of shorts stories is a negative. 

Who should read this book: Children

Books read: 231 of 5,000

"Mercy Watson to the Rescue" by Kate DiCamillo Book Review

 

"Mercy Watson to the Rescue" by Kate DiCamillo is the story of a pig that people give too much credit to. This is kind of a bad thing because pigs are rather intelligent but it's just a story.

 In any case, the pig has a bad dream and goes to sleep with her family but the bed brakes and leaves the people trapped and the pig their only chance to get out of that mess. 

This is a fun little children's book with rich characters and an inventive story. I have to say I liked it and would recommend it to anyone. 

Who should read this book: Anyone

Books read: 230 of 5,000

"Elmo's World: Moon" by Jodie Shepherd Book Review

 

"Elmo's World: Moon" by  Jodie Shepherd is another of the Sesame Street Elmo group. It is a simple look at the moon from the eyes of a child. This is a very short book and it leaves much to be desired.

First off, the thing is just too short and second it gives very little understanding of what the moon is. It does tell you what the moon is not, but as even a vary young child I would have been disappointed with this information. 

All and all, this is a book for Elmo fans or children who have little ability to talk. Preschool age children will find the images amusing, but this is a book that just has too little substance to pay for. 

Who should read this book: Elmo Fans

Books read: 229 of 5,000

"Children's Classic Stories: Volume 1" by Aniesha Brahma Book Review

 

"Children's Classic Stories: Volume 1" by Aniesha Brahma is a

collection of old fairy tales and folks stories. There are a few stories in here that I have never heard of and that says something, because I'm well read. 

This is the best kind of story book  for bedtime, because it's not over stimulating. There is a lot of this book compared to other children's books so you can keep reading until your child is sleepy and apposed to reading the same story over and over. 

The best part was that I got a free digital copy and that mean anyone with a good sized tablet can have a copy.

Who should read this book? Everyone

Books read: 228 of 5000

"I Love You Just Like This" by Lillian Jaine Book Review

 

"I Love You Just Like This" by Lillian Jaine is a book in the 

Elmo group on good old Sesame Street. Why the little red fellow has become so big a part of the iconic media I can't say but he has. 

This book is a poem set to be a conversation between Elmo and his unnamed mother. I had a lot of fun with this book but I can't say it's a good bedtime story because it will keep children away with it's bright colors.

Who should read this book: Anyone.

Books read: 227 of 5,000

Master of Murder By Christopher Pike Book Review

 

Master of Murder By Christopher Pike is a novel about a high school

senior who is also and incognito best selling author. His father is out of the picture, but an abusive addict who could take his wealth, and his mother is drunk most of the time. He finds himself investigating a real life murder for the woman of his dreams who has her own plans. 

As a want-to-be author myself, this book is very appealing, but it is still a pulp novel. The writing is accessible and relatable, the characters are human, and the world is almost our own. 

If you are a reader or want-to-be author this is a great book for you. If neither of those things apply to you this book will leave you wanting it to be over so you can go watch another killer shark movie.

Who should read this book? People who like to read. 

Books read: 226 of 5,000

Marivale Mall: Playing Games by Jana Ellis Book Review

 

"Marivale Mall: Playing Games" by Jana Ellis is one of many books

in the Marivale Mall set. This one concurs a young, high school age, woman who is torn between her football player boyfriend and her school who he will be playing against. 

This is as story about relationships, high school, and first world problems. It deals with wealthy people who drive expensive cars and have little grasp on what normal people think about.  

This is not to say that this is a bad story. It is just a story about first world problems and if you want to take a brake from our world and read about things that are unimportant this is your jam. I mean, the stakes are low for any of us real people, but for a seventeen year old girl this may carry more weight.  

All and all, the story is well crafted and easy to follow. Not a bad read.

Who should read this book? People who want to think like a seventeen year old rich girl. 

Books read: 225 of 5,000

Family Forever by Leslie Kimmelman

 

Family Forever A Julia Storybook by

Leslie Kimmelman is something of a continuation of "We're Amazing 1,2,3". It is the story of Sesame Street character Julie and autistic girl who loses her bunny and how her friends go about helping her find it. 

This is a great book for teaching kids how to play well with others and conflict resolution. It's definition of autism is not as strong as in the previous book. For that reason I would recommend reading both books together.  

Who should read this book? Everyone

Books read: 224 of 5,000

'Abby in Wonderland' by Bonnie Brooke Book Review

Abby in Wonderland by Bonnie Brooke

is a watered down version of 'Alice in Wonderland' and a normal quality knock off of the story. I can't say that this was a great book, but it was fun reading on it's own. 

Who should read this book? People who like to read. 

Books read: 223 of 5000

"We're Amazing 1,2,3!" by Leslie Kimmelman

"We're Amazing 1,2,3!" by Leslie

Kimmelman is a book about autism and playing with friends.

Elmo and his special needs friend are met by a third friend and together they learn that there are times people need consideration. This is a great book for children to learn to work with the different and special children of our world. 

Who should read this book? Everyone.

Books read: 222 of 5000

'Another Monster at the End of This Book' by Jon Stone

'Another Monster at the End of This Book'

by Jon Stone is another book with Grover, this time joined by Elmo, with a monster at the end of the book you're reading.

As it is with the last book, Grover is keeping you from finishing. The new element is Elmo moving on trough the book. This is a fun little story about not being afraid of what you don't know about. Then, should children fear the unknown?

Who should read this book? Anyone.

Books read: 221 of 5000

"Too Big for Diapers" by by John E. Barrett Book Review

Too Big for Diapers by John E

Barret is a book about one of the two, likely gay, roommates of sesame street at the age at which he uses the plastic pooper.

This is a great book about how to use the plastic pooper as using this for children may be hard. If your children need a bit more confidence then this book is for you.

Who should read this book? Kids who will soon need to use the plastic pooper.

Books read 220 of 5000

"Big Enough for a Bed" by Apple Jordan Book Review

"Big Enough for a Bed" by Apple

Jordan is the story of Elmo being big enough for a bed rather than a crib. I have no memory of this coming of age moment myself, but I guess it has to be a thing. 

Parents can use this book as a way of comforting their children in the light of this change. I can't say I have ever heard of this problem, but it may exist and this book may stop it before it starts.

Who should read this book? Children who will soon give up the crib.

books read: 219 of 5000

"The Great Cookie Thief" by Emily Perl Kingsley Book Review

"The Great Cookie Thief" by Emily 

Perl Kingsley is the story of a wild west town plagued by a googly-eyed cookie bandit. This is before we worried about our kids getting diabetes and the world was a simpler place. 

It's a funny little story that teaches children basic words and makes them laugh. I mean, we have no reason to fear the cookie thief, but the town's people all shiver in their boots at him.

Who should read this book? Children learning to read.

Books read 218 of 5000

"The Monster at the End of this Book" by Jon Stone Review

"The Monster at the End of this 

Book" by Jon Stone is a Sesame Street book featuring everyone's favorite blue monster, Grover, begging you not to read to the end of the book. His reason, to keep you from the monster that is at the end. 

Parents can relate to that as they read this to their little monsters and try, and fail, to sound like Grover.

Who should read this book? fans of Grover.

Books read 217 of 5000

'Bat Boy and His Violin' by Gavin Curtis Book Review

'Bat Boy and His Violin' by Gavin Curtis is a book about a bat boy

for one of the last segregated baseball teams. This bat boy is, as the title says, a violinist who loves his music. It turns out he makes a poor bat boy but can make other contributions to the team. 

Overall, this is a book about acceptance. The boys father has not accepted his music and the team of men are not accepted in society. This is a book that shows a world were thing can happen on a large and small sale, and I liked it so much I've read it at least six times.

Who should read this book? Everyone

Books read:216 of 5,000

'Let's Talk about Being Destructive' by Joy Berry

'Let's Talk about Being Destructive' by Joy Berry is another

educational book in the 'Let's Talk About' series. This is a group of books that teach children how to think about their actions. I was lucky enough to stumble across a few volumes of these books and I've enjoyed every one I've read. 

I would have to say this book that focuses on what looks like an Asian family and their misbehaving son is more poignant than some of the others. It's an A+ book when the normal books are just A.

Who should read this book: Everyone

Books read: 215 of 5,000

Cinderella by Barbara McClintock Book Review

Cinderella by Barbara McClintock is a book that exists to have

pretty pictures in it. You get a variation of the story of the father in this particular version. He is still alive in this version but he does nothing to protect his child. 

In truth, there is a greater sadness to the story and the child abuse is bothersome. 

Who should read this book? Fans of the story.

Books read: 214 of 5000

"Mondo Animals Platypus" By Joan Short, Jack Green, and Bettina Bird Book Review

"Mondo Animals Platypus" By Joan Short, Jack Green, and Bettina

Bird is a book about the platypus and it's life style. This truly interesting animal is presented clearly in this text designed to inform more than entertain. 

I have to admit these little creatures fascinate me so I read this book at least twice, but it will not go over as well with someone who is not an animal lover. 

Who should read this book? Animal Lovers

Books read: 213 of 5000