Christina Aguilera (Famous People) by Wendy Tokunaga

Christina Aguilera (Famous People) by Wendy Tokunaga is a book about the rise to fame of the titular star. It delves into her early love for music and how she rose to fame. 

There are a few details about her life in the Micky Mouse Club and her early work with Disney. The book brings you up to her second album and some facts about her fashion and family.  

To be honest, I have no idea who this is, and her music is something that I'm sure I've heard, but never had all that much interest in. This book is for young fans of hers that need a simplified version of her life. Me, I would need a great deal more to be interested. 

Who should read this book: Young fans of this woman.

Books read: 269 of 5000

'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

Internet Archive

15^th October 2016

Dear Internet Archive,

I take something of an interest in your posting for a book digitizer. I’ll grant you my work in security is out of left field for what you’re looking for, but a Security Officer is professionally patient. I can lift more than 100 pounds and have had a great deal of experience with scanners and digital photography.  I currently use a Canon 60D.

I do have a degree in Psychology and I understand the need to keep my research materials clean and understandable. I have worked jobs were my actions save lives and I imagine that the books aren’t going to come in under the influence of drugs or do anything nasty. Compared to what I do this is an easy job.

You have a safe day,

Richard Leland Neal

'Look and be Grateful' by Tomie dePaola Book Review

'Look and be Grateful' by Tomie dePaola is the simplest of all

ideas for a children's book. This is a book that tells you to be grateful for the everyday thing in life. 

Yes, we should be grateful for oranges and the sun. Does it say that other people go without? No, but the idea that we should be grateful for what we have is the theme of this book.

The artwork is light and simple with a childlike happiness that will warm your heart. This was definitely and enjoyably read that reminded me of how one should live their life. 

Who should read this book? Everyone 

Books read: 133 of 5000

Loud and Quiet: An Animal Opposites Book By Lisa Bullard Book Review

'Loud and Quiet: An Animal Opposites Book' By Lisa Bullard is a

book that compares animal sounds. That's good in that every nugget of information you can give to your child will help them in the future.

The problem with this book is that it gives you very small nuggets of information.  It entertains children with pictures, but what are pictures? 

If you're looking for a book for your preschool child then I guess this is a good choice but once they start hitting the books this will just be to little for them. 

Who should read this book? Very young children. 

Books read: 123 of 5000

Comparing Bugs: Bug Parts by Charlotte Guillain Book review

'Comparing Bugs: Bug Parts' by Charlotte Guillain is one of many

books in this series that describe the nature of bugs. That is not to say insects but all kinds of creepy crawlies that roam your garden. 

Now, this book is great for the parents wanting their child to learn about insects, but it would be for very young children. I mean, about preschool level. Then again if your kid is just into bugs this may be a great book for them. 

Who should read this book? Preschool kids

Books read: 119 of 5000

Locomotive by Brian Floca

'Locomotive' by Brian Floca is a book about at train ride back in

the old west or American Civil War era. It gives you a slice of life from back when the steam engine ruled the world. This is a great bedtime story told without characters that is mostly informative. 

In addition to the story at the end of the book there is a large section that gives a good deal of railroad history. It talks about Abraham Lincoln and his Transcontinental Rail Road. It answered a few questions I had like 'what happened to the golden railroad spikes?'

Who should read this book: People who like trains. 

Books Read: 90 of 5000

We're Going On a Lion Hunt by David Axtell

'We're Going On a Lion Hunt' by David Axtell is a children's book

that has repetitive words that will help your child learn to spell.

This book features two sister who go on looking for a lion through various features of the landscape. This is a great book for class participation as the wording is repetitive and the class will be able to follow along. 

This is a well illustrated book with fun colorful images that most children will love. However, these images will make your child wake up and have energy so this is not a good bedtime story. 

Who should read this book: Children early in the day.

Books read: 73 of 5000

'The Longest Night' By Marion Dane Bauer book Review

'The Longest Night' By Marion Dane Bauer is a book about animals in what looks like the Alaska wilderness talking about who

can bring back the sun. 

Animals like the crow, moose, and fox are found to have no ability to bring the sun back, but that small little bird has that kind of power. 

This is a good book about how the little things matter, but it's not a good bedtime story for your child. 

This is a story about morning and all the blue in the book, yes I mean the use of the color blue, will wake your child up and get them ready to play. 

Who should read this book? Anyone. 

Books read: 63 of 5000

'Turramulli the Giant Quinkiny' by Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey Book Review

'Turramulli the Giant Quinkiny' by Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey is a book involving the lore around the Turramulli spirit

of Australian aboriginal beliefs. 

Turramulli is a creature not unlike a Bigfoot but bigger and more 'I'm going to eat you'. In addition, this creature is the largest example of its kind. 

Now, this story is on the bloody side for children and it shows aborigines in their native garb. You see a number of dark backsides in this book. 

As a parent you need to think hard about what is right for your child and given that this book is for very young children it is questionable. As I pointed out with the last book by these authors: what would happen if your six year old drew something out of this book in class? 

Who should read this book? The open minded. 

Books read: 62 of 5000

'Gidja the Moon' By Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey Book Review

'Gidja the Moon' By Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey is a story of the creation of the moon from an Aboriginal tribe in Australia. In this case the moon started as a rather ill formed human who was

made fun of but had strong magic. 

Now I will have to point out the the people in this book are depicted an a slightly abstract but natural way. That is to say you've got bums and knockers in this book, and it's up to the parent to decide if that's right for their child. 

I mean, can you imagine if a six year old drew something from this book in their class? The parents would get phone calls I'm sure.

Who should read this book? The open minded. 

Books read: 58 of 5000

"I'm Trying to Love Spiders" by Bethany Barton Book Review

"I'm Trying to Love Spiders" by Bethany Barton is a somewhat interactive learning book about our arachnid friends. It features a short description of spiders and how they live and impact our lives.  

In addition the author has chosen to take the journey with us to

understanding our eight legged friends. This will help children resolve any gilt they may feel at splatting spiders as a few get splatted in this book. 

All in all this is a fine book to read. It has fun artwork and a somewhat interactive story that will give your child an experience they otherwise would not have have. 

Who should read this book? Everyone 

Books read 57 of 5000

'Cinders the Chicken Cinderella' by Jan Brett Book Review

'Cinders the Chicken Cinderella' by Jan Brett is the classic story of Cinderella only told with chickens in a little girl's dreams where her best friend chicken winds up being the number one of the new rooster. 

I can say this is a well drawn book but it adds nothing to the story of Cinderella and is wholly forgettable. 

This is not to say that there is anything wrong with this book, but the story is rehashed and rehashed until we all know it very well.

In addition, this book has large foldout pages that can get snagged and damaged.  This will impact the longevity of this book.

I think children will enjoy the pictures in this story, and it's a nice book to have, but otherwise just one of many in the world of children's books. 

Who should read this book? Parents who love children's books and take very good care of them.

Books read: 55 of 5000

'The White Cat and the Monk' by Jo Ellen Bogart Book Review

'The White Cat and the Monk' by Jo Ellen Bogart is the retelling of the true account of a Monk and his pet cat on an average night where they keep out of each others way. 

This is a book with dark illustration that works best as a bedtime story given that it is both very simple and conjures images of dark rooms at night populated by old monks and candles. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I feel that it will help to bring children into the understanding that life may change but some things are always the same. 

Who should read this book? Everyone.

Books read: 46 of 5000

'Bubba and Beau Best Friends' by Kathie Appelt Book Review

'Bubba and Beau Best Friends' by Kathie Appelt is the story of a boy and his dog having their blanket washed by the boy's mother. This is a story that parents can relate to as much as children, and it's told in a down home Texas language that makes you wish for ribs and pop. 

Bubba and Beau are feel good characters, and their story is told with feel good images that almost feel like something your child could work to drawing. From the pastel colors to the clear brushstrokes Bubba and Beau is a feel good story that will warm your heart and get your child ready for bed. 

This book made me miss my old dog Gus, and remember how I used to put a blanket over him every day before I went to work in the winter. 

Who should read this book? Parents and animal lovers. 

Books Read 44 of 5000

Sweet Pickles: Turtle Throws a Tantrum By Richard Hefter Book Review

'Sweet Pickles: Turtle Throws a Tantrum' By Richard Hefter is a book about an anthropomorphic Turtle who wants someone else's bracelet.

This is a book about how silly children look when they throw tantrums and how throwing tantrums shouldn't get you what you want. I have to say, good show, Richard Hefter, good show. This is the kind of book that teaches children that they can't always have what they want. I like that idea.

Further along the lines this book is solidly made and the right kind of book for children to play with. 

Who should Read this book: Young children.

Books Read: 42 of 5000

My First Book of Words Illustrated By Jan Palmer Book Review

'My First Book of Words' Illustrated By Jan Palmer is just what it says it is a group of illustrations with words attached. It's a book designed to help children learn the names of things. 

I will say that the lettering could be bigger and placed in a more uniform position that would aid in clarity and understanding. Still this book is a useful learning tool for those trying to teach their children. 

Then I will also need to point out that we normal call it a hot dog not a frankfurter. Then again the name is accurate and I guess I've always know what it was. 

Who should read thing book? Children Learning How to read.

Books read 35 of 5000

101 Ways to Do Better in School: Book Review

"101 Ways to Do Better in School" is a rather outdated volume that brings back things that I was told in grade school that simply aren't true. In a way, this is a book about how to lead a better life that applied to the best logic of the 80's. 

This book was a fast read but had limited use in the modern times.  A good number of things in this book are common sense items like eating right and keeping yourself organized. 

I would have to point out that most folks who are organized probably already do well in school and most of us disorganized people are this way because we have too much going on in our lives. 

Who should read this book? People who don't know how to people. 

Books Read 34 of 5000

1994 Royals Yearbook Review

So, this is my only surviving yearbook from Jr. High School. There is very little I can say about it as there is almost nothing in the way of commentary. This book is just literally pictures with names. 

I have to say this brings back nothing but bad memories. My Jr. High was a hive of nasty and from what I'm told, people who live in the area can now hear the children, eleven to fourteen year old's, cursing as they walk home. 

Who should read this book: Just about no one unless you have one, and you want to look back on things. 

Books Read: 32 of 5000

Book Review: The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell is the most famous book on story structure that is not about story structure. This book isn't even much of a text book but rather it is one of those book essays that tries to be important  but was written because someone needed a paycheck.

One could argue that this book is not designed to entertain but rather to inform, but I would have to counter with the idea that all books if well crafted should compel the reader to keep reading. 

Exceptions are those books like dictionaries and encyclopedias. Math books may fall into that category but this book is neither.   

I could go on on the topic of books and entertainment factor but this is not that kind of post. 

The overall issue with Joseph Campbell is that I learned a great deal about myth but far less about his theory and how myths interlock into that theory. I would have to say I learned of a great number of stories of the past that I hope to read about in the future.

That would make this a book about other books and the other books are better reads than this one. If you want a book on story structure this is not what you are looking for and if you want a book on myth this falls short as well. 

Who should read this book? the determined.

Books Read: 28 of 5000

Pages 416

Total Pages Read for 'The 5,000 Project' 6,612