2005
36 pages
$15.95
Alli Westover takes young children behind the scenes of NASA. Brenton Packer's adorable cartoon-like illustrations help explain Ali's information. She focuses on the jobs that moms and dads have to do to help build the space station or to travel in space.
It's all about team work and it begins with moms and dads working on the engines of the shuttle so the astronauts can make it safely into space. People help them move outside of the shuttle so they can fix broken parts. They dive into big tanks of water so the astronauts can practice putting the space station together. There are space suits to be sewn, helmets to be made.
She explains how important it is to work in Mission Control, which allows NASA to talk to the astronauts while they are in orbit. Trainers teach exercises so the team's muscles remain strong. Computers have to be created, which will be used in the space station and the shuttle. Before going into space, doctors need to examine the astronauts to see if they can handle the stress of such exploration.
While some mommies are doctors, some daddies are scientists who are trying to figure out how to fly to Mars. When the astronauts are ready to blast off into space there is someone responsible to say "3,2,1 Liftoff." Some daddies fly special planes and teach astronauts how to float in space. For safety concerns, others have to walk around the shuttle and make sure it is safe to launch. Some scientists teach the astronauts how to do experiments while they are on the Space Station.
In my opinion, the cutest illustration was the daddy packing a special lunch for the astronauts to eat in space. Ali's comments are easy to follow and informative. This is a book I'd give as a Christmas gift because of it's educational value. Preschoolers would love it, as well as Kindergarteners and first graders.
FYI: Alli actually worked at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. She was hired by Wyle Laboratories and used her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering to train astronauts and cosmonauts on various space equipment for the International Space Station and to test their health upon the landing of the shuttle.
4 1/2 shuttles out of 5
--Lauren Fleischer, Children's & YA book reviewer for gottawritenetwork.com
September 24, 2005
****
One Incredible Dog! Boone
By Chris Williams
Illustrated by Judith Friedman
Moo Press
Early Reader 4-8
Sept. 1, 2005
32 pages
$15.95
Boone is a bloodhound who is big, friendly,very alert and sensitive to smell. He is a search and rescue dog who locates people. His owners, Terri and Jim, bring Boone to schools to educate children about these specially trained dogs and to share important safety tips.
Boone learned how to play hide-and-seek at the age of ten weeks. He was taught how to play the game during all kinds of weather and in different places. In time, hide-and-seek was no longer a game. It became work. Boone successfully located and rescued children and adults.
I found it unique that the illustrations were done with an artist's pencil instead of being painted or made to look like cartoons. I am not sure why the only color was the border and Boone's leash. Though the illustrations were done in pencil, it was just as expressive as if it was in color. I knew about search and rescue dogs, but I really liked the idea of the animal getting the credit for a change.
3 1/2 out of 5 special dogs
--Lauren Fleischer, Children's & YA book reviewer for gottawritenetwork.com
October 8, 2005
****
The Honest-To-Goodness Story of Raggedy Andy
By Patricia Hall
Illustrated by Joni Gruelle Wannamaker
Pelican Press
2005
28 pages
Johnny Gruelle created a rag doll as a gift for his daughter, Marcella. Raggedy Ann became known to children throughout the world. His two sons, Worth and Dickie, included Raggedy Ann in all their games.
Worth and Dickie were inseparable. They took Raggedy Ann everywhere. Since the boys loved Raggedy Ann so much, their father told stories and drew pictures for other boys and girls. One night, Worth asked his father if he thought Ann got lonely. Dickie believed Raggedy Ann needed a brother.
The boys' concern inspired their father to write stories about a boy rag doll that came to live for Raggedy Ann. Their father wrote that Andy was a floppy, funny, mischievous and loving doll. The boys continued to ask him almost every night if Ann had a brother yet. Not wanting to disappoint his sons, he began drawing pictures of Andy and later their mother made a new doll. Shortly after, their dad found a nearby factory with seamstresses who could make many dolls. And that was a beginning of a whole new friendship for the boys and other children.
What I liked about this book was that it introduced children to the history behind the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls. We know they exist because we see them in stores, but that's all we really know.
4 out 5 pairs of scissors
--Lauren Fleischer, Children's & YA book reviewer for gottawritenetwork.com
****
Phil And His Fabulous Feathers
By Frank Blazek
Pelican Publishing Company
Illustrated by Wes Thomas
32 pp. 8 ½ x 11
31 color illus. Ages 5-8
ISBN 1-58980-280-2 $15.95
13-Digit ISBN: 9781589802803
Down South there was a very special duck named Phil, who nonetheless stood out from the crowd. His fabulous feathers made him unique from the other ducks. He tried in any way he could to help the other ducks with anything they needed to do. The most important job he did was to make sure his crown of feathers was in tip-top shape. However, not all of the ducks wanted help from Phil. A group known as the Rockheads couldn’t understand why Phil took so much time to look his very best. The leader of the Rockheads created a plan to teach him a lesson about who is better. Will Phil earn the respect of the Rockheads? Read the book to find out.
Phil And His Fabulous Feathers teaches kids that it is okay to be different and to be proud of who you are. Even though there will be those who make fun of you, sometimes standing up for them is the right thing to do. I just thought the illustrations were really cute.
4 ½ out of 5 fancy feathers
Lauren Fleischer, Children and Young Adult reviewer
gottawritenetwork.com
December 23, 2005
