Footloose by Kenny Loggins and Illustrated by Tim Bowers: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Two youngsters sneak into the zoo after hours and find out what really happens when the guests leave. They find out it's time to get out those dancing shoes and get ready to cut loose with zaniest zoo animals on the planet. From rockin' with the chimpanzees and howlin' with the wolf pack, the youngsters witness all types of footwork in a variety of dancing styles. Even the zookeeper gets in on the fun.

Bowers use of vivid colors and smiling faces will crack a smile from even the grumpiest child. Kenny Loggins change to the lyrics of his infamous song, "Footloose" on the enclosed CD will have every child jumping up to join the animals in their dance. Warning: Do not read this one at bedtime as it's sure to cause spontaneous jumping and dancing on the beds. A sure hit even before the last line is finished. Don't worry about getting the song out of your head, it's programmed to stay a while.

Rating: ★★★★★

Publishing Information

Publisher: Moon Dance Press; Har/Com Edition (October 11, 2016)
ISBN: 978-1633221185
Pages: 28
Ages 4-7

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Book Review: The Grudge Keeper by Mara Rockliff Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

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Book received at no charge from the publisher to facilitate review.


"No one in the town of Bonnyripple ever kept a grudge."
With the exception of old Cornelius, the Grudge Keeper.
The townspeople have always relied on Cornelius to take their written complaints and file them away.

When Minnie's goat eats Elvira Boggs prizewinning zinnias, Elvira marches to the Grudge keeper to file a complaint. It doesn't end there. When a schoolboy snatches the schoolmaster's toupee, the schoolmaster files another offense. The numbers grow when Big Otto stomps on Lily's Belle's new shoes and she angrily throws her accusations at gentle Cornelius.

The grudges pile up until Cornelius's home is crammed with them. One day a wind blows, sending the grudges tumbling every which way, leaving Cornelius buried in a mountain of them. The next morning the people of Bonnyripple set off for his cottage to file their new complaints. Will they pull aside the mess of grudges fast enough to save Cornelius?

Playful wordplay, wit and beautiful ink with watercolor illustrations come together to create a delightfully charming story that will leave no doubt about how bad it is to hold a grudge. The look of burden and fatigue on the Grudge Keeper's face conveys what words never have to say. Hats off to both author and illustrator for capturing the magic while teaching a moral. Not many can pull it off and they do it with poise and beauty.

Rating: Highly Recommended ★★★★★

Publishing Information:

Publishing Information: 

Peachtree Publisher

Pages: 32

Ages: 4-8

ISBN: 978-1-56145-729-8

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Blog Tour: The King of Little Things by Bill Lepp Illustrated by David T. Wenzel (BOOK REVIEW)

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       A long time ago in a world on the other side of a far mountain lived the much beloved King of the Little Things. His rule over all things small brought him much happiness and contentment.

            But alas! Not all kings appreciate what they have. They always want more. Greedy King Normous wants the most and intends to be king of all the world. He gathers a vast army and conquers every kingdom, until he thinks he rules the entire world. When he learns that he has missed the King of Little Things, he sends his army to destroy the kingdom. After all, “Everyone knows that little things exist only to serve big things.” However, King Normous discovers his flawed thinking when little things band together to fight for their king.

            Young readers will love Lepp's lively tale that naturally works in the moral of never overlooking the little things in life. Wenzehumor filled watercolor illustrations complete the endearing story. Lots of fun words and slant rhymes make The King of Little Things a great read aloud while the curious mind keeps busy in searching the pages for little things. Both parents and children will fall in love with the gentle King of Little Things over and over again.

              Rating: Highly Recommended *****

**I received a review copy of this book from the publisher at no charge to facilitate my review.

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (Sept. 2013)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-708-3

Ages 4-8

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