Showing posts with label kids books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids books. Show all posts

Friday, January 2, 2015

Kangaroo Clues


Make haste and come join the chase. Kangaroo outsmarts the Dingo. He is joined by his friends in the outback where the sun scorches the Earth and survival is definitely for the fittest. 

Author Margot Finke, does not disappoint in yet another intriguing book of rhyme.  The illustrations by Mustafa Delioglu are alive with color and expression.  The Australian wildlife with all of its wonder is depicted in these educational pages. Explanations and definitions rest at the bottom of several pages, which is quite handy for educational guides such as teachers or home school parents.

Children will experience the struggle and survival of creatures large and small. Kangaroo Clues will intrigue them, and excite their curiosity.

Margot Finke is the author of many rhyming books for children.  Kangaroo Clues is a beautiful book that will make a fun and educational addition to any child’s library.  My advice would be to view all of her rhyming books, both Australian culture and otherwise.  Margot also writes about dyslexia.  Check out all of her books on Amazon.com


This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature


Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie author whose 13 books range from midgrade adventure fiction to rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. 

Their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Four delightful grandchildren round out Margot’s family.

Her Manuscript Critique Service helps children’s writers polish and tighten their stories before publication.  Helping other writers succeed, and HOOKING kids on reading, are Margot’s special goals.

She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "







Friday, December 26, 2014


Dreamtime Man written by Margot Finke, is a work of art from the interesting educational verse it is written in, to the magnificent illustrations by Joana Zdralea.  The colors are simply mesmerizing.   Details of the Australian Aboriginal people will not only educate children and adults, but also entertain them as well.

Even though the text may be a bit advanced for young children, the illustrations will still hold their attention and introduce them to an ancient and proud culture from the Down Under.

This is an exceptional book for children and adults; both in text and art. The author and the artist were certainly in sync on this one. Beautiful book!



This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature



**LISTEN to Margot read Dreamtime Man: http://tinyurl.com/qham5nv
**Available from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/bg9dtxt
**Autographed—with a FREE copy of her 
“Fairdinkum   Aussie Recipe Book.”
http://myplace.frontier.com/~mfinke/Magic%20Carpet%20Books.htm




Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie author whose 13 books range from midgrade adventure fiction to rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between her writing. 

Their three children are now grown and doing very well.  Four delightful grandchildren round out Margot’s family.

Her Manuscript Critique Service helps children’s writers polish and tighten their stories before publication.  Helping other writers succeed, and HOOKING kids on reading, are Margot’s special goals.

She didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot says, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "




Sunday, December 21, 2014

Tommy's Amigo



Tommy’s Amigo written and illustrated by Nancy Carty Lepri, is a story about a Mexican boy who desperately misses his father and also wants to fit in with his school mates.  He lives with his grandmother who has also migrated to the US.  In spite of her deep love for her grandson, his Grandmother’s pride seems to rule her judgment.   As a result, Tommy is left to desperation that could cause him his life.

Tommy is bullied, but tries to roll with the punches. He finds himself in confrontation in the lunch room at school.  His close friends back him up, but Tommy’s life begins to spiral out of control from that point on.  His father has been sent to jail for something he is not guilty of and Tommy must find a way to stay out of foster care.

Tommy’s Amigo is a pleasant surprise.  His Amigo shows him how to hang in there when all is unraveling.  Tommy finds himself in trouble a number of times throughout these pages.  The story is fast moving and will hold the attention of boys and girls to the end.

The problems in this book are true to life and would certainly help any child relate to those of other culture or those who are experiencing similar conditions.
Great Book!

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature





Saturday, November 22, 2014



A heartwarming story of a boy who over comes his fears by applying his efforts and following the path of Jesus. Ben has to prove to his family he is responsible enough to take on summer camp and look in the face of everything that scares him.  In the process he proves to be a hero with his handicapped friend Mary who has lost her service dog and also his new found homeless friend Jeremy.

This is a book that will hold the interest of children, but also the reader will be able to identify with Ben’s fears and sibling rivalry. Janet Ann Collins has written a story that teaches compassion, alerts a child to the hardships of others in life. 

The story awakens children to the troubles some people have in their lives, and shows them how God interacts through all of us in ways we never expect.

The characters Ben and Tom develop personal growth both in daily life and in spiritual being.  Great story and inspiring book for kids.   Lots of stars for this one.

This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children's literature


Monday, August 18, 2014

Prairie Dog Play Days

Margot Finke’s new picture book –  available on her website and on Amazon


Prairie dogs that play, stinkers that prey and birds that rule the sky; that’s what these pages are about.  Margot Finke, author of many children’s stories and works of literature, has written another enchanting book of rhyme. Her nonfiction characters depict animals of North America that are sure to please a child’s wonderment.

Prairie Dog Play Days is an educational fun read for kids. The beautifully detailed illustrations by Kathy Iler will capture a child’s interest in an instant, and the whimsical rhymes will no doubt keep them reading.

Margot Finke’s book includes enhanced vocabulary words and additional information about the animals at the end of the book.  This is a wonderful resource for classroom use or a book to cherish in a child’s library.  Either way, this delightful read will be an asset to any library for children.
I give Prairie Dog Play Days five ***** stars for content, creativity, and beautiful illustrations.



Prairie Dog Play Days, Little Stinkers & Bald Eagles Rule 

Academic Wings 
by Margot Finke 
Three fantastic American animals eat, fly, and dig their way across the pages of this rhyming picture book. Prairie Dogs, Skunks and Bald Eagles are just waiting for your child to meet them. Cool critters, and cool facts %u2013 how can you beat a combination like that?


BIO:
Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant. She now lives in Oregon near her grown family and grandchildren. With 13 published children’s books, and more on the way, plus a Manuscript Critique Service, Margot is always searching for the perfect way to place her books in the hands of eager children. Her FREE Skype Author Visits are a terrific way to do this.
  1.  *Video of Margot chatting about FREE Skype visits:  http://tinyurl.com/8qw44al
    *SKYPE Makes it Happen: http://virtualschoolvisits.blogspot.com/   
    *Website:  http://www.margotfinke.com 
    *FREE ”Sneak Peek” inside her latest books: 
    http://tinyurl.com/8qw44al
    *Amazon: 
    http://tinyurl.com/8qw44al 
    *Pinterest: 
    http://pinterest.com/margotfinke/


This book was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013




Flip Flap Floodle

jpg Flip cover color  1


This is a tale about Flip; a little yellow fellow who has a musical talent and a never ending energy that keeps him believing in himself.  While a devious act is committed against Flip, in spite of his demise, he never loses hope. 

His Mother, who fears for his safety, gives the villain a well deserved thrashing.  But, the real empowerment of the story is Flip, who never loses faith in his special talent, or in himself. 


This cute, quirky, and a little bit scary story, has some nurturing life lessons for children.  It shows friendship, faith, love and entertainment among its pages.  I give Flip Flap Floodle, written and illustrated by Joan Y. Edwards, 5 ***** stars for bright engaging illustrations, and content that is sure to amuse young children. 

 This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature



Purchase This Book

Flip Flap Floodle, the happy little duck who Never Gives Up
Blog: http://www.joanyedwards.wordpress.com/

Sunday, November 18, 2012



Magical Matthew

MagMat2x3-100Magical Matthew is an entertaining story that will draw children into the yarn. As they read they will find themselves wanting to acquire Matthew’s abilities.  This child has a special uniqueness that brings help to others.  Matthew enjoys making others happy with his unique powers, but finds he does have some limitations when trying to help his friend.  Matthew finds disappointment in what he thinks he has lost, but then realizes new gifts he does possess. His special new gifts reflect in the older boy he has become. 

The story has a bit of a twist and surprise that involves Matthew’s baby sister.  This is a wonderful book for children of many ages, as it is a fun read for younger children, as well as children a bit older.  The story reflects how a child can feel secure in telling an adult a secret, and also how things can change as they grow older.  It shows a child, that growing up does not mean you lose what you had as a younger child, but that you have found new treasures to add to your already beautiful and unique you.

Magical Matthew will not disappoint, and would be a wonderful addition to any child’s library. The author Penelope Anne Cole, has included in her creative story, valuable life lessons to help children trust in those who love them, and to move smoothly to their next level in life.  The illustrations by Kevin Collier are colorful, expressive to the story in detail, and will certainly engage children in an enjoyable read.  Magical Matthew shows love in all his actions. 
 This book is a keeper, with five *****.

Magical Matthew was reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children’s literature