The Amazing Adventure of Paddy Platypus by Tom de Paolo

This is the cutest story about a platypus that has amazing speed. Sir Hugh, a self-appointed important man of Tasmania, talks Paddy into representing their nation in Los Angeles in a championship swimming competition. Paddy doesn't like all the lime-light of winning that is shown to him. He just wants to go back home and be with his family and live life in the slow lane.

This book would be good for reinforcing that home is really where the heart is while introducing young readers to a new animal, platypus. The platypus, with its unique characteristics, is an unusual and unfamiliar animal to most children. Even the country of Tasmania would be a good geographic study for kids. It too isn't a common country that most kids are aware of. children.

For more information about this book visit here.

Tom de Paolo, a native of Hollywood, California, graduated from the University of Southern California where he studied film. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was able to contribute his talents to a movie crew documenting World War II. Now retired from the television industry and from being a marketing consultant for Disneyland, he resides in Laguna Beach where he writes and enjoys golf. De Paolo has also published four cookbooks and a fitness book for senior citizens.

A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.

Fifo "50 States" by Hayley Rose

What a cute way for a child to learn and not know they are learning than with verse and rhyming.  This Fifo "50 States" by Hayley Rose is just the book.  She takes the reader in ABC order through the 50 states in rhyming verse.  The reader will learn the # the state was admitted into the Union, state capital, flower, tree, bird and motto as they travel across American with Fifo.  I think 4-7 year olds would just adore Fifo.  You could also play an eye spy with the pictures from each state.  Help your child discover the beauties of America with Fifo.  See sample page below... 

Read Author interview here.

In this delightful rhyming story, Fifo, a warm and loveable brown bear, is bitten by the travel bug. Fifo dreams of digging up diamonds in Arkansas , looking for fossils in Kansas , enjoying a delicious bowl of gumbo in Louisiana , and even seeing a Broadway show in New York . Yes, America is an exiting place!

Fifo’s second book is full of adventure. A colorful reference-like book, Fifo discovers the wonders each state has to offer. He learns along the way each state’s capital, shape, flag, motto, and much, much more. The possibilities are endless! So, come along with Fifo and you’ll soon discover the beauty of America one state to another. A positive experience for both Fifo and the reader.

“Explore, the possibilities are endless!”

Autographed copies can be ordered from www.fifothebear.com and come with tattoos and bookmarks!

CALIFORNIA

Out in the west

Lies the 31st state,

It is called California

And I hear it’s just great.

Sacramento is the capital

And there are many things to see,

Like the Golden Poppy flower

And the California Redwood tree..

The bird, the California Quail,

Lives in California too.

It’s a wonderful place to visit

I’d like to go there wouldn’t you?

State Motto: I Have Found It

Hayley Rose grew up in the beach side town of Pacific Palisades , California, to a family of visual artists. In the early 1990’s she traveled the U.S. with her band Crush Violet. In 1994, after a family reunion, she was inspired to write a children’s book. Looking for a cute and catchy name for a main character, she kept hearing “first in, first out”. Hence, the name Fifo was born. Hayley’s mother would often ask her what she wanted to be when she grew up, so Hayley decided to start her series of “Fifo” books with that very question. Her first book, Fifo “When I Grow Up” was published in 2002. Her love of travel inspired her second book in the Fifo series, Fifo “50 States”, published in 2010.

Along with writing children’s books, Hayley has been working in entertainment business management for the past 15 years, specializing in concert touring. She has worked with many “A list” musicians including Michael Jackson, Rod Stewart and Candlebox just to name a few. Hayley hopes to one day soon release an album of children’s songs. She is a currently member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

You can visit her website at www.fifothebear.com.

Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook!

A copy of this book was provided for review by...

Dakota: A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris

I loved reading about SD and ND history but wasn't real thrilled in the History and stories of monostaries, monks, Benedictines' history, monasticism and the likes. Many swear words used throughout the book too. Was disappointed in this book but I did stick it out and read the whole thing.

The Little Man in the Map by E. Andrew Martonyi

Want a fun way to teach your child all 50 states and where they are located on the map. This book takes your child on travels across the US with the little Man In the Map, better known as MIM. Mim finds a chair to set on and a table with a feast spread out in the shapes of the states. This is the cutest book I've seen for learning the 50 states and their locations. MIM is made up from five of the states on the map and he comes to life to help your child learn the location of the other 45 states. I was really impressed with this book. It is done up in rhyme so the youngest student will stay involved and keeps the older student involved in trying to memorize the shape of each state and its location. It very cleverly breaks the US into 5 regions. The illustrations are also very well done. You child will look at the map of the US through different eyes after reading this book. I give it two thumbs up. Yes!!! Now is the time to be thinking about Christmas. Books are friends you child can keep forever and oh the knowledge that they'll learn from this one.