BOOK NOOK REVIEWS

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: To The Front! Clara Barton Braves the Battle of Antietam by Claudia Friddell

Donna L

TITLE: To The Front! Clara Barton Braves the Battle of Autietam

AUTHOR: Claudia Friddellt

ILLUSTRATOR: Christopher Cyr

PUBLISHER: Calkins Creek, 2022

SYNOPSIS:

During the Civil War, Clara Barton—one of the first women to receive permission to serve on a battlefield—snuck her supply wagon to the head of a ten-mile wagon train to deliver provisions to the Antietam Battlefield. On the bloodiest day in American history, Clara and her team of helpers sprang into action as they nursed the wounded and dying, cooked meals for soldiers, and provided doctors with desperately needed medical supplies and lanterns so they could operate through the night.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Years ago young readers interested in history would only be able to find basic nonfiction textbooks if they were interested in learning more about historical events. And the chances of them finding out more about lesser known historical figures would have been nearly impossible. Today, children (and adults) can learn more about historical characters like Clara Barton through engaging, historical fiction picture books. Author, Claudia Friddell, takes young readers on a journey into the life of Clara Barton during a critical Civil War battle. Ms. Friddell allows us to imagine how Clara, determined to make a difference, faced everything from the ridicule of military officers to bucking societal norms in order to bring assistance to soldiers in need. Beautiful artwork by illustrator Christopher Cyr also helps bring Clara’s amazing story to life. A great addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEW: Monster Goose by Judy Sierra

Donna L

TITLE: Monster Goose

AUTHOR: Judy Sierra

ILLUSTRATOR: Jack E. Davis

PUBLISHER: Gulliver Books, 2001

SYNOPSIS:

Old Monster Goose has turned Mother Goose’s world of nursery rhymes inside out! Here she presents twenty-five deliciously disgusting new poems, filled with rodents and maggots, zombies and ghouls, spiders and, of course, monsters. Remember King Cole? That terrible troll washes his feet in the toilet bowl. And poor Mistress Mary, her garden’s quite scary–its killer potatoes ate all her tomatoes and now are out looking for Mary!  

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I grew up on listening to and eventually reading nursery rhymes which were so popular in the late 60’s. Author, Judy Sierra, put together a collection of nursery rhyme parodies that, while a little on the dark side, will amuse young readers (and many older readers as well) with its quirky twist on the typical Mother Goose rhymes. Illustrator Jack E Davis used his immense drawing talent to breathe life into this funny, slightly disturbing collection of poetry. My favorite is probably “Mistress Mary”. A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Wilma’s Way Home, The Life of Wilma Mankiller by Doreen Rappaport

Donna L

TITLE: Wilma’s Way Home, the Life of Wilma Mankiller

AUTHOR: Doreen Rappaport

ILLUSTRATOR: Linda Kukuk

PUBLISHER: Disney/Hyperion, 2019

SYNOPSIS:

As a child in Oklahoma, Wilma Mankiller experienced the Cherokee practice of Gadugi, helping each other, even when times were hard for everyone. But in 1956, the federal government uprooted her family and moved them to California, wrenching them from their home, friends, and traditions. Separated from her community and everything she knew, Wilma felt utterly lost until she found refuge in the Indian Center in San Francisco. There, she worked to build and develop the local Native community and championed Native political activists. She took her two children to visit tribal communities in the state, and as she introduced them to the traditions of their heritage, she felt a longing for home.

Returning to Oklahoma with her daughters, Wilma took part in Cherokee government. Despite many obstacles, from resistance to female leadership to a life-threatening accident, Wilma’s courageous dedication to serving her people led to her election as the first female chief of the Cherokee Nation. As leader and advocate, she reinvigorated her constituency by empowering them to identify and solve community problems.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Being part Cherokee myself, I was aware that Wilma Mankiller was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for many years. What I didn’t know is how she rose to such a position of power. Author, Doreen Rappaport, writes a very compelling story about Wilma’s life growing up in Oklahoma all the way to being the head of an entire nation. She had many obstacles to overcome. From prejudices among strangers once her family was forced to move to California, to obstacles from others within the Cherokee Nation itself as she rose to power. Illustrator, Linda Kukuk, helps breathe life into Ms. Rappaport’s story with strong, visually appealing artwork. A great addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Surviving The Hindenburg by Larry Verstraete

Donna L

TITLE: Surviving The Hindenburg

AUTHOR: Larry Verstraete

ILLUSTRATOR: David Geister

PUBLISHER: Sleeping Bear Press, 2012

SYNOPSIS:

On May 6, 1937, the giant German airship the Hindenburg was destroyed by fire as it attempted to land at Lakehurst Naval Base in New Jersey. Of the 93 people on board, a remarkable 62 survived, including Werner Franz, the ship’s 14-year-old cabin boy. In Surviving the Hindenburg, writer Larry Verstraete recounts young Werner’s story of the airship’s final voyage. Through Werner’s memories young readers will explore the inner workings of the giant airship, marvel at the breathtaking vistas from its observation windows, and hold their breath during Werner’s terrifying escape from the fiery devastation. “My mind didn’t start working again until I was on the ground,” Werner said later. “Then I started running.”

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Ever since I was a young child, I’ve heard about the Hindenburg. I knew it was a German built airship, I knew it crashed, and I knew there were some survivors. That was the sum of what I knew. This book from author, Larry Verstraete, allows any reader, young or old, to relive a terrifying historical event through the eyes of a young boy who actually survived the flames engulfing the airship. Illustrations by David Geister seem almost too realistic, and this page turner will keep your interest from the first page to the last! A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Donna L

TITLE: Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats

AUTHOR: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

ILLUSTRATOR: Joan Rankin

PUBLISHER: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2001

SYNOPSIS:

Mrs. McTats loves cats — and they love her too! At first Mrs. McTats has only one cat, Abner, but quickly finds herself in a house bursting with twenty-five! Sh!e names each one with a different letter of the alphabet, but stops short at Z. Then there’s a scratch on the door. Surprise! Mrs. McTats finds what the family needs to be complete.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Everyone who knows me KNOWS I love cats! Of course, I was going to add this book by author, Alyssa Satin Capucilli, to my reading list. There are many aspects to this cute story that young readers, parents, and educators will love including the creative way of counting the additions to her feline family, the adorable alphabetical names for each new cat, and the quaint surprise ending! Illustrator Joan Rankin was able to do a stellar job of matching lovely, whimsical illustrations to a strong storyline. A great addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Writer by Davide Cali

Donna L

TITLE: The Writer

AUTHOR: Davide Cali

ILLUSTRATOR: Monica Barengo

PUBLISHER: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2022

SYNOPSIS:

A dog has an important job to do, especially if his human is a writer. Without a dog by his side, the writer would forget to eat. He’d never get out of his pajamas, and he’d probably stare at the computer all day long. But even the best French bulldog can’t do everything. Maybe this perfect pair needs someone new in their lives… 

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : When I first read this book, I laughed out loud. It reminded me so much of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians and the premise that Rodger need a companion to balance his writing life. The illustrations are adorable and so lifelike. Young readers will be highly amused by this cute story. A nice addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell

Donna L

TITLE: Adriean Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

AUTHOR: Marcy Campbell

ILLUSTRATOR: Corinna Luyken

PUBLISHER:  Dial Books For Young Readers, 2018

SYNOPSIS:

Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse–the best and most beautiful horse anywhere.

But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?

The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn’t get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Most children (and many adults) like to tell a good story. They’ll even exaggerate some details to entertain their audience. When Adrian tells all the kids on the playground he owns an exceptional horse, everyone believes his story. Everyone except Chloe. And that’s when the trouble begins between the two. Chloe constantly attempts to debunk Adrian’s story but he never waivers in his tale. It will take a surprise visit from Chloe and her mom to Adrian’s poor dwellings for the young girl to finally uncover something more important than whether Adrian is telling the truth. It will change forever how she sees the world. A good addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson

Donna L

TITLE: The Ballad of Valentine

AUTHOR: Alison Jackson

ILLUSTRATOR: Tricia Tusa

PUBLISHER: Dutton’s Chjildren’s Books, 2002

SYNOPSIS:

Oh my darling, oh my darling,

Oh my darling Valentine.

I have written forty letters,

But you’ve never read a line.

In a faraway canyon, Valentine goes about her business, tidying her cabin, running errands, and baking pies. Little does she know that someone very special thinks about her every day. Her bashful admirer wants to ask her an important question. but try as he might, none of his notes, letters, and heartfelt messages ever end up in the right place!

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Before I even mention what I thought of this story, I have to give a hearty shout out to illustrator, Tricia Tusa, for such a clever, whimsical rendition of one true love’s quest to ask his sweetheart one very important question. Author, Alison Jackson, took a tried-and-true classic ballad and turned it on its head. Young readers are taken on a wild ride as this lovelorn Romeo uses a homing pigeon, smoke signals, and even a rider on a pony to try and deliver his love letter to his Valentine! A clever holiday addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking s omething.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Snowy Valentine by David Petersen

Donna L

TITLE: Snowy Valentine

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: David Petersen

PUBLISHER: Harper Collins Publishers, 2011

SYNOPSIS:

Step out into a snowy Valentine’s Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : The countdown to Valentine’s Day has begun and I’m seeing all types of gifts for loved ones. But for Jasper, the everyday gift just isn’t special enough for his lady love, Lilly. Author/Illustrator, David Petersen, sends one little bunny on a quest to find perfection in one little Valentine’s gift. Just when he thinks he has to return home empty handed, Jasper realizes changing his point of view changes how he creates his own special vision of love. A nice Valentine’s Day addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: Zombie In Love by Kelly DiPucchio

Donna L

TITLE: Zombie In Love

AUTHOR: Kelly DiPucchio

ILLUSTRATOR: Scott Campbell

PUBLISHER:  Atheneum Books For Young Readers, 2011

SYNOPSIS:

Mortimer is looking for love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I went in search of some touching “love story” picture books. But not just your everyday Cupid’s arrow or bunnies in love kind of books. And I found just the right one in Kelly DiPucchio’s picture book, ZOMBIE IN LOVE. Where some may see poor Mortimer as “unlovable”, the main character of this story will have young readers crossing their fingers (and toes!) that this young lover will find his TRUE LOVE at the annual Cupid’s Ball! A cute addition to any library!

RATING: *****5 Stars*****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

?

************

Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/donasdays

Twitter: www.twitter.com/donasdays

LinkedIn: Donna L Martin/Story Catcher Publishing

Goodreads: Donna L Martin

Mail: Donna L Martin

c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927