BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: I Wanna New Room by Karen Kaufman Orloff

TITLE: I Wanna New Room

AUTHOR: Karen Kaufman Orloff

ILLUSTRATOR: David Catrow

PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2010

SYNOPSIS: “Ever since their baby sister came along, Alex has been forced to share a room with his little brother, Ethan, and it’s a nightmare. Ethan always breaks stuff, snores like a walrus, and sticks crayons up his nose. No hardworking, well-behaved, practically grown-up boy like Alex should have to put up with that!

Writing letters to his mom convinced her to let him get his pet iguana, so Alex puts pencil to paper again, this time determined to get his own room. Though all of his powers of persuasion can’t get his dad to expand the house, he does come through with a fun alternative to give Alex some space of his own.”

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Sometimes I read a picture book because of a wonderfully written story. And sometimes it’s the captivating illustrations that catch my eye. But sometimes there is a perfect marriage of word and drawing to create magic! Author Karen Kaufman Orloff’s tightly woven tale of one boy’s struggle to gain his own room is perfectly matched with illustrator David Catrow’s whimsical yet cleverly done illustrations. Both come together to invite the reader in and soon we are all are hoping Alex gets what he deserves…his own space! I WANNA A ROOM would make a great addition to any children’s library!

RATING: *****5 Stars *****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but could elements 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!

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“Eight-year-old Hailey loved wearing hats! She had a special hat for almost every adventure of the week! But what happens when she runs out of hats? Who will she be then?

HAILEY’S HATS celebrates one child’s imagination, while challenging ALL children to take another look in the mirror to see the fabulous person looking back at them!

***Ebook on sale now for $2.99! Softcover also available! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QXV4NVC/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1)***

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]

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c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: David Catrow

 

funny lunch

 

Title: Funny Lunch
Author/Illustrator: David Catrow
Publisher: Orchard Books
Ages: 4-8

 

Synopsis:

 

Max creates a hilarious lunchtime adventure as he serves up one hysterical meal after another at his own diner.

 

Why you should read it:

 
I think David Catrow might be one of my favorite current illustrators. I’ve read many of the books he has either written or illustrated and love every one! Max is such an adorable character and I had to smile at his eagerness to show off his culinary skill. Mr. Catrow’s artwork style is so distinctive that I find myself pouring over each page, inspecting every nuance as I find myself drawn into each engaging storyline. FUNNY LUNCH is no exception and would be a great addition to any home or school library.
Like-o-meter Rating scale**: 5 out of 5…grab it!

**Rating scale**

5 out of 5…grab it!

4 out of 5…think about it.

3 out of 5…take or leave it.

2 out of 5…maybe not for you.

1 out of 5…forget about it!

 

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donna

 

International best selling, award-winning 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 children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna is a BOOK NOOK REVIEWS host providing the latest book reviews on all genres of children’s books, and the host of WRITERLY WISDOM, a resource series for writers. Donna is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and Children’s Book Insider. She is a lover of dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection. Donna’s latest book, LUNADAR: Homeward Bound (a YA fantasy), is now available in eBook and print form from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and other online retailers.