Karen Kaufman Orloff

TITLE: I Wanna Go Home

AUTHOR: Karen Kaufman Orloff

ILLUSTRATOR: David Catrow

PUBLISHER: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2014

SYNOPSIS: “Alex is not happy about being sent to his grandparents’ retirement community while his parents go on a fabulous vacation. What could be worse than tagging along to Grandma’s boring bridge game or enduring the sight of Grandpa’s dentures?

But as the week goes on, Alex’s desperate emails to his parents turn into stories about ice cream before dinner and stickball with Grandpa. Before he knows it, Alex has made a surprising discovery: grandparents are way cooler than he thought!”

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : I have been following illustrator David Catrow’s career ever since I first saw his illustrations in the 2001 release, STAND TALL MOLLY LOU MELON. This addition to the hilarious I WANNA series does not disappoint! Author Karen Kaufman Orloff writes a wonderfully funny story about one boy’s refusal to enjoy his trip to his grandparents and Catrow’s whimsical illustrations keeps the page turning laughs going all the way until the end. What 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 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)***

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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?

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c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

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 *****