{Book Review} "Princess Onyx: Precious Gems" by Clarissa Burton

Book Description:

"Today a boy called me ugly because my skin is dark,"
said Jaydah as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"My beautiful gem," Tata said softly, gently wiping the tears from Jaydah's face. "You are far from ugly. You are beautiful and exquisite like a beautiful and precious gem."

{Book Review} "If You Were Me and Lived in... Mexico - A Child's Introduction to World Culture {Volume 1)" by Carole P. Roman

Book Description:

"If You Were Me and Lived in... Mexico - A Child's Introduction to World Culture", is the first entry in this educational series that takes children on a journey to our exciting neighbor to the south...Mexico!

Perfect for children from Pre-K to age eight, this little book is a ground breaking new experience in exposing children the joy of cultural differences.

{Book Review} "Tom T's Hat Rack" by Michelle Spry, Illustrations by Peggy A. Guest

Book Description:

When Shelby Summers’ 4th-grade teacher asks her students to write an essay about something unforgettable they did over the summer that would forever change their lives for the better, Shelby wasn’t sure what she would write about during her summer break but she would be spending time with two of her favorite people, her neighbors Mrs. and Mr. T. But suddenly, the uneventful and ordinary summer she had expected becomes one she will never forget.

The story follows the journey of 10-year-old Shelby during summer break. Her perspective
is forever changed for the better when her retired neighbor Mr. T, who has been battling
cancer, recruits her to help him with a special project and Mr. T refuses to tell Shelby what
their secret project is until it is finished. Patiently, she returns each day, as she is excited to
spend the summer with her friends while her parents are at work.

{Book Review} "Charlie Sparrow and the Secret of Flight" by David Anderson

Blurb:


"Charlie Sparrow has no idea he can fly. It’s no wonder–in Tree City, none of the birds know anything about flying at all. Not Charlie’s parents, not his friends, not the doctors or police. But Charlie is sure there’s a magical secret behind his feathers. He’ll do anything to find out what it is, even break the laws of Tree City. Will he figure out the truth before Doctor Nightingale straps him in the plucking chair and pulls the lever, plucking his beautiful feathers?

This entertaining and inspiring chapter book for kids ages 6-9 has over thirty illustrations."

{Book Review} "Learn to Tie a Tie with the Rabbit and the Fox" by Sybrina Durant

Book Description:

The book is based around the endearing tale of a rabbit and a hungry fox. The illustrated new story melds generations past, with a story of new found freedom and flavor.  Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox, is the careening adventure of these two characters, set to a lively and memorable instructional song, that offers a simple and fun way of learning to tie the "school boy" style knot, so many kids struggle to learn.

In the new book, the very hungry fox races through the forest seeking to capture the sweet rabbit with its sharp and powerful snapping jaws.  The race itself mimics the motion of tying a knot. The book is written to involve the entire family and intended to make it fun for parents to teach the sometimes troubling task to the little learners.

The book encourages participants reading and listening to the companion song to each have a tie handy to go through the motions of actually tying a necktie. The song is a catchy and repeatable jingle that runs around the head long after the book is finished. Children remember the song melody and words and with the jingle re-call their actions in tying their neckties.

The elegant knot the book teaches is also known as the "four in hand". Word association has long been used by scholars and amateurs alike in the learning of anything and everything necessary and unnecessary.  The process is called "Mnemonic" which is defined by the art of memorizing something by associating it with words, phrases or sentences designed to help remember.

Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox is a book readers may see, touch and share. It is also available in Spanish and Tagalog languages. The accompanying song can be streamed for free, in all three languages, at the author's website.