Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit

by Rebecca Munsterer

Title: Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit
Author: Rebecca Munsterer
Illustrator: Georgianna Manderioli
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Holidays, Christmas, Girls and Women 
Publisher: In this Together Media
Publication Date: November, 2012
eBook: available in Kindle Format
Paperback: 122 pages

Synopsis 

Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit is the story about how Kat McGee, the overlooked middle child in a family of eight, learns about the spirit of Christmas and saves Santa in the process.

Poor Kat, nicknamed Kat McPee after an unfortunate accident, suffers teasing and taunts, and as Christmas approaches, seriously doubts her own self worth and the spirit of the upcoming holiday. She isn't chosen for the school musical, and accidentally discovers that the school principal is accepting bribes to choose others for the show. No one believes her, except her Gram, who, just in time, arrives for her annual Christmas visit.

Kat and Gram bake cookies and it becomes clear to Gram that Kat needs a refresher course in the true meaning of Christmas. At bedtime Kat finds a magic snow globe that takes her to the School of Christmas Spirit at the North Pole, where she meets Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and the somewhat evil Scoogie Claus.

Through many lessons and adventures, Kat learns about the four tenets of Christmas Spirit:

• worthiness
• wonder
• will 
• whimsy

...and helps to save Christmas along the way.

Comments 

 Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit is a wonderfully engaging story filled with modern-day references and traditional themes about Santa and Mrs.Claus and Christmas itself. This chapter book would make a great read-aloud for younger students, or a fast read for better readers. The unexpected twists and turns keep the plot moving along, and readers will find the illustrations at the start of each chapter cute and engaging as well.

There are even additional sections on how to cultivate the four tenets of Christmas at home or at school, and a recipe for the delicious Candyfruit that Kat loves so much.

What others are saying 

 Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit had received high marks from readers and bloggers. Among the comments:

"This lovely book is filled with all kinds of sage wisdom; how wonderful to introduce these lessons to young people! Not to mention it's such a pleasure to read and filled with adorable humor."
~  ble bleder on Amazon.

"This book is fun...and amazing...and I just can't say enough good about this book! Please give yourself a treat this year and read this book...I am SO GLAD that I did :)"
~  Shauna Wheelwright

"Mrs. Claus and The School of Christmas Spirit is a new Christmas story about a modern girl in a magical adventure." ~  Norwich Bookstore

About the Author 

"Her first book, Mrs. Claus and The School of Christmas Spirit, was written during the summer. To find inspiration, she drank hot chocolate during July, instead of lemonade." ~ Rebecca Munsterer's Amazon Author page

"Rebecca Munsterer is the author and creator of  Novel Nibble, an online website devoted to both serial fiction and musings about writing. An avid non-fiction writer as well, Rebecca has published articles in SKI, ISLANDS, READER'S DIGEST and various other periodicals. During the day, Munsterer works as the Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Dartmouth College where she reads over 2000 college essays annually. Munsterer lives in Norwich, Vermont where she finds inspiration for characters among the townsfolk." ~ In this Together Media 

Book source

This is an unsolicited review of Mrs. Claus and the School of Christmas Spirit. I obtained my copy from Amazon.com.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing. 

Saving Halloween

by Lisa Ard

 
Title: Saving Halloween
Author: Lisa Ard
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction, Tween Fiction, Holidays
Publisher: Write Frame Communications, LLC
Publication Date: 2012
eBook: available in Kindle Format
Paperback: 144 pages

Synopsis 

Saving Halloween is a thoroughly enchanting tale of the unlikely friendship between the very straitlaced Anne Parsons and the always surprising Halloween Spavento. Thirteen year-old Anne, who has her whole life planned out for her by her over-achieving parents, wanders away from her sleeping tutor one afternoon and meets the quirky, wild-haired Halloween - and from there, the fun begins!

Halloween introduces Anne to her wonderfully offbeat - and often magical family. Together these girls become fast friends who take on the school bullies, Anne's disapproving parents, and in the process, prove that friendship and believing in yourself can be a powerful combination.

The wonderful play on "saving" Halloween makes this a double-edged story. On the surface, readers will think that this story is about saving Halloween - the October holiday - and in one way, it is. But it is also about the friendship that develops between these unlikely opposites.

Saving Halloween captures the reader from the very first word, and is unpredictable enough to keep readers engaged throughout. This book would make a wonderful read-aloud during the month of October, with its Halloween theme, but it also is a great book to read anytime, since it touches on many other themes including friendship, loyalty and overcoming obstacles.

Saving Halloween is delightful and not to be missed - put it on your eBookshelf for a special October treat - or read it anytime you are looking for some magic, some fun and some wonderful adventures between two unlikely friends.

What others are saying 

"This is a darling story of learning and accepting who you are...Saving Halloween is strongly recommended to those who are interested in recognizing uncertainty about yourself, and finding the magic of who you really are." Portland Book Review

Looking for a unique treat?...from an interview and review by Christina Lent of the Portland Tribune: "[Ard] lives the lessons she hopes will inspire her young readers. 'With Saving Halloween, I hope they learn the importance of figuring out what you need and who you are,' Ard said."

Saving Halloween was a winner in the 2012 Kay Snow Writing Contest in the Writing for Young Readers category.

About the Author 

From Saving Halloween: "Lisa Ard leads a charmed life in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and two children.  In addition to writing, she loves visiting schools and hearing from readers. Already she’s presented her fabulous writing workshops to a gazillion young students (okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but you can check her website counter for the current number).
For school visits, book information, contests, games, puzzles, or just to chat, you may contact Lisa via her website."

Other books by Lisa Ard include:

Fright Flight: Dream Seekers Book One
Dream Team: Dream Seekers Book Two

 Book source

I received my review copy of Saving Halloween from Lisa Ard.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.

Top Christmas Books for Kids

'Tis the season. Kids are counting the days till Christmas. Parents and teachers are looking for ways to make the time go by quickly. Paper chains, advent calendars and countdown clocks are all ways that children keep track of “how much longer?” till the big day.

kakisky at Morguefile

 Why not combine the long wait and some wonderful holiday literature to make the days go by more quickly? Choose a different seasonal tale each night (or school day) to read and enjoy with your children. Make weeks leading up to the Night before Christmas fun by sharing some favorite stories with your children. Classics like the Grinch and Little House join new tales.

Here’s a list of five favorites to get you started.

Christmas in the Big Woods

A favorite for younger readers is Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder [HarperTrophy 1997]. This short tale from the famed “Little House” series focuses on Laura’s winter in Wisconsin and how she helps her family get ready for Christmas. This version, illustrated by Renée Graef, is an adaptation for the original series aimed for younger children, but it will be loved and enjoyed by all.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the famous Dr. Seuss tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas [Random House Books for Young Readers, 1957]. This tale of a hard-hearted Grinch, who learns the true meaning of Christmas, had been a holiday favorite since it was first published in 1957. It has been animated for TV, adapted for the stage and translated into many languages including Latin. Written in Dr. Seuss’s unmistakable style, this classic is one to be enjoyed over and over!

The Teacher’s Night before Christmas

This entertaining story by Stephen Lane [Pelican Publishing, 2001] is a story that will become a favorite of harried teachers as they prepare for this holiday. It is a teacher-oriented adaptation for Moore’s tale and is sure to be a read-aloud favorite in those last few days of school before the holidays.

The Night Before Christmas

Two classic versions of Clement Moore’s famous The Night Before Christmas are worth seeking out. Everyone knows the story, but the illustrated versions by Tomie De Paola [Holiday House, July 1980] and Tasha Tudor [Topeka Bindery, 2001] make this tale not only a treat for the listener, but a visual joy as well. Both are wonderful version of the classic tale, and reading them both will add to an appreciation of this classic.

A Wish for Wings That Work

Finally, try this lesser known, but wonderful Christmas story to read to young and old alike. A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story by Berkeley Breathed [Little, Brown Young Readers, 1995] tells a delightful tale of a penguin whose one wish is that he can fly. Through a series of misadventures on Christmas Eve, Santa grants him that wish and this little guy not only gets his wish, he gets to save Christmas as well. This story is a refreshing take on the traditional Christmas story and will give readers and listeners a new “must-read” favorite to add to a long list of books holiday books.

The holidays are a wonderful time for family and friends. Favorite holiday stories by Dr. Seuss, Clement Moore, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Berkeley Breathed are just a start. Add to the joy by sharing a Christmas book a day during the holiday season.

Original copyright 2008 Irene Taylor. The copyright of the article Top Christmas Books for Kids in Teacher Tips and Lesson Plans is owned by Irene Taylor. This article is reprinted here with the author's permission. Permission to republish Top Christmas Books for Kids in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.

Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals

Wiley-Blackwell: Used with permission

Title: Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals
Authors: Jeffrey L. Helms and Daniel T. Rogers
Genre: Educational Psychology, Career Goals
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication Date: 2010
eBook: 2011. Available in Kindle format
Hardcover:  ISBN-10: 1405190647
Pages: 336

Review

Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals, by psychology professors Jeffrey L. Helms and Daniel T. Rogers, is a thorough, well researched and easy to read handbook on choosing a career in the field of psychology. This book looks at all aspects of a psychology career from being an undergraduate major through the weighty choice of a career in neuropsychology and everything in between. This book would work well as a textbook for a career planning course or for an individual who is contemplating entering this field.

Choosing Psychology College Programs

The first part of the book tackles the major in psychology, and includes chapters on why one would choose this major, the college experience and how to succeed as a psychology major, as well as assessing and developing career goals. Bachelor's and master's degree programs in psychology are discussed, including chapters on how to select a college or university program, how to get an entry-level position, and how to prepare for an advanced degree.

This part of the book follows a logical pattern, and each chapter in this section includes suggested exercises for readers to help them focus on the material presented in the chapter. These are very hands-on activities such as talking with those already in the field, keeping an activity log, conducting Internet investigations of current job openings and developing mock resumes, CVs and job applications. This section is very much oriented toward getting a student started and helping him succeed in college and in the job search.

Careers in Psychology

The second part of the book takes an in-depth look at the subfields of psychology from a career-oriented approach. Each of these chapters includes an introduction of the subfield in question, with a description of the type of work one would do in that particular field – including salary and employment issues to be aware of. Training and degrees needed for the field are discussed, as well as which jobs can be performed with a bachelor's degree and which need an advanced degree.

In this section, each chapter includes a guest essay by a noted practicing psychologist in the field and a professional spotlight on one psychologist that includes education, professional memberships, and words of advice for students interested in each particular subfield. These chapters all end with suggested exercises and readings by topic area.

Jobs for Psychology Majors

Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals is a great resource that runs the gamut from undergraduate course choices, to finding work with bachelor's degree, to getting into graduate school. It gives a detailed look into the many careers one might choose with a psychology degree including careers in research, psychology in industry, clinical practice, counseling and education to the more esoteric fields such as neuropsychology, forensic psychology and academic careers in universities.

Comments

This book is a must read for anyone contemplating a major in psychology. Fittingly, the book ends with a chapter titled: "Assessing the Career Outlook for the Psychology Major."

What others are saying 

 From the Amazon.com website:

"A worthy addition to the growing literature on the keys to success for undergraduate psychology majors, the Helms and Rogers text is likely to be one of those books that conscientious psychology students refer to again and again."
—William Addison, Eastern Illinois University

"The Helms and Rogers text truly focuses on helping students achieve their educational and career goals. The authors go beyond the typical career books by presenting a realistic, robust, and diverse picture of possible careers in psychology. Bringing a variety of careers to life, the professional spotlights and profiles of real psychologists represent the true diversity of careers in the field.  I look forward to discussing it with my students."
—Tracy Zinn, James Madison University

"Helms and Rogers present critical information to help students get the most out of their psychology major. In addition, this book will answer questions about graduate school that students don't even know they have to ask. If students take the advice seriously, it will ensure their success."
—Barney Beins, Ithaca College

About the Authors

Dr. Jeffrey L. Helms is Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University where he joined the faculty in 2003. Prior academic appointments included teaching not only at the undergraduate level but also at the master's, specialist, and doctoral levels. His publications, research, and practice interests are predominantly in the areas of forensic psychology and the scholarship of teaching. Dr. Helms is a member of the American Psychological Association and the American Psychology-Law Society.

Daniel Rogers is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Kennesaw State University where he joined the faculty in 2005. His research and practice interests are in the areas of personality assessment, measurement, interpersonal and psychodynamic theories, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. His clinical experience includes work across the age spectrum and across levels of impairment, with emphasis on psychological assessment and psychodynamic interventions.

Book source

A pre-publication review copy of Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals was provided by Wiley-Blackwell.

Helms, Jeffrey L. and Daniel T. Rogers. Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. 2010.

What others are saying and author information provided by Amazon.com.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. The copyright of the review of Majoring in Psychology: Achieving Educational and Career Goals in My Book Blog: eBook Reviews is owned by Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Cover courtesy of "Twas"

Title: Twas the Night Before Christmas
Author: Clement C. Moore, edited by Santa Claus for the benefit of children of the 21st Century
Genre: Children's Holiday Picture Books
Publisher: Grafton and Scratch Publishers
Publication Date: 2012
eBook: Available in Kindle format
Hardcover: $16.95
Pages: 32

Synopsis 

The ebook version of the famous poem by Clement C.Moore is a new "smoke-free" retelling. In this lovely version, references to Santa smoking have been removed and some famous lines, including "references to Santa’s pipe and the smoke that 'encircled his head like a wreath'  have been edited out." [TWAS]

These edits bring the famous tale into line with other revisions of classics to reflect a new "smoke-free" way of thinking.

Twas the Night Before Christmas was nominated for a Dan Poynter eBook Award in the Best eBook Cover, Best Children's Picture Books - Fiction, Best Christian Children's eBook, and Best Christian Children’s Picture Book categories in June, 2012. After review by a variety of judges, it was chosen as a winner in the Best Christian Children’s Picture Book category.

What others are saying 

"This poem, which we have edited for the youngest of readers, was first written in 1822 by Clement C. Moore and since that time it has gone on to be widely regarded as the most famous poem in the English language. Most people who hear the first line are able to recite the next line or lines of the poem from memory. This poem spend 36 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List in the children’s category in 2011.

Now in 2012 it takes on a whole new generation with ebooks in English, Spanish and French and an interactive, enhanced, version for ibooks.

This particular edition was edited to quietly remove the reference to Santa smoking a pipe and having a wreath of smoke - the first time in the poem’s 189 year history that such a change has been made. Some people would say that a classic needs to remain intac but we ask the quesiton: “What is a classic if it does not stand the test of time?” To ensure this poem is retained as central holiday reading we felt it imperative to make this edit and we are finding parents, grandparents, teachers and many readers prefer to see the poem without the mention of a pipe.

In this century the World Health Organization predicts that 1 billion people will die a premature death due to tobacco use. The way to cut this number is to do whatever we can to see children not get started down this path with this drug.

The poet Clement C. Moore wrote this poem for his nine children on a sleigh ride home from Greenwich Village back to Chelsea New York on Christmas Eve 1822.

The Publisher
Grafton and Scratch"
Pamela McColl

Of course, the edits are not without controversy.  An op-ed piece in the Canada National Post, After 200 years, Santa kicks a bad habit, details some of the outcry, as does Should Santa give up smoking? in the CBC Community Blog.

Book source

Irene Taylor received her copy of  Twas the Night Before Christmas as a judge in the 2012 Dan Poynter eBook Awards program. She can be reached through this website or email her.

Copyright 2012 +Irene Taylor. The copyright of the review of Twas the Night Before Christmas in My Book Blog: eBook Reviews is owned by Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.

Kids Cooking and Learning Through Food Activities

Title: Kids Cooking and Learning Through Food Activities
Author: Amy Houts
Genre: Education, Children's Non-Fiction
Publisher: Snaptail Press
Publication Date: March 2011
eBook: Available in Kindle format
Pages: 44

Synopsis 

Kids Cooking and Learning Through Food Activities is a great activity book that has cute ideas on ways to use cooking as a springboard for many learning activities. Each recipe is a complete lesson plan including a lesson purpose, a list of supplies and ingredients, details on preparing and making the recipe, discussion questions and springboard related activities. Concepts such as the five senses, classification, descriptive words, identifying colors and numbers, and many other basic skills are taught through the preparation of delicious recipes.

Some recipes can be made without the use of a stove or over; others do need those, but heat activities are clearly marked and safety concerns are addressed. 

What others are saying 

Kids Cooking and Learning Through Food Activities was nominated for a Dan Poyner eBook Award in the Education category in June, 2012. After review by a variety of judges, it was chosen as a finalist in that category.

"Children love to cook and help in the kitchen! Here is the direction parents and others who work with children need in planning activities and learning adventures. There are so many concepts that can be taught through cooking activities: math, science, cooperation and sharing, using all 5 senses to enjoy food experience, classifying colors, identifying shapes, teaching about good nutrition, and so much more. Easy but effective way to teach children important concepts." R.L. Jackson

About the Author 

 Amy Houts is the author of over 32 children's books and cookbooks. They include:

• Dora the Explorer Preschool Adventure. Learning Horizons
• Dora the Explorer Addition. Learning Horizons.
• Dora the Explorer Subtraction. Learning Horizons
• Dora the Explorer Safety. Learning Horizons
• Dora the Explorer Trace & Draw. Learning Horizons
• Winifred Witch and her Very Own Cat. Dalmatian Press
• On the Farm. Dalmatian Press.
• The Princess and the Pea. Dalmatian Press.
• An A*B*C Christmas. Standard Publishing

• Cooking Around the Country with Kids. Images Unlimited

• Cooking Around the Calendar with Kids. Images Unlimited

• Learning Through Cooking Activities. Preschool Publications

Read more in an interview with Amy Houts. 

 More Cooking with Kids Ideas

Reviewing Amy Houts' book reminded me of my own article, Cooking with Kids: Informal Teaching and Learning which is also about ways to use cooking to teach many school-related concepts.

~~~~~~

Irene Taylor received her copy of  Kids Cooking and Learning Through Food Activities as a judge in the 2012 Dan Poynter eBook Awards program. She can be reached through this website or email her.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. The copyright of the review of Kids Cooking and Learning Through Food Activities in My Book Blog: eBook Reviews is owned by Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.

The High School Survival Guide

Cover courtesy of Dan Poynter Global eBook Awards

 Title: The High School Survival Guide
 Author: Ally Mosher, Tracy Keith with photography by Darren Phillips
Genre: Non-fiction teen literature
Publisher: MoshPit Publishing
Publication Date: 2011
eBook: Available in PDF format from Thermoshop
Pages: 158

 Synopsis 

The High School Survival Guide, winner in the 2012 Teen Literature Non-Fiction category in the Dan Poynter Global eBook Awards, is a down to earth, hands on handbook to help teen survive high school.

This is a fun and teen-friendly ebook which takes on on all aspects of being a teenaged girl. The look is more like a magazine – lots of color, many great pictures, text boxes and dialog – all aimed to make this easily read and fun to read! It is a great guide for teen girls – and offers tips, advice and examples of real situations. It is  broken into sections on school life, home life, social life, love life, work life and inner life. All in all, this ebook is a fun read!!

What Others are Saying

The High School Survival Guide was nominated for a Dan Poyner eBook Award in the Teen Literature Non-Fiction category in June, 2012. After review by a variety of judges, it was chosen as the winner in that category.

The High School Survival Guide is a "full-colour, highly visual book for 11-14 year old girls - designed to be a keepsake through their high school years. The book’s focus is inspiring confidence and self-acceptance, and this message is communicated through practical advice for day-to-day high school situations, a guide to getting a job, dating and friendship advice, and tips for home and family."  MoshPit Publishing Media Kit

The High School Survival Guide can be found on Facebook, too!

Irene Taylor received her copy of The High School Survival Guide as a judge in the 2012 Dan Poynter eBook Awards program. She can be reached through this website or email her.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. The copyright of the review of The High School Survival Guide in My Book Blog: eBook Reviews is owned by Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.

Eliza's Forever Trees

 Title: Eliza's Forever Trees
Author: Stephanie Lisa Tara
Genre: Children's fiction
Publisher: Stephanie Tara
Publication Date: June 2011
eBook: available on Kindle
Pages: 148

Synopsis 

Eliza's Forever Trees is a lovely story about a little girl's search to find her mother. Using the device of a nature story, Eliza meets a host of animals on the way to finding the Great Mother Redwood tree and her own mother. Eliza and her animal friends face perils and overcome it all to work together to help Eliza on her quest.

While an age level is not specified, this book is suggested for ages 8-12 by Mom's Choice Awards - which awarded it a Gold Medal in October, 2011. This books would be a great independent reading book for that age group, as well as a good read aloud for younger children. Environmental themes abound, with many great teaching opportunities!

What Others are Saying 

Eliza's Forever Trees was nominated for a Dan Poyner eBook Award in the Children's Fiction category in January, 2012.

"Eliza's Forever Trees is a compelling and powerful account, very highly recommended for any young Kindle reader. It stands out as an exceptional tale of personal and world discoveries. Add Alex Walton's vivid drawings and you have beautiful creation of hope and color." - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review.

About the Author 

According to her website, Stephanie Tara says,

"I've always believed that magic hides in special places. As a child, people often stared at my bright red hair (which was very, very bright indeed.) Unfortunately, I'd developed a bad habit of making up rhymes about all of them - they became funny characters and I didnt have much time to think about being different. Fanciful, lyrical verses danced in my head, no one was safe!

Since then, I've come to believe that children's verse has the power to inspire a deep love of language and learning. Words tripping off the tongue in somersaults, rhymes that stick to your thoughts like taffy--that's the essence of my award-winning books."

Other books by  Stephanie Tara

I'll Follow the Moon (2011) - available in hardcover and Kindle format

Snowy White World to Save (2007) - available in hardcover and Kindle format

Gwynne, Fair & Shining (2006)- available in Kindle format

Irene Taylor received her copy of Eliza's Forever Trees as a judge in the 2012 Dan Poynter eBook Awards program. She can be reached through this website or email her.

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor. The copyright of the review of Eliza's Forever Trees in My Book Blog: eBook Reviews is owned by Irene Taylor. Permission to republish in print or online must be granted by the author of this blog in writing.