What’s better than one story? Two? Three? Four!Garth Nix‘ One Beastly Beast is a great compilation of four distinct stories for kids ages 7-11.

Nix’ intro says that he wrote his stories for himself because he has always loved stories about pirates, inventors and aliens. No matter the inspiration, the collection works really well.Let’s face it. It takes some effort to compete with kids these days. There are PlayStations, Wiis and other things I can’t quite figure out. Books sometimes get left by the wayside. But a good book? It’s way better than a PlayStation. It can take you to another world – and back – on your own terms, on your own timing. And, it makes you smarter (but don’t tell that to the kids).

That’s the great thing about Nix’ book. It’s perfectly targeted to this demographic. Each of the four stories averages about 40 pages – with lots of cool illustrations mixed in between (by the oh so awesome Brian Biggs, who also designed the cover). The fantasy stories are about pirates, serpents, aliens, inventors and monsters. But don’t worry, it’s not a nightmare-inducing collection. Instead, it really is a flight of fancy into the fantastical worlds that kids dream about…

The book, released as hardback in 2007, retails for about $15.99 – perfect for a gift. And though the cover and title say “boy” to me, there are enough nods to both genders that I think girls will like it, too (that said, if your child is a girly-girl, it might take some prodding to get her to pick it up at first). A cool read, just in time for Halloween.

Post from: Blisstree

One Beastly Beast (Two Aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales)

Creeped out yet? If so, chances are that you’re not in the targeted age demographic (ages 5-9).

Spiders, by Seymour Simon, is one of a number of terrific books published with the assistance of the Smithsonian Institute. While the cover gave me the heeby-jeebies, my five year old was immediate drawn to it. “SPIDERS!” she shrieked with more than just a hint of excitement. “SPOOKY!” she added. Her eyes got really big and she pretended to be scared, all while bouncing up and down waiting to see the book.

She was not disappointed – and neither was I. The book is beautifully photographed. The spider webs alone were fascinating and the close-ups of spider faces, while they didn’t do anything for me, thrilled my daughter.

The book is chock full of fascinating information… Did you know that there are over 40,000 different kinds of spiders? And that not one of them has wings or an antenna? I feel smarter already.

The combination of sufficiently scary spider photos and interesting spider trivia should appeal to parents and kids alike. While the book is a little steep at $16.99 (Hardback), I’d still recommend it. And if you’re looking for a great Halloween present (doesn’t your kid have enough candy?), it makes a suitably eerie treat.

Post from: Blisstree

Spiders!

Summer is also a good time to catch up on reading…  I hope that you did!  To celebrate summer, reading and baseball, I have a giveaway.  It’s super easy.

In the comments below, let me know the name of a book that you read this summer (or that you read to your child) that you loved.  Each comment equals an entry in a drawing.  I’ll draw two entries at random.  Each winner will receive an autographed Orlando Cabrera baseball card.

Here are the rules:

• The “reader” (or child being read to) must be 18 years or younger – but all children under the age of 18 must have their parent’s permission to leave a comment.
• You must have a valid email address.
• Entries must be recorded by October 31, 2007.

Post from: Blisstree

October means baseball!

All during the month of October, I’ll be featuring my favorite Halloween children’s classics – as well as some new books featured to become staples on the bookcase.

Care to get me started?

Post from: Blisstree

Halloween Classics