Tag Archives: Ginger Nielson

First Flag of New Hampshire by Stephanie Burkhart

High schooler Alyssa Rydel is taking American Studies for her college prep course. She knows it’s a tough class, and she hopes she can juggle her schoolwork, a part-time job, and track meets. Paired with new student, Miguel DeSoto, the two are assigned to find the first flag of New Hampshire. The flag has only flown four times in New Hampshire’s past. Can they track the flag through history before time is up?

Stephanie Burkhart makes history fun in this engaging middle school/young adult story. First Flag of New Hampshire brings together a small cast of characters in a school setting, along with other points of interest in New Hampshire. With Miguel being new to the area, details can be shared with readers without weighing down the story with too much information. The back to school season also allows Miguel to witness the glory of living in New England, which is different from his previous home in Miami. I also like that Burkhart manages to provide a fair amount of background for her characters even though the book is under 40 pages.

The artwork is crafted by Ginger Nielson, who is a children’s book illustrator and author. I was already familiar with Nielson’s work prior to this book. She does a lovely job for First Flag of New Hampshire. In addition to the beautiful cover art–which clearly depicts fall in New England–her interior black and white illustrations include just the right amount of detail to complement the story.

Readers who like solving mysteries or learning about the past will enjoy First Flag of New Hampshire. This would also make a great addition to a school library. I look forward to more from this author.

Rating:  🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Paperback:36 pages
  • Publisher:4RV Publishing LLC (February 21, 2012)
  • Language:English
  • ISBN-10:0983801835
  • ISBN-13: 978-0983801832
  • SRP: $15.99
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I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review includes my honest opinions, for which I was not compensated in any way.

In My Bath by Beth Bence Reinke

 Imagination and bath time come together in this delightful book by Beth Bence Reinke.

In my Bath takes the reader on a fun adventure with a boy who imagines he is jumping waves, floating on the tide, jumping from lily pad to lily pad, and so much more.

I wonder if Reinke has the heart of a child to capture the delight of pretending you’re something much different than you are in this wonderful story that could help encourage regular bath time.

I don’t know how your children are, but each of my kids went through a stage where bathing was akin to torture. Getting them into the tub was such a struggle I sometimes ended up just washing them in the sink. Where was this book then?

Ginger Nielson provided the illustrations for In My Bath. I couldn’t help but think of our vacations to the Outer Banks of North Carolina as I read the book. The colors she used, the marine wildlife depicted, and everything from water foam to the sheer enjoyment seen in the boy’s eyes, remind me of our times at the beach.

And once bath time is over, the boy’s toys get picked up, we see him in his pajamas with his toothbrush in his hand, and he’s thinking of new adventures he’ll have in his bath the next time.

In My Bath by Beth Bence Rienke would make excellent reading right before starting your nightly routine of winding the kids down and preparing them for bed. But don’t be surprised if they ask to read this one throughout the day. With this much fun and adventure, it won’t be on the shelf long.
 

Rating:   🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  • Publisher: 4RV Publishing LLC
  • ISBN-10: 0982588666
  • ISBN-13: 978-0982588666
  • SRP:  $13.99



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