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Book Review-The Donkey’s Christmas Song

February 14, 2012 By Heather Leave a Comment

The Donkey´s Christmas Song
by Nancy Tafuri
Hardcoer, 30 pages
Published October 2000
by Scholastic Press
ISBN 13: 0-439-74618-3
Book Source: Bought
4 stars

Product Overview from Amazon: The animals are singing to the special newborn. Any.

The doves sing, Cooo, Cooo.
The cow sings, Mooo, Mooo.
What will the shy little donkey sing?
*An excellent choice for reading aloud”.-
Kirkus  Reviews (starred reviews)

Mary’s Review: A delightful board book  about the animals in the manger singing their songs to the Christ child.  Every animal from donkey to sheep to the birds in the rafters want to sing to the special baby.  All of them  but the donkey.  He was so sad.  What could he sing that wouldn’t sound terrible?  What would the baby’s reaction be?  You will be surprised!

This book also has the sweetest illustrations.  My favorite is Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child.
I recommend this book for ages 2-5.

About the Author: Nancy Tafuri is probably best known as the creator of Have You Seen My Duckling?, a 1985 Caldecott Honor Book described by Parent’s Choice as “beautifully precise yet emotionally affecting.” Trained as a graphic designer, Tafuri has authored more than 45 books over 27 years for the very young. http://www.nancytafuri.com/

Book Review-Over the Moon

February 13, 2012 By Heather Leave a Comment

Over the Moon An Adoption Tale
by Karen Katz

Hardcover, 32 pages
Published September 15th 1997
by Henry Holt and Co.
ISBN 0805050132
4 stars

Product Description from Amazon: “Your baby has been born! She is wonderful. Come quickly and get her.”


This is a magical, reassuring story of one adoptive family”s beginnings, told in words and pictures that are just right for the youngest child–an ideal story to share with families everywhere.

 A long-awaited baby is born, and the adoptive parents who have been dreaming of her fly far, far away to bring her home.


Mary’s Review: This little book is absolutely beautiful.  The story is simple enough for a child to understand what adoption is and how special it is to be adopted by a family who really wants you.
The illustrations are so colorful and bright.  Each new page reminds me the patch work quilts my grandmother used to make.


I recommend this book for ages 5 and up.

Author Bio: I have always been interested in folk art from around the world, Indian miniatures, Mexican ceramics, fabrics, Chagall, Matisse, children’s art, and primitive painting, and I love to paint and experiment with pattern, texture, collage and color. The careers I’ve had–as a costume designer, a quilt maker, a fabric artist, and a graphic designer–have taken all these interests into account. Looking back, I can see that these passions and career choices have played a large part in influencing me to become a children’s book author and illustrator.

But most importantly, it was after my husband and I adopted our daughter from Guatemala that I was inspired to do a children’s book for her. My first book, Over the Moon, was the story of that magical experience of welcoming our daughter Lena into our lives. I painted, I drew, I collaged, and I wrote, and after working very hard… a beautiful book was born! Twenty-two books later, my daughter–now fourteen years old–still is an inspiration for me.
I am fascinated by babies and little kids. The simplest words and gestures can make them laugh. Sometimes standing in line at the supermarket and watching kids in grocery carts, my best ideas are born.

I am fascinated by people from all over the world and what they look like and how they live and the differences that make us all unique.

Book Review- Gorgonzola: A Very Stinkysaurus

February 10, 2012 By Heather Leave a Comment

Gorgonzola: A Very Stinkysaurus
by Margie Palatini (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published May 1st 2008
by Katherine Tegen Books
ISBN 0060738979
Book Source: bought

Product Description from Amazon: Gorgonzola is a dinosaur known near and far for his D.O.–dinosaur odor. Gorgonzola is one serious stinker until a brave little bird shows him how to clean up his act. This tale offers a valuable first lesson about personal hygiene. Full color.

Mary’s Review:  A fun and colorful book that teaches children about proper hygiene.  Gorgonzola is a dinosaur everyone runs from but not because they are afraid of him, but because he’s a stinkysaus until a mother bird takes pity on him and teaches him all about how to be a sweet cleanasaurus.


A great book with such cute illustrations showing each step of cleanliness.


I recommend this book for ages 3-10.

About The Author: Margie Palatini is the author of many outrageously funny books for children, including Piggie Pie!, illustrated by Howard Fine; Moosetache, Mooseltoe, and the Bad Boys series, all illustrated by Henry Cole; The Cheese, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher; No Biting, Louise, illustrated by Matthew Reinhart; and Gorgonzola, illustrated by Tim Bowers. She lives with her family in New Jersey.

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We are the children's division of Fire and Ice. We review baby board books to middle-grade titles. We also review products and toys for the family. For inquiries on reviews, blog tours, and author interviews contact FireandIce.Heather@gmail.com
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