KID'S HOME                                                               Genre: Children/Young Adult Fiction Allbooks Reviews chooses only suitable reading for your children.     Available: Amazon.com       Genre: Fiction   Title: Penny & Rio  The Diamond Collar Adventure   Author: Jennifer Swanson            Jennifer Swanson has done a great job in putting the element of fun in Penny & Rio, Dog Detectives!  One sunny morning, Penny and Rio meet a gorgeous, show dog, Hannah, who needs to find her lucky diamond collar before the dog show that night. Penny jumps at the chance to solve another mystery, and so does Rio, though reluctantly for some reason. Along the way, they make a friend, Ted, the spirited collie. However, they also encounter the arrogant and unfriendly German Shepherd, Sarge.          Just when they think everything is going smoothly, they are jolted back into reality when they bump into an obstacle so overwhelming that not even this gifted pair of detectives think they can overcome it! Then, when they think ( and I ) that it is a happy ending to a satisfying adventure, the treasure is gone once again! They are presented with an even bigger challenge than before! Can they solve it? This is an action-packed, delightful story with colorful illustrations that will keep readers of all ages in suspense. Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Cecilia Lee, Allbooks Review      Publisher: Mirror Publishing-Milwaukee, WI ISBN.NO: 978-1-936352-31-9                         1-936352-31-1 Number of pages: 44 Price: US $7.99 Date of review: August, 2010. ailable on: www.amazon.com            Genre:  Young Adult/ Science Fiction Title:  Cloud Riders Author:  Don Hurst      On earth, fourteen- year-old Paul Winsome is an average, perfectly ordinary kid.  His imagination however, is extraordinary and allows him to dream vividly. One night he dreams that his eleven-year-old sister Vicki, with whom he shares a powerful bond, is snatched out of her bed by a strange creature of the imaginary skies. However, the fact that this dream is the horrifying truth becomes known when Paul awakens in the morning, only to discover that Vicki has vanished!             A note addressed to Paul shortly after his sister’s disappearance demands his presence at the discomforting mansion of Maken Fairchild, commonly known as the town wizard. In the old man Fairchild’s grimy, sinister-appearing residence, the wizard himself abruptly informs Paul that saving his sister will be done only by using the power of his imagination. Adding to Paul’s misunderstandings and fears lingers the fact that he must prioritize, and save the solar system before rescuing Vicki.              In his parallel-imagined life Paul encounters talking, shaped clouds used as rides and Calamity Horrid’s ice castle lurking with tricky obstacles. A talkative cloud mate with initially the same goal as Paul, becomes a good companion, along with a mysterious, often mocking being named Reshape, who is constantly altering his form.             Paul learns that in his imagined world his quick imagination works alongside the perceptions of the others involved, and that strength and determination are the keys that unlock the doors to fulfilling what Paul was destined to do....               “Cloud Riders” by Don Hurst is a creative, enthralling novel that will provide even the most-  thoughtful readers with a challenging, exciting storyline. Hurst’s vivid settings and descriptions along with unique and spunky characters make his cleverly composed work a novel that all ages will be fascinated with, fantasy fans, and non-fantasy lovers alike.             Don Hurst is a unique individual, with a childlike imagination, vast curiosity, and an excellent sense of humour, clearly evident in “Cloud Riders”. Hurst resides in northern California and possesses a BA in expressive arts as well as being a veteran of the US navy and air force. Hurst is the friendly sort with two novels to his name- “Cloud Riders”, and “Return to UKOO”, another witty fantasy novel for young readers.  Highly Recommended by Reviewer: Alison Griffiths, Allbooks Review  www.allbookreviews.com   Publisher: Epress-online, inc. ISBN:  978-1-934258-44-6 Pages: 290 Price: unlisted Date: August 2010 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Genre: Children’s Picture Book   Title: Don’t Call Me Names   Author: C. W. Graham   Disabilities can affect how people do certain things and explain why they look a certain way. But that doesn’t mean someone who has a disability is different from anyone else.   There are so many kids out there who have disabilities; so many very special children with the hidden talents. Why should we stop these talents from shining through with our mockery and scorn? C. W. Graham’s Don’t Call Me Names addresses this issue, and, through simple and heart-warming stories, shows people why they should treat kids with disabilities with kindness.               Don’t Call Me Names is C. W. Graham’s first book, inspired by her experiences raising her daughter Morgann. Both Mrs. Graham and Morgann currently reside in South Florida, where hopefully many more of these books will be created.    This book will undoubtedly have a great effect on how kids with disabilities are treated. It is highly recommended by Boyu Huang, Allbooks Review. www.allbookreviews.com   ISBN number: 978-0-9825699-2-4 Publisher: eMerge Publishing Group, LLC Number of pages: 35 Price: US $16.95           CAN $19.95 Jul. 2010 -----------------------------------------------------    Genre: Children's Books Non-Fiction   Title: Frankie the Walk'N Roll Therapy Dog visits Libby's House.    Author: Barbara Gail Techel          "Frankie the Rock'N Roll Therapy Dog visits Libby's house" is an inspiring book, which will make an enormous impact on your life. Told in a way that children will understand, this heart-warming story brings a message of encouragement to young and old.   Frankie is a 10 year-old dachshund who is paralyzed in her hindquarters as a result of an accident. She had to be fitted with her own wheelchair (dog-cart)! Many people give up at this point, but Frankie shows that all is not lost. In fact, she has gone on, leaving her injury behind her, to display an astounding capacity for love and compassion.                  The book's author, Barbara Techel, is Frankie's "mom". She had always wanted a therapy dog, but when Frankie got hurt, her dream had to be put on hold. So when Frankie fulfilled her dream by visiting Libby's House, a senior's facility where many people have Alzheimers or Dementia, Mrs. Techel decided to write this book. Doing so revealed the often forgotten or avoided aspect of life. Barbara Techel has done a wonderful job of portraying how the elderly and disabled are beautiful creations who should be understood and loved instead of feared or deserted. Christine Thill, owner and RN administrator of Libby's House said that Frankie was a true blessing to Libby's House, and she is absolutely right. Frankie is a true blessing - to the world. Highly Recommended by Cecilia Lee, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com Publisher: Joyful Paws (January 2010) ISBN-13: 978-09800052-4-0 Price: $14.95 Date: April, 2010  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genre: Children’s Book   Title: Sarah’s Socks: My World of Autism   Authors: Litsa Kamateros & Nia Morfonios   It all started the day Sarah went outside in a pair of old smelly socks she picked up from the dirty laundry.   Who knew the everyday life of an autistic child could be so intriguing and sweet? As you chase Sarah in and around her school with the rest of her classmates, you will find yourself unconsciously lapsing back into familiar memories and habits.    Both Montrealers as well as core Canadians, Litsa Kamateros and Nia Morfonios have combined their artistic talents to sculpt this delightful short story. Such a heart-warming and humorous children’s book will undoubtedly hit a chord deep within. It is highly recommended by Boyu Huang, Allbooks Review. www.allbookreviews.com   ISBN number: 978-1-61633-023-1 Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Inc. Number of pages: 26 Price: $13.95 Feb. 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genre: Young Adult   Title: Short Circus   Author: Stephen V Masse   Everyone from twelve to one hundred and twelve can remember their favourite summer as a child. Equally as memorable are the essays usually entitled “What I did over the Summer.” that were a standard task in the Autumn Term of school. “Short Circus” is, in basic terms, that essay, told by twelve year old Jem Lockwood, but expanded to novel length. Central to Jem’s story is Jesse Standish, a Big Brother who leads him into the kind of adventures every teenage boy dreams of having. The Big Brother Association puts adults with younger ones as a programme to teach the children about life, to keep them out of trouble, and above all else, to act as a role model. Jesse certainly ticks the boxes, but more than that he also can communicate with children in a way that someone of authority couldn’t get away with. That said, Jem knows nothing about Jesse before he meeting him for the first time, and he conjures up images of someone more akin to a strict headmaster than the cool, trendy character that Jesse turns out to be. Together Jem, Jesse and Jem’s friends get involved in bike jumping, visiting the circus, fighting and waterfall bathing – all in all the perfect summer for a young adult. Throw in a mystery surrounding the local swimming pond and a boys own adventure to discover the culprit, and you have a story that wouldn’t be out of place in a teenage magazine for boys. Running parallel to this is Jesse’s story, told from Jem’s point of view. Despite being the perfect Big Brother on the outside, Jesse has problems to deal with such as being forced to sell his house due to lack of money and his relationship with his girlfriend. It is Jesse’s story that takes over in a contrast to the fun and frivolity of the earl part of the novel. Considering Jem’s mother approached the Big Brother solution as a way of giving Jem a role model in the absence of his father, it is somewhat ironic that Jesse is struggling to deal with loss of his own father, and it seems that losing himself in the younger boy’s antics is one way of helping him get through. Aimed at early teens, the book is a prime example of playing to its target audience. The plot is probably not complex enough to stand out to adults who are looking for anything more than a quick-flick, but Jem and Jesse are characters that will appeal to the age range of 9-14 year olds, and the tale of children learning to grow up and adults who learn life’s lessons from children has just enough mischief and fun to hold their attention to the end. The writing is not too taxing, but similarly it does not patronise with primary school wording, and is actually a book that is written with a certain type of reader in mind and sticks to it. Short Circus is not the type of novel that can easily cross over into the adult reading market due to it’s subject matter as much as anything else, but I could see it translating well to a late summer family movie someday.     Highly recommended by Anthony Lund, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com   Publisher – Good Harbour Press ISBN : 978-0-615-32057-1 Price - $20.00 Page Count – 184 March 2010 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy Title: The Guardian of Kelmar Author: Laura Sepesi The Key shall the Guardian command Guided by wisdom and understanding, The world shall be healed, By the Guardian's Sword.             The magical world of Kelmar has spent years in peril merely waiting for their Guardian to arrive. Fifteen years passed without a glimpse of hope, but upon the date of Carmen Fox's birthday the change that everyone had been waiting for came to pass. Normal, everyday and ordinary Carmen finds that she is the legendary Guardian the Kelmarian's have been awaiting. Thrust into a world of magic with her animal counterpart Blaze and her souls to find, will Carmen find strength she never knew she had and defeat the evils plaguing Kelmar?             Laura Sepesi has had a love of writing for much of her life, something she brought with her in the passage from childhood into adulthood. The Kelmar Trilogy was first thought of during her years as a high school student. Laura then began to write The Guardian of Kelmar the summer after graduation and continued with it whilst working towards a degree in elementary education. At the age of twenty- one the book was completed, so as to pursue her dream to become an author. Sepesi has written a fast paced book with surprises and challenges for her characters around every twist and turn. Her main character; Carmen Fox is well written and somebody who people can relate to, someone seemingly normal that truly is quite an interesting individual. The sort of brave and loving person that remains in all of us no matter who we are and Ms. Sepesi seemed to have captured that in her writing. Currently, she is working on the second piece to the trilogy and I am very excited to read the next part.             The Guardian of Kelmar was a story filled with magic and wonder upon every page. The book will appeal to children and teenagers alike with a well- written and interesting story they will not find a dull moment. The battle between the good of the Kelmarians and the evil of the magicon was wondrous and brought the reader on an adventure they will feel to have gone on themselves. I myself, hope that we will be seeing more from Laura Sepesi quite soon.             The Guardian of Kelmar is highly recommended by Kirsten Bussière, Allbooksreviews. Author's Website: LauraSepesi.com Publisher: Infinity Publishing Publisher's Website: infinitypublishing.com Retail Price: US $26.95 ISBN: 0-7414-5336-3 Jan. 2010   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Genre: Children’s Fiction Title: The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain Author: Janet Davis The Magic of Old Man Pouring Rain is an engaging children’s book that weaves a story about the appreciation of precipitation. The title of this story was intriguing and creative. Who would’ve been able to create an aging raindrop along with 10 spunky little raindrops? This story is simple and understandable and it teaches children to be fond of rain. It has a good moral as well. As the story says, rain nurtures the Earth and helps provide crops for humans. The plot is started with the wise Old Man Pouring Rain, sitting on the clouds creating little raindrops to drop down on Earth and to teach kids about the rain. Being successful with his agents, the Old Man Pouring Rain orders the group of raindrops to fly from the sky. They have many exciting adventures. When the raindrops leave, the children on Earth learned something new, and the raindrops made new human friends. The vocabulary of this book was humorous and easy, perfect for youngsters to read. This read is an impressive attempt from Janet Davis, and I am sure it will intrigue many young readers. Janet Davis is a budding authoress as well as a busy mother of two girls. She takes care of her mom and her mentally challenged brother. Davis is hoping to write more adventures about these raindrops and uses the money she earns from her sales to donate to the Leukemia Society. Her kind loving, personality shines very well in this book. She is a lovely author and I hope to read some of her other books!   Highly Recommended, Reviewer: Iris Park, Allbooks Review    www.allbookreviews.com ISBN: 978-1-936046-28-7 Price: $14.99 US Jan. 2010 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genre: Fantasy   Title: Wyndano's Cloak   Author: A.R Silverberry                       The rest was a kaleidoscope of tilting and falling, of wandering lost, with no way out, no way home, no way back to a world of light and love, until the mist melted away and she collapsed, shaking in a pool of sweat.             A dark omen of chaos and destruction threatens Jen's newly peaceful world. Shadows of the past are brought forwards as threats to their future. Dark times move in towards them, threatening to shatter the haven created. The mystical; Wyndano's cloak may be her only chance to save those she loves from peril, but to succeed she must conquer the fear that churns within her and face up to the dark times ahead. With the terrifying events drawing closer and time running out Jen must face the world head on before time runs out.             Peter Allan Adler; writing as A.R Silverberry, has weaved a tale of intense imagination and wonder. Creativity seems to be pulsating through his veins as he takes pleasure in many other forms of art besides writing; including watercolor, piano and also composing. With a family filled with successful writers, actors, artists and musicians Peter remembers a childhood of early musings and a love of stories. Aside from his artistic skills Mr. Adler also has been a licensed psychologist since the year of 1991. Wyndano's cloak is a wonderfully written novel that I didn't even put down until it was finished. The characters are easy to relate to and yet they are still far from average, people will surely love this book and the adventures it takes you on. As the pages turn you find yourself in a wonderful tale of fantasy and bravery.             In my opinion, Wyndano's cloak was a well- written tale creating an adventure we may only find in the deepest corners of our imagination. I believe that this book would be enjoyed by many people and that it would be an enriching choice for personal bookshelves everywhere. A.R Silverberry's story was one that I will likely be re-reading very soon.             Wyndano's cloak is highly recommended by Kirsten Bussière, Allbooksreviews. Author's Website:  www.arsilverberry.com Publisher: Tree Tunnel Press Publisher's Website: www.treetunnelpress.com Retail Price: $21.95 I.S.B.N: 978-0-9841037-6-8   May 2010 Finalist in the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Young Adult Fiction Finalist in the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Adventure Winner of the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards in Children's Cover Design         Buy books you see here by clicking on the graphic & visiting Amazon!