I Am Walt Disney

I Am Walt Disney

Ages 8-11

112 Pages

Summary:

All of us have seen Disney movies. The majority of us have been to a Disney park. It's hard to anywhere without seeing one Disney character or another. But, have you ever wondered how all of that came to be? Who was the man behind the movies. How did Disneyland and Walt Disney World come about? Was Mickey Mouse Disney's first character? What was he like as a Father? Through I Am Walt Disney, you can find out. Full of pictures and cool facts, this is a book any Disney fan will enjoy reading.

Walt Disney was born in 1901, but to a rather poor family. His father had a short temper and poor business sense. Because of this, the Disney family moved around- a lot. Walt didn't go to school until he was 7, and didn't enjoy it when he did. Instead of focusing on his lessons, Walt would make flip books out of his drawings.

Walt's love of art led him to earning money for his drawings by local businesses. He went to the Kansas City Art Institute. His friend, Ub Iwerks became business partners doing illustrations for Restaurant News. Walt's first company, Laugh-O-gram Films, Inc.started when a movie theater owner loved the animated shorts Walt made, and asked for more.

When finances overwhelmed Disney and his company, he was forced to close it's doors. However, he soon made his way to Hollywood, Ca. Frustration and success marked his early years in California. A hard lesson brought the world it's most recognizable character: Mickey Mouse. (However, he originally had a different name)

I Am Walt Disney is full of information for young readers. The book introduces you to the key people who were in Walt's life. A timeline is given, and a glossary for any unfamiliar words. Fans of Disney will enjoy this overview of the man who brought Mickey and the Princesses into their lives.

Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas

By: Victoria Kann

Reviewed By: Mrs. Duvauchelle's 2nd Grade Class

The Christmas season is upon us. And Pinkalicious is here to put a little more pink into our holidays! Our favorite lover of pink has the perfect idea for her tree, but will it happen? 

Kids Book Korner has been a fan of this vivacious character since she arrived in bookstores. We love how she thinks and strives to make her dreams come true. We know we're always in for a reading treat whenever we pick up a Pinkalicious book. Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas was no exception. She thinks outside of the box and wants to put her own touch on her Christmas. Yet, her family isn't as quick to jump on her bandwagon. So, in order to get the pink Christmas tree she longs for, she has to convince each member. 

While Pinkalicious is enjoyed by kids and adults alike, we wondered what the readers have to say about her latest adventures. So, we gave a copy to the @nd grade class of Mrs. Duvauchelle to see what they thought. 

Albert loves the idea of Pinkalicous giving Santa a pink coat! (We think that would be fun, too!)

Joshua enjoyed the Mother making a snow angel and all the pink. 

Anneleise was surprised to see the pink Christmas tree! (So were we!)

Kathy felt the book was a fantastic story and was impressed with the idea of Santa in a pink suit.

Alyssa liked how the story made her laugh! She thought it was a fun winter story for kids.

Caralynn was a fan of the post cards and stickers! She felt the book was Pinkatastic!!

While the book was more of a hit with the girls than boys, understandably, they all had one thing they especially loved! The pink tree nearly blew Santa's boots off was a huge hit with the entire class! 

Thank you, Mrs. Duvauchelle's 2nd graders! You did a great job for us, once again!

Kids Book Korner Group Read: Ivy + Bean

It's no secret that we at Kids Book Korner love to read. Sometimes, reading is more fun when you do it with others. That's why, we've started our Group Reads. Our latest choice introduces us to two fun little girls. Some books are better when shared. Find out why we think Ivy + Bean is one of them.

Ivy + Bean (Book #1)

By: Annie Barrows

113 Pages

Summary:

Ivy & Bean may live across from each other, but they were never friends. Now that they are, adventures are to be had. First up, put a spell on Bean's sister, Nancy, so she'll have to dance forever. Can they do it?

Our group consisted of: Rose, Jen, Alyssa (7), & her Dad. 

None of us has ever read an Ivy + Bean book, so when Alyssa was given this book as a present, we decided we should all get in on the fun. Since it was the first book in the series, it was the perfect place to start. We got to meet Ivy and Bean at the same time they did. 

We all loved the book. It was full of kid fun to be enjoyed. We all had scenes that we enjoyed, so we thought we'd share them with you.

• when the worm falls into Nancy's mouth
• Ivy pretends she's going to throw up
• Nancy falls into the mud pit
• Bean paints Ivy's face

All of us loved the Ivy and Bean characters the best from the book. Our 7 year old reader, Alyssa, liked that Ivy loved books and had read hair. She enjoyed all the gross out things the two girls did. She wasn't a fan of bossy Nancy. Rose felt the main characters were very relateable and that Ivy was mysterious, at first. I felt Ivy and Bean were a great team who complimented each other well. I felt most kids would see themselves in one of them, or both.

An Adult Perspective

The adults in our group read loved how the girls used their imaginations. They weren't sitting on a computer, or watching TV. They were making up what they didn't know. The book was interesting and fun to read. As a parent to a young child, I was concerned about the whole witch and potions aspect of the book. My daughter is sensitive and easily spooked by things like this. However, none of it was dark or taken too far. It was light and done with fun. 

A Child's Perspective

Alyssa, our 7 year old reader, loved all the exploring Ivy and Bean did. She felt she could relate to all of the characters, including bossy Nancy. She saw a little of herself in each of them. She looks forward to reading more adventures with Ivy and Bean.

Alyssa Recommends.....

Today's Reader Recommends is done by 7 year old Alyssa! This 2nd grader wanted to share with you a book she recently read and loved. 

Jasmine the Present Fairy

(Rainbow Magic, The Party Fairy Series #7)

By: Daisy Meadows

80 Pages

Age Range: 6-9

It's party time! A big bash for King Oberon and Queen Titania is underway in Fairyland. The Party Fairies keep everything running smoothly, until Jack Frost's goblins steal their magic party bags. Now parties everywhere aren't festive --- they're a flop!

Jasmine the Present Fairy is in trouble. The goblins are after her magic party bag! Can Rachel and Kirsty get things all wrapped up in time for the block party?
Find the magic party bag in each book and save celebrations everywhere!

Jasmine is one of the Party Fairies. She's come to help her human friends, Rachel & Kirsty, with their block party. However, Jack Frost wants Jasmine's party bag. Sending his little goblins (cranky ones, not scary ones) to steal it, the fairies now have get it back. Will they get it and ruin the party?

As a fan of fairies, Alyssa likes this series. She especially liked the part when humans, Rachel and Kirsty, got to see their fairy friends. She also liked reading about how the fairies got everything ready for the party. ("They really know how to decorate!") However, she didn't like how Jack Frost's goblins were trying to steal Jasmine's party bag. ("That's just not nice.")

In this book, you mainly spend time with Jasmine. According to Alyssa, she's very sweet and fun. She feels that Jasmine is a "fantastic fairy friend". She's looking forward to reading the other books in the Party Fairy series. In fact, she will be starting the book about Jasmine's friend Cherry, Cherry the Cake Fairy, tonight. 

Alyssa recommends this series to anyone who loves to read about fairies. She's sure you will enjoy your visits in Fairyland. 

Classroom Review- Apples Galore

Fall has arrived!! Cooler weather is upon us, Halloween is right around the corner, and Fancy Nancy's class is going apple picking! 

Apples Galore!

By: Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy, and her classmates, are taking the fun and learning on the road! In this adventure, the class goes apple picking. Nancy is determined to find her Dad's favorite apple, a Gala apple! However, Lionel, is determined to spend the field trip playing practical jokes. When Lionel tells one too many lies, will anyone believe him when he tells the truth?

While Kids Book Korner is a big fan of Fancy Nancy, we decided to turn over the review to Mrs. Duvauchelle's 2nd grade class. After all, who better to tell you about Nancy's newest adventure than them?!

On a scale of 1-4 stars, the class gave it an overwhelming 4 stars!!! They loved learning new words, and that the book included French words. While they loved the vocabulary Nancy uses, Lionel's lying didn't escape their attention. They knew he shouldn't have been tricking everyone and was glad he learned his lesson. 

Here's some of the comments the class had to say about Apples Galore!

Olivia- "... inspired by Fancy Nancy" (us, too!)

Scarlett- "Nancy helped him even though you knew he was moody" (so nice of her!)

Anneliese-"I really liked it because there was a lot of commotion, big words, & it was very funny"

                    (so true!!)

Michael- "It teaches us a lesson to not lie." (very important lesson!)

Jake K.- "I learned that new words are fun to use in stories. I like to learn new words." (we do, too!)

There you have it! Apples Galore is a 4 star winner with this bunch! One is never too young to learn fancy and new words! Thank you for your opinions, kids! We will be passing them on to Miss Fancy Nancy, herself! 

Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice

Mrs. Noodlekugel And Four Blind Mice

By: Daniel Pinkwater

90 Pages

Ages: 5-9 yrs

The ever lovable Mrs. Noodlekugel is back! Mr. Fuzzface, her cat, and the four mice from her first book join her in this newest adventure. This time, the mice take center stage.

While having tea, Mrs. Noodlekugel notices the mice spilling their cups. There is only one thing to do about this. Why, strap them onto her hat, coax Mr. Fuzzface into a cat carrier, and go into the city so the mice can get glasses. However, nothing is just your regular trip with Mrs. Noodlekugel. No, while riding on the bus, you get to find out how Mrs. Noodlekugel and Mr. Fuzzface met. I'll give you a hint: it involves trains and a gold medal. 

Mrs. Noodlekugel and four blind mice also reunites one of the characters with a long lost family member. 

This book is as adorable and fun as Mrs. Noodlekugel was. From the characters and their personalities, to the adventures they all share. The writing is easy to understand. The chapters are short and to the point. Readers are in for a treat. At the beginning reader stage, readers can enjoy this book on their own, or it can be part of a story time. Perfect fit either way!

Icing On The Cake

The Cupcake Club: Icing on the Cake

By: Sheryl & Carrie Berk

Pages: 115

Ages: 9-12

Summary:

Jenna has a full plate: a 5th grader, cupcake business & club, plenty of friends. Suddenly, her life is about to change. Jenna isn't happy about all the new changes, either. See what takes her, and the rest of the club, to Las Vegas, what connection they have to an Elvis impersonator, and why the club would be baking pupcakes.

Jenna's life may not be perfect, but she's happy the way it is. So when her Mom announces she's now engaged to her boyfriend, Leo, Jenna is less than thrilled. The impending nuptials may have many supporters, but Jenna isn't one of them. Still, Jenna goes along with it when her Mom asks Peace, Love, and Cupcakes to bake them a tower of cupcakes for the wedding- in a month and across the country.

The girls find themselves baking the night away in the kitchen of the fancy Venice Hotel- but not just for Jenna's Mom. Upon their arrival, they meet an Elvis Impersonator with quite a problem. His 100th show is that night and he can't find anyone who can bake a cake big enough for his 250 person audience. Nor can he find someone who can make it a peanut butter and banana cake. Thankfully the girls come to his rescue.

As if all that isn't enough, Jenna falls in love. Her school Community Friends project takes her to Rescue Rover, a dog shelter. Promptly, Jenna meets a puppy she names Dulce. 

The Mother-Daughter writing team of this series brings you another fun adventure to read. I loved seeing what fun things the girls would be doing in this book. It will find a home on my bookshelf.