Thursday, July 22, 2010

Book Review- Bobo The Race Car & Bobo Races On The Tricky Triangle

By Concetta M Payne
Illustrated by Marianna Dragomirova
Published by Mirror Publishing
Source- from the author
4 stars- great reads for kids












Bobo The Race Car:

Bobo is an awesome race car. His dream is to win a big race and be in the winner's circle. So you can just imagine how excited he was when he read that the Poco Race Track was having their first big racing event. He eagerly picked up the phone and called all his friends. He was thrilled when his friends Gator, Big Foot and Saber wanted to join him in the race. During their practice laps, Bobo noticed that his friend Big Foot was having serious problems on the track. Bobo and all his friends knew that Big Foot needed their help, but trying to convince Big Foot was not going to be easy. Just imagine these competing race cars jeopardizing their chances to be in the winner's circle in order to help their friend! Their confidence, determination and unselfish efforts to help their friend compete in the race are inspirational.

Bobo Races On The Tricky Triangle:
BoBo the Race Car was a little disappointed that for all his efforts to prepare for last year's race were not enough to put him in the Victory Circle. But this year was going to be different! He called all his friends asking them if they were going to compete in the Pocono 500 Race. His friends Big Foot and Saber were getting very excited about racing on the "Tricky Triangle" and were all ready to sign-up! The race cars heard many stories about how "tricky" the Pocono Raceway really was. It was a most challenging race track compared to the other tracks on which they had competed. They practiced everyday doing lap after lap, making those "very tricky" turns as fast as they could. All the race cars were ready for the big event. As the Pace Car left the track they all sped off gaining more speed. Bobo was entering his final lap when all of sudden he was faced with a VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM!!

These are such great stories, especially for little readers. The illustrations are cute and the stories themselves are great for young readers. They will learn about friendship, following their dreams and that it's okay if you don't win a race. Like Bobo, they can cheer their friends who win and not be upset if they don't win.

The stories also teach about friendship and not being upset when things don't go the way we want them to. Bobo is a great example t0 kids about never giving up and to keep trying. Bobo will also teach kids the importance of being a good sport and being happy for your friends when you don't win.

Book Review - Hot Diggity Dog: The History of the Hot Dog


Author: Adrienne Sylver
Illustrator: Elwood H. Smith
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers/Dutton (May 13, 2010)
Reading Level: Grades 3 to 6
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 Stars

Description from GoodReads:
We ate them on the way to the moon and served them to the king of England. We name a Hot Dog– Eating Champ! Garnished with hilarious illustrations and amazing “foodie” facts, this kid-friendly, globespanning history of our favorite fast-food meal offers unique insight into America’s multicultural heritage. From a hobo’s franks-and-beans to astronaut food, there’s more to the wiener—and what’s for dinner—than you think.

My new favorite thing is to look for non-fiction picture books that are informative and witty or humorous. It started at the beginning of the year and I seem to be on a quest to find the latest fun non-fiction picture book. Hot Diggity Dog: The History of the Hot Dog by Adrienne Sylver is my newest addition to my personal collection.

Did you know that Hot Dogs have been around for thousands of years? Or that they were referred to in the Odyssey? Or that July is National Hot Dog Month because Americans eat the most hot dogs in July?! These are just a few of the facts and tidbits of information located on the pages of Sylver's books. Actually, there is a lot on each of the pages. In addition to the text that tells about the history of the Hot Dog, the side bars/margins have trivia, riddles, fun facts about Hot Dogs. It really requires a couple of readings of the book in order to sufficiently catch all of the information stored on the pages.

Elwood H. Smith's retro-style cartoon-like illustrations are as energetic as the text and just as engaging. I also loved the randomly interspersed photographs of hot dogs throughout the book.

For teachers who are looking for ways to engage upper elementary students in non-fiction or trying to find a book for a reluctant reader who may have a penchant for non-fiction, I would suggest giving Hot Diggity Dog a chance. The only negative thing I might have to say about this book, which is why it didn't get a 5 star from me, is that the font-size on the side facts is very tiny which makes this a difficult book to read aloud with the pictures facing outward. Aside from that concern this is definitely a "keeper".
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~