THE STORY OF HARMELODIA

Wojewoda, M. P. & Rheostatics (Producers). (1999). Rheostatics: the story of harmelodia. Halifax, NS: Rerimeter Records.

Plot Summary
This is the story of Dog and Bug, two children from Harmelodia who go for a stroll in their neighbourhood park, and fall into a hole in the ground and end up in the land of Popopolis.  
In Popopolis, they discover many curious and amazing instrument. While trhing to find their way home, they discover many magical and beautiful instrument.  By playing these instruments, they learn that magical things can occur, including reaching their father far away in Harmelodia. 


 Review
This is a fabulous book/musical compilation that is suitable for adults and children alike. Readers are able to follow along with the text in the storybook, and then pause to listen to the songs that the Rhoestatics composed for the album. The illustrations captivate the magical mood of the story, and encourage the listener to embark on the journey with Dot and Bug. 
This is not a typical audio book, as the songs are complex, and may not engage a young child listener. However, a young teen could find this book of interest, and appreciate the sounds and music in the album.
 


Age Range - 11-adult

Rating





****

RAMONA'S WORLD

Cleary, B. (1999). Ramona's world. New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books.

Plot Summary
 Ramona Quimby is starting the fourth grade, "the best year of her life, so far". However, she soon discovers the many challenges of being a big sister, as she is expected to act as a strong role-model to her baby sister.  She also finds it very frustrating to live up to her older sister's responsible nature. Ramona must work hard to improve her spelling and she is expected to spend more time with Susan, a "friend" whom she does not like.


Review
This is a great book for children. The challenges that Ramona faces are typical of her age, and the drama that she faces is hilarious. The text is supported with funny images that depict Ramona's world. The book is broken into chapters, which allows the reader to experience a sense of accomplishment with every chapter.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader - reluctant or not. 

Age Range - 8-12


 Rating


****

GO, DOG. GO!

Eastman, P.D. (1961). Go, dog. go! New York, NY: Random House, Inc.

Plot Summary
A rhyming story about several colourful dogs; a blue dog, a green dog, a white dog, a yellow dog and a pink dog. The book follows the dogs as they explore a maze, sit on tree-tops, drive cars, ride on a roller-coaster, ski, and much more. 



Review
This storybook introduces many basic learning concepts to young readers. It features many repetitive words and phrases, to foster and encourage comprehension. In addition, the book introduces important concepts, such as " It is hot here in the sun", and  "Stop, dogs. Stop! The [street] light is red now."
The rhyming scheme does not flow as well as other Dr. Seuss books, such as, The Cat in the Hat, and, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, however, I think that the dogs are funny, and they certainly get into some funny trouble that is sure to entertain toddlers.


Age Range-1-4


Rating 

***

FOR THE KIDS

Gates, T. & Jowett, M. (Producers).(2006). For the kids. Vancouver, BC: Nettwerk

Summary
This album is a collection of 16 kids songs; the songs range from classic children's songs, such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Sing to fabulous new originals that are sung by some of today's finest rock artists.

Review
Listening to this album made me smile. It is warm, welcoming and fun to listen to. Sarah McLachlan imitates Kermit the Frog when singing the classic muppet show song, Rainbow Connection, Tom Waits sings a crooning blues tune, and Billy Bragg and Wilco get creative with  My Flying Saucer. 


The quality of the musicians and the sound recording make this an especially special children's musical album. I would highly recommend this album for anyone wanting to introduce their children to great modern musicians, new songs, and of course, adaptations of old favorites.

Age Range - 0-adult

Rating

****

QUID PRO QUO

·      Grant, V. (2005). Quid pro quo. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers.

    Plot Synopsis
      Cyril MacIntyre is the teenage son of quirky, passionate, and hilarious single mother, Andy, who has dragged her son to her law school classes from the very beginning of her studies. Cyril’s understanding of law is better than any other average teenage boy, which comes in handy when his mother disappears and he is left to solve her missing case.

    

    Review
    This book is cleverly written and very engaging. Cyril is a smart and inquisitive kid who has normal kid concerns, however,  he is left to deal with more mature maters when his mother disappears. The story is set in Halifax, NS, and would therefore appeal to a local readership. I enjoyed reading about familiar locations in the city, and found it fun to image the story taking place in some of our landmark locations.
I would recommend this book to any young reader who is interested in reality with a twist of mystery.

    Age Range - 9-12

   Rating

   ****

DEAR DUMB DIARY: THE PROBLEM WITH HERE IS THAT IT'S WHERE I'M FROM

Benton, J. (2007). Dear dumb diary: the problem with here is where i'm from. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Plot Synopsis
When a sewage line breaks at the Wodehouse Middle Shool, all of the kids are bused to the neighbouring school, Mackerel Middle School, to attend classes. That is when Colette shows up..........and makes Jamie Kelly's life miserable.


Review
Written in diary format, Jamie Kelly tells her readership of the latest happenings in her life, specifically at school. The book is written in familliar language that pre-teen girls will especially like. The narrative is witty, and the humour is comparable to that  Louise Rennison, however, it is geared toward a younger audience.
There are creative illustrations on every page as added entertainment for the reader. I would recommend this book to reluctant readers, as the language is simple, and the humour compels the reader to continue turning the pages.


Age Range: 9-12


Rating




***

UGLY DUCKLING

Isadora, R. (2009). Ugly duckling. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Plot Synopsis
The ugly duckling does not look anything like his brothers and sisters. In fact, he is ostracized and  considered so ugly, that he  leaves his family in search of  a place where he will fit in.

He spends many months alone, and during the winter is unable to survive in the cold. One cold day, a farmer finds him and brings the duckling home to his children, where they love and care for him over the winter months.

When spring arrives, the duckling, no longer little, finds a pond to swim in. To his surprise, his is not longer ugly, he is in fact a beautiful swan who is admired by others.


Review
This is an adaptation from Anderson's classic story.  The story has been altered to more accurately suit a younger audience, as Anderson's original story tells of the ducklings harsh reality with the old lady and her children.
This version is set in the African savanna, as depicted by the vibrant mosaic-like cut out images that Isadora has created. The lesson that this story tells is important to learn, and it is never to early to introduce acceptance to children.


Age Range - 2-5

Rating




****