The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

by E.T.A. Hoffmann (Author), Gail De Marcken (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-9

Hardcover: 56 pages

Publisher: Orchard Books (September 1, 2009)

What to expect: Fairy tale, nutcracker, holiday

Gail De Marcken's brilliant water color illustrations fill the large pages and border the classic and original text of E.T. A. Hoffman (1816). Using ink, De Macrken has added distinguished detail to her alluring images; from the expressions on the faces of dolls to the scenery from Marie's dreams, emotion and magic is certainly apparent and very effective. If your planning to head to the ballet this season, this version would be wonderful to read beforehand; there is even a brief introduction at the beginning of the book that lets readers know how the Tchaikovsky ballet came about. However, the story is longer than most traditional picture books, so be sure to have a bookmark handy.

Publisher's synopsis: In this gorgeous telling of The Nutcracker, Gail de Marcken brings E.T.A. Hoffmann's richly enchanting world to life. With beautifully detailed illustrations, the story of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING will become an instant classic . It's a story readers of all ages will delight in.

Add this book to your collection: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Are you planning to go and see the ballet version? Do you have a favorite ballet company who showcases the Nutcracker? Maybe you have a favorite book version of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Leave us a comment below.

_{Source of book: Scholastic}

The Christmas Magic

by Lauren Thompson (Author), Jon J Muth (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 1, 2009)

What to expect: Christmas theme, Santa, Reindeer, spirit

Have you ever wondered how Santa knows when it's the right time to start preparing for Christmas? Author Lauren Thompson lets us in on Santa's secret: he gets a "tingling in his whiskers" which lets him know that Christmas magic is on its way. Her uncomplicated text gives a wonderful account of the chores that Santa must undertake in order to be ready on Christmas eve. "First, Santa gathers the reindeer from the sparkling fields of snow." He also shines his sled, darns the holes in his socks (yes, no appearances from Mrs. Claus), trims his beard, and then carefully selects toys before packing them in his sack. Then, beautifully said, [the magic] "has come at last, as it always has, and always will." 

Muth -- who is well known for his bestselling, enlightening picture books: Zen Shorts and Zen Ties -- has added nothing but sheer enchantment with his water color and pastel illustrations. Using rich blues and winter whites, he has created a quiet and pitch-perfect ambiance that is at one with the text. Santa appears wizardly-like, but also seems familiar and homely when he is spotted wearing bunny slippers. From the special toy room -- where Muth's Zen Shorts panda character, Stillwater, can be spotted --  to the enchanting last spread where Santa is flying high in the sky, readers will be completely mesmerized.

Written and illustrated with entrancing sensitivity, The Christmas Magic is a beautiful, heart-warming tale; perfect for an intimate holiday story time.

Publisher's synopsis: Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeer fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.

Lauren Thompson is known for her uncanny ability to reach the hearts and minds of the youngest readers.

Jon J Muth's luminescent watercolor strike all the perfect chords in this warm, reassuring Christmas story.

Add this book to your collection: The Christmas Magic

Other great books by Lauren Thompson: The Apple Pie that Papa Baked, Little Quack, and Mouse's First Snow.

Other great books by Jon Muth: Zen Shorts, Zen Ties, The Three Questions, and Stone Soup.

_{TCBR's source of book: Scholastic}

Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again is a remarkable tale told by the bestselling authors of Owen & Mzee. After the success of the recent giveaway that we held, I am sure that many of you will be interested in hearing about this great essay contest. TCBR happily shares this information from Scholastic ...

Encourage your young readers to enter for a chance to win a visit with Winter the Dolphin at her home in Clearwater Marine Aquarium by telling Scholastic about their favorite animal hero. Download the contest details (PDF) here.

ABOUT THE CONTEST

HOW TO ENTER

Shoofly is an audiomagazine for children between the ages of 3 and 7, developed by a small independent publisher "dedicated to offering families of young children quality entertainment." An annual subscription to Shoofly includes 4 issues and a bonus music CD (or MP3 download). Typically, each issue has 4 stories and 4 songs, all are mixed very artfully with poetry and musical elements -- the CD's usually run around 45-60 minutes.

The collection of stories in each issue is an all-embracing mix of original and traditional tales. Some of the traditional tales you could expect are The Tortoise and the Hare, Stone Soup, and Jack and the Beanstalk. The narrations are clear, vibrant, and lively; they certainly hold the attention of little listeners. You can listen to a sample here.

A list of awards and achievements:

• iParenting Media Award
• Seal of Excellence Creative Child Magazine Award
• Parents' Choice Silver Honor
• National Parenting Publications Award
• Parent's Guide Award
• EdPress Distinguished Achievement Award

Shoofly can be purchased individually or as a yearly subscription (available on CD or MP3 - 4 Shoofly issues  + 1 bonus music CD or MP3): http://shooflyaudio.com/ 

_{TCBR's source of CD: Shoofly Audio}

The 39 Clues: Book Three: The Sword Thief

by Peter Lerangis

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: Scholastic (March 3, 2009)

What to expect: Mystery, Action, Suspense, Babysitter, Brothers and Sisters, Family, Orphans

Book one: Rick Riordan set the pace well, creating a suspenseful adventure and scattering it with secretive clues.

Book two: Gordon Korman transitions readers smoothly into book two, One False Note, and manages to strengthen the readers relationship with the characters.

Now for book and author number 3 ...

Where the excitement ended in book two, it picked right back up in the beginning of book three. Peter Lerangis is one of the country's most in-demand movie novelization authors, he has adapted both The Sixth Sense and Batman Begins; so, as you can see, drama, action, mystery and suspense are not foreign to this guy.

Lerangis has Dan and Amy searching for clues in Japan; they are separated from their Au-pair, Nellie Gomez; and working in alliance with their Uncle Alistair Oh, even though they have been warned to trust no-one. There are some nicely executed action scenes that fit in well to this fast paced plot -- it is definitely the quickest read from the series, thus far. We see more character development from some of the lesser known family members, which definitely adds more depth to the storyline. In fact, readers can expect some pretty funny and awkward moments.

Publisher's synopsis: ATTENTION! Amy and Dan Cahill have been located once again, this time in the company of the notoriously unreliable Alistair Oh. Could they have been foolish enough to make an alliance?

Spies report that Amy and Dan seem to be tracking the life of one of the most powerful fighters the world has ever known. If this fearsome warrior was a Cahill, his secrets are sure to be well-guarded . . . and the price to uncover them just might be lethal.

Add this book to your collection: The 39 Clues: Book Three: The Sword Thief: Peter Lerangis

Read our review of The 39 Clues: Book One: Maze of Bones

Read our review of The 39 Clues: Book Three: The Sword Thief

Visit the 39 Clues website to win prizes: www.the39clues.com

Have you or your children been reading and playing along? Let us know what you think, leave a comment below.

Positively fantastical!

The makeup, the effects, the cinematography, not to mention Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.  Feast your eyes and imagination on this ...

To make sure you and your family have read this enchanting classic before seeing the movie -- you have plenty of time, the release date is March 5, 2010 -- here are my favorite "Alice" editions:

by Lewis Carroll

Reading level: Ages 8+

Hardcover: 416 pages

Publisher: Candlewick (August 28, 2007)

Add this set to your collection: The Complete Alice: Slipcased Gift Set

by Alison Jay

Reading level: Ages 4-12

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Dial (September 7, 2006)

Add this book to your collection: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Jon Scieszka

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 64 pages

Publisher: Disney Press (September 2, 2008)

Add this book to your collection: Walt Disney's Alice in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 12 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's (November 3, 2003)

Add this book to your collection: Alice in Wonderland: Pop-up Book

By Bianca Schulze, The Children's Book Review
Published: November 2, 2009

Audiobooks have the power to turn a disastrous car trip into an enjoyable family moment. They can even help lure a restless sleeper into dreamland. But, did you know that audiobooks can actually help improve listening and comprehension skills. They're also a great tool for introducing readers to new authors, and helping reluctant readers connect to a story by providing a different sensory experience. The trick is finding a quality story with a quality narrator.

Another great place to look for audiobooks is kids.audible.com. They have a HUGE selection of the best books for kids and young adults. You can browse by Bestsellers, New Releases, Customer Favorites, Animal Stories, Biographies & History, Classics, Fables, Fictions, Mysteries, Nonfiction, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, and more. 

Does your family have a favorite audiobook? A favorite narrator? My family enjoys The Velveteen Rabbit read by Meryl Streep. If you love fables and true classics, I suggest checking out Rabbit Ears Entertainment.