Game informer magazine: For video game enthusiasts. (2010, October). Eden Prairie, MN: Sunrise Publications.
Interest Level: Ages 12 to Adult
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Magazine, Video Games, Reviews
Content: Game Informer Magazine is published on a monthly basis. The magazine contains a variety of current information related to the video game industry. Such information includes video game reviews, news releases, interviews with industry professionals, and editorials. Advertisements for video games and game systems are found throughout the magazine.
Personal Thoughts: At first glance I thought that this magazine was mostly directed towards an adult audience due to the small print and large amount of information found in each of the articles. But this particular magazine is shelved in the young adult area of my library and so I decided to take a closer look. While the articles are very in-dept and require the reader to posess a good vocabulary, there is still a lot of information that would interest a tween or teen. The large variety of graphics and screenshots from games encourage all ages to browse through the magazine in search of an item of interest. Tweens and teens looking through this magazine may very well skip over a large number of the in-dept articles and simply focus on those that discuss upcoming games that they have a particular interest in.
For parents worried about adult content in video games, this magazine or their website might be a good resource to get more details before allowing a child to purchase a game. The magazine itself does not use profane language in its articles but there are some photos depicting video game violence. I did not feel that there was any overly sexual graphics included in this issue, but I would suggest that parents browse through each issue as that could change from issue to isssue and as the definition of what is too graphic should be a personal decision that you base on your child.
Company Website: Game Informer
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Cats & Dogs (DVD)
Lazar, A., DeFaria, C., Zide, W., Perry, C. (Producers), Guterman, L. (Director), Requa, J., & Ficarra, G. (Writers). (2001). Cats & Dogs [DVD]. United States: Warner Home Video.
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 13
Rating: PG
Running Time: 87 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Secret Agents, Scientists, Action/Adventure, Comedy, Family, Pets
Plot: The secret war between cats and dogs is explained. Professor Brody is trying to create a cure to his dog allergy. Cats, in an attempt to take over the world, are trying to steal the formula. Mr. Tinkles, the leader of the cats, plans on changing the serum in order to make all humans allergic to dogs. Lou, a beagle puppy, accidentally takes the place of a trained dog agent as the Brody families new pet. Now its up to Lou with the help of some trained agents to protect the family and the serum from Mr. Tinkles and his evil cats.
Personal Thoughts: The movie was given a rating of 5.2 out of 10 on the Internet Movie Database. I personally liked this as a movie to watch at home with the family, but I don't think I would of been as happy to pay to watch it in the theater. It was funny enough for adults and of course talking animal movies are usually a hit with most children. The addition of secret agent devices and action scenes with a hint of comedy keeps the movie interesting. The movie has some good themes about friendship, family, and choosing to do the right thing. I expect some renewed interest in this title as the sequel was just released in July 2010.
Sequel: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010)
Interest Level: Ages 6 to 13
Rating: PG
Running Time: 87 minutes
Subjects/Themes: Secret Agents, Scientists, Action/Adventure, Comedy, Family, Pets
Plot: The secret war between cats and dogs is explained. Professor Brody is trying to create a cure to his dog allergy. Cats, in an attempt to take over the world, are trying to steal the formula. Mr. Tinkles, the leader of the cats, plans on changing the serum in order to make all humans allergic to dogs. Lou, a beagle puppy, accidentally takes the place of a trained dog agent as the Brody families new pet. Now its up to Lou with the help of some trained agents to protect the family and the serum from Mr. Tinkles and his evil cats.
Personal Thoughts: The movie was given a rating of 5.2 out of 10 on the Internet Movie Database. I personally liked this as a movie to watch at home with the family, but I don't think I would of been as happy to pay to watch it in the theater. It was funny enough for adults and of course talking animal movies are usually a hit with most children. The addition of secret agent devices and action scenes with a hint of comedy keeps the movie interesting. The movie has some good themes about friendship, family, and choosing to do the right thing. I expect some renewed interest in this title as the sequel was just released in July 2010.
Sequel: Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010)
The Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster (Book)
Preller, J. (1998). The case of Hermie the missing hamster. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Interest Level: Ages 7 to 10
Genre: Mystery, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Pets, Detectives, Second Graders
Plot: Jigsaw Jones and his best friend Mila are hired to find Wingnut's missing pet hamster, Hermie. First they search for information about Hamsters in books and by asking an expert aka a pet store worker. Then they search the crime scene aka Wingnut's bedroom. They make sure to write down all the clues and facts that they come across. Finally using Mila as a human hamster detector and a little brain power, they manage to find the missing hamster as well as an extra surprise.
Personal Thoughts: This book is a quick an easy read. The book supports children searching for answers to questions on their own, rather then being given all the answers. For example the children's teacher has the children think of the answers to their own questions and search the phone book on their own. The book is also filled with some basic facts about hamsters and snakes. Jigsaw and Mila trade notes using a number code which is a great way to encourage children to copy them or think up their own codes. A good book for younger or relucant readers.
Series Info: Book One of the Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series
Sequel: The Case of the Christmas Snowman
Author Website: http://www.jamespreller.com/
Other Books by the Author: Bystander (2009); Six Innings: A Game in the Life (2008); Justin Fisher Declares War (2010);
Interest Level: Ages 7 to 10
Genre: Mystery, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Pets, Detectives, Second Graders
Plot: Jigsaw Jones and his best friend Mila are hired to find Wingnut's missing pet hamster, Hermie. First they search for information about Hamsters in books and by asking an expert aka a pet store worker. Then they search the crime scene aka Wingnut's bedroom. They make sure to write down all the clues and facts that they come across. Finally using Mila as a human hamster detector and a little brain power, they manage to find the missing hamster as well as an extra surprise.
Personal Thoughts: This book is a quick an easy read. The book supports children searching for answers to questions on their own, rather then being given all the answers. For example the children's teacher has the children think of the answers to their own questions and search the phone book on their own. The book is also filled with some basic facts about hamsters and snakes. Jigsaw and Mila trade notes using a number code which is a great way to encourage children to copy them or think up their own codes. A good book for younger or relucant readers.
Series Info: Book One of the Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series
Sequel: The Case of the Christmas Snowman
Author Website: http://www.jamespreller.com/
Other Books by the Author: Bystander (2009); Six Innings: A Game in the Life (2008); Justin Fisher Declares War (2010);
Two at the Zoo (Book)
Smith, D. (2009). Two at the Zoo. New York, NY: Clarion.
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Zoo, Grandparents. Counting, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: A little boy and his grandpa spend a day at the zoo. They count the different animals they see from 1 to 10.
Personal Thoughts: The pictures are cute and colorful full of smiling zoo animals. The rhymes work wonderfully with none of the forced or insensible lines that you sometimes see when the author is more interested in making the rhyme work rather than having the story make sense. The rhymes have a wonderful sing song tone to them such as "Penguins marching, penguins dive. Waddle, toddle we count 5." This is a great counting book to include in a storytime. It's an especially nice story for a grandparents day theme.
Author Website: http://www.dannasmithbooks.com/
Other Books by the Author: A Brave Spaceboy (2005); A Wild Cowboy (2004);
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Animals, Zoo, Grandparents. Counting, Stories in Rhyme
Plot: A little boy and his grandpa spend a day at the zoo. They count the different animals they see from 1 to 10.
Personal Thoughts: The pictures are cute and colorful full of smiling zoo animals. The rhymes work wonderfully with none of the forced or insensible lines that you sometimes see when the author is more interested in making the rhyme work rather than having the story make sense. The rhymes have a wonderful sing song tone to them such as "Penguins marching, penguins dive. Waddle, toddle we count 5." This is a great counting book to include in a storytime. It's an especially nice story for a grandparents day theme.
Author Website: http://www.dannasmithbooks.com/
Other Books by the Author: A Brave Spaceboy (2005); A Wild Cowboy (2004);
Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Book)
Cowley, J. (1999). Red-eyed tree frog. New York, NY: Scholastic.
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Frogs, Reptiles, Animals, Rain Forest, Central America
Plot: A night in the life of a red-eyed tree frog from Central America. The red-eyed tree frog wakes up in the evening and goes searching through the rain forest for food. Along the way, he comes in contact with various animals that he can't eat and that might eat him. The last two pages are full of detailed information about red-eyed tree frogs.
Personal Thoughts: The pictures taken by Nic Bishop, an award winning photographer, in this non-fiction book are wonderfully clear and close up. Every scale and leaf can be seen. The sentences are simple and short but with the pictures introduce the reader to a variety of animals and the nightly life of this little tree frog. A great non-fiction picture book for little children interested in reptiles, especially frogs.
Awards:
Winner Boston Globe Horn picture book award (1999)
Finalist NZ Post Children's Book Awards (2000)
Author Website: http://www.joycowley.com/picture.shtml
Other Books by the Author: Chameleon, Chameleon (2005); Big Moon Tortilla (2002); Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey (1996); The Mouse Bride (1995);
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Non-Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Frogs, Reptiles, Animals, Rain Forest, Central America
Plot: A night in the life of a red-eyed tree frog from Central America. The red-eyed tree frog wakes up in the evening and goes searching through the rain forest for food. Along the way, he comes in contact with various animals that he can't eat and that might eat him. The last two pages are full of detailed information about red-eyed tree frogs.
Personal Thoughts: The pictures taken by Nic Bishop, an award winning photographer, in this non-fiction book are wonderfully clear and close up. Every scale and leaf can be seen. The sentences are simple and short but with the pictures introduce the reader to a variety of animals and the nightly life of this little tree frog. A great non-fiction picture book for little children interested in reptiles, especially frogs.
Awards:
Winner Boston Globe Horn picture book award (1999)
Finalist NZ Post Children's Book Awards (2000)
Author Website: http://www.joycowley.com/picture.shtml
Other Books by the Author: Chameleon, Chameleon (2005); Big Moon Tortilla (2002); Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey (1996); The Mouse Bride (1995);
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Absent Author (A to Z Mysteries Book Series)
Roy, R. (1997). The absent author. New York, NY: Random House.Interest Level: Ages 9 to 12
Genre: Mystery
Subjects/Themes: Third Graders, Child Detectives, Authors, Pseudonyms
Plot: Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are all set to meet their favorite mystery author, Wallis Wallace, and have him sign their books. Dink even got a personal letter from Wallace saying "short of being kidnapped" nothing would stop the author from attending the book signing. When Wallace doesn't show, the kids fear the worst and go off in search of clues to find out what happened. Ms. Mavis was suppose to meet the author for lunch and joins the children in their search. We follow the children and Ms. Mavis as they track Wallace's movements from the airport, onto a taxi, and to the Shangri-la Hotel in an attempt to find the missing author.
Personal Thoughts: This series is constantly circulating at the library where I work. The story is easy to read with vocabulary appropriate to for 3rd and 4th graders. A good choice to introduce reluctant or struggling older readers to mystery titles. The pencil illustrations of scenes scattered throughout the book are well done and will draw the interest of the reader. The story ends with the children discovering that they have been tricked into thinking the author was kidnapped by who else but the author! We find out that the author was really Ms. Mavis instead of a man like they thought. This twist at the end provides a great opportunity for a discussion about pseudonyms and gender assumptions. As an extra activity, a teacher or book club monitor might want to make a list of different authors names and have the children guess if their female or male.
Series Info: Book One of the A to Z Mysteries Series.
Sequel: The Bald Bandit (1997)
Author's Website: Contains book quizzes and character coloring pages. http://www.ronroy.com/atoz/
Similar materials: Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series by James Preller (New York, NY: Scholastic)
Not A Stick (Book)
Portis, A. (2008). Not a stick. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Imagination, Pig, Sticks
Plot: A sequel to Not a Box (2006). A little pig and his not-a-stick. The reader/narrator keeps asking the pig to be careful when playing with a stick. The pig explains that he is not playing with a stick but instead with a fishing pole or paint brush.
Personal Thoughts: First we had a book about boxes and now we have sticks! You'll wonder about how such a simple plot idea turned into such a cute and imaginative book. The author once again brings a sense of humor to the little pig's imagination. The narrator's voice echoes a parent's voice telling their child to be careful. The pig's repetitive statements about all the things his not-a-stick is will make the reader smile. Once again one set of illustrations are simple black lines portraying a pig and a stick on a white background, which is what the narrator or parent sees. But this time the other set of illustrations adds bright blue crayon lines over the pig and the stick to illustrate what the child or pig sees, such as a horse or a baton. The book's cover is made to look like a piece of wood. This author has created another great addition to any picture book collection.
Awards:
Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of 2009 List
Publishers' Weekly Starred Review (2007)
Author Website: http://www.antoinetteportis.com/index1.html
Other Books by the Author: Not a Box (2006); Kindergarten Diary (2010)
Interest Level: Ages 5 & under
Genre: Picture Book, Fiction
Subjects/Themes: Imagination, Pig, Sticks
Plot: A sequel to Not a Box (2006). A little pig and his not-a-stick. The reader/narrator keeps asking the pig to be careful when playing with a stick. The pig explains that he is not playing with a stick but instead with a fishing pole or paint brush.
Personal Thoughts: First we had a book about boxes and now we have sticks! You'll wonder about how such a simple plot idea turned into such a cute and imaginative book. The author once again brings a sense of humor to the little pig's imagination. The narrator's voice echoes a parent's voice telling their child to be careful. The pig's repetitive statements about all the things his not-a-stick is will make the reader smile. Once again one set of illustrations are simple black lines portraying a pig and a stick on a white background, which is what the narrator or parent sees. But this time the other set of illustrations adds bright blue crayon lines over the pig and the stick to illustrate what the child or pig sees, such as a horse or a baton. The book's cover is made to look like a piece of wood. This author has created another great addition to any picture book collection.
Awards:
Bank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of 2009 List
Publishers' Weekly Starred Review (2007)
Author Website: http://www.antoinetteportis.com/index1.html
Other Books by the Author: Not a Box (2006); Kindergarten Diary (2010)
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