Velvet Haney went from living a life of poverty in the slums of Toronto in the 1960s to gallivanting around the world as a high fashion model, returning to Toronto 14 years later. And for over 50 years, she has kept the truth about her sensational upbringing a secret. Until now. Nothing has been … [Read more...]
That Yellow Border
When I was a kid, my parents had stacks and stacks of old National Geographics. I loved them. I read about places all over the world, from deep in the ocean to the tops of mountains, from cities to wild veldts and jungles. They were stuffed with amazing, exotic, and gorgeous animals and locations … [Read more...]
Kids In The Kitchen
Every time cookbooks show up in Scholastic flyers, I recommend them. I always tell you about how good they are for kids. So I know this is not news, but cookery for kids? Good stuff, and this book is also pretty interesting in its approach. Starting From Scratch, by Sarah Elton OwlKids, ISBN: … [Read more...]
Why DO We Fight?
I'm reading the last book of the Divergent trilogy, in which we learn about the war that is hinted at earlier, and how factions came to be. And in the news, Russia's activities in the Ukraine are reminiscent of how more than one conflict in history began. With all this in the ether, seems like a … [Read more...]
Gross is Great
You know that phase where kids love gross stuff? This new series aims to harness that love and use it to get them to learn something - genius! Disgusting Critters The Worm (978 1 77049 633 0) The Fly (978 1 77049 636 1) Elise Gravel, Tundra Books Both flies and worms are, you must … [Read more...]
Safe Away From Here
This year is the 75th anniversary of the Kindertransport, one of the stories of the Second World War that is as sweet as it is bitter. Two new books commemorate the evacuation of young children and introduce this lesser-known piece of history to a new generation of children and teens. Rescuing … [Read more...]
Science! And Social Science!
Fun non-fiction titles for the young fact-lover in your life. How To Make a Universe With 92 Ingredients, by Adrian Dingle OwlKids, ISBN: 978 1 77147 008 7 This is the most entertaining book you may ever read about the elements and how they combine to make up the world around us. It starts out … [Read more...]
How Not To Eat
Obesity and overeating is a major problem among kids, too - and this book offers a lot of insight into why it's happening - and even some tips on how it can be changed - in a casual tone that is surprisingly easy and even fun to read. Hijacked: How Your Brain is Fooled By Food by David A. … [Read more...]