Sid the Science Kid: The Trouble with Germs and A Cavity is a Hole in Your Tooth

Sid the Science Kid: The Trouble with Germs (an I Can Read! Stage 1 book)
The Trouble With Germs breaks down the importance of washing hands as well as giving a small explanation of what exactly germs are. I do think this would be used as a learning tool in a classroom than a book for a child just learning to read as it's definitely more of a learning book than a book to keep a child reading. However, the very bright and 3-D-looking illustrations, as well as the simple breakdown of germs, make it the perfect book to be read in a classroom.







Sid the Science Kid: A Cavity is a Hole in Your Tooth (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science Stage 1 book)
A Cavity is a Hole in Your Tooth explains why it's so important to brush your teeth. It also explains the different kind of teeth you have and what the job of each kind is. As with the Trouble with Germs, I definitely recommend it as a learning tool in a classroom or perhaps in to a parent of a child that refuses to brush. My favorite thing about this book was the vibrant illustrations. They'll grab the attention of any young child. If you're looking for a book to teach children about teeth and brushing, this is definitely the book you want.

Update to Review Policy

I just wanted to let everyone know that I've updated my review policy. I now accept picture books for review. However, these reviews will be slightly different than my other reviews - I will be doing short reviews and posting two or three at a time. I'll be posting an example shortly.

As always, if you have any questions, please email me at harmonybookreviews[at]yahoo[dot]com.

PAYA Spring 2010 Auctions

I'm sure most readers of my blog have heard about the project I started back in November - PAYA. If not, it's a project I started to raise money and collect books for PA libraries.

One of our major fundraisers is an online auction. Our first one was last November and it was successful. This time, I'm hoping to double the success. The next auctions will take place from April 9th - May 14th. If you're interested in offering an item, whether it's something you made, a manuscript critique, some books/cds you have lying around, whatever, please email me at harmonybookreviews[at]yahoo[dot]com or bringya2pa[at]yahoo[dot]com. General book donations are also accepted and highly appreciated.

For more info on PAYA and all the information on the auction, please go to bringya2pa.com

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White

Title: Forget-Her-Nots
Author: Amy Brecount White
Publisher: Harpercollins
Rating: 8/10

Summary: (Taken from BN.com) Something—some power—is blooming inside Laurel. She can use flowers to do things. Like bringing back lost memories. Or helping her friends ace tests. Or making people fall in love.

Laurel suspects her newfound ability has something to do with an ancient family secret, one that her mother meant to share with Laurel when the time was right. But then time ran out.
Clues and signs and secret messages seem to be all around Laurel at Avondale School, where her mother had also boarded as a student. Can Laurel piece everything together quickly enough to control her power, which is growing more potent every day? Or will she set the stage for the most lovestruck, infamous prom in the history of the school?

My Thoughts: Forget-Her-Nots is, hands down, one of the most original books I've read in a long time. From the first page I was instantly drawn into the unique world that White creates and honestly, when the book ended, I was left hoping for more.

The characters were enjoyable to read about, though not completely unforgettable. However, as I mentioned above, it's the world White creates that drives the novel. The idea of flower magic is so unique and I loved how she created a world that was completely realistic with just a touch of magic. I never knew flowers could be so interesting! I really, truly hope that White returns to this world very soon because I would love to read more!

Overall, fantastic debut. I would definitely pick up a copy if you get the chance!