Captain No Beard's adventures include finding A Flag for the Flying Dragon [Review & Giveaway]

Captain No Beard is now dealing with an unhappy crew and the problem of getting an appropriate flag for his ship. Unrest amongst the crew members results from little Zach not having his own job on ship. They try to find something for him, but he interferes and creates a mess. They are unhappy and something needs to be done.

Their solutions are in the form of the team learning to help and get along with each other. And they do find a flag for the ship in an unexpected source.

Bonnie Lemaire continues to illustrate the playful crew of the Flying Dragon with her signature watercolors.

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Disclosure: A complimentary copy was provided by the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer and no compensation was received for this review.

Wandering Woolly by Andrea Gabriel

32 pg, 10 x 8.5, Ages 4-8, Grades K-3
Hardcover ISBN: 9781628555585, $17.95

About the book: Little Woolly leaves her mother behind as she chases a toad down to the river. When the glacial ice breaks, she is swept away in the rumbling, rolling water. Now alone, the mammoth calf struggles to survive. She must sneak past cave lions, bears, saber-toothed cats and humans. Exhausted and afraid, she must even hide from stormy weather as she fights her way back to her herd. How can she find them? Will she ever get back?


Review: This is a fictionalized tale of a young Woolly Mammoth. These creatures are now extinct and remains have been found by archaeologists. The author/illustrator is basing this gentle Woolly tale on creature remains found and the assumption that these creatures are from the family that is related to modern elephants and that they behaved similarly to elephants.

The story is just that - a story. The "For Creative Minds" section at the back of the book - which is always a big hit - provides information on Ice Age Sequencing based on scientific thinking in some areas. Also included is a comparison of Mammoths and Elephants stating that the last woolly mammoths died 4,000 years ago. This comparison is very interesting.

The For Creative Minds section also includes information on other Extinct Ice Age Animals (some mentioned in the story) and on the Clovis People purported to be the first humans in North America. Again, all of this is very interesting information.

Wandering Woolly provides a beginning discussion point for young children being introduced to the concept of ice ages and extinct animals.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

A Warrior's Faith: Navy SEAL Ryan Job, A Life-Changing Firefight and The Belief That Transformed His Life, By Robert Vera

ISBN: 9781400206780

A Warrior’s Faith is a well written and thoughtful portrayal of Ryan Job’s service to the United States as a Navy Seal. Vera does a masterful job of detailing the personal consequences of Job’s service to his country and fellow Seals.  As a history teacher and a Christian, I found the storyline to be compelling and arresting.

We are introduced to Ryan Job and the author while they are on a hike sponsored by Camp Patriot for wounded veterans. The difficulty of that hike for a blind veteran is indicative of the grit of Job and his story. Throughout the book; Vera makes reference to the contrast between the biblical story of Job and the contemporary account of Ryan Job’s trials and triumphs. This comparison is done with compassion, humor, and in a very matter of fact way. Seemingly like the way Ryan Job came face to face with a radically transformed life due to the nature of his injuries.

Each of us will go through life at our own pace, but no one is totally independent. Vera explains throughout the narrative how he came along side Job, that it was a God thing, leaving a successful and apparently secure financial career. Like the disciple Peter who steps out of a boat by faith to walk with Jesus on the water, Vera stepped out by faith and walked along side Ryan Job. Vera humbly recounts the struggles of assisting a blind man and with humor sheds light on the transformation that took place in Job’s life as a result of a sniper’s bullet that found its target on a roof top in Ramadi, Iraq.

“A Warrior’s Faith” is a story of the transforming power of faith. The author of the biblical book, Hebrews, tells us that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Our lives are faith journeys; and Vera powerfully and personally shares his faith journey with us on the pages of his book.

Vera gives the reader  a look behind the headlines that captivate for only a moment, thus providing us with a simple, no nonsense look into the brief but important life of an American hero: Ryan Job. (reviewed by Ken Delorge, Principal, ACS)

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by BookLook on behalf of Thomas Nelson Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Salamander Season by Jennifer Keats Curtis, J. Adam Frederick, & Shennen Bersani

About the book: One cold, rainy, spring night, a young girl and her scientist father participate in “Salamander Night” to follow hundreds of spotted salamanders as they venture into a vernal pool to mate and lay eggs. Together, the father-child team studies the salamanders through their complete amphibian metamorphosis, culminating in the adult salamanders' disappearance into the woods in late summer. In easy-to-understand text, the girl relates the tale through her illustrated, photographic journal.

Review: This is a well-done book teaching a young child in terms and pictures they can understand the scientific life-cycle of the Spotted Salamander. Father and daughter stroll through the evening and discover yellow spotted salamanders crossing the asphalt road and going to a vernal pool.

What is a vernal pool? CLICK HERE for pictures and information. "Biological description of a vernal pool - A vernal pool, because of its periodic drying, does not support breeding populations of fish. Many organisms have evolved to use a temporary wetland which will dry but where they are not eaten by fish. These organisms are the "obligate" vernal pool species, so called because they must use a vernal pool for various parts of their life cycle. If the obligate species are using a body of water, then that water is a vernal pool. In New England, the easily recognizable obligate species are the fairy shrimp, the mole salamanders and the wood frog."

The photographs are really great as they picture the various stages of the spotted salamander. Other illustrations are done with ink and crayon. I especially like the For Creative Minds pages at the back of the book which cover "Salamander Classification," "Spotted Salamander Life Cycle Sequencing," "Salamander Nights, and "An Environmental Biologist." There is top-notch information on these pages.

Although this little book is designed for the grades K-3 or age 4-8 child, I see it being useful on into the upper elementary grades. The story is easy flowing and packed with tidbits of information that will pleasantly educate the youngster.

Highly recommend this book for its scientific pack and appeal to the child and educator.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was provided for this review.

The Berenstain Bears God Bless Our Country By Mike Berenstain

About the book: The Bear family and their Bear Country neighbors celebrate the Fourth of July with a big parade. But not before the Bear cubs get a lesson about the blessings of freedom for their country. Features 12 full-color stickers.

Review: For the small price of $4.99, you can acquire this republished Berenstain Bears book that has been beloved for years. God Bless Our Country is illustrated in the endearing Berenstain tradition that will charm the current youngsters just as it did many years ago.

The Fourth of July (Independence Day) celebration is approaching and the Berenstain Bears are making preparation to participate in their town's parade and other activities. They are learning about the history of the United States and how faith was a cornerstone in the building of this country.

I just love Berenstain Bears and this reprinting gives wonderful opportunities for children and parents to enjoy the adventures of these lovable bears.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by BookLook Blogger Review Program on behalf of ZonderKidz to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Trees: A Compare and Contrast Book by Katharine Hall

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

Hardcover ISBN: 9781628554533, $17.95

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554618, $9.95

About the book: Trees grow in many habitats, all around the world. Some trees are short and some are tall. Some grow in hot deserts and others grow on cold mountains. Some have leaves that are broad and wide and others are short and narrow. Some trees stay green all year round while others have leaves that change color. Compare and contrast the different characteristics of trees through vibrant photographs.

Review: Trees have such an important roll in providing an atmosphere that is conducive to life here on Earth. In Trees: A Compare and Contrast Book, the author Katharine Hall provides beautiful photographic illustrations that feature the teaching points of this little children's book on Trees. She compares areas where tree roots can take hold, the difference between evergreens and deciduous, broad leaf and conifers. The reader (or listener) will even learn places where trees will grown and the one place trees do not grow. Interesting!

The "For Creative Minds" section in the back of the book provides information that further helps the reader to learn and the teacher to teach the absolute value of trees. I like this book. Well done.

DISCOLSURE: A complimentary paperback copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing  to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

Animal Helpers: Raptor Centers by Jennifer Keats Curtis

Hardcover ISBN: 9781628554472, $17.95

Paperback ISBN: 9781628554557, $9.95

Ages 4-8, Grades K-3

About the book: Even powerful birds of prey can get sick or hurt. When that happens, animal helpers at raptor centers come to the rescue! Dedicated staff treats injured, sick, and orphaned animals. They return the birds to their native environment or find forever homes at education and raptor centers for those that can’t survive in the wild. Follow along in this photographic journal as staff and volunteers come together to care for these remarkable birds.

Review: This is actually a vocation book where young children can learn about the work of being an animal helper (Veterinarian) in a Raptor Center. The need for birds of prey - raptors - to have help in order to survive is presented. The recovery of raptors from situations where they are injured and transferred to a raptor center is examined with text and illustrations.

Then the young child is asked several questions - would you clean the cage of a raptor, would you weigh a new born raptor, etc. Identification of various raptors via quality photographs is good.


As usual, Arbordale has a For Creative Minds section at the end of the book that allows further exploration into the realm of raptors. This is always a highlight of these books.


DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.