Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite

Rhonda Fischer is a name you will want to remember. She is the author of the Randy Kazandy series. Randy is an adorable little boy who needs glasses. Although Randy sees two of everything without his glasses he still does not want to wear them. In fact, he does everything he can get rid of them, but his mother always has a spare pair ready. Just when Randy thinks he has destroyed every pair, his doctor delivers more. Randy’s father tells him that he also needs to wear glasses, which changes Randy's perception of them and he decides that wearing glasses isn’t so bad after all.

There are three major elements in this book: the message, the format, and the illustrations. The message in this one we all need to learn--it is okay to be different. From Personal experience, I know children do not like to be different. Whether it is glasses, height, weight, etc., we all want to fit in. Both children and adults will cherish the message. The format of this book is a delightful prose. The words dance across the page as if in a magical musical parade. Children love lyrical prose. They will ask to read this book over and over. I saved the best for last…the illustrations. Artist Kim Sponaugle is a master of her art. The colors are bright and cheerful, the drawings are exquisite and quickly draw children into the story. I put this tale to the ultimate test…grandchildren. Four year old Maddix loved this book, he understood the plot and asked me to read it to him again. Of course I agreed. Fischer and Sponaugle made quite a team and an excellent book! If you are having trouble reading this review, maybe its time you visited the fun Dr. Bee!

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

Another Queen Vernita book, another year, and more invitations to the Queen's friends to come visit "The Blue Ice Mountains." There will be visits each month during the year to the mountains and a lot of fun teaching and learning. Some of the interesting things they would learn about this year are whales, sea otters, kinds of crabs, glaciers, the northern lights and the North Pole. These are just some of the many topics that would be taught on this icy mountain during this year. And as with all of Menge's books, this one is packed full of really cool information. The visitors even rode on a sleigh pulled by reindeer to the North Pole. Wonder if Santa Clause rode with them?

I am a new fan of Dawn Menge books. This book is well researched and very well written so young readers can understand and learn in a fun way. The way each page is devoted to one month and one subject makes it easier for readers to study and learn. And I love the way Bobbi Switzer illustrates this book! The pictures are so adorable; the faces and expressions invite you into the pages for an enjoyable, funny and interesting read. I highly recommend this book to not only students 4 through 8 but older students and adults as well. As far as I am concerned, this book is a must on every public and school library shelf, as well as for home-schoolers. Your child will love it and so will you!

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Fifo 50 States by Hayley Rose is an excellent tool for teaching children about the 50 states. Information pertaining to each state is included in a poem, as well as the state bird, flower and tree. This small book also teaches the state capital and the state number. The rhythm will help the child to learn the information. The illustration contains clues to something for which the state is well known. At the bottom of the page with the poem is the state motto.

I'll use Kentucky as an example of the information offered for each state. Kentucky was the fifteenth state, and Frankfort is the capital. The state flower is goldenrod, and the state tree is the yellow poplar tree. The state bird is the red bird, also known as the Cardinal. The state motto is United We Stand and Divided We Fall. The illustration shows a horse because Kentucky is famous for fast horses. The illustration also shows the state bird. Tobacco and coal are the main crops. Daniel Boone National Forest is located in the eastern part of the state. The state is well known for Fort Knox where all the national gold reserves are hidden.

Hayley Rose offers teachers and parents a tool to utilize in making learning fun. I was excited when I received this book to review. Learning should be fun, and Rose has created an excellent way that children can relate to. We need more books of this caliber for our children. The amount of information stored in this small book is amazing. I shared Fifo with my grandson. Maddix loved the bear and the poetry held his attention. He asked me to read it again; that's how I judge a book to be worthy of my shelves.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Elisabeth did not use good manners. She never said "please" or "thank you" and she did not like to share. She and her mother planned a birthday party. They made invitations and sent them to all her friends. Each day Elisabeth checked the mail to see who was coming to her party. But there were no replies.

Her manners hurt friendships and kept people away. Her mother told her it was time to change. Elisabeth learned the magic words, "please" and "thank you." The next day at school Elisabeth remembered to say "please." Her classmates were surprised. They were shocked when they heard her say "thank you." Elisabeth found it was fun to share and to give to others. She asked her classmates to "please" come to her party.

While this book is written for children ages 4-8, I know several adults that could learn from this tale. The message is an important one. Sherrill S. Cannon presents it in a simple and easy to understand way. Children will like the rhythm of the words. They will love the illustrations which are bright colored and appealing. "Please," "thank you," sharing and all good manners are an important lesson that sometimes is lost in our society. I don't think manners should ever become obsolete.