If You Were Me and Lived In...
India ISBN: 9781494030861
Kenya ISBN: 9781481979917
Norway ISBN: 9781481979948
Portugal ISBN: 9781495379932
Russia ISBN: 978149378980
Turkey ISBN: 9781481979849
A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World
Carole P. Roman Author/Illustrator
Amazon Digital Services
Charleston, South Carolina
2013/2014
$ 9.99
30 pages
"If You Were Me and Lived In..." is a wonderful journey experiencing life in other countries with different languages, foods, and customs. How can anyone be completely prepared to visit any country? Reading a book by Carole P. Roman is the perfect introduction into other ways of life in other parts of the world.
Each short fact-based book is beautifully illustrated with pictures that perfectly match the words on the page giving the reader more than the information but utilizing the words into a realistic setting that is common for each country.
The basic format is similar for each book beginning with the geography and showing each country's place in regards to the world describing the country, the usual weather, the continent, bodies of water, and usually facts specific to the individual country. This is followed by a quick description and picturesque setting of the capital city.
With the focus being "If You Were Me and Lived In...", the you and me are very important with the next page including common names for children and how they address their parents while the illustrations are grounded in the home and family life.
Shopping is also included with a brief explanation of the money system and shopping in a local market while also showing how people are commonly dressed.
The most famous vacation spots are the next focus with the Taj Mahal in India, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the Hagia Sophia in Turkey, the Azores in Portugal, the Kirkenes Snowhotel in Norway, and Red Square in Moscow.
The food pages explain the common dishes, what is in them, how to eat them, and how to pronounce them as well as illustrating the usual method of cooking and eating these foods whether seated at a table or on the floor.
The sporting activities such as skiing in Norway, soccer in Portugal and Turkey, cricket in Kenya and India, as well as ice hockey, chess, and hide-and-go-seek in Russia continue to demonstrate the common aspects throughout the world.
Celebrations including the pronunciations along with a brief description of the reasons behind the event conclude the books with a compiled list of the foreign words on the last page.
Carole P. Roman is a retired social studies teacher who continues to educate the public through this series of books. She has won both the Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 and the Pinnacle Award- Best Children's Book in 2013 with her pirate series, Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life as well as the Clarion Five-Star Review for both the India and Kenya books.
For children of all ages, Carole P. Roman's books are a wonderful way to travel.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
The Wonder Bread Years
Do you remember watching television late at night and the broadcast ending with the American flag and The Star-Spangled Banner?
Do you remember while watching your television seeing a black and white peacock magically turning into colors?
Do you remember the commercial where someone yelled, "Give it to Mikey. He'll eat anything?"
If you can answer "yes" to the above questions then you'll want to see "The Wonder Bread Years" at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
"The Wonder Bread Years" is a show combining some old television remembrances of the 1950s and 1960s with Pat Hazell showing how much we have changed since those days combining the aspects of a comedian and the theater into this one-man show. As he interacts with the audience, he brings to life what we thought of as important in those days bringing in the humor and memories of a time of wonder.
The strength of this light-hearted show is the realization of the common things rather than the differences between us and showing each member of the audience how to regain their sense of "wonder" which frequently lessens as our adult responsibilities increase. With memories of sugar-coated cereals, Hershey's baking chocolate, SPAM, Kool-Aid, milk money, Toughskin jeans, and more... with laughter of past years and the real-life fear of actually becoming your parents, this show delights the audiences of Baby Boomers.
"The Wonder Bread Years" continues at the Omaha Community Playhouse at the Howard Drew Theatre through Sunday, June 29th with performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $ 35 and can be obtained at the OCP box office located at 6915 Cass Street in Omaha, by calling (402) 553-0800, or online at OmahaPlayhouse.org or TicketOmaha.com.
For a true blast from the past, go see Pat Hazell's "The Wonder Bread Years".
Thursday, June 12, 2014
In the Hall of the Mountain King
In the Hall of the Mountain King
Adapted from Henrik Ibsen
Author: Allison Flannery
Illustrator:Vesper Stamper
Music by Edvard Grieg
Samizdat Publishing Group
Golden, Colorado
2013
ISBN 978-1-938633-13-3
Hardback
$ 22.00
32 pages
The Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg is frequently one of the first recognizable favorite of many children. Grieg perfectly wrote the music to a tale written by Henrik Ibsen featuring a beautiful woman, a handsome and brave man, and terribly horrible monstrous creatures who captured the woman. As the brave hero approaches the prison within the mountain, the listener can easily imagine the battle especially with the tune "In the Hall of the Mountain King".
Like many fairy tales including the original tales by the Brothers' Grimm, the story was not written for small children or for those who do not enjoy graphically violent episodes. Surprisingly though, Grieg's The Peer Gynt Suite does not only contain the few selections that are well-known, but twenty-six separate musical pieces for the entire Suite.
In Allison Flannery's version In the Hall of the Mountain King. the main character Peer is an adventurous boy who just explores further and further each day until he discovers a castle. Curiosity makes him completely unaware of the possible dangers and consequences.
This particular version of the fairy tale is safe and enjoyable for young children while also recognizing the perils of exploring too far while still perfectly matching the action with the illustrations and the music. The vocabulary is appropriate for children in the 3-9 year old range. The illustrations are colorful, recognizable, and perfectly matching the story. Even the words are moved to coincide with the action.
Also noticeable is the attention to the setting. The illustrations wonderfully envision Norway of many years ago featuring a house with flowers growing on the roof as well as the mountains and waterways so common in this country.
The recording of Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite is excellent. However, no credit is given to the orchestra who recorded this arrangement.
When examining the illustrations, there is a character spying on Peer as he plays and climbs trees. Who or what is this creature? What is their place in the story?
The author, Allison Flannery teaches primary students music in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Vesper Stemper is a graduate of Parsons School of Design. She now designs for a variety of clients as well as playing in a band.
In the Hall of the Mountain King is a wonderfully descriptive story that can be enjoyed by children of all ages uniquely including the music as an integral part of the story.
Adapted from Henrik Ibsen
Author: Allison Flannery
Illustrator:Vesper Stamper
Music by Edvard Grieg
Samizdat Publishing Group
Golden, Colorado
2013
ISBN 978-1-938633-13-3
Hardback
$ 22.00
32 pages
The Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg is frequently one of the first recognizable favorite of many children. Grieg perfectly wrote the music to a tale written by Henrik Ibsen featuring a beautiful woman, a handsome and brave man, and terribly horrible monstrous creatures who captured the woman. As the brave hero approaches the prison within the mountain, the listener can easily imagine the battle especially with the tune "In the Hall of the Mountain King".
Like many fairy tales including the original tales by the Brothers' Grimm, the story was not written for small children or for those who do not enjoy graphically violent episodes. Surprisingly though, Grieg's The Peer Gynt Suite does not only contain the few selections that are well-known, but twenty-six separate musical pieces for the entire Suite.
In Allison Flannery's version In the Hall of the Mountain King. the main character Peer is an adventurous boy who just explores further and further each day until he discovers a castle. Curiosity makes him completely unaware of the possible dangers and consequences.
This particular version of the fairy tale is safe and enjoyable for young children while also recognizing the perils of exploring too far while still perfectly matching the action with the illustrations and the music. The vocabulary is appropriate for children in the 3-9 year old range. The illustrations are colorful, recognizable, and perfectly matching the story. Even the words are moved to coincide with the action.
Also noticeable is the attention to the setting. The illustrations wonderfully envision Norway of many years ago featuring a house with flowers growing on the roof as well as the mountains and waterways so common in this country.
The recording of Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite is excellent. However, no credit is given to the orchestra who recorded this arrangement.
When examining the illustrations, there is a character spying on Peer as he plays and climbs trees. Who or what is this creature? What is their place in the story?
The author, Allison Flannery teaches primary students music in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Vesper Stemper is a graduate of Parsons School of Design. She now designs for a variety of clients as well as playing in a band.
In the Hall of the Mountain King is a wonderfully descriptive story that can be enjoyed by children of all ages uniquely including the music as an integral part of the story.
The Traitor's Wife
The Traitor's Wife
Allison Pataki
Howard Books
Simon & Schuster
New York, New York
February 11, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4767-3860-4
Paperback
$ 14.99
497 pages
Benedict Arnold is a name that is synonymous with the term traitor for almost giving West Point to the British. The American general definitely had some legitimate gripes with the leadership of the time. What about his wife? Did she have knowledge of the changing of loyalties? Was she the cause of the change?
The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki focuses on Peggy Shippen, the much younger second wife of Benedict Arnold through the objective eyes of her fictional lady's maid, Clara.
Clara was orphaned finding herself in need of a home and work when the Shippen family renewed an acquaintance which provided her both. Clara was to assist both of the Shippen daughters but being that the older sister was less demanding and soon to be wed, Peggy demanded the constant assistance of what would quickly become her own lady's maid.
Peggy Shippen is known for her legendary charm and beauty. During the start of this country, she was born to a family of wealth who had difficulty once the restrictions of British over the colonies. She spent much of her time and talents developing friendships with the charming Redcoats, most notably Major John Andre.
In this historical fictional novel, Clara becomes a spy for the Loyalist while Peggy continues her friendships with the British while encouraging her husband to assist their cause with the hopes of a large reward from the Crown.
The strength of The Traitor's Wife is outstanding regarding the setting. Allison Pataki completely understands the time period and daily life through Clara. From the realization of the constant cleaning of dresses that had been dragged on the ground, to the mending, along with the corsets and hair styles that were judged by their height along with the extra duties in the kitchen and to assist wherever there is a need with chores that were never finished, all perfectly capture the time period.
The codes and methods of communication on both sides of the conflict is enthralling. Between the eavesdropping, the coded messages, and difficulty traveling distances and intercepted messages, Allison Pataki wonderfully escorts the reader through Clara.
The Traitor's Wife is the debut novel for Allison Pataki, daughter of former New York State Governor George E. Pataki. Allison is a Yale graduate and resides in Chicago.
The Traitor's Wife brings to life these controversial figures into realistic history based on fact.
Allison Pataki
Howard Books
Simon & Schuster
New York, New York
February 11, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4767-3860-4
Paperback
$ 14.99
497 pages
Benedict Arnold is a name that is synonymous with the term traitor for almost giving West Point to the British. The American general definitely had some legitimate gripes with the leadership of the time. What about his wife? Did she have knowledge of the changing of loyalties? Was she the cause of the change?
The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki focuses on Peggy Shippen, the much younger second wife of Benedict Arnold through the objective eyes of her fictional lady's maid, Clara.
Clara was orphaned finding herself in need of a home and work when the Shippen family renewed an acquaintance which provided her both. Clara was to assist both of the Shippen daughters but being that the older sister was less demanding and soon to be wed, Peggy demanded the constant assistance of what would quickly become her own lady's maid.
Peggy Shippen is known for her legendary charm and beauty. During the start of this country, she was born to a family of wealth who had difficulty once the restrictions of British over the colonies. She spent much of her time and talents developing friendships with the charming Redcoats, most notably Major John Andre.
In this historical fictional novel, Clara becomes a spy for the Loyalist while Peggy continues her friendships with the British while encouraging her husband to assist their cause with the hopes of a large reward from the Crown.
The strength of The Traitor's Wife is outstanding regarding the setting. Allison Pataki completely understands the time period and daily life through Clara. From the realization of the constant cleaning of dresses that had been dragged on the ground, to the mending, along with the corsets and hair styles that were judged by their height along with the extra duties in the kitchen and to assist wherever there is a need with chores that were never finished, all perfectly capture the time period.
The codes and methods of communication on both sides of the conflict is enthralling. Between the eavesdropping, the coded messages, and difficulty traveling distances and intercepted messages, Allison Pataki wonderfully escorts the reader through Clara.
The Traitor's Wife is the debut novel for Allison Pataki, daughter of former New York State Governor George E. Pataki. Allison is a Yale graduate and resides in Chicago.
The Traitor's Wife brings to life these controversial figures into realistic history based on fact.
Friday, June 6, 2014
A Multitude of Sins
A Multitude of Sins
A Conan Flagg Mystery Book Two
M. K. Wren
Original Publication in 1975
Publication by Martha K. Renfroe
Untreed Reads Publishing
e-book
$ 5.99
192 pages
Conan Flagg lives a quiet life a the sole proprietor of Holliday Beach Book Shop and Rental Library in a peaceful seaside village in Oregon. He enjoys reading about adventures rather than actually immersing his life into danger. He values his books and his office which has been sound proofed so that he can truly enjoy his music. Occasionally he does not mind using his previously learned skills which were useful while he was in the military and agrees to be a private investigator for the select cases were he questions the local law enforcement.
A mysterious letter appears at the bookstore requesting a private meeting with Conan at his house. Curious, Conan contacts his housekeeper asking that she leave the back unlocked. As he arrives home, imagine his surprise to hear the harmonic tones of his Steinway grand being played by a gifted pianist.
Isodora Canfield has lived an elite life as the daughter of a recently deceased Senator. Her talent and musical abilities have been well-respected within the community. For some reason, Isodora feels that she is being followed. Being that she has been diagnosed as being mentally ill, she realizes that this could be her imagination, but really believes that it is not. Added to that, as Conan entered his home earlier, he had noticed a parked car watching his house. Why would someone be following her?
A Multitude of Sins is a well-written, fast-paced mystery with a strong understanding of the world of the professional musician and artist. These few gifted people who reach to heights of respect are frequently a mystery to the rest of the normal people. Their lives are centered around their gifts which can also be a burden.
The strength of this novel is the characterization of creating believable people who come to life off the page. M. K. Wren possesses this gift especially with the descriptions of the pianist and the painter with the insightfulness of someone with this background. The imagery is phenomenal in that you can almost hear the pianist and visualize the paintings.
Also adding to the realism is the author's descriptions of the extremely wealthy lifestyle while carefully removing each layer of money which covers the imperfect world of greed within their personal relationships.
A Multitude of Sins is the second novel featuring Conan Flagg following Curiosity Did Not Kill the Cat. This novel can be read as part of the series or as a standalone since the author explains the introductory characters and relationships briefly at the beginning.
What I found interesting though was the setting of the novel taking place in the 1970s through the use of home telephones and phone booths which did not date the book, but added to the authenticity of the life style of the time.
M. K. Wren in the pen-name of Oregon writer Martha K. Renfroe who has written many mysteries and science fiction novels.
A Multitude of Sins is an insightful novel into mental illness, artistry, and the lives of the wealthy taking its readers back into life in the 1970s.
A Conan Flagg Mystery Book Two
M. K. Wren
Original Publication in 1975
Publication by Martha K. Renfroe
Untreed Reads Publishing
e-book
$ 5.99
192 pages
Conan Flagg lives a quiet life a the sole proprietor of Holliday Beach Book Shop and Rental Library in a peaceful seaside village in Oregon. He enjoys reading about adventures rather than actually immersing his life into danger. He values his books and his office which has been sound proofed so that he can truly enjoy his music. Occasionally he does not mind using his previously learned skills which were useful while he was in the military and agrees to be a private investigator for the select cases were he questions the local law enforcement.
A mysterious letter appears at the bookstore requesting a private meeting with Conan at his house. Curious, Conan contacts his housekeeper asking that she leave the back unlocked. As he arrives home, imagine his surprise to hear the harmonic tones of his Steinway grand being played by a gifted pianist.
Isodora Canfield has lived an elite life as the daughter of a recently deceased Senator. Her talent and musical abilities have been well-respected within the community. For some reason, Isodora feels that she is being followed. Being that she has been diagnosed as being mentally ill, she realizes that this could be her imagination, but really believes that it is not. Added to that, as Conan entered his home earlier, he had noticed a parked car watching his house. Why would someone be following her?
A Multitude of Sins is a well-written, fast-paced mystery with a strong understanding of the world of the professional musician and artist. These few gifted people who reach to heights of respect are frequently a mystery to the rest of the normal people. Their lives are centered around their gifts which can also be a burden.
The strength of this novel is the characterization of creating believable people who come to life off the page. M. K. Wren possesses this gift especially with the descriptions of the pianist and the painter with the insightfulness of someone with this background. The imagery is phenomenal in that you can almost hear the pianist and visualize the paintings.
Also adding to the realism is the author's descriptions of the extremely wealthy lifestyle while carefully removing each layer of money which covers the imperfect world of greed within their personal relationships.
A Multitude of Sins is the second novel featuring Conan Flagg following Curiosity Did Not Kill the Cat. This novel can be read as part of the series or as a standalone since the author explains the introductory characters and relationships briefly at the beginning.
What I found interesting though was the setting of the novel taking place in the 1970s through the use of home telephones and phone booths which did not date the book, but added to the authenticity of the life style of the time.
M. K. Wren in the pen-name of Oregon writer Martha K. Renfroe who has written many mysteries and science fiction novels.
A Multitude of Sins is an insightful novel into mental illness, artistry, and the lives of the wealthy taking its readers back into life in the 1970s.
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