Frank Asch

Alex wants to build a space ship to go to the other side of the galaxy, far far away from little brother Jonathan. Using cardboard and junk he builds his space ship, space suit, and equipment. Jonathan is sure Alex is building something for him. When he finds out Alex is not, he is telling Mom. Alex must find a way to defeat Jonathan's evil deeds.

I laughed out loud at times. This story is told in the first person point-of-view which makes is so much more funny because Alex is throwing show more asides at the reader through the whole book. He is my kind of kid. I could place myself in Alex's shoes and feel exactly as he was feeling. I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series. show less

Hayward Palmer likes facts. Unfortunately, his dad works at The Daily Comet. Hayward knows none of that stuff is real. Elvis sightings? Bigfoot? Aliens? His dad just makes it all up.

Or does he? It takes a giant octopus, aliens in teacups (and saucers, naturally) and a street gimmick with surprising properties to change Hayward's mind...and give him the best school report ever!

This book hilariously blends tabloid headlines, 1950s era, with mischievous pop culture references and black and show more white art mimicking doctored photographs for a slyly humorous look at a know it all kid who gets a jolt to his preconceptions.

The text is lengthy - it's not really a read-aloud, unless you are able to do it in several sessions. Readers will need to have a little knowledge of classics tabloid stories, like Elvis sightings, Bigfoot, etc.

Verdict: Recommended for collections that serve elementary age students. Not an essential if your picture book collection focuses on read-alouds or younger children.

ISBN: 978-1554532810; Published September 2010 by Kids Can Press; Review copy provided by the publisher through Raab Associates show less

Bear sees a rainbow in the sky and, never having seen one before, thinks that the sky is on fire. Little Bird tells him that it is a rainbow and that they should look for the pot of gold that’s supposed to be at the end of the rainbow. But Bear is certain that the sky is on fire . . . .

When Bear throws a honey pot filled with water at the rainbow, what will happen? And what did Little Bird find in the tree at the end of the rainbow?

Bear’s adventures continue in this clever tale; his show more delightful response to “sky fire” is sure to captivate young readers [who are likely to know exactly what a rainbow is and that Bear is wrong about the sky being on fire]. Although the story offers no information on rainbows, it can become a perfect gateway for that discussion should the young reader wish to know more about rainbows.

As the rainbow adventure unfolds, the story celebrates the enduring friendship between Bear and Little Bird, something fans of the series are sure to appreciate. This charming tale, with its colorful, appealing illustrations, is a perfect book for parents and young readers to read and enjoy together.

Highly recommended. show less

Absolutely wonderful. Def. the best 'Bear' book by Asch. I wish I'd known about it when my boys were tots - apparently my library had others and I assumed they had all so didn't look further.

Anyway, I really love the emphasis here on hard work, patience, & perseverance. Our heroes don't know they're working hard; they're being friends and enjoying the satisfaction of accomplishment. Nowadays too much emphasis is placed on the dichotomy of work vs. play, and no matter how many vacations we show more take or how many toys we buy, we're never satisfied. We, as a society, need to find ways to make our jobs more empowering & satisfying, so we can take true pleasure from that part of our lives, too.

I'm saving this book for my (hypothetical) grandchild. show less