Saturday, March 29, 2014

Charming group of stories



David Leoff had crafted a book of tales loosely based on 1001 Arabian NIghts. They have a fable quality to them, and although they are slightly disguised as science fiction, I see them more as fantasy. Entertaining, funny, poignant, each one is enjoyable in it's own way. I especially liked the tale of the motherless daughter. Great book for reading in short spurts.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Friday, March 28, 2014

Entertaining fantasy



The Four Kings is a fantasy of "what ifs?" In a politically corrupt world, four wizards step in to take over the government. Part satire, part fantasy, mostly a good time, The Four Kings is good escapist fare. While to me it read more like a YA graphic novel, I think for those who like the genre, it will satisfy their reading needs.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Great book that tackles tolerating peoples differences as well as the hurt of bullying



Thoughtful and beautifully written story by early elementary school teacher Lisa C. Ockun about two very good friends that see past their differences to really enjoy each other. Young Lucy is best friends with Dougie, a boy with lovely almond shaped eyes. They play very well together, and one day, Dougie is teased by a group who refer to him as a "retard". Lucy doesn't understand what that means, and her mother gives a realistic response explaining that not everyone is the same. She teaches her daughter the lesson that our differences make for a more varied and interesting world. Sweet message in a sweet book about the unconditional love that true friendship brings. The story teaches the child a life long lesson of the many varieties of things in the world and the appreciation to understand their value.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Great book to open discussion about self esteem



This is a well thought out, colorfully illustrated book about finding yourself and being comfortable in your own skin. Author Dawn Krohberger tackles self esteem and how to address our insecurities. The book is about the character Jack in the Box. When he's in his box, he feels safe, but has little room to grow. The author gently suggests that there is an accepting world out there filled with fun people and adventures- all you have to do is have enough confidence in yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and enjoy. Great gateway to discuss confidence, and acceptance to be who you are with pride.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

A great voice in historical non fiction



Amy Licence has written a wonderful history of life in the fifteenth century. While there is very little information about Anne Neville, License uses historical facts about the times to fill in a spare outline of who Anne Neville might have been. Colorful descriptions coupled with interesting information creates a rich backdrop of life for a wealthy heiress and a descendant of royalty. Licence backs her speculation with as much actual facts as she can. Her perceptive observations make for entertaining reading where history jumps off the page coming as alive as an HBO special. Licence is a great author who's understanding of how to relate history for those who want to read about famous people and not be bored to death.

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Carole P. Roman Book Awards!!!


Captain No Beard An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life
Star of Remarkable Merit
Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012
NABE Pinnacle Award 2013
ERIK Award 2013
NABE Pinnacle Award 2013
Best in Children’s nonFiction
If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico
Pepper Parrot’s Problem with Patience
5 Stars ForeWord Review Clarion Review
If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya
5 Stars ForeWord Review Clarion Review
Rebecca’s Reads Readers Choice Awards 2013
Childrens Books
2nd Place Strangers on the High Seas
Creative Non Fiction
If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway
General Non Fiction
If You Were Me and Lived in...France
Readers Views Literary Award 2013
Children Toddlers -5
1st Place Strangers on the High Seas
Honorable Mention
If You Were Me and Lived in...South Korea
Readers Views Kids Award for Best Children’s Book of the Year
Strangers on the High Seas

ForeWord Review Finalist
If You Were Me And Lived In...France

Saturday, March 15, 2014

More Great News!!!

LITERARY AWARDS FINALIST FOR 2013

Children – Toddler to 5

Strangers on the High Seas, Carole P. Roman, Red Feather Publishing


If You were Me and Lived in… South Korea, Carole P. Roman, CreateSpace





Thursday, March 13, 2014

BOTYA 2013 Finalists in Juvenile Nonfiction (Children's)


I am thrilled to announce that my book, "If You Were Me And Lived In...France" was chosen as a finalist in the 2013 Book Of The Year Awards for Juvenile Nonfiction!

"The delightful, colorful illustrations feature a boy and a girl; on the cover, they are holding a large globe with the boy pointing to France. On one page, there is a blue silhouette map of France with a black star indicating the location of Paris. More color contrast would have made the capital city stand out.
The meanings of the French words are clear from the context, the corresponding image, or an explanation. For example, one illustration depicts the boy and girl, wearing backpacks, standing in front of their brick school that displays a French flag. The narrator says, “You would love spending your days in école.” One improvement would be to indicate French words by putting them in italics."

Read the rest of the review here!

Happy Reading!
Carole P. Roman

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Sweet read!



Adorable picture book about baby animals with a short rhyme about their lifestyle. Emily Thomson has written a lovely book with the cutest collection of critters. Vividly illustrated, their large eyes catch your attention as well as your heart. She uses interesting vocabulary to stretch little minds, and the nimble words make for an excellent tone when you read them out loud; "the little fawn leaps and jumps over rivers logs and stumps." My favorite has to be the baby flying squirrel " gliding on the breeze just like a kite." A great book for new readers, or a pleasing book to read to a toddler. Either way, it's a welcome addition to my library.

Happy Reading!

Monday, March 10, 2014

There's no place like home



Like Dorothy form the Wizard of Oz, Sniff the cat learns there is no place like home. He uses his nose to look for a new smell, and soon is distracted from what he was used to. When he realizes it is not what he expected, and learns not to forget where he came from. delightful illustrations and a very cool cat who teaches us not to take what we have for granted.

Happy Reading!