Mo Smells the Holidays: A Scentsational Journey by Margaret Hyde
Amanda Giacomini (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
Mo’s Nose, LLC (August 15, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
If you’re going to create a scratch n’ sniff reading experience for children, we can think of no better scratchers or sniffers than dogs. Mo is a rescue dog who takes his readers on a journey of the senses, particularly scents. The author wisely lets the reader place scented stickers throughout the book as they choose, rather than overwhelming us with pages of spicy pumpkin or sweet candy scents. We are particularly excited that she opted out of ‘wet dog,’ ’something dog rolled in,’ and ‘other unidentified dog scents.’

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The Vampire Book by DK Publishing
Ages 9-12
DK Publishing (September 21, 2009)
Caution: Well, it is about vampires!!

Kiwi Magazine Review:
There is a vampire craze right now and this book captures all of the lure of those blood-loving mythical creatures. Well, let’s hope they’re mythical because they are dangerous dudes. This book explores the ‘lore and allure’ of Vampires, their history and their MO (modus operandi). Fortunately, this colorful, creepy book also provides some deterrents and a guide to destroy them if you are so inclined. From what I have been reading on blogs, the publisher should list the targeted age range : 9-12 plus all moms.  Why should the kids have all of the fun?

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Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee (Author)
Taeeun Yoo (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (August 4, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Certainly, there are many books about aspiring witches, but Alison McGhee manages to tell a lovely, original tale which is accompanied by Taeeun Yoo’s incredible woodcut illustrations. Cheer the next little witch on as she discovers the magical moment of flight.

Publisher’s Description:
Only a witch can fly.

But one little girl wants to fly-more than anything. So, on a special night, with the moon shining bright and her cat by her side, she gathers herself up, she grips her broom tight, and she tries. And she fails. And she’s brave. And she tries again. Until …

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Mad Monster Party (1968)
Starring: Boris Karloff, Allen Swift, Gale Garnett, Phyllis Diller, Ethel Ennis
Lions Gate: September 8, 2009
Cautions: Slightly scary

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Although animation and special effects today are out of this world, I believe some of the best story lines and characters were developed decades ago. Perhaps it’s just melancholy, but the Heat Mizer and Land of Misfit Toys have a special place in my heart. In this genre is this wonderful re-release of Mad Monster Party featuring Boris Karloff. It’s a must see just for the style of animation and characters.

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Celebrate Green by Corey Colwell- Lipson and Lynn Colwell

Kedzie Press, 2008

Recommended readers- Adults

Cautions:

Publisher’s description:

Not only is this book bursting with tips and ideas for celebrating green, but it boasts recipes, craft projects, and actual facts! Yes! If you’re interested in the “why’s” behind their alternatives, you’ll find them. If you only want to figure out what the heck to get your mother-in-law for Christmas that will make her sing your praises to her son without costing you or the planet, it’s there too.

Celebrate Green! is sprinkled with personal anecdotes because, as amazing as it may seem, Corey and Lynn are real, live human beings. You get to meet, know and (hopefully) enjoy them through the book. And once you know them, you’ll begin to fall for their ideas even if you’re a bit skeptical at first. They don’t hit you over the head and make you feel like a complete eco-idiot for not jumping on your bicycle, and heading to the food co-op to stock up on a year’s worth of beeswax birthday candles. They simply offer you so many sensible, interesting, and creative ideas that you’ll find it hard to resist trying some of them.

KIWI Bookworm review:

The mother and daughter team offer a myriad of suggestions to green holiday décor, gifts and meals throughout the year. Instead of falling into old habits of mall dash then trash, the authors offer unique, low-impact ideas for every special occasion wrapped up in recycled paper and a repurposed bow.

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I’m Looking for a Monster by Timothy Young

Random House, 2008

Recommended readers – ages 4-8

Cautions: Might be slightly scary for some children

Extras: Author website has games to download - http://www.imlookingforamonster.com/Funstuff.html

Publisher’s Synopsis

MONSTERS are popping up all over the place! But not just any monster will do-no, sir! Lift the flaps, turn the wheel, and pull the tabs to find the PERFECT monster.
Who knows? Maybe the perfect monster is looking for YOU!

Kiwi Bookworms Review:

Paper engineering has the monsters leaping off the pages, rolling around and being generally monstrous. The little boy in the story has very specific criteria for his monster and goes on a monster hunt. The simple text coupled with the fun, interactive illustrations make the reader part of the fun.

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