Dr. Susan’s Kids Only Weight Loss Guide by Dr. Susan Bartell
Parent Positive Press, 2007
Recommended readers- Adults
Cautions: None

KIWI Bookworm Review:
This no-nonsense guide is a wonderful tool for parents of younger children who may need to lose weight, and it is also handy for any parent trying to keep the whole family well and active. Psychologist Dr. Bartell offers a positive perspective that will help parents make a realistic, healthy plan for either slimming down or staying healthy as a household. Dr. Bartell also wrote Dr. Susan’s Girls-Only Weight Loss Guide for teenage girls.

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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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Shapes That Roll by Karen Nagel
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Blue Apple Books (September 16, 2009)

Kiwi Magazine Review:
This lovely picture book tells the tale of shapes and what they can do. You may not want to try to stack eggs and it is particularly difficult to slant a circle. Great fun for kids 3+.

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Touch and Feel Farm (Board book) by Dwell Studio
Reading level: Baby-Preschool
Board book: 12 pages
Publisher: Blue Apple Books; Brdbk edition (September 23, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Dwell Studios has put together a lovely line of simple, colorful and classic board books, perfect for gift giving. The touch and feel farm is not a new concept, certainly, but their execution is simple and sweet. For those of us who are weary of seeing the same old ABC and 123 books on the shelf, this book is a breath of fresh air.

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Goldilocks by Ruth Sanderson
Little, Brown - October 2009
Ages: 4-8
Cautions: This tale can be a little scary

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Ruth Sanderson’s artwork for the timeless tale of Goldilocks gives a whole new dimension to the little girl who dares enter the bears’ lair. The expressions of each character are humorous and accurate simultaneously, giving the story a breath of fresh air. There is a slight change in the ending!

Synopsis:
Beloved illustrator Ruth Sanderson offers a fresh, heartwarming twist to the classic story. In the new happy ending, Goldilocks makes up for her presumptuous infractions on the Three Bears’ household by helping them make muffins with the berries she’s picked from the woods near their home. Charming artwork–topped off with a tried-and-true recipe for homemade blueberry muffins–make this new edition of Goldilocks a story time treasure that is just right.

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Hook by Ed Young
Roaring Brook Press - April 28, 2009
Ages 2-6
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Ed Young’s rich illustrations make this book more of a work of art than a child’s picture book. The text does not disappoint, either. The story of the eagle egg which a young boy finds and places with the chicken is a wonderful metaphor for children — you have all of the skills and power within yourself to achieve your goals.

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The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer
Scholastic Press, January 2009
Ages: 14-18
Cautions: References to drugs, alcohol, sex and violence, language

Kiwi Magazine Review:
The School for Dangerous Girls is exciting at every turn. Hidden Oak is a boarding school created to “reform” bad girls when their parents have had enough of their trouble-making. It isn’t long before you realize that this school is not what it seems.

Eliot Schrefer’s words will have you anxiously wondering what is really happening at this school as the main character, Angela, becomes determined to uncover the twisted truth. Schrefer truly understands these girls and shines a light on their struggles in a fun way.
The novel’s quick chapters keep the story intriguing and make it difficult to put the book down while you wait for the school’s dark secrets to be revealed.

This book is perfect for teenage girls with or without a dangerous streak, or anyone who has always wanted one.

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The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, June 2009
Ages: 14+
Cautions: Violence, teenage crush with kissing

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Sarah Rees Brennan does an excellent job of depicting the main character, Nick. He’s scary, dark and conflicted, but she takes you past his harsh demeanor and really makes you root for this character. The banter between the four main characters is relatable, funny and young.

Despite the seemingly slow start to the book, filled with tons of explanations, the plot really picked up and was fun to read. Brennan provides almost constant suspense, making you want to hurry to each next page as the boys go from being hunted by magicians and demons, to actually doing the hunting.

A foreshadowed twist remains unexpected throughout the book. As details are revealed one-by-one, you find yourself piecing together the puzzle right alongside Nick.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who love the fantasy genre except for those who find themselves a little squeamish with multiple violent scenes.

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Scholastic, 2009
Board Book
Ages 0-3
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
There are so many board books on the shelves these days, but Planet Earth manages to raise the bar. With gorgeous photography and simple text, infants and toddlers will love learning about penguin families.

Synopsis
These baby penguins have many adventures throughout their day! Vibrant and dynamic images bring the lighter side of animals’ routines to life in this cuddly-cute board book for the very youngest readers.

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Organic and Chic: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets That Taste as Good as They Look by Sarah Magid
HarperCollins Publishers, June 02, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
You just have to love any mom who is being hounded by a three-year-old son to buy Twinkies to just say no and dash home to create her own healthier version of those use-by date of forever junk food icons. Let’s face it, kids often want junk food and are bombarded by its images, so Sarah Magid found her way around the madness and created a dessert cookbook full of delicious doubletakes on some of the more ubiquitous sweets that line grocery store shelves.

Product Description:
This book that comes out in June is a collection of 60 recipes for organic cakes, cookies, and other goodies that are as exquisite as they are healthful and delicious. The book is filled with recipes for children that are fun to bake and sure to make lasting memories. Her son and daughter make appearances throughout the cookbook!

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