Karen LeFrak

Mason is excited for his sleepover birthday party at the Museum of Natural History in this picture-book from author Karen LeFrak and illustrator David Bucs. He and his friends are led by their guide in an entertaining and educational scavenger hunt through the many halls of the museum, as Mason considers just where they will all bed down for the night - something that he gets to choose. Each location has some argument against it, until he finally thinks of the perfect place...

Although I wouldn't describe Sleepover at the Museum as a personal favorite, of the picture-books I've read recently, it was solidly engaging, with a seek-and-find adventure story that will most likely keep young children entertained, and cartoon-style artwork from animator Bucs, who makes his children's book debut here. The idea of having a sleepover at such a museum is appealing, and the author includes a list of institutions which permit such things at the rear of the book. Given the halls described, and the illustrations of them, this particular story is set at the American Museum of Natural History, in New York City. Recommended to young children who love natural history museums, or who dream of having such a sleepover themselves.… (mehr)

A story about an adopted dog and his owner who are both music lovers. The dog barks with sounds and his tail moves like a metronome. The story is fairly simple, with the dog appreciating the music of an orchestra and accidentally making himself part of the show in the process. It works better as an introduction to music and music terms, in my opinion. As Jake listens to instruments, Richie explains what they are, and what section of the orchestra they are part of. The pictures include small labels next to instruments to say what they are, and the back has a short glossary of words that relate to music and instruments.

It's an okay book over all. What might be of extra interest to potential readers is that the book is based off the real Jake, the mascot of the New York Philharmonic.… (mehr)

I think this was a cute book. I have grown up dancing, danced professionally, and now teach dance so I am sure that at some point it will enter my classroom. This book would be great if that moment were to occur because it isn't all tutus and princess dreams, it's about a goofy dog backstage at a pretty iconic ballet, The Nutcracker. It would be perfect to use around the holidays, maybe as a pre cursor to a Nutcracker field trip. I have performed many school shows for children in my years, so maybe my students will have the same opportunity.… (mehr)