Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Two More 5-Star Reviews for
What's for Dinner?


on December 12, 2015
Love this book because it will help kids understand and appreciate different cultures through something all of us share - Food! And it's an enjoyable story as the main character worries about what sh'll have to eat when she dines with a friend from another country.
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on December 3, 2015
What’s for Dinner? by Penelope Anne Cole

The problem with trying different foods is that you don’t always know if they will be gross or yummy. What if the food is from a different country? In the book What’s for Dinner?, children’s author Penelope Anne Cole has deftly captured kids’ curiosity and their fears about trying different types of food.

Written for 5-8 year-olds, the story serves up a celebration of diversity and friendship through an exploration of ethnic food. When Katy’s new Nigerian friend, Amaeka, invites her to dinner, she begins to wonder: What do Nigerians eat? Katy’s friends don’t know, but they have heard about and read about some weird traditional foods eaten by people from all sorts of different cultures. Even American gastronomical oddities make the list.

Artist Samantha S. Bell’s bold, colorful illustrations enhance the narrative and the reading experience. Teachers, librarians and parents will appreciate the backmatter ingredients which include recipes, a map of Nigeria, and additional sources of information.

Ms. Cole’s book successfully connects kids and cultures through the time-honoured tradition of sharing a meal. What’s for Dinner? is a delicious way to inspire classroom and family discussions about cultural diversity.

Tags:
What's for Dinner? Penelope Anne Cole, Samantha Bell, diversity, different foods, dinner, sharing, family, friends, Nigeria, tasting food.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Two 5-Star Reviews for my new book:
What's for Dinner?
 
on November 28, 2015
“What’s For Dinner” written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Samantha S. Bell, is a lovely story of two girls from different lands, who become friends through their church and share their foods and family love. Amaeka of Nigerian decent has invited Katy to dinner. Katy is worried about what will be served. The girls are experiencing life in ways they are not accustomed to, but graciously take part in the experience. I think children will relate to this book as diversity is ever growing in our country and countries around the world today. Amaeka and Katy are perfect examples of acceptance and friendship. This would be a book for the classroom or a child’s library. Either way, a pleasant read.
 
 *****

on November 29, 2015
Culturally specific books are important because research has shown that children fair well when they can identify with people who are similar to themselves. I applaud award winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole for writing her newest book, “What’s for Dinner.” Children all over the world will be inspired with her book because it celebrates diversity.
~Nicole Weaver, Multi-Award Winning Author
www.nicoleweaver.com

Monday, November 23, 2015

New Review for 
Magical Max and Magical Mickey

Penelope Anne Cole’s 4th book in Magical Series, Magical Max and Magical Mickey

Posted in Other Disabilities, Reviews, Special Needs Children by - November 22, 2015
- See more at: http://www.specialneedsbookreview.com/2015/11/22/penelope-anne-coles-4th-book-in-magical-series-magical-max-and-magical-mickey/#sthash.B1iMZdZC.dpuf

Penelope Anne Cole’s 4th book in Magical Series, Magical Max and Magical Mickey

Posted in Other Disabilities, Reviews, Special Needs Children by - November 22, 2015
- See more at: http://www.specialneedsbookreview.com/2015/11/22/penelope-anne-coles-4th-book-in-magical-series-magical-max-and-magical-mickey/#sthash.B1iMZdZC.dpuf
Penelope Anne Cole’s 4th book in Magical Series, Magical Max and Magical Mickey
Posted in Other Disabilities, Reviews, Special Needs Children by Lorna - November 22, 2015

Congratulations to award-winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole, and illustrator, Kevin Scott Collier, for yet another delightful children’s book! On the author’s web site we see, “PENNY’S AWARD WINNING BOOKS ARE ALWAYS FUN AND EDUCATIONAL” and we totally agree! Special Needs Book Review is pleased to tell you about the 4th book in the popular Magical Series, Magical Max and Magical Mickey by Penelope Anne Cole. 

About Magical Max and Magical Mickey:
Magical Max and Magical Mickey is about the growing family we learned to love in Penelope Anne Cole’s first three books. Matthew is off to college, Mea is entering middle school and at a special family meeting they learn that their mother is expecting twin boys. Immediately it is revealed how each of them will help with the work involved in raising twins.
In the first books, Matthew and Mea lost their magic to help others when they lost their last baby teeth. The questions readers will have is, “Will Max and Mickey have magical powers like their older siblings?” 

Young readers who are enjoying these easy-to-read chapter books will surely be motivated to read the 35 pages to find out!
Features of Penelope Anne Coles’s Magical Series:
One feature we like in Penelope’s books is the way she effectively highlights a functional family. Her stories revolve around multi-generational family members, which include Grandma Nonie who often becomes the children’ confidant and caregiver. This fourth book shows the twins have compassion for others in the way they help their grandmother who is not as capable to do all she once did stay safe.
If children learn by example, Penelope Anne Coles’s characters will teach them how to be respectful and helpful to make relationships work. Their conversations always show it is important that each person in the conversation has a chance to express his ideas.
Readers will once again enjoy their neighbor, Lily in her wheelchair, with her quick solutions and suggestions. Lily is always portrayed as a character with “abilities” and not “disabilities”.
The detailed illustrations of Kevin Scott Collier create a wonderful aging process for all the characters. Mr. Collier’s colorful illustrations will help emergent readers understand the story and keep the attention of kids listening to the story being read.
Target Audience:
  • For readers: Ages 4-9
  • For grades 1-3
 
Special Needs Book Review has reviews of Ms. Cole’s first three children’s books in this award winning series and an awesome interview with Penelope Anne Cole. Find the links at the end of this post.



- See more at: http://www.specialneedsbookreview.com/2015/11/22/penelope-anne-coles-4th-book-in-magical-series-magical-max-and-magical-mickey/#sthash.B1iMZdZC.dpuf

ongratulations to award-winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole, and illustrator, Kevin Scott Collier, for yet another delightful children’s book! On the author’s web site we see, “PENNY’S AWARD WINNING BOOKS ARE ALWAYS FUN AND EDUCATIONAL” and we totally agree! Special Needs Book Review is pleased to tell you about the 4th book in the popular Magical Series, Magical Max and Magical Mickey by Penelope Anne Cole. 
Special Needs Book Review has reviews of Ms. Cole’s first three children’s books in this award winning series and an awesome interview with Penelope Anne Cole. Find the links at the end of this post.
- See more at: http://www.specialneedsbookreview.com/2015/11/22/penelope-anne-coles-4th-book-in-magical-series-magical-max-and-magical-mickey/#sthash.B1iMZdZC.dpuf

Monday, November 16, 2015

NEW 5 STAR REVIEW 
Ten Little Tricksters

on November 16, 2015
TEN LITTLE TRICKSTERS is a super adorable book for Halloween and all year round! The illustrations are delightful. The book is filled with fun Halloween characters like ghosts, goblins, and zombies, which are presented in a fun, cute style rather than as a frightening tale. I think that children would really enjoy the playful words, the backwards counting (from ten to one), and the sweet illustrations.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

NEW 5 STAR REVIEW FOR MAGICAL MEA GOES TO SCHOOL
 
on October 28, 2015
I love the message of magic being inside of us all. Mea is an adorable courageous character who I hope to see more of in the future.
 *****
 NEW 4 STAR REVIEW OF MAGICAL MAX AND MAGICAL MICKEY

on October 28, 2015
Penelope Anne Cole's Magical Max and Magical Mickey is a nice story that effectively highlights family. I like that the twins work together to help their grandma with safety. The author in this series really focuses on multigenerational relationship in the family through magic.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

NEW FIVE STAR REVIEW FOR MAGICAL MATTHEW
on October 28, 2015
"Magical Matthew" is the first in Penelope Cole's Magic Series. I read it last and it's my favorite book in Cole's line up. Matthew is a kind and compassionate male protagonist that I wish existed more in real life. He views his "magical" abilities as a gift "a higher power" to fix problems in the world. Cole, through description, dialogue, poetic verse and supporting characters effectively highlights that magic is inside of us all. Like her main character Matthew, we all have the power to maximize our talents to help others and improve our environments.
I also love grandma Nonie and Matthew's relationship with his best friend Lily.

 *****
 NEW FIVE STAR REVIEW FOR MAGICAL MEA

on October 28, 2015
Award winning author Penelope Cole's "Magical Mea" is the second book in her Magical Book Series. This book starts with Mea being fed up with her big brother Matthew bossing her around--which many kids in larger families will relate. Mea contributes to her acting out by using her magic to pull pranks on her family.

However, Matthew and his friend Lily worry that Mea's behavior may lead to her to using her magic for ill-will.

But although Mea has a different approach from her brother she still ends up helping others through her individual magical talents. This book is great for reluctant readers with its bright and colorful illustrations and positive messaging.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

TWO 5 STAR REVIEWS ON AMAZON
for 
Magical Max and Magical Mickey


By Susan Hornbach on September 30, 2015
Format: Paperback
Penelope Anne Cole has written yet another book in her magical series. Matthew and Mea are mesmerized by parental news. They are both in reminiscence of days gone by, but interrupted with new and intriguing surprises. New adventures are expected and new family additions as well. This is the best of the best in the series of Magical Matthew. The ending even has a twist. Read all of the magical series to experience the thoughts and emotions of all the characters. Children doing good deeds for the betterment of others. What more could you want in a children’s book series? Illustrations by Kevin Collier. 
 
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By Amazon Customer on September 27, 2015
Format: Paperback
It's so nice to know this series isn't over even though Mea and Matt had outgrown their magical powers. When their baby brothers are born they don't know if the twins will have magical powers or not. They - and the readers - must wait a while to find out. Of course Max and Mickey do turn out to have them and use them to help a friend. It's nice to know this series can continue. 
 
Tags:
Magical Max and Magical Mickey, Penelope Anne Cole, Max, Mickey, Matthew, Mea, Grandma Nonie, Mom, Dad, Lily, magic, helping people,  gifts, talents, family, using our gifts and talents.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A 5-Star Review for Magical Max and Magical Matthew



on September 23, 2015
The Magical series by award-winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole continues onward with another spectacular journey, this time Magical Max and Magical Mickey.
Siblings Matthew and Mea are intrigued and concerned at the sudden announcement for a family meeting. The two once magical siblings speculate as to what the meeting could be about. Stunned by the announcement of their mom’s pregnancy and impending birth of twins raise their concern that their soon to be new siblings will have magical powers as they once did. For you see, they worked hard with their Grandma Nonie to hide their once magical powers from their parents. What will happen with Matthew off at college, Mea busy with middle school and Grandma Nonie not as capable of all she once did? Will chaos ensue? Or will all the worry be for naught? Find out, as the newly expanded family takes a journey of discovery.

Penelope Anne Cole has crafted yet another “magical” story to churn the creative minds of our young muses.

The spectacular illustrations of Kevin Scott Collier create a wonderful aging process for all the characters.

NOTE: I do not receive monetary compensation nor any other incentive for my reviews.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

TWO 5-STAR REVIEWS ON AMAZON
 
on September 8, 2015
Magical Mea is a second grader who needs to learn how to use her magical powers. But she keeps putting off her magic lessons. Between setting up play dates, study dates and shopping trips, Mea makes it clear that she doesn’t want any magic lessons. Her brother Matt and friend Lily finally come up with a plan to teach Mea how to use magic whether she wants to or not. After school, they meet Mea to walk her home and test her on how she could fix certain items without being seen. It turns out that Mea is so good at using her magic that even Matt and Lily don’t see her fixing anything. So Magical Mea passes her test with flying colors and later on, her magic saves the day.

Ms. Cole’s chapter book teaches a valuable lesson about not avoiding responsibility in a kid-friendly way. Prolific illustrator Kevin Collier artwork give a warm, comfy tone to this story. I think this is a great book for any child who is moving from picture books to chapter books. This book also explains what goes on in the beginning of the school year, so it may also help with any “first day of school: anxiety that may arise. I think that Magical Mea Goes to School would be a fine addition to any school or home library.
 
on September 7, 2015
Magical Mea Goes to School, written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, is a continuation of the story and engaging characters we met in Ms. Cole’s Magical Matthew and Magical Mea books.

Mea has struggled in the past to use her magical powers for good and had to learn not to be such a trickster with her powers. Now starting 2nd grade, Mea’s brother, Matthew, his friend, Lily, and Grandma Nonie are concerned Mea won’t keep her powers “fixing things” secret and feel she needs additional training. Mea has other ideas and wants more play time so over-schedules her after school hours to avoid her “lessons.” Not that the others should be concerned. Mea shows she is perfectly capable of using her “trickster” magic for good all on her own to “save the day.”

Ms. Cole is wonderful at teaching lessons in a fun way without adult intervention and embeds important messages (“I know I helped them and that’s enough”) in a relatable and fun story kids will love. Kevin Scott Collier’s vibrant illustrations are terrific and expressive and really bring Ms. Cole’s story and characters to life.
 
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 PRINT COPY AVAILABLE SOON.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

READERS REVIEW 
of
MAGICAL MATTHEW


on August 26, 2015
I bought this book series for my 8 year old daughter. She was captivated by the illustrations and enjoyed following Matthew on his magical adventure. I image she would like some magical superpower of her own! I enjoyed the fact that Matthew chose to use his magic in a positive way, and I was delighted that Grandma Nonie guided Matthew to make his own decisions. My daughter’s favorite part of the book was the surprise ending with Matthew’s sister, and she knew there was more fun to come in the second book, Magical Mea.


Tuesday, August 18, 2015

More Reviews of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea


on July 31, 2015
Lovely little book. Penelope Anne Cole has a wonderful way of teaching children that doing good and helping others has it's own reward. You don't have to tell everyone about your good deeds.
 
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on July 31, 2015
What a fun little book. Mea is a stinker. She likes to play tricks with her magic. Her brother Matt tries to teach her how to use her magic for good. Great read aloud book for children.
 
 
 

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Here's a great review of Magical Mea Goes to School


on August 2, 2015
Who wouldn’t want magical powers to make their day a bit easier and exciting? I know I would! Come explore the magical world of second grader, Mea as she learns the responsibility of her powers. Intertwined with real life examples of everyday life of helping others and spending time with friends, Mea needs to come to terms of keeping her special talent secret. Will she reveal her magical talent to her friends or will she take the mature road and realize some things are better off kept to one’s self?

Find out in award-winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole’s latest book in the “magical” series as each character grows not only in age, but in maturity with each book. Ms. Cole has done a splendid job in engaging the reader with a fun and interesting story.

The illustrations created by Kevin Scott Collier leap from the page as the story comes to life through his creative talents.

Well done all around! Bravo!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

SHARING A LOVELY 5-START REVIEW

5.0 out of 5 stars An endearing reverse counting book that is sure to become your own little ghost or goblin's Halloween favorite!, July 19, 2015
This review is from: Ten Little Tricksters (Paperback)
An endearing reverse counting book that is sure to become your own little ghost or goblin's "Halloween favorite"! Author Penelope Ann Cole's writing has such a nice rhythm and cadence to it that parents and children alike will enjoy reading it out loud and echoing the sound effects. Illustrator Kevin Collier's colorful, vibrant, and creative depictions of the costumed trick-or-treaters bring the magic and fantasy of Halloween to life. Kids will have so much fun with this Halloween themed book they will forget they are learning to count while enjoying the antics of the ghosts, bats, skeletons, cats, monsters, and pumpkins!

Friday, July 10, 2015

A LOVELY FIVE-STAR REVIEW

on June 29, 2015
MAGICAL MEA GOES TO SCHOOL is a delightful story (both text and illustrations) about Mea, a little girl who has magic powers. This book is part of a series and I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Mea starts second grade and we learn about her first day of school. Her brother, Matthew, and Matthew’s friend, Lily, want to give Mea magic lessons, but she is resistant and plans other activities to fill her afternoons. I especially appreciated the tender family relationships in this story between Mea and Matthew, Mea and her grandmother, and Mea and Lily (who is like an extended family member). They are very sweet and loving towards Mea. A major theme of this book is to help others without expecting recognition or something in return. I think that is a wonderful theme that is hard to find in books or other mediums. It’s beautiful to read a book that encourages children to help others selflessly and the conclusion (which I won’t reveal) illustrates how meaningful helping others can be... :)
 
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See the other 5-Star Reviews on Amazon!
 
Tags:  Magical Mea Goes to School, Penelope Anne Cole, Kevin Scott Collier, Magical Matthew, Mea, Matthew, Grandma Nonie, Lily, helping, magica, sharing, learning, school, teachers.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

More Five Star Reviews for Magical Mea Goes to School

 
on June 25, 2015
This book is about how Mea still pranks her brother by saying she will practice her magic but instead she is having play dates. The way she fixes things as they walk home she secretly fixes things for the surprise ending. I very much enjoyed reading this story and could relate to the main character.
 
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on June 11, 2015
This book is third in a series of stories written by Penelope Anne Cole. In the first book, MAGICAL MATTHEW, a little boy has magical powers and uses them to fix things just by thinking them fixed. In the second book, MAGICAL MEA, the little sister has the same powers but she uses them to hide things and play pranks on others.

MAGICAL MEA GOES TO SCHOOL is a continuation of MAGICAL MEA. In the story, Matthew, his disabled friend Lily, and Grandma Nonie, try to teach Mea how to use her powers to do good things.

A chapter book, it is both humorous and entertaining and provides a valuable lesson for children of all ages.
 
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Kids with active imaginations (and what kid doesn't have one of those?) will enjoy this book. Since other reviewers have told about the plot I won't do that here. But I will say I enjoyed the book and think young readers will also enjoy it, especially if they've already read previous books in the series.
 
Tags:
Magical Mea Goes to School, Penelope Anne Cole, Kevin Scott Collier, Magical Mea, Magical Matthew, Lily, Grandma Nonie, Magical Book Works, magic, gifts, talents, good deeds, helping.