A 5- Star Review of 

In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends

	10/30/2016
Rating:  5 Stars!
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite "In and Out, All 'Round About: Opposite Friends" is a children's picture book for grades K-3 written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Agy Wilson. They may not always agree and often seem to be going in totally different directions, but the girl and boy in this tale are the best of friends. These opposite friends are seen as they grow up together, from the early days of playing on jungle gyms and climbing trees, to running and playing on the city streets where they live. They seem to work in an easy and instinctively cooperative fashion, even when they disagree or have the inevitable arguments. One set of panels has them disconsolate over losing a soccer game and jubilant over a victory. Another has them camping out under a starry sky, and while one is reading and the other gazing at the stars, their contentment with each other's company shines brightly. Penelope Anne Cole's picture book for children, grades K-3, "In and Out, All 'Round About: Opposite Friends," celebrates friendship and the joy it brings to those lucky enough to have a best friend. This story is a perfect primer for new readers. Cole chooses her word pairs carefully and doles them out sparingly, making sure each set makes the biggest impact on the reader. Her story is filled with movement and the easy give and take that characterizes a good friendship. We see her friends running down city streets, playing sports and board games, even dressing up as grownups, and you can tell they will stay friends for life, in spite of distance, difference or other barriers. Agy Wilson's illustrations fit the story line perfectly and add to the feeling of motion Cole’s words evoke throughout the text. Each panel is rich in detail, and anyone who's ever spent any time in San Francisco will no doubt delight in recognizing some familiar landmarks, city streets and intersections. "In and Out, All 'Round About: Opposite Friends" is most highly recommended.

Here's a Great 5-Star Review on Amazon

5 Star Review by Regan W. H. Macaulay on October 11, 2016

Format: Paperback

Penelope Anne Cole’s "Ten Little Tricksters" is an adorable rhyming and counting Halloween-themed picture book! Excellent use of rhythm and rhymes that match up uniquely with each group of little tricksters, from ten little ghosties to one little pumpkin. The illustrations by Kevin Collier are a bewitching seasonal treat—including “creaky” skeletons and “screechy” bats. Children will love counting down to Halloween with this delightful tale and parents will not be able to resist reading its catchy verses aloud!

 

*******

Tags:

Ten Little Tricksters, out trick or treating, on Halloween, by Penelope Anne Cole, spooky creatures, count down to ten, reverse counting, pumpkin, black cats, witches, skeletons, zombis, black bats, ogres, monsters, goblins, and ghosts.   

ANOTHER 5 - STAR REVIEW FOR

MAGICAL MAX AND MAGICAL MICKEY'S BIG SURPRISE

5.0 out of 5 stars Sad But Great

By Janet Ann Collins on September 19, 2016

Format: Paperback

I'm sorry this is probably the last book in the series. It's a good one. I won't give away the plot, but I LOVE the surprise the boys make for their friend's graduation gift.

*****  

I responded to Ms. Collins that I would continue the series if I get another good book idea!  Penelope Anne Cole

 

*******

Tags

children's books, Magical Max and Magical Mickey's Big Surprise, Max, Mickey, Mea, Matthew, Lily, Grandma Nonie, Mom, Dad, magic, helping, fixing, surprises, graduation, family, siblings, friends, friendship, caring, sharing.

AMAZON REVIEW - 5 STARS

5.0 out of 5 starsA fantastic book for teaching children from all backgrounds to get along!

ByDebra Allardon August 29, 2016

Format: Paperback

What a wonderful book by Penelope Anne Cole for teaching children to get along in spite of our differences. The two children in the book are different in gender, race, likes, looks, and feelings, but none of that matters. They put their differences aside and enjoy playing together. This is a great book for Kindergarten through early elementary school children. Teachers may want to read it to their classes during discussions of diversity. It’s also a great book for teaching opposites. The wonderful illustrations by Agy Wilson are colorful and beautifully enhance the book’s theme. I plan to read and discuss it with my 5 year old grandson before he heads off to Kindergarten next week. We need more books to encourage people to get along. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

*****

 

Deb Gardner Allard is the author of 

"Baby Poopsie Loves Ears." 

 

 www.debgardnerallard.com 

 

****

Tags:

Opposites, friends, multicultural, fussing, fighting, playing, running, learning, growing, kids, childrens, rhyming, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.

FIVE STAR REVIEW ON AMAZON

5.0 out of 5 starsAll ‘Round About – Opposite Friends" is a book with a beautiful message in rhythmic verse

ByRegan W. H. Macaulayon August 3, 2016

Format: Paperback

Penelope Anne Cole’s "In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends" is a book with a beautiful message in rhythmic verse. It’s about a friendship between a boy and a girl of different races who share the various ups and downs of young life. Even when they end up moving away from each other, their friendship endures.

Opposites in general, and how they fit into the lives of these two kids, are featured in verse and repetitive patterns.

Agy Wilson’s illustrations are beautifully executed—they bring the moments these two friends share fully to life.

"In and Out, All ‘Round About – Opposite Friends" is an excellent choice for schools, libraries and homes.

Please note: I reviewed a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

 

***

Regan Macaulay is the author of 

"Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese" and "Sloth the Lazy Dragon." 

***

Tags:

Opposites, friends, multicultural, fussing, fighting, playing, running, learning, growing, kids, childrens, rhyming, San Francisco, Washington, D.C.

 A LOVELY NEW 5-STAR REVIEW 

 

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

 

5.0 out of 5 stars  Culturally diverse - the characters and the food!

ByRegan W. H. Macaulayon July 12, 2016

What’s for Dinner by Penelope Anne Cole presents children with an education on a wide variety of diets, and a wide variety of cultures—all in a fun story about children that students can relate to directly. Katy’s been invited to dinner at a Nigerian friend’s house, and she’s worried they may serve something strange that she will not like. Katy decides she will try what is served, after discovering a new delicious dish in her own home! She is pleasantly surprised with what is served at her friend Amaeka’s home!

Not only does this story present a variety of different dishes from various countries around the world, children also learn a little something about different cultures, too. Katy’s friends are diverse, inclusive, and as a group, they are very aware of different cultures. I particularly enjoyed the game Katy and her friends play taking turns identifying countries by what people there eat, and other fun facts (like “Where do the women wear komonos and they eat raw fish with rice and seaweed?” “Japan,” said Katy).

The colourful and detailed illustrations by Samantha S. Bell make the food look tempting and the children engaging! Teachers and their students will love this celebration of diversity—in food and characters!

Tags: 
Dinner, food, cooking, sharing, friends, family, diversity, multi-cultural, Nigeria

My 5 Day Magical Book Tour ReCap 

 

Today is Day 5, the Final Day of  my Magical Book Tour.  

Here are the blog posts for all 5 days:

 

Day One:

http://www.virtual-book-tours.com/53/meet-childrens-author-penelope-anne-cole/

Day Two:
http://workingwriterscoach.com/writers-life-author-penelope-anne-cole/

Day Three:
http://suzannelieurance-author.com/141/tradebook-tips/

Day Four:
 http://www.workingwritersclub.com/12740/blog/writing-tips-childrens-author-penelope-anne-cole/

Day Five:
http://book-reviews-and-more.com/147/go-childrens-author-penelope-anne-cole/

 WHAT'S FOR DINNER? 

Receives Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval

 

For Immediate Release

Children's Literary Classics

pr@clcawards.org

Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's picture book What’s for Dinner? written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Samantha S. Bell, has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

When Katy's friend Ameaka, who is from Nigeria, invites her to dinner she begins to wonder about what might be served.   Katy is looking forward to the experience, but she's a little fearful she might not like it and she does not want to offend her hosts.  As she and her other friends contemplate the many different types of foods served around the world they come to realize that all cultures eat foods which may seem odd to people from other regions, even their own. 

Author Penelope Anne Cole's What's for Dinner? is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to various foods and cultures while promoting the idea of acceptance and trying new things.  This book is highly recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.  

Children’s Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in children’s literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic children's literature which appeals to youth while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.   To learn more about Children's Literary Classics, you may visit their website at www.clcawards.org or www.childrensliteraryclassics.com

A SECOND 5 STAR REVIEW FOR

IN AND OUT, ALL 'ROUND ABOUT - OPPOSITE FRIENDS

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsVery nice message!

By Amazon Customer on March 2, 2016

Format: Paperback I really enjoyed this the latest children’s picture book by Penelope Anne Cole. Written in short, rhythmical verse, the story illustrates and celebrates the very special friendship between a boy and a girl of different races. She’s white; he’s African American. They share together the ups and downs that happen in their lives, they learn together and grow to be better human beings. Eventually they must live in separate parts of the world—but not even distance can diminish their friendship.

In and Out, All ‘Round—Opposite Friends stimulates children’s minds because it invites reflection. It’s a good book that a parent or adult may read to the child and ask questions about the illustrations and the meaning of the words. The very nice illustrations well complement the story. A story that promotes love and friendship between children of different races, In and Out, All ‘Round—Opposite Friends comes recommended from this reviewer

 

Tags:  Friendship, sharing, caring, playing, rhyming, family, friends, opposites

First 5 Star Review of my new PB

In and Out, All 'Round About - Opposite Friends

 5.0 out of 5 stars   Very nice message!

By Amazon Customer on March 2, 2016

Format: Paperback

I really enjoyed this the latest children’s picture book by Penelope Anne Cole. Written in short, rhythmical verse, the story illustrates and celebrates the very special friendship between a boy and a girl of different races. She’s white; he’s African American. They share together the ups and downs that happen in their lives, they learn together and grow to be better human beings. Eventually they must live in separate parts of the world—but not even distance can diminish their friendship.

In and Out, All ‘Round—Opposite Friends stimulates children’s minds because it invites reflection. It’s a good book that a parent or adult may read to the child and ask questions about the illustrations and the meaning of the words. The very nice illustrations well complement the story. A story that promotes love and friendship between children of different races, In and Out, All ‘Round—Opposite Friends comes recommended from this reviewer.

A Wonderful Five Star Review of

"What's for Dinner?"

5.0 out of 5 stars  What's for Dinner? is a very sweet book by Penelope Anne Cole with delicate

By Jill Siegel on February 8, 2016

Format: Paperback

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? is a very sweet book by Penelope Anne Cole with delicate, tender illustrations by Samantha S. Bell. The story and illustrations complement each other well. When Katy is invited to her friend Amaeka’s house for dinner, she’s not sure what to expect. She thinks that Amaeka’s family will share Nigerian cuisine with her and she’s never tried it before… I love how this story encourages children to try different cuisines and open themselves up to learning about different traditions and cultures. I’ve read several of Penelope Anne Cole’s books and I truly appreciate how her books foster compassion and understanding. The end matter includes recipes, a map of Nigeria, and website links.

 

Tags: 

What's for Dinner? Penelope Anne Cole, Nigerian food, friends, family, helping, sharing, exotic foods, different foods, strange foods, multicultural, different countries, recipes, surprises.

New 5-Star Review for

Magical Mea Goes to School

5.0 out of 5 starsshe learns that using her gift for good is just as important as socializing with peers

ByStaceyon January 8, 2016

Format: Paperback

In Magical Mea Goes to School, author Penelope Cole again entertains readers with her newest book in the magical series. Magical Mea is back in the spotlight with her brother, Magical Matthew, Grandma Nonie and friend, Lily. In the story, Mea must learn to properly and surreptitiously use her magic powers of fixing things. With her brother as a mentor, she learns that using her gift for good is just as important as socializing with peers.
This is a delightful story about being responsible and doing good deeds without expecting recognition for doing so. Cole does a wonderful job weaving in these messages without being didactic, and illustrator Kevin Collier’s vibrant depictions enhance the story as well. I’d highly recommend for families of elementary school children, as well as school and public libraries.

 

Tags:

Magical Mea Goes to School, Mea, Matthew, Lily, Grandma Nonie, family, helping, sharing, kindness, friends, using your talents for good.

Two 5-Star Reviews for 

What's for Dinner?

5.0 out of 5 starsWONDERFUL INTRODUCTION TO DIVERSITY

ByAmazon Customeron December 25, 2015

Format: Paperback

What’s for Dinner?
by Penelope Ann Cole

Penelope Cole’s children’s book “What’s for Dinner?” takes a common childhood fear about new foods and foreign cultures, and turns it into an entertaining teaching lesson. Rather than fearing the foods and traditions of a different culture, the characters in this charming story learn to respect the unfamiliar by making new friends. As an added bonus, the author gives readers several unique recipes, along with a map of the African county where the recipes originated. This is a great educational book for children who are afraid to venture out and try new foods.
Julie Bowman

 

****

 

5.0 out of 5 starsDiverse Cultures and Cuisines

ByConnie Arnoldon December 22, 2015

Format: Paperback

Katy is faced with a decision to make when she is invited by her friend from Nigeria to come to her house for dinner. After talking to her friends about what foods people in Nigeia might eat, she is very concerned about the possible different and "weird" foods they might serve. When Katy's mother serves a new dish, she decides to taste it and likes it. Katy decided that is what she would do with the Nigerian food. This is a good story for children to learn about other cultures and acceptance. The colorful illustrations complement the story well.

 

Tags:

What's for Dinner? Penelope Anne Cole, Samantha Bell, diversity, food choices, cooking, sharing, family, friends