Monday, January 11, 2016

New 5-Star Review for
Magical Mea Goes to School
on January 8, 2016
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.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Two 5-Star Reviews for 
What's for Dinner?
on December 25, 2015
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
 
****
 
on December 22, 2015
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