Geo Librarian

TAJIN AND THE TWELVE THUNDERS A Pre-Columbian Myth written and illustrated by Magaly Morales Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 ISBN: 978-1-4197-6885-9 Source : publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. Thanks to the publisher for arranging the interview & providing the cover image & summary. ABOUT THE BOOK A mischievous boy tricks the 12 thunder gods in order to create the first hurricanes in Magaly Morales’s debut author-illustrated picture book, a retelling of a Mexican folktale Tajín is a fun-loving child full of energy and mischief. When his antics prove too rough for even the monkeys of the forest, he’s sent to the pyramid of Los Nichos. There live the Twelve Thunders, who, with their sweeping capes, thunderous boots, and flashing swords, make the weather. For a time, the boy is on his best behavior while in their service . . . but all too soon, he yearns to join the Thunders in the sky. Based on a popular Mexican myth, Tajín and the Twelve Thunders...

WAITING FOR PUMPSIE by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by London Ladd Charlesbridge, 2017 ISBN: 978-1-58089-545-3 Ages 4-8 Source: publisher for review All opinions expressed are solely my own. ABOUT THE BOOK In 1959 the Boston Red Sox was the last team in the Major Leagues to integrate. But when they call Elijah "Pumpsie" Green up from the minors, Bernard is overjoyed to see a black player on his beloved home team. And, when Pumpsie's first home game is scheduled, Bernard and his family head to Fenway Park. Bernard is proud of Pumpsie and hopeful that this historic event is the start of great change in America.  This fictionalized account captures the true story of baseball player Pumpsie Green's rise to the major leagues. The story is a snapshot of the Civil Rights Movement and a great discussion starter about the state of race relations in the United States today. REVIEW I've been reading a lot about the Civil Rights Movement thes...

THE WALRUS WHO ESCAPED by Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, illustrated by Anthony Brennan Inhabit Media, 2014 ISBN: 978-1-927095-68-3 Picture book Ages 4-8 Source: Myrick Marketing & Media All opinions expressed are solely my own. Walrus has beautiful spiraled tusks and can catch and eat clams with ease.  Raven must search through the mud to find clams not being willing to try becoming a walrus for fear of embarrassing herself.  But her envy turns to rage when Walrus notices her efforts one day and makes fun of her.  Calling out to the Strength of the Land, Raven turns the surface of the ocean to ice trapping Walrus inside.  Raven encourages other creatures to join her in tormenting Walrus who can no longer search for clams.  When Walrus can't take the torment any more he in turn calls on the Strength of the Land to aide him in making his escape.  This Inuit folktale not only highlights the beauty of the Arctic environment but the pow...

THE CONFER E NCE OF THE BIRDS Retold by Alexis York Lumbard, illustrated by Demi Wisdom Tales Press, 2012 ISBN: 978-1-937786-02-1 Picture Book Folktale K and up Reviewed from copy provided by publisher for review. All opinions expressed are my own. ABOUT THE BOOK Late one moonless night in a far corner of the world there gathered a large flock of birds.  They gathered in sorrow, since they had been, for so very long, deprived of a king. Thus beings the magical adventure of these wayfaring birds.  With encouragement from their wise guide, the hoopoe bird, they overcome fears, physical hardships, and their own inner weakness in order to reach the hieghts of the mountain to meet their King. Children and adults alike will relate to this inspiring tale about conquering one's faults and practicing the virtues of humility, patience, detachment from worldly goods, and courage. Lavishly illustrated and based on an 800 year old classical tale, this fascinating and beau...

Today and Tuesday, I am highlighting the author Roger Hurn and a couple of his books which I quite enjoyed. Also I hope you enjoy the guest post that Roger has so graciously provided. About the author: Roger Hurn is the author of over 70 books for children, including  The Mystery Mob  series,  The Alien Detective Agency  and  The Spook Squad . He is well known for his author visits to schools and has enormous experience as an educator having taught at all levels from Nursery to Higher Education. His experience led to him being a consultant advisor to the UK Home Office and the Children’s Directorate.   Something Wicked This Way Comes Beware of Faery stories.   They say that if you kiss a frog you’ll meet a handsome prince.   But what if you meet someone who means you harm?   Someone who steals children.   Someone like the Pied Piper.   Everybody knows the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, but there is a le...

VIKRAM AND THE ENCHANTED SEALS by Sanjiv Behera Richshaw Books, 2010 ISBN: 9780983104216 Grades 4 and up Copy sent by author for review. All opinions expressed are solely my own. Vikram, an apathetic kid from California, doesn’t want to be in India. But a death in the family leaves him no other choice. So he finds himself in a rural village, at his ancestral home where he meets his imposing grandfather. A special bond forms between them, and the old man gives Vikram an enchanted seal – a mystical relic from India's earliest civilization. It turns out that the seal is one of only a handful that combine to form the Dharma Cube, the most powerful weapon against evil the world has ever seen. Before Vikram can fully grasp the seal's profound significance, Grandpa is taken by Rakshasas – evil giants from the epic Ramayana – who are intent on destroying the Cube once and for all. Vikram enlists the help of younger brother Jai, and Manu, the family’s loyal servant,...