Sunday, March 16, 2014

Children books reviews, a round up

I love reading children and YA books, no only because I am planning to write my own soon - maybe in the next 12 months, maybe not - but also because it helps me to improve my language skills - German can be treated in different ways - and it brings back a great time of discovery and reading.
Almost every two weeks I add on my Goodreads shelf more such books, and some of them I am reviewing on my blog right now.

Eeek!, the runaway alien

I never was a big fan of aliens stories, and except the movie ET, I watched several times, there were not too many UFOs into my world. I was convinced to read Eeek! after reading an interview with the author. the main idea is that an alien can be friendly if you find some similarities. It is a book with images, a communications tool that might easily help to connect in real life too when you don't speak properly other people's language. Mostly answering the reading audience of the little men from the house, it keeps you entertained from a page to another. The runaway Eeek running from home has also some improbable treats, such as the capacity to use a credit card, but otherwise is interesting and recommended, also for the language.

Explaining the brain

I always wondered how different scientific topics can be explained to the children in a simple and friendly way. Take, for instance, the almost mysterious ways of the brain. This German illustrated book Gehirnforschung fuer Kinder demonstrates that it can be done in a very gracious way that can bring serious benefits to the adults reading to the children too. A good example of quality science book.


What about the Djinnis?

With the exception of some almost racist stereotypes, my first encounter with the Children of the Lamp was very useful for understanding the techniques of the children books. 
It has adventures, suspense, historical references, well built characters, fun and many dialogues. Last but not least, it covers a very daily topic, as the twins are aimed to prevent a devastating ecological catastrophe announced by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Adventures with art mafiosi

Ally Carter's YA novel is a different kind of adventure: a talented teenager is brought from a continent to another, trying to got back stolen pieces of art that might help the life of his father, an experienced art thief. 
There are some moral thoughts and some interesting historical episodes when it comes to pieces of art stolen during WWII. One may also find danger and suspense and a mixture of fashion, luxury and travel. Exactly what you will be interested in your early teens years.

Yoko's world

With Yoko und die Gruselnacht im Klassenzimmer I went some age categories down. 
Yoko is a furry character with human sensibilities that can bring you easily into troubles because of his curiosities. For my current level of German was perfect.

The Warrior Sheep

The sheep are so cute and funny, especially the hilarious one with the mobile phone on a plastic bag, but there is no sense to call them 'warriors'. The story is mild, with a lot of insights about London's main travel destinations - as the sheep are able to go with the tube and even ride the train, but put aside their cuteness, the title is a bit overrated and it is not what I expected from the sheep. 
That's all for now! New children and YA adventures are ready for reviews on my hungry Kindle!
Happy reading everyone!

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