Wenda the Wacky Wiggler by Christopher Aslan -- Book Review

Wenda loves to laugh and dance and feel herself move. The grumpy and grey people in her town, however, did not like her to do any of those things. So, they figure if they stopped the music and the singing, Wenda will go away. Wenda and the townsfolk soon learn, however, the love and joy that comes from inside is something that can never be stopped, and sharing it changes people forever.

What a wonderful way to show children how to listen to their own voice! Wenda the Wacky Wiggler is a charming and beautifully illustrated picture book that both entertains and educates.

Published by Benjamin Brown Books, Christopher Aslan one of the company's founders, has found his voice in a planned series of books that both inspire, educate and entertain. Wenda the Wacky Wiggler is the second book in the publisher's Rainbow Collection. The first book, Lilly and Lucy's Shadow, encourages children to overcome their fears.

Kudos go out to illustrator Emily Mullock, whose colorful and stunning illustrations bring Wenda and her town to life. This is Mullock's first book project and I look forward to more from her.

Every child needs to know what they have to offer to this world; and Wenda the Wacky Wiggler is an excellent way to teach them this lesson while enjoying a fun book.


Title: Wenda the Wacky Wiggler
Author: Christopher Aslan
Publisher: Benjamin Brown Books
ISBN: 978-0-9782553-2-9
SRP: $ 19.95 (U.S.)

Miss L'eau by T. Katz -- Book Review

Miss L’eau by T. Katz is a delightful chapter book with an excellent message.

James and David like their teacher, Miss L’eau. She’s a lot like the other teachers at their school, yet, there’s something different about her too. And she has the most amazing eyes. One day, James seeks shelter from a storm in the boys’ secret hiding place by the old lighthouse. James thinks he sees something, but certainly that can’t really be what he saw. Suddenly Miss L’eau is more mysterious than ever. The boys are determined to figure out her secret. They don’t know, however, how much that secret will change their lives..and perhaps, the world.

In this exciting and fun short chapter book, the story focuses on two young boys and their teacher. While there are other characters popping in from time to time, in true chapter book format the number of characters is limited, allowing young readers to easily grasp everything that is going on.

The mystery surrounding Miss L’eau and why she is in Grant Harbor keeps readers turning the pages. In a short amount of time, James and David go from giving little consideration to the ocean that they have lived next to all their lives, to strong proponents of protecting the ocean and marine life.

The soothing cover art works well with the topic of the book, a mixture of darker and paler oceanic blues; though I have to admit that the one big eye in the middle of the cover creeps me out. Perhaps an animated version of an eye or a smaller picture of two eyes might have made it less jarring.

Miss L’eau will show young readers how easy and fun it can be to take care of the world around them and to encourage others to do the same.


Title: Miss L'eau
Author: T. Katz
Publisher: Windstorm Creative, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-59092-404-4
SRP: $9.99 (U.S.)