Ellen Weisberg

Fruit of the Vine is a wonderful, charmingly illustrated anti-bullying children's book. Even as a grown up, I found it magical! We are transported along with the main character to a wonderful fairytale land where we met Shrek-like, seemingly lovable ogre type creatures and a snake who gave me Rikki Tikki Tavi vibes from Rudyard Kipling. Included in this wonderland is a genii who gives three wishes to the one who rubs the lamp.....no, that's wrong--to the one who steps on the snake!! LOL.....The whole is accompanied by illustrations that come from an award winning animation of this story and they are just perfect. There is a barcode to scan to view the Youtube video of the animated feature, as well as barcodes for the authors' nonprofit's webpage to view many more materials for children including books and videos.

The anti-bullying message is loud and clear and so important for children to learn, as well as for parents and teachers. Bullying is never okay, and this book establishes that message in an uplifting and pleasant way.… (més)

Angel Rock Leap is an absorbingly good YA novel that highlights some of the depressing aspects of human nature. Sarah is 19 and has just failed in her college career track in the big city. Her mother and father are deceased and for reasons that aren't quite clear she decides to return to the depressed economy of the very rural small town she grew up in. The reason she gives is to be close to her one remaining close friend from childhood, Scott; who indeed has secured her a rundown but cheap apartment to live in, since it is owned by his parents.

There then begins a series of complex interactions with people from Sarah's past starting with her arch enemy, Pamela; the person who relentlessly bullied her throughout their childhood school years and led the pack of girls who followed suit. This ended up shattering Sarah's self confidence and image of herself causing years of pain.

It turns out what Sarah is looking for and the reason for her return to her small, depressed hometown is to see if she can regain this self confidence. Her friend Scott helps her through the ordeals she has to face and an old friend who had seemed lost to the past suddenly appears in her life again.

The story is about facing your demons head on and not backing down in the face of aggression and about healing and striving to better ourselves and helping others, even those who have done hurtful things to us. Ultimately, it shows us that even when all seems bleak and the future looks grim, we can make positive changes in our life and the lives of others and change that outcome.… (més)

This is a wonderful children's book that provides an informative and entertaining brief overview of the Canadian territories, including the geography, the people and some of the industries and products found within each area.

It follows three friends aptly and whimsically named Wandering Wally, Hiking Holly and Ambling Andy as they take us on the Grand Tour across Canada. The story is told in cute and clever rhyming prose.

This book is a great addition to your child's library and as a grown up, I found it charming AND informative, too.… (més)