Jessica Rudolph

Ghost Houses is part of the 16-book Tiptoe Into Scary Places series for kids. The book gathers 4 stories from famous haunted houses in the United States -- The White House, Lizzie Borden's house, the Jennie Wade house and Whaley House. Although I had heard all of these tales before, the full-color photos and artwork really made this children's book an entertaining quick read.

This series could definitely have some interesting classroom uses at Halloween. The tales could be read out loud to students as a writing prompt to have them write their own spooky tales, or as fun, supplemental reading. The stories are very visual and presented with varied page layouts. Definitely a series to catch the eye of a ghost story loving, but reluctant reader.

In the back of each book there is a glossary of spooky terms used in the stories, a bibliography, short suggested reading list and a weblink for more information.

I enjoyed the stories and the photos. At Halloween I will definitely buy a couple titles in this series to send to my grand kids!… (más)

Spooky Libraries is part of the Tiptoe Into Spooky Places Series. There are 16 books in the series, transporting kids to all sorts of scary places like mummy tombs, horrific hotels, and haunted locations. Fun! I love spooky stories....even children's stories....so when my library added this book, I just had to read it! I'm glad I did.

Each page is nicely illustrated with full color photos and artwork. The book is visually appealing so it might be a great book to entice reluctant readers to enjoy reading. In the back of the book is a glossary of ghostly terms used in the stories, a short bibliography, a suggested reading list and a weblink for kids who want to learn more about ghostly topics. This book -- and series -- could easily be used in a classroom as a writing prompt, group reading, solo reading or just a fun activity.

All of the stories are age appropriate for elementary to middle grade students. The stories are spooky but not overly scary.

I'm definitely going to read more in this series, and buy a book or two to send my grand kids at Halloween!… (más)

This non fiction book on Paris for very young readers includes the usual sites: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, etc. The photos are amazing and do a great job of making the reader feel like they are really there. The angle of the picture of the stairs in the Arc de Triomphe is especially good. There are recommended readings and websites for more information. It would have been nice to read about why the catacombs exist or why there are gargoyles on Notre Dame. Why is a young child's favorite question.… (más)