No name

The Salamander Room is a beautifully illustrated picture book that is sure to captivate the nature-loving child. Brian finds a salamander and asks his mother to keep him as a pet. Rather than saying "no" his mother asks leading questions as to where the salamander will sleep, what he will eat, where he will play and if he'll be lonely. Eager to keep his new pet, but also desiring to give him a happy home, Brian reassures his mother that he will bring moss into his room, wet leaves, boulders and insects to make the salamander happy. Brian's mother continues to question, and Brian continues to imagine bringing the out of doors--in. He says he will bring trees into his room and birds... and by the end, Brian has lifted the roof off his room in order to let in the sun and rain. In fact, so much of the salamander's home has found its way into Brian's room that the only thing recognizable about Brian's room is Brian's bed where he hopes to sleep under the stars beside his new pet salamander.

Reviewed by:

Suzanne Temple

First reviewed:

8-16-2007

The Saving Name of God the Son

Author(s):

Jean Ann Sharpe

Number of pages:

22 pages

2009

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Other

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

Bethlehem Books has just released the first in a set of three new board books on the Blessed Trinity. This first one is about God the Son and it's gorgeous! Each page has a lovely painting by early Renaissance artist Fra Angelico, illustrating a scene from the Life of Christ. The paintings are accompanied by short, rich text that speaks of who Jesus is. It's a very quick read, just a few lines per page, but thoughtfully put together and one that can be reflected on over and over again. The series description has some interesting things to say about the intentions of the publisher for this series:

The Teaching the Language of the Faith Series presents read-aloud books that foster reflective interaction between the child listener and the adult reader. Thoughtful religious art is chosen to interrelate with words pertinent to faith understanding. Each aspect extends the meaning of the other. As children gain a familiarity with words and images relevant to Christian truth, they are prepared to enter more fully and more personally into the beauty and mystery of the Christian faith.

An "Art and Text References" segment in back includes references to the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church for each painting. These would be great for further discussion and family study. Kudos to Bethlehem Books for recognizing the great capacity of very young children for beauty and mystery! Note: Bethlehem Books has a free PDF page of suggestions for how to use this book with your child.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

9-28-2009

The Scarlet and the Black

1983

Publisher:

Artisan/Fox Video

Subject(s):

History

Setting:

Europe

Life during World War II

Resource Type:

Videos

Review:

Christopher Plummer and Gregory Peck play arch-enemies in this story of a remarkable Irish Monsignor living in the Vatican who runs a network of safehouses for Jews, escaped POWs and others seeking refuge in Nazi-occupied Rome. Monsignor O'Flaherty (Gregory Peck) boldly collects funds for his work at high-profile parties and events and narrowly escapes capture at every turn. As Nazi Commandant Hoffer (Christopher Plummer) realizes the scope of O'Flaherty's threat to Nazi purposes, the good Monsignor's danger increases. Virtually a prisoner in the Vatican, he invents daring disguises in order to keep his network running and often remove refugees to safety just moments before the Nazis show up for an arrest attempt. This is a great movie - true story, compelling plot, great cast, etc. My only uncertainty is whether Sir John Gielgud's portrayal of Pope Pius XII is fair (he comes across as rather wimpy), but this is a rather minor part of the movie.

Additional notes:

156 min, Color - now available on VHS and DVD

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

7-21-03

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Author(s):

Barroness Orczy

Number of pages:

288 pages

1905

Publisher:

Penguin Classics

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Review:

This classic romance/mystery set in the French Revolution is the story of a wealthy British nobleman, Percy, with a daring and secret side of his life which he keeps hidden even from his wife - a beautiful French actress. Percy and some close friends have found a sport much more exciting, noble, and dangerous than the typical fox-hunting: that of rescuing French aristocrats from the raging mobs and guillotine of the French revolution. Fast-paced and suspenseful, the story is both enjoyable and enlightening as to the evils of the French Revolution contrasted with the nobility of those who tried to counter evil with good.

Additional notes:

The full book text is available online in EBook format at Project Gutenberg.

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

3-25-2000

The Scarlet Pimpernel (BBC/A&E Series)

Runtime:

300 minutes

1998

Publisher:

BBC/A&E

Subject(s):

Fiction

Resource Type:

Videos

Review:

After thoroughly enjoying the BBC/A&E production of Pride and Prejudice, I was thrilled to see that they also had done the Scarlet Pimpernel, which is one of my favorite stories. Unfortunately, my expectations were completely shattered by this production which is really more of a television series loosely based on the books. It seems intended for those who enjoy rather steamy romance novels. While some of the original elements of the story and the truths regarding the evils of the French Revolution remain intact (and there are a few funny and creative scenes), there is little else to recommend this production - and many reasons not to bother. I haven't read all of the Pimpernel books, but there was very little reminiscent of the main book from which it takes its name (none of the principal characters even wore disguises!) and there is a lot of raunchy material that I found extremely difficult to tolerate (and I'm a relatively tolerant person when it comes to annoying parts in movies). The writers seem intent on creating heinous female villains and turning Marguerite St. Just into a more politically correct character. Chauvelin, to whom they attempt to give some "sex appeal", makes me nauseous. I found the scenes in Paris indicative of the disintegrating culture absolutely revolting, and these were not even treated as revolting by the production. Instead, for example, Sir Percy Blakeney makes a flippant joke about losing one's virginity when one of his companions is sensually undressed by a group of women at a party. Please, please, please, don't waste your money on this one like I did!

Perspective:

Secular

Additional notes:

approx. 300 min., Color

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

6-24-03

The Scrambled States of America

The Whimsical, Mad-Dashing, Geography Game

2002

Publisher:

Gamewright

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

The Scrambled States of America is based on a book of the same name by Laurie Keller. It involves making geography fun for young children through a story in which the states get mixed up and need to be put back in order. You don't need to know the story to enjoy the game, however.

The games involves two decks of cards - a state deck and a "scramble" deck. Players bring states "home" by following instructions on the "scramble" deck. These instructions involve things like: the state's color, letters or words found in the nickname, states that border that state and how many syllables in the capital. There are two levels of play. For younger children, anyone with a state matching the instructions on the "scramble" deck gets to bring that state "home." Older children can play a fast-paced version in which the first one to find a qualifying state gets to bring it "home."

The illustrations are a little "goofy" (each state is drawn with a face on it), but we found that our four children capable of playing (in our case, ages 5 1/2 through 12) enjoyed the game very much at their appropriate levels. I think the children practice valuable skills - searching for states on their maps, identifying attributes and learning about syllables (to name just a few).

You know it's a good game when children and adults both enjoy playing it!!!

Additional notes:

Copyrights 2002-2005

For 2 to 4 players, ages 8 and up.

Two card decks with a simple 8 1/2 x 11 paper map for each player

UPCs: 787799281963, 793631099399, 001888439548, 885185230509, 789437983499, 759751055059

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

10-29-05

The Seashell on the Mountaintop

Author(s):

Alan Cutler

Number of pages:

240 pages

2003

Publisher:

Plume Publishing

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Mary Daly

First reviewed:

12-26-06

The Second Mrs. Gianconda

Author(s):

E. L. Konigsburg

Number of pages:

138 pages

1975

ISBN / ID:

9780689821219

Publisher:

Aladdin

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

The Second Mrs. Giaconda is a fascinating book about a young thief who becomes apprenticed to Leonardo da Vinci. This work of historical fiction is set in the latter half of the fifteenth century. The plot revolves around three characters- the famous artist, Leonardo, his apprentice, Salai, and the Duchess Beatrice d'Este. The novel is written from Salai's viewpoint, and we get a good feel for Leonardo's character. We see that Leonardo is shy, and yet brilliant. We see how Leonardo is so unreliable, particularly when he is distracted by his work. Leonardo was commissioned to paint a mural on the refectory wall of a local monastary in Milan. Unfortunately, he took so long with his masterpiece, that the monks began complaining about the loss of their dining hall! Leonardo is fascinated by everything around him. He studies plants, rivers, mountains, rocks and trees. He builds war engines, and studies flying machines. It is interesting to see the rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo, and how their lives intersect. The title, The Second Mrs. Gianconda, is a reference to the Mona Lisa, Leonardo's most famous work. The author uses this novel to weave the story behind the painting of the Mona Lisa. The back pages of the novel have black and white reproductions of some of the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci.

We used The Second Mrs. Gianconda as a read-aloud for our entire family. The novel was part of our Renaissance studies. This book was a good beginning to the study of the Renaissance artists. The book was entertaining, and informative. We would recommend it highly as a read-aloud, or for children ages ten and above.

Two references are disturbing in this book. One, the duke of Milan is involved, in two instances, with another woman. No mention of a sexual relationship is made, but it is still a problematic area for Catholic readers. And, secondly, on page 121, there is a reference to Isabella 'breeding dwarfs' for servants at her court. Though some texts contend that Leonardo had a homosexual affair with Salai, this novel makes no mention of that, or of any homosexual tendencies in Leonardo.

Reviewed by:

Hogan Kids

First reviewed:

1998-99

The Secret of Pooduck Island

Author(s):

Alfred Noyes

Number of pages:

167 pages

1943

ISBN / ID:

9780910334228

Publisher:

Catholic Authors Press; Neumann Press

Binding:

Softcover

Sample Pages

Subject(s):

Miscellaneous Fiction

Grade / Age level:

Grades 3-5

Review:

This is a story with many layers waiting to be discovered. On the surface, it's about a lonely boy who likes to spend time with his squirrel friends. The townspeople think him strange, but he is better understood by the priest. The squirrels and the boy have interesting adventures and the tale is engaging in itself. It's not hard to see, however, that there's more to the story than this – but what exactly is "the Secret"? An Indian with a beautiful old rosary and a very sad tale adds to the mystery. The reader begins to uncover the first layer of the story and sees some real insights into life – how we view the world and others in it and how our judgment can be clouded by our faults. And still there's more. Fortunately Alfred Noyes gives us a series of study questions which enable us to really study the story and begin to uncover the mysterious secret. The questions aren't easy and will probably be answered most effectively as a family. To be sure, there's a lot to be gained by parents in studying it alongside their children. Besides uncovering the important messages woven into this unique story, studying the story is a good exercise in reading literature in a meaningful way.
Recommended in Catholic Authors: 4-Sight Edition

Additional notes:

Donated for review by Neumann Press

Reviewed by:

Alicia Van Hecke

First reviewed:

11-12-99

The Secret of the Ruby Ring

Author(s):

Yvonne MacGrory

Illustrator(s):

Terry Myler

Number of pages:

189 pages

1991

Publisher:

Milkweed Editions

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Setting:

Grade / Age level:

Review:

If you looked into the mirror of your soul, would you like what you saw? What if the mirror was represented by another person? Lucy is a modern Irish girl who has everything, a nice home and a loving family. On top of that, she is an outstanding student. But when she doesn't win the coveted prize for the best composition in her class, Lucy is devastated. Assuming she was going to win, because she had won before, Lucy is bitter, angry and nasty to her best friend when she wins the prize, clearly revealing that Lucy is one very spoiled child. Not for long, however. Her grandmother gives her a magical ruby ring for her 11th birthday, changing her life dramatically and her attitude toward others when she sees her own disagreeable traits in another. When Lucy is transported back into time and becomes a servant, she soon finds out how comfy modern living is and what a blessing it is to have parents. But how can she return home? She has lost the magical ruby ring. Will she find it or will someone else, locking her in the past forever? In journeying back into Irish history, the reader witnesses a first hand account of the turbulent years leading up to Ireland's independence, the inner workings of a manor, and the extreme poverty and abuse of the poor by the rich land owners. The Secret of the Ruby Ring offers a fascinating look at Irish history, while teaching the importance of gratitude, a fun read that educates in the process.

Perspective:

Catholic

Additional notes:

While the story is told from the point of view of a young Irish Catholic girl, it is not a religious book. The theme of the book relies on her Irish Catholic heritage and how Irish Catholics were treated at this time in history in their own country. This book would be of interest to anyone looking for an understanding of how a manor home is run, the social complexities of this time for men, women, and children, the situation of the oppressed by others, and a look at this time in Ireland's history.

At the same time, this is a children's book and the tone of the story is appropriate for children, while showing them (and not telling them) all the wonderful things they can be grateful for.

Reviewed by:

Elizabeth Yank

First reviewed:

2-20-2008

Love 2 Learn.net

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The Salamander Room

The Saving Name of God the Son

The Scarlet and the Black

The Scarlet Pimpernel

The Scarlet Pimpernel (BBC/A&E Series)

The Scrambled States of America

The Seashell on the Mountaintop

The Second Mrs. Gianconda

The Secret of Pooduck Island

The Secret of the Ruby Ring

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