Monday, December 14, 2015

Dreams Delayed - A Modern Fairy Tale

Dreams Delayed is a modern day novel that zooms in on the deep emotions of a bride who has to deal with a tragic event. The story goes from dreamy to nightmare and back to a happily ever after.

Judging the Book by its Cover -  a first glance review:

The cover of Dreams Delayed is simple, but elegant. It has a slice of a bride's wedding picture, which fades into the white cover that also features an engagement ring on top of a wedding ring. This gives the feeling of having a clean, white slate. The two rings are significant because an engagement does not always guarantee a wedding.

Some Details I Liked:

Ariella Schiller is quite talented in expressing each of the character's feelings. There are quite a few poems that I felt like copying onto a paper for my fridge. 

Who This Book is For:

This book is great for high schoolers and beyond. As much as the main character is a female and quite feminine, there are also male characters that are portrayed well.

Who This Book Isn’t For:  

I would not recommend this book to anyone that is engaged or has single children learning in Israel. While the hashkafa in the book is detailed and strong, we are living in a hard time for Israel. It is hard to read fictional encounters that are so close to the morbid reality. 

In Conclusion:  

If you enjoy getting lost in someone else's dream and then reading through their hardships, in order to celebrate with them in the end, this is the perfect book for you.

Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Story Solutions - Picture Books

This new series of children's books is written and beautifully illustrated by Esti Hess. Titled "Story Solutions", each book has a unique storyline to help children deal with issues, like disappointment or ridicule.


Judging the Book by its Cover -  a first glance review:

Each cover has a clear title and big, but simple picture portraying the main character of the story. I like how each book is a different color. It is also nice that some books are from a boy's perspective, while other books have a girl.


Some Details I Liked:

I liked how the books speak about emotions directly and help children understand what is happening in their life. I love how every other page is a picture depicting the scene described on the page next to it, making it easy for the child to follow along.


Who This Book is For:


My nearly 3 yr old daughter loves these books and I think they are appropriate for new readers as well. My daughter looks at the pictures all the time, but specifically for bedtime she likes to hear the stories over and over again.


Who This Book Isn’t For:  

Some of the books do have a more creative side, like talking animals or other objects. This is not a negative thing at all, but it is important to know that the stories may include interactions that can only happen in the wonderful world of fiction.


In Conclusion:  

These are great books to have in the house so that children are equipped with solutions to scenarios, possibly even before the problem exists.



Disclaimer:
I received this book for the purpose of reviewing it, but that it no way changed the way I read it and reviewed it.