Searching for books for one of those crazy yet awesome Litsy exchanges I came accross this book: A Die Hard Christmas: The Illustrated Holiday Classic - Doogie Horner,JJ Harrison. 

How on earth did I not realize this book was available? Not only I'm a sucker for illustrated books but Die Hard is my favorite Holiday movie. Christmas in July is finally happening! 

Oh, and if you don't think Die Hard is a Holiday movie, you are wrong... 

First of all, HUGE props to the illustrator, Doogie Horner, for some of the most amazing illustrations I've seen in quite some time. I'd go so far as to say they would make truly excellent bookmarks. *hint hint* Kid Authors: True Tales of Childhood from Famous Writers by David Stabler is a collection of short biographies of famous authors covering their childhood and why they wanted to become authors. Up front I need to make a few critical remarks. While this was written for a child audience, I think it would be beneficial if some of the terms were defined either in a side panel or at the back in a glossary. Two good examples: integration and abolitionist. I read a few passages to some of the kids at the library and some terms that seem obvious to an adult haven't yet been learned by kids in upper elementary school. There were also some really glaring grammatical mistakes which gave the impression this was a rushed printing job. At one point, the word should have been 'real' and instead it was 'read' which of course has a totally different meaning. If this is meant to be a nonfiction biographical resource for children it should be held to a higher standard. I did like how there were additional facts and a suggested list of more books to read at the back. My overall impression is that it's a cute book which serves as a decent introduction for kids to famous authors (and biographies in general). I know there are other books in this series so I'm hopeful the quality has improved in these later volumes. :-) 5/10

What I'm Currently Reading: Gorillas in the Mist by Dian Fossey

This is going to be short and sweet. The premise: Take <b>Die Hard</b> one of the greatest action films ever made, one of the greatest Christmas movies ever made, and an all-around pop culture touchstone and turn it into a (<i><b>NOT</b></i> for kids) rhyming picture book.

I'm not sure I really need to say more, do I?

Horner does an admirable job with taking the flick and turning it into a series of rhymes -- it doesn't feel like a gimmick. A lot of what he doesn't grab, Harrison takes care of in the illustrations. It's not perfect, things are left out, but with only 32 pages -- you pretty much have to. Only 1 four-letter word, too (technically, 12 letters, but you get the point).

The art is great -- although you could make the case that Harrison gave McClane too much hair. The art is dynamic, you can feel the action, the characters all look just right. Some samples of the illustrations are <a href="http://jjwharrison.com/projects/a-die-hard-christmas/" target="_blank">here on Harrison's site</a>.

One complaint? No Argyle. Which I guess makes sense given the limited space, but man . . .

This is a hoot -- yeah, a novelty book, but well executed and well worth a read. Something to bring out every December (if you're the type to do that).

Kid Artists does a fantastic job of introducing a variety of artists to young readers.  Divided into three sections, the artists included are from a variety of backgrounds and styles. I was particularly pleased with the inclusion of Canadian artist Emily Carr, whose home I toured on a visit to Victoria, B.C.

Each artist's mini-biography starts in childhood and continues on to show the effects of their early circumstances and experiences on their adult lives and artistic careers.  Written in a very accessible manner, the illustrations stand out as a compliment to the text and for the humor that they add.  

Recommended for intermediate to middle grade readers (or their parents & educators) who enjoy learning about other people’s lives, and especially for those who are aspiring artists.

This review refers to a free review copy received from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own. My full, original review may be read at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-1y1

Release Date- November 17, 2015

Description (Amazon):

The author and illustrator of Kid Presidents have reteamed to share 20 true tales from the childhoods of famous athletes. From Babe Ruth (so incorrigible that his parents put him in reform school at age 7) to Muhammad Ali (who learned to fight at age 12 after a thief stole his bicycle), Kid Athletes is packed with inspirational stories from the world of sports. Billie Jean King rose from modest circumstances to win 39 Grand Slam championships; race car champion Danica Patrick fended of bullies who told her "girls can't drive"; and martial arts legend Bruce Lee credited his success, in part, to childhood dance lessons. Every goal, touchdown, and championship comes to life in these kid-friendly and relatable stories, all with Doogie Horner’s whimsical full-color illustrations. Kid Athletes is a slam dunk for young sports fans everywhere.

My Thoughts:

This is interesting. I never would have guessed what some athletes did when they were children. This is great for kids who are sports fans. 

Do you know that Michael Jordan was electrocuted as a child? Or that Gabby Douglas would would use couches and chairs as springboard to spring herself into the air when she was just a toddler? If you want to know more things like this about famous athletes, this book is for you.

There are also cartoon like illustrated graphics that help to break up the story so that it doesn't look to be overwhelming for a younger reader.

Recommendation:

Recommended for readers in grades 4 thru 7.