Children’s Book Review: The Super Adventures of Sophie and the City

The Super Adventures of Sophie and the City: 

All in a Days Work

by

Kelly Florio Kasouf

Come explore New York City with Sophie as she travels to different worlds in her Daddy's office building! Learn about fashion, design, weddings, and the glamorous life inside magazine publishing. Even though Sophie enjoys her time discovering new and magical worlds on each floor, she realizes it is more fun to share amazing experiences with the ones you love, your family. See New York City through the eyes of a curious, adventurous, and imaginative little girl.

Sophie comes from a very posh world. Her clothes are designer clothes. Her Father’s car is a Mercedes. She comes from a life that just about every little girl fantasizes about!

While visiting her Father’s office, she enters the imaginary world of fashion. She is introduced to the legendary women trendsetters in fashion and how they set the pace for designers to become more creative. The book describes how famous clothing designers conjure up their inspirations.

Sophie also shares her imaginary desires to visit exotic places, see lavish parties and attend sophisticated weddings.

In the end, though, Sophie realizes that her biggest inspiration wasn’t anything she saw in her Father’s building. It was right in front of her!

The Super Adventures of Sophie and the City is a beautifully illustrated, tender book about materialism versus love of family. The story is gloriously accentuated by elaborate watercolor drawings and scrolled type. It is truly a work of art in every respect.

About the Author:

Kelly Florio Kasouf was raised on the North Shore of Long Island and majored in studio art with a concentration in Printmaking and bookmaking at the College of the Holy Cross. After graduating, it was only a matter of time before she found herself back at the company her father lived for, Condé Nast Publications, where she soon began her career as an intern, then a merchandising assistant at Vanity Fair, and finally a special events manager at Vogue. From visiting as a young girl to interning to working, Kelly grew up inside the walls of Condé Nast. This story is an homage to her father, who passed away in December 2007, and to those in the industry who truly loved him as a leader, a man, and above all, a great storyteller. This is her first children's book. The stories are partially based on life experience.

About the Illustrator:

Judit García-Talavera was born in the Canary Islands of Spain, Judit has always been surrounded by beauty. After attending an arts-oriented high school, Judit first fell in love with illustration as a means of capturing the beauty around her. She earned a degree in Fine Arts at the Universidad de La Laguna, and has participated in several workshops in the Canary Islands, such as the Centro de Arte Gráfico La Recova in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In 2004 she moved to Barcelona to continue her studies in illustration at the Massana Permanent Academy. Judit presently lives and works in Barcelona.

Currently available for $29.99 exclusively at Barneys stores in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago or http://superadventuresofsophie.com

The Super Adventures of Sophie and the City will soon be available as an App
in the iTunes App Store. Check back soon.

Products to Get You Through the Cold and Illness Season While Educating Your Children- by Cara Potapshyn Meyers

Maty’s 

Get Better. Be Better.

All Natural Products

Timing is everything. These products are no exception. My entire family came down with sinus infections over the past week. I received several products from the Maty’s line to try and blog a review. Maty’s Healthy Products is a line of all natural, homeopathic and gluten-free cough and cold remedies that are safe and effective to use on infants (three months) and adults. All I can say is, thank goodness! We were all suffering and Maty’s All Natural cough and cold products were a welcome relief.

The Products Include:

• All Natural Cough Syrup with antioxidant-rich Buckwheat Honey
• All Natural Baby Chest Rub – with immune-boosting soothing essential oils
• All Natural Kids Cough Syrup with banana-caramel taste
• Breath Better Nasal Ointment
• All Natural Vapor Rub

I first tried the All Natural Cough Syrup, made with antioxidant rich Buckwheat Honey along with nine immune support ingredients. We were sent an unflavored sample for adults and a caramel banana flavored sample for children. My son is not a big fan of anything sweet, so he tried the adult sample, in the children’s dose, while I tried the flavored syrup. Since he was not up to trying the flavored syrup, I sampled the unflavored one. Oddly, I liked the flavored syrup over the unflavored, while my son preferred the unflavored. Although the cough syrups are marketed for children and adults independently, because the products are all natural, adults can take the children’s products and children over one year of age can take the adult products. The only difference is the dosage.

My husband tried Maty’s Breathe Better Nasal Ointment. I asked him to sample this one because I know that he has used similar nasal ointment products by other companies in the past. I wanted a discerning consumer’s opinion. Because the ointment has lemon balm in it, my husband said that he liked inhaling the soothing smell. He said it also dispersed in the nasal cavity more smoothly than other products he has tried in the past. My husband said he would continue to use this nasal ointment over others he has tried. He is a big fan of all natural products. This one won him over!

Finally, we were given samples of Maty”s All Natural Chest Rub. I’m a big fan of vapor chest rubs because they bring back wonderful memories of my Mother rubbing my chest and lower neck with the camphor scented ointment. What I loved about Maty’s Vapor Rub is that it has eucalyptus, wintergreen and peppermint! A much more delicate scent combination than the camphor I remember. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by the scent. There was even a Maty’s Mom Tip: “For a unique and effective method of application, rub on bottom of feet.” How pampering with a pair of warm socks on!

My son does not like ointments on him, so I tried the Baby Chest Rub. I compared it with a container of another brand name baby chest rub I had been using up since my son wouldn’t use it. Again, the scent was so much less overpowering. It was a beautiful combination of eucalyptus, lavender and chamomile. A wonderful combination for a congested baby.

Maty’s All Natural products are now a welcome addition to our house. If you prefer using all natural remedies when your family members are sick, give Maty's products a try. Since I began writing this review, my cough has quieted already! Check out these products at: www.matyshealthyproducts.com. The full line is launching early winter and products will be available at local grocery stores and pharmacies (Stop & Shop, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, etc.)

Imagine It! 

DVD

Since my son was home from school and we were still sick, we decided to watch an extremely intriguing documentary, Imagine It! My son is a very science focused person, so I thought that this DVD would be of interest to him. I was absolutely correct!

IMAGINE IT poses the question: What if you imagined a better world, then engaged in making it happen? The film encourages children to pursue an education in the field of math and science to create the changes they would like to see in a world that they would want to live in. Educators profess with confidence that the best way to predict the future is to invent it and considering that half of the world’s population is under the age of 25 (that’s 3 billion people) there is considerable potential for a new future of creators. As one of the greatest creative minds, Walt Disney, said “All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Imagine It! is designed to provide a forum for discussion around the power of big ideas in action and to inspire people to imagine a better world by connecting imagination and creativity with science and engineering in education.

With this DVD, you get to hear from innovators, scientists and authors, such as Ray Kurtzweil and Sally Ride, who are joining a movement to get creative thinking and the arts back into schools. Imagine It! will help the public to have a better understanding of the importance of science, engineering and technology and hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The 52-minute film reports on the promise of a new youth culture engaging their curiosity to change the world, empowered by science, technology, education and desire. It is about connecting imagination and creativity with science and engineering in education. 

 IMAGINE IT! features the following experts and thought-leaders:

• Ray Kurzweil – Futurist and Author, The Singularity is Near
• Sally Ride – Physicist, NASA astronaut, first American woman in space

• Chris Wink, Phil Stanton, Matt Goldman – Co-Founders, The Blue Man Group

• Charles Vest – Former President of MIT, current President of the National Academy of Engineering
• Sir Ken Robinson – Author, All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education

DVD EXTRA:

• The Post-It® Challenge – An experiment for students all over the world to add value to a pack of Post-It® Notes...in just 6 days! My son was scavaging the house for post-its so that he could participate in the challenge! A true creator, my son.

Iliza Shlesinger, winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, stars as the host of this documentary. Director Rudy Poe co-founded the Imagine It! Project with Richard Tavener. The non-profit company’s mission is to promote the power of imagination and the importance of living a creative life. His mantra is Experience for today. Vision for tomorrow.

Imagine It! is available for $19.95 as a DVD or Digital Download. 

http://www.imagineitproject.com/

Note: Thanks to the above companies for providing sample products.  Cara Potapshyn Meyers and MotherhoodLater.com assume no liability relative to products reviewed in this blog.

Addendum to last week’s blog, Wicked October: Our Sweet Lama LuLu dog passed into Doggie Heaven on Friday, November 4, 2011. She will be missed dearly.

Wicked October

Unfortunate occurrences seem to haunt me during the latter part of October. I had a bad car accident on October 21st sixteen years ago. I ended up with chronic pain for four years straight (one of the reasons I’m a Later Mom). I continue to have intermittent pain as a result from that accident, although I am thankful that I have quality of life today.

My father was hit by a truck walking down the street on October 25th and suffered a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain) ten years ago and required months and months of intensive medical treatment.

Yesterday, October 26th, at her bi-annual check-up, my female dog was diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the spleen. She is not a candidate for surgery as she is 17 1/2 years old (120 years old in human years), and is too anemic to perform surgery on. The best we can do is give her quality of life for as long as possible.

Although she is 17, she has been a part of our family for roughly 13 years. We rescued her from a shelter at age 4. She instantly bonded with my husband and considers him the sun, moon and stars above. Her second favorite family member is my son. She has been his Nanny Dog since the day he came home from the hospital. When she would hear him crying over the monitor, she would pace back and forth, desperate to comfort him. As my son became older, she let our son do absolutely anything to her, as if my son was her “puppy”. When my son was a toddler and learned to brush his teeth, we had to buy a second toddler toothbrush so that our son could brush our female dog's teeth also. He would stack toys on her, ride her, roll on her, pull her whiskers...she never flinched. He was her "puppy."

Since she has gotten older and more frail, my son started bonding more with our far bigger and younger male dog, Maxi. Maxi and my son are "buddies." Maxi waits for my son to come home at the end of the day and smiles when he sees his "buddy" home! My son, much bigger now, does to Maxi what he used to do to our female dog. He rides Maxi, helps walk Maxi, rolls on the floor, hugging Maxi and receives "kisses" from Maxi in return. The bonds have switched. In a way I am glad. Our female now has a limited life span. Maxi, according to our Vet, has a "healthy, happy full life ahead of him," even at age 13. 

I have books put aside to read with my son as our female dog's days are numbered. One book is called "Saying Goodbye to LuLu." Our female dog is named Lama, but we refer to her as LuLu at times. It is a perfect book to read with him about a boy who is losing his own dog. I hope it will help my son cope with the process of losing Lama.

I am secretly glad that my son is establishing a stronger and stronger bond with Maxi. After our never ending divorce, Lama would have lived with my husband. Maxi will stay with us. As Lama will be approaching her demise, I am relieved to know that my son with be living with and already have established a solid bond with Maxi. It hopefully will lessen the pain and grief for him.

Presently, our son is assisting us in cooking ground beef for Lama...her appetite is fair. We are buying her favorite foods and offering them to her in between her naps. With every bite, my son is elated. At the same time, it is hurtful to watch. My son thinks he is helping her to get better and be the dog he has always known. He doesn't comprehend that her life may have to end very soon.

I am also thankful that Lama didn't die on Halloween...my son's favorite time of year, despite the fact that he hates sweets. He just loves getting dressed up and parading around in his costume. Had Lama died, his adoration of Halloween would diminish significantly. He already will be losing too much in his young life. He doesn't need to add his favorite time of year to the list.

Wicked October. Thank goodness November is here.

Through Tears Comes Wisdom

She must have cried herself to sleep every night for seventeen months. That's at least how long it would have taken me to put my words onto paper without falling apart.

I am referring to an article I was offered to read. This article was written by a mother whose son has Tay-Sachs disease. A child with this horrendous disease rarely lives to see their third birthday. This woman's son is now 18 months old. Here is the direct link for those who choose to read it: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/16/opinion/sunday/notes-from-a-dragon-mom.html?src=tp&smid=fb-share. Be warned...have a tissue box in hand. For those who choose not to read the article, I will summarize for you.

Emily Rapp, is a professor of creative writing at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design. She tells how she had genetic testing for Tay-Sachs, not once, but twice. Both times the results were negative. None of the prenatal testing came back positive. Emily and her husband were excited, looking forward to a happy, healthy baby. They read all the prenatal books to ensure that they would make the best choices for their baby. I can certainly relate. Both my husband and I had $3,000 worth of every genetic test available. We came out with 100% perfect results. Like Rapp, we did the same thing. We read the best books, were staunch advocates for breast feeding, I even put ear phones on my belly for an hour each day, playing classical music while I napped (my son was calmest when Vivaldi or Bach was played). My son was such a sleepy, quiet baby, that at one of my prenatal check-ups, it took almost three hours! The technician needed to take important measurements and my son just would not move. She even called in the doctor, who straddled me and massaged my abdomen to get my son to move. Again, no luck. I ended up having to come back the next day. Thank goodness my son was much more cooperative then.

I look back on my pregnancy, as Rapp must have, with spinning mobiles and fancy bedding dancing in my head. I fantasized about holding my baby in a sling as I did errands, completely non-sleep deprived (I did say it was a fantasy). I was eagerly looking forward to a perfect baby in every way, as I'm sure Rapp was.

I'm not sure when Rapp was given the diagnosis of her son's condition. I do know that the nightmare I had with my son began during labor and only started to wind down about two years ago, once all of my son's disorders were finally identified. My son was six then. Six completely draining years. Six years of ineffective bonding. I regret those six years. But I have developed such an incredibly strong, impenetrable bond with my 8 year-old son, it is as if those first six years never happened. My son doesn't remember. Unfortunately I always will. 

 As I was up with my baby son multiple times per night, with his colic and reflux, for just about three years, I can imagine Rapp welcoming watching her son sleep at night, sighing in his sleep and reaching out to pick him up if he needed comforting. What I viewed as torture, to Rapp would have been, and probably is, the loveliest time of her day. As my son easily had a good twenty-five meltdowns a day, starting at eleven months old, Rapp would probably have embraced laughingly that her son still had so much vigor and fight left in him. When my 18-month old flung his plate of spaghetti and sauce across the kitchen, splattering every wall, floor, and 2 dogs, and I wanted to slide down into a heap and cry. Rapp is probably flinging spaghetti herself, just to hear more laughter come from her son.

Looking back, I wish that I was aware of each of my son's disorders when he was a baby. I blamed myself for my son's uncontrollable nature and didn't realize I had prolonged postpartum depression. I would have forgiven him as well as myself for our lack of bonding those first young years. Rapp is giving her son a gift. A gift he will never be aware of, but she will. And the grief and pain will probably never fully dissipate. But the knowledge that she spent every waking moment (and unslept moment) being fully with her child, must fill her with even a small amount of gratitude. She gave of herself completely. Without self-pity or repressed anger. That is what makes her story so special. She asks the question: How do you parent a child who has no future? You don't. You throw the "rules" out the window and make each day more special than the day before.

She must have cried a bucket full of tears. I know I have. But I still have my precious son with me. She does too. But only for a little while longer.

Cara's Fabulous Finds

Lisa Damiani's

StarRock for Kids

1989 Star Search Winner, Lisa Diamani, created a premiere CD compilation featuring kids ages five to seventeen! These talented kids sing hits from past decades to today's hottest songs!

Curator of talent and Founder/CEO Lisa Diamani wanted to create a platform to provide all children an equal opportunity to express their creativity regardless of economical or geographical challenges. 

As a top vocal coach in NYC, Diamani hopes that StarRock for Kids will encourage both introverted and extroverted children a way to pursue their dreams. Lisa says, "I wanted to create StarRock for Kids not as a talent competition, but as a way for children to gain confidence and express their creativity."

StarRock for Kids CD features 18 songs from various decades, including S.O.S. (Rihanna), Holiday (Madonna), It's a Beautiful Life (Ace of Base), Girlfriend (Avril Levigne), Makes Me Wonder (Maroon 5), You Make Me Feel So Young (Frank Sinatra), If I Can't Have You (Yvonne Elliman), and L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole).

I listened to the CD with my eight-year-old son and his music loving friend. Although they performed their own "moves" to all of the songs, they particularly enjoyed, "See You Later Alligator", "Boogie Oogie Oogie", "We Got the Beat", and "Funkytown". Command performances were requested for each of these favorites! I am sure girls would choose more emotional songs. The CD as a whole was a hit with my son and his friend! I would definitely use it for my son's next party or special event!

StarRock for Kids is available online at www.StarRockForKids.com or at major retailers such as Target and Walmart.

Z-Access 3D Display Frames

Have you ever wanted to display souvenirs, keepsakes or other memorabilia, but have found that traditional shadowboxes just don't work? Then the 3D Display Frames are just for you!

Z-access Display Frames allow you to showcase your most treasured items in full 3D. Your items are safely protected against dust, moisture or fingerprints. With innovative polymer film technology along with do-it-yourself simple assembly, the Z-Access Display Frames suspend your special items in an affordable, moisture resistant, worry-free way. The slightly tacky film stretches to fit a wide range of shapes and sizes. It is puncture resistant, will not damage delicate surfaces and leaves no sticky residue.

My son collects real shark teeth. He has 2 large ones that were just sitting on his shelf, collecting dusk, with no place to meaningfully display them. I placed them in the Z-Access 3D Frame. We now have his treasured shark teeth, suspended in a frame that allows him to see all sides of them! (See photo). No more clutter, mess or dust! I would like to buy more frames to use for several of his other "treasures"!

What is even better is the fact that the Z-Access Display Frames conform to virtually any shape and still afford a tactile experience without any damage to the item itself. And, unlike shadowboxes, the Z-Access Display Frame allows you to touch the items and feel their unique texture without the risk of damage.

Each 6" x 4" frame can hold up to three pounds. It also couldn't be simpler to use: open the frame, place your item inside the film and close the frame. If you want to change the item in the frame, just pop open the frame and swap out the items. The memory-film will reshape to fit almost any new item of similar depth. The film inserts can also be replaced, with no need to replace the entire frame.

Z-Access Display Frames are available in three models: a Stand Alone version with a fixed base for $12.99, a Slimline rotating frame-within-a-frame for 360 degree viewing for $16.99 and an Executive rotating frame-within-a-frame for $29.99.

For more information, or to purchase a Z-Access Display Frame, visit www.Displayit3D.com.

Company Kids / Backpack Giveaway

Company Kids is very graciously giving our readers a chance to win a child’s backpack! Even though school is in session, I know that a Mom can never enough of anything when it comes to kids! In fact, just last week, my son’s backpack was dangling from the kitchen chair and water had pooled underneath. When I looked closer, I found the dripping coming from the bottom of my son’s backpack! His water bottle was not closed fully and was on it’s side, soaking the bottom of his backpack. Out came my spare for him to use the next day while this one dried!

Children also need different backpacks for events they participate in. Sometimes they simply forgot to bring it home from school. Others simply wear out by mid-year.

I was able to to see one of the actual backpacks being used for the Giveaway. I was highly impressed! The backpacks are high quality, durable canvas. It comes with adjustable straps, side and front pockets, even a small pouch inside for change or small items to tuck away! It can also be personalized with a monogram from a variety of fonts and colors to choose from!

To enter this giveaway, tell us why you would like a Company Kids backpack and how old your child(ren) are. You must post a comment by October 30, 2011 to be entered to win. Winners will be chosen at random.

Good luck!

Cara's Books That Beckon

Pirates and Princesses

By

Jill Kargman and Daughter, Sadie

This story of friendship and the playground, was written by NY Times Best Selling Author, Jill Kargman, her 8-year-old daughter Sadie, and NY Times Best Selling Illustrator, Christine Davenier, as an energetic tale all youngsters will be able to relate to. 

When Jill's daughter, Sadie, was insulted by a boy on the playground, she let loose an inappropriate verbal comeback. Jill was called in by the teacher. It was suggested that both Jill and Sadie sit down to read a rather boring book about mice and cheese, which emphasized how to play nicely. Both Jill and Sadie found the book so boring that they decided to write their own book together! A fabulous teaching experience for a child! Thus Pirates and Princesses was born.

Pirates and Princesses begins with a pair of Moms who are best friends, and their same age children. The young children of these Moms are also best friends since they grew up together. Once the children, Ivy and Fletch, enter Kindergarten, they face their first taste of peer pressure: The girls only play with the girls while the boys only play with the boys. Thus, Ivy and Fletch are separated by the Princess Team versus the Pirate Team. Once Fletch steps in to rescue Princess Ivy from a pirate capture do the friends realize how much they have missed playing with one another. But will their special bond be strong enough to unite the rest of the playground?

I read this book with my 8-year-old son who could relate to the storyline. He has a friend he has known since he was two-years-old, named Elena. The two are still close friends and have frequent playdates. I sense, however, that unless their activities involve gender neutral activities, they also will be caught in peer pressured scenarios. Although, both are active and playful, my son is slowly gravitating towards Beyblades and Star Wars while I am sure Elena is cuddling her favorite toys. I am still holding out hope that, like Ivy and Fletch, my son and Elena will continue to delight in each other's company despite gender differences on the playground!

Best selling author, Jill Kargman, paired with her daughter, Sadie and the beautiful, endearing artwork of Christine Davenier, bring to readers the light-hearted tale of gender differences, the unforgettable lesson of open-mindedness, and the breaking down of barriers in this lovely book. Pirates and Princesses will surely resonate with both children and parents alike!

About the Author: 

Jill Kargman has written several novels for women and teens, as well as more than 100 articles for magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Teen Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar, and several shows for MTV. Written with her daughter, Sadie, Pirates and Princesses is her first children's picture book. Her website is: www.jillkargman.com.

About the Illustrator:

Christine Davenier has illustrated numerous books, the most recent being the NY Times bestseller, The Very Fairy Princess.

The Bedtime Book for Dogs

By

Bruce Littlefield

"The Bedtime Book for Dogs," written by Bruce Littlefield is a unique and sweet, one-of-a-kind story that has been getting buzz both in and out of the kennel! This light-hearted, cute book is particularly appropriate for anyone who is a dog lover, especially dog loving children!

In this very original and delightful book, bestselling author, Bruce Littlefield introduces a first of it's kind story to read to your dog (as well as your child) before bed.

"The Bedtime Book for Dogs" describes a rather intelligent dog who decides that he would rather walk to the park by himself than wait for his owner. During this adventure, this dog finds that going for a walk by yourself is just not as exciting as walking with a friend.

I first had my 8 year-old son read the book by himself. We then mutually decided to read this lovely book to one of our dogs. The average dog knows approximately 167 words. We know our dog, Maxi, is way smarter than average and has gone to training classes when he was young. We used the book to guide Maxi to go to his bed and lie down. Maxi complied. My son then proceeded to read the book to Maxi. As Maxi listened attentively (probably hoping for a treat in the end), my son followed the book's "instructions" to prime Maxi to pay attention (again, hoping for a treat!). When the book mentioned that the dog fetched his own leash and opened the door himself (both which Maxi has demonstrated in the past, to our amazement!), my son started rolling on the floor in laughter, recalling the times Maxi has tried to "walk himself!" At the end of the book, Maxi was praised for being such a good listener and received his treat! My son received a face full of kisses! Happiness abound!

This engaging book, with adorable illustrations by Paul S. Heath, is a perfect gift for dog lovers! An easy to read book, with words dogs will understand, such as "come" and "sit,"  "The Bedtime Book for Dogs" will have children reading to their pets again and again! I can certainly attest to that as my reluctant reader son has made reading this book to our dog practically an every night ritual! Since our dog knows that a treat will be presented at the end, he is quite a willing participant!

Bruce Littlefield is a bestselling author of books on American culture such as Garage Sale America and Merry Christmas, America. You can visit his website at www.brucelittlefield.com.

For more information about,"The Bedtime Book for Dogs," you can go Grand Central Publishing's website, www.hachettebookgroup.com.

This book is easy enough for early readers to read and comprehend. Cute enough for older readers to relate to. And adorable enough for both dogs and adults to appreciate! Particularly when treats are provided at the end!

Professor Wormbog

in Search for the

Zipperump-a-Zoo

By

Mercer Mayer

The very first thing that my eight year-old son mentioned about this book was that the illustrations very closely reminded him of his favorite book, "Where the Wild Things Are," by Maurice Sendak. I absolutely agree. This may be one of the reasons my son found "Professor Wormbog" so engaging.

"Professor Wormbog in Search for the Zipperump-a-Zoo” is a timeless book written by beloved children's author Mercer Mayer who is known for his "Little Monster" and "Little Critters" series.

Mayer's books, with their cute, lovable characters, go through situations that every child experiences. "Professor Wormbog" follows this theme. It tells the story of how difficult it is to find a Zipperump-a-Zoo. Professor Wormbog has collected a Kerploppus, an Ickky and a Useless. Every beastie except for a Zipperump-a-Zoo. Mayer creates a world of silly creatures filled with humor for both children as well as adults. My eight year-old son read it and found the tale very engaging. As stated above, he continually referenced that the illustrations, closely resembling those of "Where the Wild Things Are," drew him into the "Professor Wormbog" story even more. This classic collectable is one that should be found on every child's bookshelf! I also think my son found a new favorite book to read!

This re-released edition of the book, available through Fastpencil PREMIERE Publishing's website, http://bit.ly/nyGbjF, is the first of many books which will be published through the "Classic Collectibles" line.

 "Professor Wormbog" can be purchased through the website: 

http://premiere.fastpencil.com/wormbog.

Suggested reading age: 7+

The story can be read to children who are younger than this suggested reading age.