Janis Ansell, Book Reviewer

Book Review

Fables from the Sea

by Janis Ansell

Everyone learns a lesson in each of these ten brief fables with characters from tropical ocean waters. Using the natural behavior of marine animals and shore birds as the basis for each story, the author seeks to metaphorically convey... Read More

Book Review

Somewhere in the Ocean

by Janis Ansell

A lyrical counting book written to the tune of “Over in the Meadow” gives a lively introduction to marine life and basic counting skills. The rhythm never falters as one little manatee calf nibbles sea lettuce at the mother’s... Read More

Book Review

Speechless in New York

by Janis Ansell

Lost luggage in New York. the Summer Olympics in Sydney. An eccentric Washington, D.C. landlady with a flying car. a mysterious pen pal in London. With four titles, the new “Going To” series offers readers aged nine to thirteen... Read More

Book Review

The Hollyhock Wall

by Janis Ansell

An old cooking pot, a few seeds, some dirt and an imaginative young girl combine in a picture book that mixes elements of reality and fantasy. When Mary, who lives with her mother on the upper floor of a tall house, expresses a desire... Read More

Book Review

Touch the Earth

by Janis Ansell

Remember standing out in a warm spring rain, catching raindrops on your tongue? The opening of Baskwill and Fiore’s gentle ode to the Earth will reawaken that memory. As she did in her ABA Pick of the Lists title, Somewhere, Baskwill... Read More

Book Review

Jon's Moon

by Janis Ansell

A powerful storm shatters the happiness that Jon and his father share in their little cottage by the sea. The father’s boat is capsized by a huge wave and, while he survives physically, his spirit sinks into the depths of the sea. The... Read More

Book Review

One, Two, Three, Oops!

by Janis Ansell

How does Mr. Rabbit determine the number of bunnies in his large family? Mrs. Rabbit knowingly suggests that he try to do so later, but Mr. Rabbit stubbornly insists on beginning right away. Each scheme he devises to count his offspring... Read More

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