Gratitude Giveaway Blog Hop!

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Title: The Dancing Clock
Author: Steve Metzger
Illustrator: John Abbot Nez
Publisher: Tiger Tales an imprint of ME Media, LLC
Ages: 3 to 7 yrs
ISBN: 9781589254299, 2011
Review:
If you've never been to the Central Park Zoo in New York, you will want to after reading this delightful rhyming tale. Milo, a snow monkey, lives in the zoo. Each day he wishes he could join the musical animals who chime the bells and play their music every hour. He longs to join them and as a result neglects his friends, Gus, Bessie and Zack. One day it happens. The gate is unlocked and he can finally join his musical friends on top of the wonderful clock for all to see. As the music winds down and a chill fills the air, Milo finds he is hungry, alone and stuck on top of the clock. How will he get back to his warm cozy home and see his friends again? Kids, parents, teachers and homeschoolers will love this tribute to the Delacorte clock, located outside the entrance to the Central Park Children's Zoo. Kids will learn about each musical animal and what inspired the creation of the clock.

Dragonology Chronicles:The Dragon's Apprentice

Dugald A. Steer

In the time of the dragon, a young family is determined to protect young chick dragons who are orphaned from the infamous Dragonsbane Knights. This mysterious group has resurfaced and these slayers of dragons have one thing on their minds, and that is to slay any dragon left on the planet. Daniel, Beatrice and their parents move to a cottage near Dragonsbrook. The young chick they protect named Torcher is introduced to Erasmus, a dragon who must teach Torcher and the children the dragon ways. Erasmus, a very dignified and unsympathetic dragon, is not very fond of humans and Beatrice finds that his methods of teaching cause her much frustration. When Erasmus leaves Torcher alone in the woods to shed his skin he doesn't return. Beatrice believes Torcher has been taken by a basilisk, a shape shifting animal that eats anything and everything possible. These creatures were thought to be a myth. With the new threat of an old enemy, the Dragonsbane Knights, the battle begins against the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragons and the search for Torcher. The ultimate goal of the Dragonsbane Knights is to acquire a piece of treasure called the Dragons Claw, which clutches the world's largest uncut diamond and wields more power than can be imagined. It's the ultimate dragon slayer weapon. Young readers will find this tale of dragons mesmerizing. Steer has done an excellent job of creating characters with history and depth. Illustrated pictures can be found throughout the book to give readers the perfect imagery of this unique realm. The Dragon's Apprentice is the third book in the series, in the back of this tale is a list from Steer of his entire Dragonology series. Young readers can follow along and escape into the world of dragons.

BIBLIO:2011, Candlewick Press, Ages 9 to 12, $7.99.

REVIEWER:Kristi Bernard

FORMAT:Middle Reader

ISBN: 978-0-7636-3427-8