Book Review - Between a Mother and Her Child

Between A Mother and Her Child

By: Elizabeth Noble
Publisher: Berkley Books, New York
Publication Date: September 2013
ISBN: 978-0-425-26793-6
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: September 24, 2013

Elizabeth Noble delivers a poignant story of the promise of hope that lies beyond the tragedy of loss.

Maggie Barrett was an Olympic contender. She trained her whole life to represent Australia in the swimming competition. Life, however, had a different plan for her coveted hopes and dreams. When seventeen year old Maggie and her family are dining out at the sailing club one evening, she meets nineteen year old Bill Barrett; a young man on a gap year from his studies and far from his London home. It just so happens he is their server. Unbeknownst to Maggie, the Olympics would remain a dream and in the years ahead, her only memory of the experience would be the years of training she spent to ultimately get there.

After twenty years of marriage to Bill Barrett and the loss of their first-born son, Jake, to the egregious tsunami that accosted the Indonesian coastline, Maggie Barrett pulled in her sidewalks. She and Bill had separated. Her sleepless nights are compounded by the imminent end of her emotionless marriage, the struggles of navigating teenage drama with her daughter Aly and dealing with the over-the-top energy from her son, Stan. She hadn’t the strength to carry on with the substance and tenacity she had before Jake’s death. Unlike Bill’s mission of grief counseling and healing, such remedies were far from her list of things to do. Her reality and lack of healing was a daily remembrance of her son; the one she would never see again.

Maggie’s only salvation and anchor with reality is her sister Olivia. However, Olivia is 20,000 miles away. It is when Olivia pays a holiday visit, although Maggie cannot see it initially, there is a ray of hope about to shine upon Maggie’s dark and despondent life. Maggie isn’t the only person grieving from a loss. Kate Miller has lost her husband Phillip—the love of her life. They had barely ten years together when a sudden heart attack ripped him away. Kate’s attempt toward healing is to take an ad in the paper in hopes of finding a family to fill her ever present void. When Olivia answers the ad (on Maggie’s behalf) perhaps the needed companionship will be Kate’s return as much as coping with Jake’s loss will be Maggie’s new beginnings.

It is no wonder Elizabeth Noble has a status of International Best Seller. She has taken the vitally important topic of loss and has delivered an exceptionally beautiful story through its premise. The foundation is laid early on in the book: the reality of pain that is the constant aftermath in the wake of death and loss. Ms. Noble has the option to spin a maudlin tale of woe and darkness; yet in Between a Mother and Her Child, she has chosen the path of having despair take a back seat to the promise of hope and healing. The substance and character she portrays in both main characters, Maggie Barrett and Kate Miller, is outstanding. They are credible women who have endured more than a fair amount of sadness and sorrow; yet their respective sublime tenacity to forge forward is ever present. Ms. Noble has impeccable timing and tone and keeps the pace alive and moving forward with the right balance and blending of her secondary characters (and their respective challenges). Never once did I feel the weight of ‘having’ to turn a page. Rather, I looked forward to not only turning each page, but the wonder of ‘what next’ in the chapter ahead. Well done Ms. Noble!

Quill says: Between a Mother and Her Child delivers a profound message of recognizing the importance of living each day to its fullest and embracing each memory in the moment.

Book Review - The Legend of the Jersey Devil

The Legend of the Jersey Devil

By: Trinka Hakes Noble
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: July 2013
ISBN: 978-1585368372
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 24, 2013

The windows in the little cottages twinkled with light as the darkened sky sparkled with lightning bolts. Boom! Soon it would be time, time for Mother Leeds to give birth to her thirteenth child. It was 1835 and the British Crown still ruled over New Jersey, the place where the new baby would be born on that dark and stormy night. Essie Turnbuckle and Hattie Higbee were on their way to Mother Leeds’s, but they were frightened. “’Tis rumored she dabbles in witchcraft,” Essie exclaimed, “but we must help.” Halloween would soon be upon them, but a nightmarish creature would arrive even sooner.

Mother Leeds began to howl, “Oh, let it be a devil!” The skies lit up with lighting once again and with “a clap of thunder, Mother Leeds’s thirteenth child was born ... but it was no ordinary child!” A hideous critter circled the room and escaped up the chimney. The prophecy had come true and a devil was among the people. The Jersey Devil sat in a tree overlooking the village as he “surveyed his new lair with its black swamps, dark woods, and murky bogs.” Ah, what kind of mischief lay in store for the villagers when the Jersey Devil would make himself known?

This is an amazingly fun and spooky folklore tale of the infamous Jersey Devil that youngsters will love. This tale has just the right amount of spookiness to it without being scary. The stunning artwork carries with it a touch of humor with the caricatures of the Jersey Devil and those villagers he wants to scare. This folktale is of Native American origin and Trinka Hakes Noble gives it a nice breath of fresh air that young people will enjoy. If you need a new, fascinating folktale for your shelves just in time for Halloween, this is a good one.

Quill says: This is a perfect tale to add to the folklore section in your library or classroom shelves!

Book Review - Animal Helpers: Zoos

Animal Helpers: Zoos

By: Jennifer Keats Curtis
Publisher: Sylvan Dell Publishing
Publication Date: September 2013
ISBN: 978-1607188506
Reviewed by: Deb Fowler
Review Date: September 24, 2013

The giraffe leaned forward to nuzzle a pumpkin filled with luscious snacks to nibble on. Where can anyone see animals such as the giraffe, rhinos, antelopes, polar bears, and other creatures normally seen in the wild? In the zoo of course. Many of the animals in zoos “are plentiful in the wild,” but others are endangered and need the protection of zookeepers. In fact, they can actually “help conserve and protect an entire species.” There are many things zookeepers do and perhaps you’ve even thought you’d like to be one when you grow up. If you love animals, it may just be something worth thinking about.

You could help feed young animals, help them learn to walk on a leash, or you could even help “scrub a rhino’s foot.” There are animals who need rescuing and there are animals you would have to build homes for. You can see those fuzzy brown bears and that not-so-cuddly porcupine as he lounges in his little log cabin home. Do you know how to “create a cake for chimps and keep monkeys from being bored?” There are a lot of things you’d need to learn about in order to become a zookeeper. When it’s hot out can you give a zoo animal a Popsicle? If you don’t know the answer to that one, you’ll know once you read this book!

This is a fun, interesting book about zookeepers that will charm young readers. The layout is very vibrant with full-color, full-page photographs that often span two pages. In some instances, there are additional thumbnails that add to the story. Newly independent readers can tackle this beginning nonfiction book with a bit of assistance with unusual words such as “enrichment.” In the back of the book are several activities, including some that can be downloaded and printed from the publisher’s website. This would be an excellent book to read and discuss in the homeschool or classroom setting.

Quill says: If you have a young animal lover, who just might want to be a zookeeper, they'll most certainly love this book!

Books in for Review

Here's a peek at some of the books that have come in for review over the last week or so.  Check them out and then stop by our site, Feathered Quill Book Reviews, in a few weeks to read the reviews.  Enjoy!






Between a Mother and Her Child by Elizabeth Noble Twenty years after their impulsive marriage, Maggie and Bill Barrett are happily settled into the quiet comfort of their dream home with their three beautiful children. Then, the day after Christmas 2004, their world is shattered apart. Feeling isolated, Bill leaves to try to discover peace on his own. Maggie shuts down, incapable of connecting with her children or even sleeping most nights. Getting by in a daze, she has no idea how to begin picking up the pieces of their lives. Enter Kate: a woman who placed an ad in the paper to be a housekeeper and companion to a family. Kate has secrets and sorrows of her own, but her gentle caring has an immediate effect on the children—and on Maggie herself. When Bill announces that he’s fallen for another woman, Maggie realizes that she will have to fight to put her family back together. But after all they’ve been through, can anything truly fix their broken ties?

The Legend of the Jersey Devil by Trinka Hakes Noble The Pine Barrens region in New Jersey has long been a place of mystery, with its dark pine groves, black swamps, and dank bogs, oftentimes shrouded in mist and fog. Reputed to be haunted by spirits, it’s an unsettling place to be sure. But of all the mysterious happenings and sights to be found in the Pine Barrens, there is none so intriguing as the Jersey Devil. Since its first reported sighting in 1735, local lore has it that a “devil-like” creature with the head of a horse, the wings of a bat, and the hooves of a goat has menaced townspeople, frightened livestock, and caused all manner of trouble over the years. Is the Jersey Devil real?

Fixed: A Gin & Tonic Mystery by L. A. Kornetsky A professional problem solver, Ginny Mallard can’t resist a call for help. And try as he may, Seattle bartender Teddy Tonica is powerless to resist a challenge. They may not agree on much—Teddy prefers bar cat Mistress Penny, while Gin’s shar-pei, Georgie, is her constant companion—but these friendly rivals make perfect sleuthing partners. When Gin learns that the shelter where she adopted Georgie is being ripped off by a thief, she’s determined to find out what kind of lowlife would steal from a place devoted to rescuing dogs and cats. Gin and Teddy plan to rattle a few cages and save the animals from losing their home. But when a body is discovered, and nearly everyone is lying, Gin and Tonica discover that it takes more than talk to nab a killer. Sometimes the best way to solve a crime is to bring on the big dogs. Or dog and cat, as the case may be...

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion Meet Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially challenged professor of genetics, who’s decided it’s time he found a wife. And so, in the orderly, evidence-based manner with which Don approaches all things, he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner: a sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the late arrivers. Rosie Jarman is all these things. She also is strangely beguiling, fiery, and intelligent. And while Don quickly disqualifies her as a candidate for the Wife Project, as a DNA expert Don is particularly suited to help Rosie on her own quest: identifying her biological father. When an unlikely relationship develops as they collaborate on the Father Project, Don is forced to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that, despite your best scientific efforts, you don’t find love, it finds you. Arrestingly endearing and entirely unconventional, Graeme Simsion’s distinctive debut will resonate with anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of great challenges. The Rosie Project is a rare find: a book that restores our optimism in the power of human connection.  

Animal Helpers Zoos by Jennifer Keats Curtis Zoos are amazing places to see and learn about the many native and exotic of animals that inhabit this world. Some animals are plentiful while others are threatened or in danger of extinction. Zookeepers not only feed and care for these animals, they may also be helping to conserve and protect whole species through breeding and “head start” programs. Follow the extraordinary duties of these unusual animal helpers in this behind-the-scenes photographic journal. The 

Perfect Pet by Samantha Bell After begging for a pet, a child's mother finally says "yes." But which animal will be the best pet? Using animal classification and habitat needs, the child narrows it down from Kingdom Animalia, through invertebrates to vertebrates. Reptiles and amphibians are out, and birds and fish are soon off the list. That leaves mammals, but which one? An elephant won't fit through the door, and a tiger would be too hard to walk. What's a child to do?  

Dino Tracks by Rhonda Lucas Donald Step back in time and follow dinosaur tracks around the world. Whether made by a few dinosaurs or large groups, these tracks provide clues to the movement and behavior of these lovable ancient creatures. What dinosaurs made the tracks and what do scientists think they were doing when they made them? The author tells the story in rhythmic rhyme that may be sung to the tune of Over the River and Through the Woods.  

A Day in the Deep by Kevin Kurtz Travel deep into the ocean way below the surface and you'll encounter some creatures you never knew existed! This book takes you on a journey through the dark depths of the sea towards the ocean floor. Most ecosystems need sunlight, but deep in the ocean where the sun doesn't shine animals have adapted some very interesting ways to see, protect themselves, and eat. Discover the unique habitats, adaptations, and food chains of these deep-sea creatures.  

Anybody Home? by Marianne Berkes Polly 'Possum is looking for a new home to raise her expected babies. Along the way, she meets a wide variety of diurnal and nocturnal animals. She learns how they build and live in webs, nests, hives, shells, burrows, lodges, dens, caves, dreys, and even hollows. While those homes are perfect for those animals, they aren't right for her. How does Polly find a home and will she find it in time?  

The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story About the Six Simple Machines by Lois Spangler When a young child decides to build a fort in the backyard, Grandpa comes forward to help. But they can't do it alone-they get help from the six simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, and wedge. Told in cumulative rhyme, similar to The House That Jack Built, readers follow the building process to completion and discover the surprise reason it was built.  

A Butterfly Called Hope by Mary Alice Monroe The colorful flowers in Mama's garden reveal a strange-looking creature. "What is it? Does it sting, does it bite?" Join in this photographic journey as the young girl and her mother care for the caterpillar. Watch as it transforms into a chrysalis and then emerges as a beautiful monarch butterfly. How can the young girl "claim" the butterfly as her own but still let it go free?

Book Review - Volcano Rising

Volcano Rising

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Susan Swan
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Publication Date: August 2013
ISBN: 978-1580894081
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: September 17, 2013

Volcanoes are cool! They rumble, blow up, and spew lava all over the place, but did you know that volcanoes also help create things, such as mountains and islands? You’ll know how those things happen, and a whole lot more, after you’ve read Volcano Rising.

Volcano Rising begins by pointing out the things that people first think of when they hear the word ‘volcano’ – a sleeping giant or an angry mountain with loud explosions, and hot, flowing lava. However, volcanoes are so much more and this is where the truly cool part comes in. While reading this book we learn how an eruption works, the difference between creative and destructive eruptions, and even investigate supervolcanoes.

Each two-page spread focuses on a different topic and uses a large, easy to read font and a few sentences to explain the subject. Also included in a smaller, but still easy to read font is a more detailed discussion or real-world example of the topic. Readers will learn how a volcano can erupt under water, how they can suddenly appear, and grow(!), produce super fertile land, and even create new land.
The author of this new book, Elizabeth Rusch, is a big fan of volcanoes. She once witnessed a ‘dome-building’ eruption at Mount St. Helens, which really fanned her interest and she’s since learned all she can about these fascinating natural wonders. Her passion for the subject comes through wonderfully in this educational book which is perfect for youngsters who can’t get enough “volcano.” At the back of the book is a helpful glossary of the various volcano terms used in the book as well as a bibliography and suggested additional reading sources.

Quill says: An excellent book for the young volcano enthusiast as well as those who are working on a research project about volcanoes. There is a lot of useful, and interesting, information within the pages of Volcano Rising.

Book Review - Alphabet Trucks

Alphabet Trucks

By: Samantha R. Vamos
Illustrated by: Ryan O’Rourke
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Publication Date: August 2013
ISBN: 978-1580894289
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: September 2013

Vroom! Rumble! Zoom! Here come the trucks! Did you know there is a truck for every letter of the alphabet? Young readers learning the alphabet are in for a real treat with the newest book from author Samantha R. Vamos. With bright, lively drawings and creative rhyme, this book shines.

I is for ice-cream truck,
with frozen treats to taste,
J is for junk truck,
removing scrap and waste.


The pages of this book are free of clutter and make the letters and trucks easily stand out. The retro-illustrations bring back fond memories of books from the 60’s and earlier – simple and fun. For me, it brought back recollections of my favorite childhood book, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
I’ve read a lot of alphabet books and was quite curious to see how this one would handle the more difficult letters. I’m not a truck expert, but I honestly couldn’t think of trucks for some letters. Fortunately, Vamos is far more creative than I and wrote a book that flows easily, uses all the letters of the alphabet, includes some neat trucks, and will easily engage even reluctant readers. If your child is learning the alphabet, consider this book to help him/her along.

Quill says: Young truck enthusiasts will love learning the alphabet with Alphabet Trucks!

Book Review - "I'm So Hollywood" (Summer Saltz)

“I’m So Hollywood” (Summer Saltz)

By: Connie Sewell
Illustrated by: Elyse Whittaker-Paek
Publisher: Tiny Hands Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: May 2013
ISBN: 978-0-9888324-0-4
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: September 16, 2013

The imagination of a little girl is a gift; and in a world where we are bombarded with negatives, it’s so special to come across a book that shines with that adorable magic and zest for life that sometimes feels lost. When you pick up (and you should) this entertaining, creative and fun book, a smile will immediately form on your face. Why? Because Summer Saltz represents the sassiness and pure and utter fun that we all need to feel - whether little girl or all grown up.

Summer has a great family - and a really big dog. She loves her life, loves the color pink, and has a best friend named Molly who really is a loyal, caring friend.

One day, Summer goes shopping and finds an awesome pair of sunglasses. They are so cool, in fact, that when she puts them on she receives the comment that she looks oh, so, Hollywood. Now, let’s face it, if you find something that makes you look that good you need two things - a pink purse to go with them, and a party to go to where you can show off the fact that you are the essence of Hollywood. Summer gets them both.

A party is had by her parents and Summer invites Molly to attend. She also tries to figure out how to carry her dog in her purse (so cute!). But lets just say you would need a BIG piece of luggage to carry this one around. The dog also decides to be more than a little rambunctious at the party and ends up harming Summer’s evening.

But this is a story of pure enjoyment, and Summer’s Mom joins with best friend Molly to come up with explanations and solutions that make Summer feel like little Miss Hollywood - the most fashionable of them all.

Written perfectly, the plot of this story gets an A+. The illustrator also needs a big commendation for the amazing work she did bringing Summer and her Hollywood feelings to life! If you are looking for the ultimate holiday gift, or simply looking for one of those books you will read over and over again and share with your own kids someday - this is it! I can’t wait to see what this outstanding author/illustrator team come up with next!

Quill says: Special, unique and a whole lot of fun! Summer Saltz is a breath of fresh air in a literary and real world that desperately needs one!