Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab

A mystery with electromagnets, burglar alarms, and other gadgets you can build yourself.

by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

4 stars from me
5 stars from Boo
Copy received for review

Hilarious.

This book was delightful.  It did feel like things happened fairly quickly, especially the resolution, but given the target age and length of the book that seems pretty normal.

There are also instructions throughout so that you can make your own version of the crazy gadgets Nick and Tesla come up with!  What's not to love?

Boo is a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of this series.  It combines two of her favorite things: science and mysteries.  I asked her if she had anything to add to a review and she said "Awesome, awesome, and AWESOME!"

We've been getting them for review as they come out and they disappear as soon as they arrive... I don't see it again until she's done.  Though, really, that's usually later the same day because she just devours them.

Equal appeal for a boy or girl here-- it's a great brother/sister duo.

Definitely recommended.

Picture Book Round-up

Random edition, lol

So obviously the month of reviewing Beehive nominees didn't cover everything... by a long shot.  But hey... we're still working our way through...

Today our round-up features 2 nominees.

The President's Stuck in the Bathtub
Poems about the Presidents
By Susan Katz

Boo, Mister, and I quite enjoyed this one.  There is a poem and a little factoid about each president.

Some are more amusing than others, though overall it's a really fun book.

Definitely for the elementary crowd, though, not the preschoolers.


How to Babysit a Grandpa
by Jean Reagan

Super super cute.  This is an adorable guide to babysitting Grandpa while Mom and Dad go out.
Very fun, totally recommended.


On a Beam of Light
A Story of Albert Einstein
by Jennifer Berne

An interesting, if simple, text all about Albert Einstein.  I think this one is a tricky fit for kids, though... kind of too much for preschoolers (unless they're really into science maybe?) but a bit too simplistic for Boo... so I'm not sure where the right fit is.  Early elementary, maybe?  Like K-1st?
Not sure.

Bellwether by Connie Willis

5 stars
R- 1

If you read no other Connie Willis, read this one.

Okay, I know.  I've already said that about To Say Nothing of the Dog.  And I meant it then, too.

So really, what I'm saying is, if you think you'll only read one Connie Willis, read both of them.

This was my first Connie Willis.  And I love and adore it.

(And I can't believe I've really never reviewed it... weird.)

This madcap story of trends, researchers, sheep, duct tape, personal ads, and the elusive grant money they all want is utterly fabulous.

Really, just go read it.

Preferably today.

Like, right now.

You'll thank me.

The Pun Also Rises by John Pollack

How the Humble Pun Revolutionized Language, Changed History, and Made Wordplay More than Some Antics

(did you catch it? read it out loud.....)

5 stars
nonfiction

Okay, so it was a bit dense, but it was fascinating enough to still get 5 stars.

Filled with subtle puns, this is an intriguing look at what the pun has done for linguistical development-- both as a species and as individuals.

It was especially interesting since I have children in the "knock-knock joke stage"-- which is basically all about puns-- and the book talks a lot about why that's an important stage.

I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book.  Utterly fabulous and COMPLETELY recommended!

(It references MASH and Spoonerisms!!!)

I even went through the bibliography and made a list of books I'd like to read.

Anyway, anyone interested in the English language should really read this one.

Meet Einstein by Mariela Kleiner

5 stars!!
Picture Book
Copy provided for review

OH MY ADORABLE!

This cute simple picture book is a fabulous introduction to science for any kid!

The illustrations are AWESOME.

The text is super simple and yet tells kids all about what it is to be a scientist.  It was short enough for Mister to easily sit through, but had enough information for Boo.  (Baby J just wanted to eat it.)

This is a really excellent book for preschoolers/kindergarteners!