Book Review: Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver

DEWEY FAIRCHILD, PARENT PROBLEM SOLVER by Lorri Horn tells the story of a boy who gives parenting advice to his friends.

In this humorous intermediate novel, Dewey spends his time solving the parent problems of his peers. However, he soon finds that it’s not as easy to solve his own parent problems.

Librarians will find this book popular with fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Spy School, and child detective stories.

Published by Amberjack Publishing on August 8, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Follow Me! Animal Parents and Babies

FOLLOW ME! ANIMAL PARENTS AND BABIES by Shira Evans is part of the National Geographic Kids Super Reader series.

This series includes books for pre-readers through fluent readers. This Level 1: Co-reader book is intended for parents, adults, or older children to read with younger children. An icon indicates what “you read” and what “I read”. Chapters focus on finding food, movement, habitat, and using tools. At the end of each chapter, readers are given a task to think about or a problem to solve.

Librarians know that animal babies books are always popular. What makes this book particularly useful is the collaborative reading option. Consider using this book and other Level 1 co-reader books as part of a school-wide buddy reading program where older children read with younger children.

Published by National Geographic on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: YouTube Kids

YOUTUBE KIDS is an app that offers adults the chance to set up a safe environment for youth to experience YouTube video content.

The app is designed to make age-appropriate recommendations for youth based on viewing and searching history. Initially, the system can be set for “preschool”, “school age”, or “all kids” levels. The search bar can be shown or hidden.

Users are presented with access to content in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning, or Explore. From music by The Piano Guys to science videos from National Geographic Kids, users are presented with endless video options for children. Clicking a channel provides users with access to short video content. The basic keyword search displays content of interest to children. For instance, a search for frogs displays animated stories, science programs, and other interesting videos.

Librarians will find this to be a useful tool for in-school tablets. It would also be a good suggestion for parents of young children.

To download the app through Google Play or the App Store, go to https://kids.youtube.com/.