Review of SLEEP ISLAND IN THE TIME OF BOOM!!!
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Maduabuchi Okwiya N Eze
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Review of SLEEP ISLAND IN THE TIME OF BOOM!!!
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "SLEEP ISLAND IN THE TIME OF BOOM!!!" by Dr. Duane R. Folke.]
"Boom" sounds can come from different sources: thunder, fireworks, and virtually anything that produces a loud sound. This can be troublesome for some kids, especially those who have a low tolerance for sound. In this story, Dr. Duane R. Folke looks into the predicament of Oliver and Otto, who are unable to sleep due to the "ka-boom" sound that infiltrates their room. The explanations given should allay their fears and those of other kids who experience similar issues.
Sleep Island in the Time of Boom!!! is a children's story written by Dr. Duane R. Folke. I appreciated this book's contribution to the innovation of using stories to educate children on the things they need to know about themselves and their environment. Specifically, Duane artfully ventures into the minds of Oliver and Otto, revealing their dispositions toward sleep and fears of the sounds that come from their environment and going ahead to provide a couple of notes that not only explain these sounds but also help them respond positively to them. This aspect impressed me the most.
Also, I was delighted by some elements of rhyme infused into some sentences. For example, the rhyme between "Otto" and "motto" was just so pleasant to the ear! The illustrations also did their job of adding depth to the story, although I felt they could have been fine-tuned or simplified. The paintings on pages eight, twelve, and even ten were okay, but I think those on pages fourteen and sixteen need a little adjustment.
I need to note some areas I thought needed improvements. First, this story didn't have that creamy, fluid narrative flow, and I thought this was because some of the sentences felt rigid, too formal, and forced, as can be seen in this one: "Now, next we find from time to time, just off the road, we can hear cars and trucks, carrying a heavy load" (page 13). Some children may struggle to comprehend this sentence. Since this is a children's book, making simpler word choices would be highly beneficial to the readers.
Although I appreciated the intention of introducing children to new words through stories, I thought including a glossary at the end of this book would have helped actualize this aim. So, introducing such words as "gust" and "unfurl" without a glossary may not be so cool; children would have to ask adults the meanings of these words to be able to connect with the storyline. This is a minor issue, though I think giving it attention won't be a bad idea after all.
I rate this book four out of five stars because I was impressed with the notes presented in it to help children better understand their environment and manage their emotions. The book was free of grammatical errors, and this exceptional editing also influenced me to give it four stars. Unfortunately, I had to remove a star from the rating due to some rigid word choices and the omission of a glossary. Readers between the ages of four and nine should benefit from the information shared in this book.
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SLEEP ISLAND IN THE TIME OF BOOM!!!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"Boom" sounds can come from different sources: thunder, fireworks, and virtually anything that produces a loud sound. This can be troublesome for some kids, especially those who have a low tolerance for sound. In this story, Dr. Duane R. Folke looks into the predicament of Oliver and Otto, who are unable to sleep due to the "ka-boom" sound that infiltrates their room. The explanations given should allay their fears and those of other kids who experience similar issues.
Sleep Island in the Time of Boom!!! is a children's story written by Dr. Duane R. Folke. I appreciated this book's contribution to the innovation of using stories to educate children on the things they need to know about themselves and their environment. Specifically, Duane artfully ventures into the minds of Oliver and Otto, revealing their dispositions toward sleep and fears of the sounds that come from their environment and going ahead to provide a couple of notes that not only explain these sounds but also help them respond positively to them. This aspect impressed me the most.
Also, I was delighted by some elements of rhyme infused into some sentences. For example, the rhyme between "Otto" and "motto" was just so pleasant to the ear! The illustrations also did their job of adding depth to the story, although I felt they could have been fine-tuned or simplified. The paintings on pages eight, twelve, and even ten were okay, but I think those on pages fourteen and sixteen need a little adjustment.
I need to note some areas I thought needed improvements. First, this story didn't have that creamy, fluid narrative flow, and I thought this was because some of the sentences felt rigid, too formal, and forced, as can be seen in this one: "Now, next we find from time to time, just off the road, we can hear cars and trucks, carrying a heavy load" (page 13). Some children may struggle to comprehend this sentence. Since this is a children's book, making simpler word choices would be highly beneficial to the readers.
Although I appreciated the intention of introducing children to new words through stories, I thought including a glossary at the end of this book would have helped actualize this aim. So, introducing such words as "gust" and "unfurl" without a glossary may not be so cool; children would have to ask adults the meanings of these words to be able to connect with the storyline. This is a minor issue, though I think giving it attention won't be a bad idea after all.
I rate this book four out of five stars because I was impressed with the notes presented in it to help children better understand their environment and manage their emotions. The book was free of grammatical errors, and this exceptional editing also influenced me to give it four stars. Unfortunately, I had to remove a star from the rating due to some rigid word choices and the omission of a glossary. Readers between the ages of four and nine should benefit from the information shared in this book.
******
SLEEP ISLAND IN THE TIME OF BOOM!!!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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Rica Concepcion
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This book concept is helpful for children to better understand their environment and manage their emotions, as well as to learn new words and exercise their vocabulary. I appreciate the reviews honesty. Your writing is so beautiful because you always know the right word for the right moment.
