A revolutionary rodent, a smart supercomputer, a master magician, and an accomplished artist who was also an ingenious inventor. Meet them all in our latest podcast, all about biographies and fiction about real-life famous figures. Hey, Lady Gaga may be the expert at acting like the paparazzi, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rub elbows with some of the biggest celebs in history!

Part 1: Behind every great man, there’s… an animal? This week’s mystery book tells all…
  (8:51)
Download the MP3 (8.2 MB)

Part 2: Books about an escape artist and an artist artist — plus new kid picks!
  (7:42)
Download the MP3 (7.1 MB)

And don’t forget: our next topic is books about animals other than cats and dogs! So watch our latest Mystery Book Theater video and check out these books about unusual animals — from pigs to raccoons to crickets to monkeys. (Yes, monkeys! Any book about monkeys is a good book, don’t you think?)

— Nancy and Karen

If you could meet any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?

Submitted by Bat:

I would like to “meet” Deep Blue, the supercomputer programmed to play chess. Why? We would never know if I didn’t type this: I like chess (and computers). I would also like to meet the programmers. Why? We would never know if I didn’t type this: They might be interesting to talk to.

You’ve heard of the classic novel Of Mice and Men? Well, that’s not this week’s mystery book. But our pick is about a mouse and a man. One is famous. And the other? Well, he thinks he should be.

So watch the video, and then send in your guess of what book it’s from. We’ll name the first person to get it right in our next podcast!

UPDATE 1/19/10: Wanna know the book? Listen for the answer in our “Fame! I’m Gonna Live Forever…” Podcast, all about books about real-life famous figures.

If you’re a loyal fan of Kidsmomo (and all the cool kids are, of course), then you know that a little while back, a class in Indiana submitted a bunch of awesome book reviews — many of them for biographies.

Nancy was inspired to revisit some of her favorite books about Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, and we’ve decided to dedicate our new theme entirely to books about famous real-life figures!

So get ready to meet yesterday’s celebrities through this week’s recommended reads (in no particular order):

Nonfiction Biographies:

1. Leonardo Da Vinci: The Genius Who Defined the Renaissance by John Phillips (Nancy’s pick)
2. Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman
3. Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt! by Jean Fritz
4. Charles A. Lindbergh: A Human Hero by James Cross Giblin
5. We Were There, Too! Young People in U.S. History by Phillip M. Hoose
6. Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I A Woman by Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick McKissack

Fiction:

1. A Spotlight for Harry by Eric A. Kimmel (Karen’s pick) — Harry Houdini
2. Baseball Card Adventures by Dan Gutman — famous ballplayers including Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth
3. Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
4. Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan — Charlotte Parkhurst
5. Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O’Dell — Sacagawea
6. Royal Diaries series by various authors — female monarchs including Cleopatra and Marie Antoinette

If you’ve read any of these, send in your book review and we may read it our podcast. Or send in a review of your favorite book about a real-life famous figure!

Reviewed by: Savanah, Age 9 from Indiana

Rating:

Do you want to find out more about Thomas Jefferson? Do you want to know how he died? Well then read this book! The book has thirteen facts. A couple of these facts are that Thomas Jefferson was married when he was twenty-three. His daughter and his wife’s names were both Martha. His wife, Martha, died at the young age of 56. My favorite fact of theis entire book is that he got married October 30, 1768. This fact makes me happy. If you want to find more facts then read this book!!

Reviewed by: Aaron, Age 9 from Indiana

Rating:

Do you like Biography books? If you do, you should read, “Meet Thomas Jefferson.” This book tells you about his life. He was known for writing important papers. He signed the Declaration of Independence. This book is great! Read it!

Reviewed by: Jack, Age 9 from Indiana

Rating:

“Lewis and Clark,” was a good book. The reason I didn’t love the book was because it needed more action. I did like the part about Sacagawea leading Lewis and Clark because you really don’t see strong women in history. I was surprised to see that Clark raced children! It was crazy that Clark did not lose to the kids. Lewis and Clark were great leaders. Read this book if you want to become smart!

Reviewed by: Claire, Age 9 from Indiana

Rating:

I like George Washington Soldier, Hero, President the book becaus eit gives you great facts about George Washington. One of the facfs are that he was born in 1732 in the book. He died in 1799 in the book. Find more and more fun facts about George Washington in the book. I hope you like the book.

Also check out Brandon’s review of this book!

Reviewed by: Noah, Age 9 from Indiana

Rating:

Do you want to see the first lightbulb? Or do you want to see the birth of the film industry? No matter which one is your choice, this book is your key. Read as Thomas Edison creates his first invention to his very last patent. Did you know Thomas was the last of eight children? If you like inventions, this book is for you.