Book Review: Megabat and Fancy Cat (Megabat) by Anna Humphrey, Kass Reich

Megabat and Fancy Cat is the second Megabat book written by Anna Humphrey and illustrated by Kass Reich. While those that have read the first book will have a better grasp on the characters andknow how they came to be friends, I think all readers should be able to pick things up pretty quickly. All they need to know is that Megabat is a talking fruitbat that lives with his human best friend. 

Megabat was looking forward to Christmas morning: presents, playing toys, smooshfruit and watching Star Wars. But then Daniel opened his last, most special present. Daniel thinks this might be the best Christmas present yet: a beautiful cat named Priscilla! He's always wanted a pet. Megabat is not sure he likes this cat. She tastes most hairy. Daniel loves his new cat! She's fun to play with, and she's so soft and fluffy. Megabat is not soft OR fluffy. He's not purebred and he doesn't have a big, beautiful swishy tail. What if Daniel loves Priscilla more than Megabat? This is truly a disturbance in the Force. Megabat and Birdgirl must find a way to get rid of this trubble cat once and for all! Calamity ensues as Megabat and Birdgirl try to come up with ways to get rid of Priscilla. But is there more than meets the eye with this furry menace? 

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a fun story about friendship and compromise in the guise of an adorable bat feeling pushed aside by his best friend. When Priscilla joins the family only Megabat and Dad seem to be less than pleased, but soon only Megabat and Birdgirl are unhappy. Megabat feels left out and unloved, so comes up with a slew of crazy schemes to get the cat out of the house. Of course things backfire, and a good conversation solves the majority of the problems, as is true with many book for children and adults. I found Megabat's speech patterns and typing to be cute and fun, although it could be a mixed bag with young readers. Some might be glad to see a character that struggles with something they struggle with, or it might further the issue if they are really struggling with spelling. I think the story is a fun read that many kids will relate to, weather it is because of a new shifts in family or friendships- the explanation of love growing and always having enough is one that everyone sometimes needs to hear.

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a sweet and entertain read with plenty of fun and solid lessons to adsorb. Great choice of transitional and  emerging readers- as well as animal lovers. A fun read for anyone that picks it up. 

Early Book Review: The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess by Emma Wunsch, Jessika Von Innerebner

The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is an illustrated chapter book written by Emma Wunsch and illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner.  This series starter is currently scheduled to be released on August 7 2018. Princess Miranda does not want to go to school. She wants to shoe shop, plan parties, and decorate the castle. Maude cannot wait for school. She loves rules and social justice and getting good grades. She also loves hard-boiled eggs, much to Miranda’s dismay. When a tense first week of school results in Maude getting excluded from the Royal Birthday Party, Maude decides she’s found her first fight for social justice: a birthday boycott. This hilarious, heartfelt chapter-book series teaches empathy, and reminds us that your very best friend could be one desk away.

The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is the start of a sweet early chapter book about dealing with changes, school, and being yourself. I loved the set up. Miranda is a princess that loves pink, nail polish, and party planning. She does not want to go to school, and when she does her head hurts and she just wants to go home. Maude loves learning, rules, and hard boiled eggs. These two seem to have nothing in common, and clash right away. Miranda needs to learn to get along with other children, and to consider how others feel. Maude needs to stop and think about how others feel as well. When they each take a moment and consider other people, a friendship is formed and thrives, showing readers that empathy can bridge  almost any gap and bring wonderful surprises. I like that readers get multiple points of view, so they can see why Miranda is as unhappy and uncomfortable at school- and we can see why Maude holds on to her eggs and unusual ways. I also like that even after the friendship is formed, we see that not every day is perfect, and the pair each still needs to grow and learn about themselves, each other and the world. 

The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is a wonderful easy chapter book with lovely illustrations. The ook encourages young readers to think about how others feel, and how great things might come from breaking out of our own comfort zones. 

Early Book Review: Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton is an early graphic novel that is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2016. Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together is three silly and simply awesome adventures. First, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever, even though it doesn't have any words or pictures!

Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea is tremendous fun. At first I almost called this an easy reader- mainly because it had the feel of fun and friendship I get when enjoying an Elephant and Piggie book from Mo Willems, or the more recent Ballet Cat from Bob Shea. However, this book is about a narwhal- who does not love a narwhal? Particularly when one is so enthusiastically happy and willing to try just about anything, particularly if it will make his friend jelly happy. The three adventures are fun, and show the importance of friendship and trying new things, and imagination, just as much as they make readers of all ages laugh. As a bonus, there are some interesting bits of information about real narwhals tossed in with all the fun.

Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea is a great book to introduce young readers to graphic novels. However, if you are against graphic novels for some reason, just call it a picturebook or easy reader- because it could fit those descriptors easily as well. A delightfully fun book that will make fans of Bob Shea and Mo Willems very happy.

Book Review: The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem by Laura Gosselin, Jake Gosselin, and, Billy Kelly

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is a transitional chapter book written by Laura Gosselin and Jake Gosselin, and illustrated by Billy Kelly. It is the first book in a new series, with the second book, Belladonna and the Nightmare Academy, released this month. 

This is going to be the best year ever for best friends Bitterly, Abyssma and Belladonna as they are starting a new school year at Fright School! But when Bitterly, the most promising fright, is faced with a school bully and some nightmares of her own, she finds help from the last place she expected—the little girl whom she has sworn to protect.

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is the start of a new series that is about facing fears, dealing with bullies, and finding your place and talents. I like that our main characters are those who should be scary, but are dealing with school pressures and self doubts like their readers. These young frights are in school to learn how to help their assigned human to deal with nightmares in fears. In the process of figuring out how to help her girl, Bitterly figures out how to handle her own fears and worries. I think this is a great new series for readers just venturing into chapter books. This book is right up my daughters alley and I think there are many other readers that will enjoy it as well. 

The Pinkaboos: Bitterly and the Giant Problem is an empowering  series for young readers that presents the challenges of childhood through a magical world filled with not so scary frights. 

Book Review: Lug: Blast From the Past by David Zeltser

Lug: Blast From the Past by David Seltzer was first published in October of 2015, but its reprint is being released by a new publisher on September 1 2016. This is the second book in a series, the first was Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age. You can quickly pick up the general idea and characters without having read the first, but I think they read better as a series than as stand alones. 

After saving their clans from saber-toothed tigers, Lug and his friends now face an even deadlier foe: a giant and strangely fast-moving glacier from the north that threatens to crush their villages. But how do you stop a force of nature? As Lug, Echo, and Stony investigate, they meet a mysterious boy named Blast. Although Blast appears to have a plan to save everyone, Lug suspects this kid isn't as cool as he seems.

Lug: Blast From the Past is a fun, quick paced story that is about facing your fears, trusting yourself, and trusting in your friends. Lug has been more than a little skittish around animals since the incident with the tigers in the first book, and does not want his friends and family to think he is a coward because of it. He is desperate to prove himself, and when a glacier and Blast appear he is worried about more than the fate of his village. More crazy characters, escapes, and Lug coming to terms with his fears and worry about his friendships keeps the book moving along quickly. However, the book is not all serious, there is plenty of humor and fun as well.

Lug: Blast From the Past is a great read for fans of the first book, particularly transitional readers that are just starting to get comfortable with chapter books. The black and white drawings through out the book add some extra personality and fun to the story, and capture the attention of young readers that might be losing focus.

Early Book Review: Doodle Adventure: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate by Mike Lowery

Doodle Adventure: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate by Mike Lowery is the second book in the Doodle Adventure series, which invites, no actually requires, readers to add their own artwork and ideas to the story. It is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. The first book is The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs, which I now own two copies of- because each of my children wanted their own. 

Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate! features Carl, the friendly narrator who happens to be a duck, and the reader, who is drawn right into the story—literally. Together, they embark on the very important mission of finding out who has been stealing all of the pizza in town. Could it be the Dread Pirate Slobberts, the meanest, nastiest pirate ever to sail the Seven Seas? And, more important, how are they going to get all that pizza back? The reader takes part in the adventure, filling in the blanks on each page and making the story their own, and ready to read again or share over and over again.

Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate! is a fun interactive story that appeals to readers that have big imaginations and enjoy more interactive stories. Each page offers a prompt for the reader to draw on object or finish a picture to help the story along. While the adventure of looking for a pizza thief would be enough to capture my son’s attention (since pizza only comes second to cake on the favorite food list) the interactive and adventure aspects of the story keep him interested and actively reading than most books. This is true for newly independent readers that are still getting comfortable with exploring chapter books, but more advanced readers as well. The creativity and fun factors will make this a hit for many. I am off to preorder my two copies now. 

Book Review: Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries by Tom Angelburger, Cece Bell

Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries is an easy chapter book written by Tom Angelburger and illustrated by Cece Bell. On his first caper, Inspector Flytrap heads to the Art Museum’s Secret Lab to discover what important message lies in a mysterious glob on a recently discovered Da Vinci flower painting. The ingenious solution: Da Vinci was allergic to flowers, and the glob is, er, evidence of that ancient sneeze. Next Inspector Flytrap works on cases such as “The Big Deal Mystery of the Stinky Cookies” and “The Big Deal Mystery of the Missing Rose".

Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries is another funny and engaging story that will capture the interest of young readers. Inspector Flytrap is insistent on only working big deal cases, and his assistant and friend, a goat, is clearly not impressed with anything. Together they work cases, and sometimes cause more problems than they fix. I like that Inspector Flytrap is indeed smart and clever enough to solve the cases that come his way, and that in a silly but fun way show readers that his lack of mobility (he is a potted plant after all) is no barrier in making friends or solving cases. The characters and cases are silly on several levels, leaving readers entertained as they attempt to solve the cases before the detective. There is a running theme of friendship and working as a team through out the book along with wonderfully entertaining illustrations that keep readers interested.

 

Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries is a wacky book that will draw in reluctant and newly independent readers and keep them reading happily. The story and illustrations come together wonderfully to make readers laugh, think, and enjoy reading- which is the point, right? 

Book Review: Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk by Ibk Akin

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk by Ibk Akin is a transitional or easy chapter book. Uncle Fazo is not your typical Uncle. He was a crazy scientist that invented lots of funny and random things for the fun of it. Zach, his nephew, and Miranda loved to test them out. When Zach's Uncle passes away Zach inherits all of his stuff. Readers join the brave best friends, Zach and Miranda, as they discover some insane inventions like the mute wand, ice cube ray gun, a talking robot and oh' did I mention a teleporting device that takes them anywhere in the world in seconds, where they can discover secrets of old times, solve mysteries and outsmart goons of all sorts? Keeping things action packed the pair need to worry about the evil overlord Tain who has a mission to destroy the very things Zach and Miranda try to save, words.

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk is an adventure for readers just starting to read chapter books on their own. When I first started reading the book I was very interested. I wanted to check out of of Uncle Fazo's gadgets and see what kind of trouble they could cause. When the real adventure began, traveling through time and space to save words or help them come into existence I was still on board. The gadgets and adventures still held great promise. then it got a little more complicated, and then a little more so, and then I felt like the original thread of the story that had me hooked was gone. I think some young readers might get set adrift like I felt, while others with revel in the adventure and complexity of the story. It was still fun, and interesting, but not what i had been hoping for when I opened the book.

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk is a good beginner chapter book for those looking for high adventure. Readers with an  interest in language or inventions will particularly enjoy the book.

Book Review: The 39-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 39-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. This is the third installment in Andy and Terry’s book series about their ever-growing treehouse. While it is more fun to read in order, it is not necessary. The action and zaniness come through just fine without having read the previous book. The previous books are The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse.

Andy and Terry’s amazing treehouse has 13 new levels including a chocolate waterfall, a non-erupting active volcano, an opera house, a baby-dinosaur petting zoo, Andy and Terry’s Believe it or Else! museum, a not-very-merry merry-go-round, a boxing elephant called the Trunkinator, an X-Ray room, a disco with light-up dance floor, the world’s scariest roller-coaster and a top secret 39th level that hasn’t even been finished yet! Part of the unfinished treehouse is the "once upon a time" machine to help them meet their latest book deadline. But, as usual things go a bit awry and adventure ensues.

The 39-Storey Treehouse is the third installment of the series, and is just as funny as the previous adventures. I think the action in this book is actually a bit more intense than that of the previous books, although there is plenty of silly fun and entertaining illustrations (or wacky voice acting) as well. I got a kick out of the new inventions, and the new characters. The inclusion, and then un-inventing, of things like hot ice cream and a cross between frogs and hippos made my kids and I laugh more than once. I do not want to expose all the fun in this installment- just know that if you liked the humor and style of the first two books, this installment has all that and more.

The 39-Storey Treehouse is another winner for fans of silly reads with great action. If you (or your kids) liked the previous books and like illustrated chapter books then this book will keep everyone happy. My son keeps rereading this one, because he notices new or different details in the book every time!

Book Review: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me (Skycastle Series, #1) by Andy Mulberry

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me by Andy Mulberry is a short chapter book for children. It is marketed as a middle grade book, but I think some younger readers would enjoy it as well. Jack gets more than he bargained for when he orders a demon straight from the Underworld. Things go hilariously awry when the demon Brinkloven Crowley the Third, Brink for short, is not quite what Jack expected.

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is an interesting book, and is the first in a series. Jack lives in a crumbling castle with his family, and they give tours to tourists. The leaking ceiling and dwindling cashflow have Jack a little worried, and when he finds an unusual note touting the Demon Delivery he gets some big ideas for how to make tours, and his time, in the castle more interesting. Jack gets more than he bargained for, and things get pretty interesting with a demon about, but not in any way Jack expects. I felt that Jack's character was relatable for readers, and while the action was not necessarily believable, I think there are many kids that would read and enjoy the story. I was not really thrilled with how unimportant the parents seem to be in the grand scheme of things, both in the action and in Jack's line of thinking. The ending was a little disappointing to me as well, partly because it was a cliff hanger ending to make sure readers continue the series.

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is a quick read, and will be a fun read for many. I was not thrilled with it, but I think that is because I have read so many really great books for this age group that just alright books make me a little sad. This was a book that fell into that category for me.

Book Review: Glory the Lion Cub and the Dunnos by Marianne Parry

Glory the Lion Cub and the Dunnos by Marianne Parry is a collection of three fables for children. In the first story there is Glory, an inquisitive lion cub who would like to have his fur patterned like the cheetah, the zebra and the snake as he meets each one. He also wants to know their names but he is amazed to find that each share the same one – ‘Dunno’! When Glory meets a young elephant with the same name, but with two ‘tails’, he is even more intrigued. He quickly discovers that mud baths are not suitable for lions but it is many years before he realizes what ‘Dunno’ means. 

In the second tale there is Magnus, a young elephant who decides that he would like to be a doctor. As he comes across sick or injured animals, he tries to make them better using methods he has seen other creatures use. The patients pretend to be very grateful and Magnus is happy with himself. Gradually, however, he learns that each animal has their own type of medicine and when a young cow elephant catches his eye, he decides he just wants to be a grown-up elephant. 

Lastly, there is Benedict. This dark brown bear from North America who is amazed to learn that other bears are white and he listens eagerly to how polar bears can travel across ice. When he tries to tell his family, they laugh at him and he wonders if he has been dreaming. 

Glory the Lion Cub and the Dunnos is a great book for helping teach about fables. It was nice to read some that I have not already encountered. I think young children will enjoy hearing, or reading, these tales. The stories are nothing groundbreaking, but they are good fun and offer the moral lessons as one expects in a classic fable. Those that are animal mad (like my daughter) will particularly enjoy this book. I think readers that enjoy hearing new fables and lessons from around the world will also appreciate the book. I am going to share this book with my children’s school, because their theme for the year is stories from around the world, and this would be a perfect book for use in the lower grades. 

Book Review: The 26-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 26-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. It is also the sequel to The 13-Storey Treehouse, and while it is more fun to read in order, it is not necessary. The action and zaniness come through just fine without having read the previous book. 

This book tells the story of how Andy and Terry met, and how the pair met Jill. In the newly expanded treehouse readers are treated to the mostly true, and slightly long, story of how the treehouse came to be their home. The sharks make an appearance, as does pirate wooden head, a robot serving 78 insane ice cream flavors, a wacky nursery rhyme, and the Maze of Doom. The combination of fast action, silliness, and equally crazy illustrations (or voice acting and sound effects) come together to entertain. The interruptions of writing the next story, layered with the interruptions of the story in which they all met, come together in a larger story that will make any parent or sibling recognize their lives in the inability to finish anything uninterrupted. There is a good amount of potty humor, and some high action. Just a silly and high entertainment story perfect for reluctant and struggling readers to get them eager to keep reading.

 The 26-Storey Treehouse is even better than the first book, and made my family eager to have The 39-Storey Treehouse in their hands (and in the car CD player). They have never been so eager to get in the car to head to school or church than they are when a entertaining audiobook is in the cd-player. This is one book that had them moving at high speeds. As with the previous book, The 13-Storey Treehouse, I both read and listened to the book with my two kids. I still say that both versions are wonderful, and it comes down to personal preference and time to decide what path to take, I still so do both!

Early Book Review: The Sandwich Thief by André Marois, Patrick Doyon

The Sandwich Thief by André Marois and Patrick Doyon is a children’s book that straddles the line between illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. I think elementary school through high school age readers will enjoy the book. Marin loves the sandwiches his parents make for him—every day they're different and more delicious than the last. One morning, someone dares to steal his favorite sandwich: ham-cheddar-kale. Furious, Marin begins a fevered and famished investigation to unmask the thief. The days go by, the suspects multiply, and Marin's sandwiches continue to disappear. 

The Sandwich Thief is a fun, and funny, mystery that will appeal to transitional readers, and more advanced readers that enjoy mystery, humor, and illustrations or graphic novels. Poor Marin has foodies for parents, and his lunches are definite evidence of that. While he has talked then out of some of the more elaborate meals, he still gets some pretty great sandwiches. When they start going missing Marin is on a mission to solve the crime. I like that once he comes clean and shares the problem with his parents a solution is found that not only catches the culture but keep Marin from getting himself into more trouble. There were some little things that bothered me here and there through the story, overall I found it to be good fun and I think it will have broad appeal to elementary and middle grade readers. My two kids will certainly get a kick out of the humorous aspects of the story. 

The Sandwich Thief is the first in a series, but it does not require readers to continue to solve a cliff hanger. Return readers will do so because the like the characters, wit, and art style rather than because they are trapped into doing so because of unresolved endings.  

Book Review: Penelope Perfect A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wild by Shannon Anderson

Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wild by Shannon Anderson is a children's book written in rhyme about a young lady that tries to be perfect in everything she does. When a power outage makes her wake up late, her whole day is thrown off. Could changing her routine be more than the disaster she expects?

Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wild is a great book for anyone, of any age, that gets anxiety ridden or out of sorts when things do not go as planned. I am one of those people that need to be early for everything, so the idea of starting off late is just as scary to me as it was for Penelope. Just like Penelope I like to follow my schedule, and I think many children feel the same way. However, Penelope eventually is shown that loosing the reigns and stepping outside your comfort zone can be a good thing. 

Penelope Perfect: A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wild is a story of encouragement and understanding. It is told in rhyme, and has a cheerful tone to it, which might help readers feel calm as they read. I liked that the book includes information to help students, teachers, and parents deal with stress and anxiety and how to talk about related problems.

Book Review: Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery by Shirley Hughes, Clara Vulliamy

Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery is a children’s chapter book written by Shirley Hughes, and illustrated by Clara Vulliamy. This is the second book about the adventures of Digby and his best friend Percy, but the books do stand on their own. This time Digby and Percy are off on a special vacation by the sea, but instead of the relaxation they expect, they find themselves in the midst of a grand adventure involving a pop star, a stolen necklace, and exploring caves with a new friend.

Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery is a great adventure for young readers. So many books for new readers are overly simple or silly, but this series is smart and interesting. Zigby has no interest in pop stars, although Percy is more than a little awestruck. The pair walk the scenic routes, making a new local friend. When the pop star is robbed the friendly pair accidentally stumble across the solution to the mystery of the stolen necklace. Once again their good natures and honesty serves the pair well and they are significantly rewarded for their positive traits. 

Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery is another early chapter book that offers readers an interesting, solid story paired with a lesson in being a good person. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers as well as more advanced readers that want to enjoy the tale.  

Book Review: Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliany

Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane by Shirley Hughes & Clara Vulliany is an early chapter book and nominee for a 2016 Nutmeg Award. Digby O'Day and Percy are best friends. This daring canine duo can find adventure anywhere, even entering an All-Day Race. Digby is sure he can win, especially with Percy as his co-driver. But when the race starts and Digby and Percy are quickly left in the dust, it seems like they don't stand a chance. They meet peril after peril: a car that breaks down (and slides back to the edge of a cliff!), a near miss with an oncoming train, and worst of all, Digby's archenemy, Lou Ella, who is also in the race and will stop at nothing to win. In a day full of twists, turns, thrills, and surprises, anything can happen. Who will come out ahead?

Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane is a fun and easy read for reluctant readers and those just starting to branch out into chapter books. Digby loves his car, it may be old but he takes great care of it. Digby's neighbor Lou Ella gets a new car every year and is always asking Digby when he will get a new care of his own, rather than taking care of the older car. The two, and their cars, are put to the test during the big race. Slow and stead Digby, and his good nature, suffer several hardships along the way but just keep chugging along. Lou Ella is pushy and insistent on everything being her way, and in turn makes the people around her unhappy and less than helpful because of it. The story is much more than a retelling of the Tortoise and the Hare, while there are similarities, and the characters are really well fleshed out for a story with so little text. The illustrations really bring Digby and his friends to life, making readers identify with them more than one might expect.

Digby O’Day In the Fast Lane is more than worthy of the Nutmeg nomination, and will intyerest a large number of readers. It will draw reluctant or challenged readers into the story and keep them interested on what will happen to Digby and his car next. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, Digby O'Day and the Great Diamond Robbery. 

Book Review: Puppy Pirates: Stowaway by Erin Soderberg

Puppy Pirates: Stowaway is a children’s chapter book by Erin Soderberg. Wally is a pup with a nose for adventure. So when he stumbles onto a ragtag group of puppies who sail the seven seas, he knows he has to join the fun! But if pirates are supposed to be gruff and tough, this furry little guy isn’t exactly first-mate material.  Does he have what it takes to become a full-fledged puppy pirate?

Stowaway is the first book in the Puppy Pirate series, and it sets up a series of pirate adventures for one ship of puppies, and a human boy. Wally wants adventure, he wants to be a puppy pirate. When he and a human boy stowaway on a puppy pirate ship they have to prove their worth of they will have to walk the plank. They show that being quick witted and kinder than any proper pirate should be holds more value than the other puppies might expect. A fun story full of fun, friendship, and determined cuteness.

Stowaway is a easy chapter book that just might capture the attention of many young readers. Puppies, pirates, and adventure- three things most young readers love. The story is a cute read, and will appeal to many fans of similar series. I did not think it was outstanding, but I certainly think it will get some children hooked and reading which is what is important.  

Early Book Review: My Stinky New School by Rebecca Elliott

My Stinky New School by Rebecca Elliott is a picture book that is currently schedule for release on June 19 2015. Toby's sister and baby brother love their schools;  they smell great, like paint and rainbows. However Toby is not sure that he will like his new school at all. At first he thinks it smells more like ogres and he is lonely. He cannot seem to find friends, but he finds an alien, a mermaid, a dinosaur expert and a pirate. When his mum comes to pick him up he tells her that he did not make friends, but then who was he playing with?

My Stinky New School is a great picture book for children facing a new school or change in environments. While it might seem scary and like a place you do not want to be, giving the world a chance and being yourself will get you through. Toby is very nervous about his new school, and misses his family, but throws himself into his school day. By just being himself and being willing to talk to new kids he finds new friends. The book has humor and leaves the reader with a smile and feeling of comfort. 

My Stinky New School is a wonderful book to share with a preschooler, kindergartener, or even first grade student that is experiencing some trepidation about the shift of schools and environment that they might be facing. 

Audio Book Review: Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

Fortunately, the Milk is a children's chapter book written by Neil Gaiman, and illustrated by Skottie Young. I listened to the audiobook (read by Neil himself!) but have held the paperback in my hands. the illustrations and font work in the written version is great, as are the inflections and sounds done by Mr. Gaiman in the audio version. you cannot lose regardless of format you chose!

One morning, after mother went off on a trip, it was discovered that there was no milk. No milk for breakfast cereal, or tea. So father went to the corner store to get some, and he took a very long time. On his return he explains why to his two children. It begins with: "I bought the milk," said my father. "I walked out of the corner shop, and heard a noise like this: t h u m m t h u m m. I looked up and saw a huge silver disc hovering in the air above Marshall Road. "Hullo," I said to myself. "That's not something you see every day. And then something odd happened." This father's story of time travel, dinosaurs, volcano gods, and more fill the pages of Fortunately, the Milk. It is funny, silly, and occasionally a little unnerving as one man tries to get one container of milk home to his children. And so he can have his cup of tea and read the paper of course.

Once again, Neil Gaiman proves that he cannot go wrong. Fortunately, the Milk is a fantastically fun story full of imagination and adventure. Read it, listen to it, or both. I enjoyed it in the car with my 6 and 8 year olds- I think children and adults of all ages will find humor and delight in this book.

Early Book Review: Dino-Mike and the T. Rex Attack (Dino-Mike) by Franco Aureliani

Dino-Mike and the T. Rex Attack is the first book in the Dino-Mike series by Franco Aureliani. This is a early chapter book currently scheduled for release on March 1 2015. Michael Evans travels the world with his dino-huntin' dad, a famous paleontologist. As dad searches for and digs up dinosaur bones Mike does some exploring on his own. On one trip he winds up finding a live T. Rex! After tracking what could not possibly be real, Mike meets a mysterious kid that seems to know why and how the real dinosaur got here as well as a plan to get it back where it belongs.

Dino-Mike and the T. Rex Attack is a fun and sometimes silly read that will appeal to newly independent readers. I think my own young readers will love this book, although they will want the awesome dinosaur jacket that Mike gets from his dad in the story. Mike is a smart kid that knows a great deal about dinosaurs, and I would hope so considering his fathers line of work. While exploring the woods during his father's dig he discovers another kids around his age, a T. Rex, and an older boy. The fate of the dinosaur, and anything it might consider a meal, rests in the hands of these kids- and one wants that dino to stay right where it is. this book introduces a great new series for those first getting into chapter books as well as those that are just dino-mad. I think this book definitely has an audience and will be a hit with many in its target audience.

Dino-Mike and the T. Rex Attack has entertaining and accessible language as well as great illustrations. I think it will encourage reading with many new readers, and keep them eager to see what might happen as the series continues. An added incentive to read this book for young graphic novel fans is that the author just happens to be the Eisner-Award winning creator of Tiny Titans.