Early Book Review: The Magical Animal Adoption Agency by Kallie George and Alexandra Boiger

The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is the first children’s chapter book in the Clover's Luck series written by Kallie George and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. It is currently scheduled for release on February 3, 2015. Despite her name, Clover has always felt decidedly unlucky. So when she stumbles upon a mysterious cottage in the Woods while looking for her escaped bird, she can hardly believe her good fortune. It's the Magical Animal Adoption Agency, and it houses creatures of all kinds. Fairy horses, unicorns, and a fiery young dragon are just the beginning! Mr. Jams, the Agency's owner, agrees to hire her as summer helper and Clover hopes her luck has finally changed. But when she's left alone to care for the Agency, a sneaky witch comes after the magical creatures! Will Clover outsmart her in time to protect the animals? 

The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is a fun story for anyone that loves magic but has always felt less than lucky. Clover had hoped to spend her summer at a camp riding and caring for horses, but of course he best friend got the last available slot. This leaves Clover home with her working parents that never seem to be home. To make matters worse the latest in a stream of failed attempts to have a pet has escaped. Wondering in the woods to find said lost bird might not be the best idea for Clover, since there are rumors of ‘beasties’ living in those woods. Thankfully, Clover finds the best kind of beasts, ones being taken care of at the Adoption Center. She discovers her own strengths and abilities in taking care of the animals and dealing with the people that come in to see them. I liked that it is Clovers own wit and caring that turn out to save the day, rather than anything luck related. I found the story to have humor and a great message about responsibility, kindness, and being yourself. It is a fun and sweet read and a great opening for a series.

The Magical Animal Adoption Agency is a book that I fully intend on sharing with my daughter as soon as I can get a paper copy. Any animal or magic loving child with greatly enjoy this story, and my girl adores both. There is danger and adventure, but also the mundane acts involved in feeding and caring for animals, even magical ones. I think it strikes a wonderful balance and will be the new favorite series for many young readers.

Early Book Review: Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor by Martin Howard and Andy Janes

Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor is a chapter book from the Tales from Mossy Bottom Farm series by Martin Howard and Andy Janes. It is currently scheduled for release on November 25, 2014. It’s talent-show time on the farm, and the roosters and chickens are banding together in hopes of beating out their rivals, the sheep. Meanwhile, Shirley, a sheep whose flair for singing is as large as her frame, has a big problem; a massive case of stage fright. Can Shaun the sheep convince his jittery friend to wow the mole judges and take home the prize?

Anyone that has watched the claymation movies or shows from the makers of Wallace & Grommet, Shaun the Sheep, or even Timmy Time for the youngest readers, will recognize the setting and humor found in Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor.  Shaun is the smarter than average sheep, who thinks and plots constantly, sometimes with the help or hindrance of the farmer’s dog and other barnyard animals. In this story, Shaun and the sheep have challenged the chickens in a talent contest, and frankly it does not look good for the sheep. Mad cap mishaps and Shaun looking out for his fellow sheep make the story move along and readers laugh and enjoy the ride. The humor is multi layered, making it a fun read for new readers all the way to adults. 

I would recommend Shaun the Sheep: The Flock Factor to readers of all ages, particularly those that enjoy British humor and shows like Wallace & Grommet, Shaun the Sheep, or even Timmy Time.

Early Book Review: Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman is a children's chapter book that is currently scheduled for release on October 28 2014. Isabel, is so good at martial arts that she is called  Bunjitsu Bunny! She can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anyone else! But she never hurts another creature unless she has to. This book is a series of short stories about Isabel's adventures. The chapter length tales are a combination of child-friendly scenarios and Eastern wisdom perfect for the youngest readers.

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny is a transitional book, great for readers that have just made the jump to chapter books, and those that are starting to head in that direction. Isabel is a smart and strong bunny, she works hard to study both the physical and mental aspects of bunjitsu. She has the skill and strength to take down any opponent, but each brief story show readers that compromise, compassion, and respect for others can win most battles. Each of the stories are simple, and have a nice balance of entertainment and a lesson.

I would recommend Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny for transitional readers and up. the book is simple enough for readers that are still getting the hang of independent reading, without boring more advanced readers. I think that children learning martial arts, or struggling with the idea of using your mind and words before resorting to physical threats or action would particularly relate to the stories.

Book Review: The Silver Rings by Samuel Valentino

The Silver Rings by Samuel Valentino is a fun book for middle grade readers.  Celia and Alice are twin sisters whose bid for freedom from their evil stepmother leads them on a journey through a world of fantasy and imagination. They encounter a sarcastic fairy godmother, giants, charming princes, an overly dramatic fox, and more along the way. Bits of familiar tales are woven through the story, along with some lesser known stories. However, each tale is given a humorous twist. 

The Silver Rings is a fun twist on fairy tales for the younger set. There are many recognizable fairy tales that are heavily woven into the story, which makes the reading feel more inclusive to those that feel like they know more about the story than what the author is initially telling them. at the same time, there are less known stories and many unique twists that will keep even some of the most jaded readers on their toes.The characters are well developed, and while often times the reading is easy, there is a sardonic twist and a feeling of sarcastic humor that would made this book great for middle grade readers, particularly reluctant readers. I really enjoyed the common thread through the whole book that it is not being royalty, or pretty, or anything so shallow that gets a happy ending, it is resilience, planning, and creative thinking that will help you come out ahead. 

I really enjoyed The Silver Rings, and  think that it will have a wide fan base once word gets out about the story. It is clever and fun, with a feel that is somehow both familiar and unique. the best of both worlds.

Book Review: Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone! by Mary Amato, Ward Jenkins

Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone! is the second book in the Good Crooks children's series written by Mary Amato with illustrations by Ward Jenkins.  If you have not read the first book in this early chapter book series then you need to know that Billy and Jillian crook are twins that despite their parent's efforts to raise them as crooks, really want to do good deeds. So the pair do their best to do good deeds without their parents noticing. In Dog Gone! the do-gooders are trying to raise money to give to the local dog shelter and somehow end up inspiring their parents to steal a dog. the dog in question turns out to be a Hollywood star with a remarkable talent for playing dead and no interest in helping the twins return her to her owners.

I got a kick out of Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone!, and the first book in the series. Billy and Jillian are fun characters that are as different from each other as they are from their parents. I really like that Jillian is a technology genius, and that her inventions are generally what allow the twins to save the day. It is good to see a girl in that position, rather that just being a know it all. Billy is still a bit flighty and silly, but I find that to be part of the series' charm.

Good Crooks Book Two: Dog Gone! is a book that I think readers making the transition into chapter books would really enjoy. There is adventure, some suspense, some silliness, and even some more serious moments. I really liked that underneath everything, the books are really about being true to yourself and doing good however you can.

Book Review: Good Crooks Book One: Missing Monkey! (Good Crooks #1) by Mary Amato, Ward Jenkins

Good Crooks Book One: Missing Monkey! is the first book in the Good Crooks series written by Mary Amato and illustrated by Ward Jenkins. This early chapter book is about Billy and Jillian Crook. These twins are tired of having to wear disguises every time they leave the house and helping their parents lead a life of crime. These feisty youngsters want to do some good deeds, but have to be even sneakier while doing good than while breaking the law. When their parents steal a monkey to help them steal, the twins rush into action. Not only do they learn just how much a monkey can do in eleven minutes, they also learn what it feels like to do good.

Missing Monkey! is a fun and fast paced story that will capture the attention quickly. Billy and Jillian are well done characters, each with a very distinct personality. I loved some of Billy's asides and lists that more often than not made me laugh. The interaction between the tech genius Jillian, impulsive Billy, and their parents are highly entertaining. Adding and intelligent monkey to the mix just makes everything that much more entertaining. I think the strive to do a good deed in secret, and the humor ingrained in the entire book, make for a combination that will entertain most readers.

I recommend Missing Monkey for readers just making the transition to chapter books, and for those that like the silly humor so often involved in a story involving hum,ans and monkeys. The story is a fun read, with humor and a good lesson about not having to be what others expect you to be firmly woven into the book. I look forward to reading the second book in the series, Dog Gone!, which is waiting for my attention on my Kindle.