Early Book Review: Tobor by Guido van Genechten

Tobor is a picturebook by Guido van Genechten that is currently scheduled for publication on October 11 2017.  Ben receives a very special present for his fifth birthday. Unlike Ben's stuffed animals who can't move on their own or talk, Tobor is different; with a press of his square nose, Tobor comes alive, suggesting and playing games, talking and asking questions and soon he becomes Ben's best friend. Sometimes friendship develops where you least expect it.

Tobor is a delightful picturebook with artwork that captured my attention right away. Ben plays with and interacts with his stuffed animals the way many imaginative children do, as if they are alive. However, when he is gifted with Tobor- a toy that can actually talk and play rather than one that can only do these things in his imagination, he is as obsessed as anyone would expect a child to be. I loved the adventures and interaction the pair have. I liked that Ben got tired of Tobor's constant desire to play. More than anything, I liked that Ben came to see that a toy that walks and talks is great, he also sees the importance and fun that can be found with a little more variety. I think could be a good classroom or family discussion starter about new friends and how different people play different ways, and that we can all come together and find a happy medium. 

Early Book Review: Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing by Jantzer Studios

Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing by Jantzer Studios is currently scheduled for release on September 28 2017. Modeling-clay character Gruel Snarl is driving his mom zonkers! Just an ordinary kid with an extraordinary imagination, Gruel spends his days doing all kinds of things but always seems to find his way into mischief. Desperate to find something to keep Gruel out of trouble, his mom offers him paper and crayons. Find out what happens when his imagination takes an unexpected turn in this story as the main characters merge and jump right off the page.

Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing is a fun story about an alien kid driving their mother up the wall. After being handed the tools to draw things only get worse as the creatures jump off the page. I liked that things are turned around and Gruel and the boy he draws switch roles. It leaves the book with an interesting twist leaving readers wondering who is drawing who. The artwork is interesting, with a combination of clay creatures and drawn cut outs leading the majority of the action. At first the artwork left me a little apathetic, but by the end I was a little more impressed. It was an interesting and reasonably unique story, however it still left me content but not overly impressed. I think there is definitely a market for the book, and highly imaginative kids (and their families) are likely to appreciate it the most.

Book Review: The Dragon Hunters (Dragon Brothers) by James Russell, Link Choi

The Dragon Hunters is the first illustrated chapter book in The Dragon Brother trilogy written by James Russell and illustrated by Link Choi. Living on an island means life is full of adventure for brothers Flynn and Paddy. So when a dragon swoops out of the sky and nabs their beloved dog, Coco, Flynn and Paddy know it's up to them to bring her home. That night, they pack their bags, make some terrible sandwiches, and set off on an epic adventure. 

The Dragon Hunters is a short and imaginative book in rhyme for young readers. The boys have an adventure to save their dog from a dragon, and do so with wit and humor. The illustrations are full of color, detail, and whimsy. As ab bonus for the technologically inclined young readers, the map in this book come alive with the use of your phone or tablet, once you download a free AR Reads app. If you do use the app, you can see and hear dragons fly, geysers gush, and get a glimpse of your favorite characters in action. A great incentive to get readers more interested in technology than print books to check it out.

Book Review: Out of the Box by Jemma Westing

Out of the Box by Jemma Westing includes twenty-five interactive cardboard model projects that will encourage kids' creativity and "out of the box" thinking skills through hands-on learning and the application of science-based principles. Kids can bring old cardboard to life and build recycled creations they can play with, sit in, or wear. From small-scale gifts to large constructions there are clear, step-by-step instructions to show kids how to make dinosaurs, masks, race cars, and so much more. There are also images and ideas to encourage them to make their own unique projects when they feel ready. Each of the projects use recycled materials, including cardboard rolls and boxes, so all the supplies should be easy to find right at home.

Out of the Box is a well written group project instructions and inspirations for making a wide variety of creations with common cardboard objects we all are likely to have around the house. The additional supplies, such as glue sticks, scissors, markers, duct tape and the like are also things that many of us have on hand. Even if you do not have every tool that the instructions use throughout the book, there are certainly some projects that will require no shopping. The projects include games, animals, wearable masks,  ships, a 'cityscape', things for pets, and more. Even though I am an 'adult' I still want to try out some of these projects. So I work in a school and I will find a way to make it about the kids, but I want them for me- they are just a good excuse. I found the instructions to be understandable and easy to follow, although some of the projects are significantly more difficult than others. The photographs that accompany each project are helpful and clear.  One of my favorite things about the book was the inclusion of "Try This" ideas which encourages kids to take their projects to the next level, and to truly make it all their own.

Out of the Box is a wonderful addition to school, public, and personal libraries. While it is a wonderful jumping off point for organized or personal crafts (i.e. makerspace, classroom, storytimes, homeschooling) it would also be a great resource for anyone that likes to build and create. I will be trying to get a copy for my school library for next year.

Book Review: Argyle Fox by Marie Letourneau

Argyle Fox is a picturebook by Marie Letourneau. Argyle Fox, with his signature style, wants to play outside on a springtime day, but the wind is wreaking havoc with his fun and games. As soon as he builds a card tower, climbs into a giant spider web, or takes up his pirate sword, here comes the wind: Woosh! Mama Fox tells grumpy Argyle that if he thinks long enough, he will come up with something to do. Following his mother’s suggestion and inspired by her knitting, he works all the pieces of his day together and creates the perfect solution.

Argyle Fox is the story of a young fox determined to play outside, but the wind is making his favorite games impossible to play. I like that he has so many ready options, and that he is willing to keep trying. I was a little annoyed at the need for all the crazy cool props that Fox had to play with, rather than the use of pure imagination and playing with friends. HOwever, when he finally gets around to his final activity attempt he uses some of those props to build his new springtime toy. I understand that he needed some of that stuff to make that possible, and that it made his previous play attempts that much more heartfelt, but I still would have liked more imagination and less costume. That being said, I still loved the book and wish I had some of thase play props when I was a kid.

Argyle Fox is  a well drawn picturebook with a nice blend of imagination, lesson sharing, and fun. I love the message about creative thinking and the need to keep on trying. I think it would make a nice addition to school and public library collections.

Early Book Review: The Green Umbrella by Jackie Azua Kramer, Maral Sassouni

The Green Umbrella is a picture book written by Jackie Azua Kramer and illustrated by Maral Sassouni. It is currently scheduled for publication on February 1 2017. When Elephant takes a peaceful walk with his green umbrella he's interrupted by a hedgehog, cat, bear, and rabbit each claiming that they’ve had exciting adventures with his umbrella. After all, it is an umbrella, and it certainly hasn’t been on any adventures more exciting than a walk in the rain. Or has it? Things aren’t always what they seem in this charming tale of imagination, sharing and friendship.

The Green Umbrella is a wonderfully charming picture book about a simple umbrella- and the imaginations of many that have used an umbrella for so much more. The story shows how different people can see something so simple as an umbrella very differently, and they are all worth exploring. I love the inherent encouragement for imagination and play here, as well as the acceptance pf different ideas. While no one wants to give up the umbrella, or their ideas for it, they are willing to share what they have and compromise. This is beautiful. The illustrations do a wonderful job of exploring the stories the different characters experience in their imagination. The colors and fun intros images are a perfect pairing to the text and story of the book. 

Book Review: I am Not a Princess by Bethany Burt, Brenda McCallum

I am Not a Princess is a picturebook written by Bethany Burt and illustrated Brenda McCallum. Princesses get to wear fancy dresses and beautiful jewels. They live happily ever after with the prince of their dreams in a splendid castle in the countryside. Plus, they are never burdened with boring chores or unpleasant activities. Their only real job is looking pretty. But when Eliza, dressed in full princess fashion, tries to join in on the fun in her household and neighborhood, she is disappointed to discover that being a princess prevents her from doing many of the things she loves. She can t ride a bike, play baseball, help her father paint, or bake cookies with her mom. See what happens as her frustration builds.

I am Not a Princess is a look at identity, imaginative play, and stereotypes. Everyone knows that princesses have it easy, all they need to do is look pretty, stay clean, and have good manners. When Eliza dresses up as a princess she is firm in this idea as a princess, and is not willing to break that role- even when it means missing out on playing with her older brother, riding bikes with her best friend, or baking cookies with her mom. I like that her frustration eventually has her shedding the jewels and joining in the fun. I admire her gumption in sticking to the role as she saw it, her tenaciousness is admirable. However, I would rather she had changed the role of a princess and proclaimed that she can do both, act and dress as a princess while having any kind of fun she wanted. As far as I am concerned, especially while playing pretend, who is to say that a princess cannot play sports or bake cookies? I have long been a fan of princesses that wear what ever color they want and are willing to climb trees and play in the dirt rather than commit to a role that they can not fully enjoy.

Book Review: Grumpy Cat’s All About Miserable Me: A Doodle Journal for Everything Awful by Jimi Bonogofsky-Gronseth

Grumpy Cat’s All About Miserable Me: A Doodle Journal for Everything Awful by Jimi Bonogofsky-Gronseth is an activity  book for all ages. Grumpy Cat wants to know about you, and here's your chance to tell everything! Nobody cares about your complaints, except Grumpy Cat! This book gives everyone's favorite cranky feline the chance to make suggestions for revealing your pet peeves. Grumpy will encourage you to draw the ugliest sweater, make a list of the grossest foods, draw three people you sorta kinda like (love is a strong word), and gripe to your heart's content.

Grumpy Cat’s All About Miserable Me is a book that can entertain doodlers of all ages, and anyone that likes the guru,py but cute little face of this famous feline. While definitely taking advantage of the fame and a niche market, this book will make anyone that falls into the target audience happy. In fact, I ordered a copy that I intend to give to my almost ten year old son, because he loves to draw and enjoys activity books and things that let him be creative, however I expect to order a second copy for my daughter who is not a big fan of sitting still long enough to write or draw, but loves anything animal related. I think adults will enjoy the book too, but I think it will be more eagerly completed and enjoyed by children old enough to understand sarcasm.

Early Book Review: What Color is a Kiss by Rocio Bonilla

What Color is a Kiss by Rocio Bonilla is a picturebook that was originally published in 2015, but has a new edition being published on December 6 2016. Sassy and intrepid Monica loves to paint and sees her world in every color of the rainbow, but the color to paint a kiss is a question that nags at her. She paints and paints, hoping to discover the answer. With the help of her mother, Monica discovers that kisses and love come in all colors.

What Color is a Kiss is a sweet and creative way to explore colors, concepts, and creativity. Monica loves to paint and create. Her current project is to paint a kiss, but what color should it be? She explores the positives and negatives of several colors- listing the good and bad things that she associates with them- not finding just the right shade in her exploration. When her mother stops in and gives a moment of affection Monica comes to realize than any color can be a kiss, and every color can show love. A simple and sweet story that is good for exploring creativity, self expression, and colors. 

Book Review: Cleo by Sassafras de Bruyn

Cleo by Sassafras de Bruyn is a wordless picturebook about one young girl that feels alone. She is always in a hurry to get somewhere, the bus, school, home, and so on. She dreams of being able to get away and explore new places and having adventures. She plans on only having her cat along as company, but one fellow daydreamer wants to join her.

Cleo is a beautifully illustrated story. The watercolor style illustrations draw the reader into the story and brings Cleo's daydreams to life. As a long time daydreamer I related to Cleo, her loneliness, and her imaginings almost immediately. I think readers and dreamers of all ages will enjoy the artwork and Cleo's feelings immensely. I know I did.

Book Review: The Toothless Fairy by Timothy Jordan

The Toothless Fairy is a picture book by Timothy Jordan. Every parent knows the problem – Halloween is over, but the issue of how to handle too much candy has just begun. The question of what to do with an excess of sweets each November 1 provided the inspiration for the book. Conceived by Skeeter Buck and written by Timothy Jordan, the story allows parents and caregivers to explore with their children feelings of being different, the importance of friendship, how to share and care, and even how to create a new family tradition, all while reveling in the magic of Halloween.

The Toothless Fairy is a picture book that might be useful to parents trying to get rid of Halloween candy that might be overflowing in their home, by introducing a new tradition. I was distracted by the formatting issues that were part of my digital galley (which I assume were fixed before the final release). I was not overly fond of the artwork, it looked like the cgi cartoons that drive me crazy, but that is my personal preference rather than anything that might bother other readers. I read through the book a few times, and thought the intent and ideas were good. I was just not a fan of the execution. Others might be more willing to add another mystical creature and tradition to their home, and this could be the perfect book for them, it just did nothing for me.

Early Book Review: Max & Charlie by Zack Lieberman & Louis Neubert

Max & Charlie is a children's graphic novel by Zack Lieberman & Louis Neubert. It is currently scheduled for release on May 5 2016.  In this romp through New York City readers follow our reluctant but imaginative young hero (Charlie!) as he chases his silly beagle pup (Max!) through a beautiful dreamed day in the city. But there's something a little strange about this place.

Max & Charlie is quite the adventure. It begins with Charlie deep in his imagination and only reluctantly taking Max out o play in the park. When Charlie's imagination takes over again max takes off and the chase begins. What really makes the book so unusual is that readers never really know how real what they are seeing on the page is. Is Charlie's original play sequence the truth, or is the 'normal' boy and dog that we expect the reality. As the pair race through the city readers see hints of both worlds, via Charlie's eyes. Characters often seem odd or alien, but readers are left to wonder if that is because of Charlie's view of the world or something else entirely. In any case the artwork is consistently stunning, and tells most of the story. Even if you do not care for the open ended or creative type of story contained on the pages, it is worth flipping through the book for the artwork alone.

Max & Charlie is a unique graphic novel that will greatly appeal to some, and the artwork will appeal to most. I do think that some readers might find themselves lost or confused, particularly if they do not like stories that are more existential or open to a variety of interpretations. 

Early Book Review: Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs! by Mike Lowery

Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs! by Mike Lowery was an interactive read for middle grade readers. It is currently scheduled for release on May 17 2016.This is the first book in a lighthearted fantasy stories where the reader first draws him- or herself into the story, and then continues by following prompts and adding more illustrations and doodles. Set in space, the book invites the reader to join Carl, a duck and member of a super-secret international group of explorers, on a journey in search of a very important grail-like object; a jar with an artifact that's gone missing.

Doodle Adventures is a fun book that I think my middle grade reader will absolutely love. The book often prompts readers to draw something that is absolutely necessary to the story, but leaves the exact content of the artwork up to the reader. There is some silly humor, plenty of action, and lots of fun. The illustrations that are already in the book, of Carl the Duck and the action, are fun and well done so that they catch the eye and ad to the story. However, they are also simple enough not to discourage the reader from adding their own ideas and artwork to the story. Readers that enjoy illustrated chapterbooks, graphic novels, and drawing will all enjoy this book. The only issue I can see is with readers that might not remember that library books and other books are not fill in the blank or for addition additional artwork too. However, I have faith that most parents that have children with that inclination will already know and handle the issue appropriately.

Doodle Adventures is on pre-order for my son, and I think any reader that needs to feel fully involved in the story, or really loves to doodle, will adore this book. I think this will appeal to readers that like interaction with the story, silly humor, and fast paced stories. I think this would be a good pick for less confident or reluctant readers, as long as they know not to write in their other books. 

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

The Enchanted Egg is the second book in the Magical Animal Adoption Agency series written by Kallie George and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. It is currently scheduled for release on November 3 2015. Mr. Jams brought home an enchanted egg from his last journey, and Clover can't wait to find out what kind of creature the polka-dotted shell contains. But one morning after Mr. Jams leaves on another trip Clover checks on the cozy nest of feathers she's made for the egg. She finds the nest empty and the baby animal is nowhere in sight! Clover is anxious to find the creature, but the Agency is full of visitors looking for pets of their own. Will Clover be able to match them with their perfect companions and save the mysterious animal before Mr. Jams returns from his trip?

The Enchanted Egg is a great follow up to Clover's Luck. Clover is settling into her work at the Magical Adoption Center, and loving the daily tasks involved in learning about and taking care of magical creatures. When Mr. Jams runs off again to get special supplied to care for whatever might be hatching for the mystery egg she is a little worried, but content in her duties. That is until the mystery egg hatches and Clover cannot find anything by mischief in the wake of the critter, but no sight of it. When a variety of hopeful adopters come looking for the perfect pets, and Clover still looking for the former inhabitant of the egg her wit and resolve are tested. Thankfully Clover's good heart and quick thinking save the day again.

The Enchanted Egg is a delightful book. I do suggest reading the series in order, and thanks to a little tease at the end of this book I am very eager to get my hands on the next book. I highly recommend this series to young chapter book readers that enjoy reading about animals, magic, or both.  

Early Book Review: This is Sadie by Sara O'Leary and Julie Morstad

This is Sadie is a picturebook written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad. It is currently schedule for release on May 12 2015. Sadie is a little girl with a big imagination. She has who lived under the sea and been raised by wolves. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairy tales. She whispers to the dresses in her closet and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere she wants to go, but that always bring her home again. She likes to make things, boats out of boxes and castles out of cushions. But more than anything Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all. For Sadie, the world is so full of wonderful possibilities. This is Sadie, and this is her story.

This is Sadie is a charming picturebook that celebrates reading, imagination, and creativity. Sadie becomes the characters of the books she reads, or listens too, and lives the action. She creates things and her own adventures. She has the freedom and imagination that all kids should have, and uses it perfectly. I loved the illustrations that show both the reality and the imagined world of Sadie in the best light. I hope young readers, and their parents, are inspired by Sadie to use their own imaginations to get lost in a book or create like young Sadie.

This is Sadie is the perfect book to encourage imagination, reading, and invention. young readers already well versed in the glories of getting lost in a story or making up their own stories will be further encouraged and vindicated to continue on the path, while those that are a little less eager might find the inspiration to do so in this book. I highly recommend it in homes and as a story time read. 

How to Encourage and Interest Beginning Readers

When children first discover books some parents and educators push hard to keep that interest high, which others just seem to let it fade. I find that many kids will dig their heels in and avoid what ever is being pushed at them, while others need that encouragement. I think the best thing we can all do is set a good example, and show that reading can be enjoyable. Another key in promoting reading is to offer a variety of books that are reading level and age appropriate. It is also good to have a wide variety of formats and topics, however if your young reader is obsessed with a particular topic (like my daughter with animals) than picking books at least vaguely related to the topic might be the perfect lure.

Here are some suggestions for emergent and beginning readers that just might place them on the path to be book lovers.

Mo Willems’ Who is That, Cat the Cat? and frankly just about anything he writes, are wonderful books for young readers. His use of rhyme, repetition and humor make the inevitable rereading fun for the adults that might be read the book as well as for the young readers. The Cat series, Elephant and Piggie Series, as well as the Pigeon series are all hits with readers of all ages in my house. 

Like my man Mo, I find that James Dean's Pete the Cat series is consistently great reading for this group. From I Love my White Shoes to the more recent Pet the Cat and the New Guy there is rhyming, humor, and a song like quality to all of the books. Some of the Pete books are in classic picturebook format while others are easyreaders, but they are all great fun.
Another all around winner is Jane O'Connor's Fancy Nancy series. I have not had much time exploring this series, as neither my son or daughter are interested in anything that could be considered fancy, or most days even neat, but they are hugely popular in the library.
Getting through those authors will take a good chunk of time, but variety is the spice of life. 

So in the effort to mix things up and keeping a variety of different reading options available I would also suggest:  Patricia MacLachlan, is another author you can count on. White Fur Flying is an great book for this group, but has no illustrations. Fly Away and  Once I Ate a Pie are other good options. For the readers that are more determined and advanced they might want to step up to her more sophisticated book: The Truth of Me: About a Boy, his Grandmother, and a Very Good Dog, Hilary McKay’s Lulu series, which so far includes Lulu and the Duck in the Park,  Lulu and the Dog from the Sea, Lulu and the Cat in the Bag, Lulu and the Rabbit Next Door, Lulu and the Hedgehog in the Rain, and Lulu and the Hamster in the Night.

I also suggest Kate Messner’s Marty McGuire Has Too Many Pets, Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series, Jeff Brown's Flat Stanley series, Annie Burrow's Ivy & Bean series, Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson or Blink & Gollie series,  and any books published under Scholastic's new Branches imprint which are specifically targeted to this group of growing readers to capture their interest and get them to love reading.

Thankfully there are a large number of books with the large print, quick pace, and simple wording that will satisfy even the most reluctant of new readers. To whet the appetite, do not forget that most of these books are also available on audiobook. I hooked my young readers on the Magic Tree House series by playing the audio books in the car and then offering the books in the house. That made the harder words and ideas more accessible to them, and kept them interested and reading!

Did I miss one of your favorites? If so, share your suggestions in the comments so others can add them to their reading lists.

Book Review: The Possible Police by Wylde Scott

The Possible Police by Wylde Scott is a picturebook about inspiring big dreams and imagination in children. In this book a young child encounters The Possible Police. They will do whatever it takes to stop children from believing. In this picture book, Wylde takes your child into his boundless imagination as he fights off the possible police. Join him as he inspires children to truly believe, and teaches them that no one can stop them from doing what they dream.

It is important that we teach our children about hard work, but it is just as important that we teach them to dream, and sometimes to dream big, and crazy, and wonderful. The Possible Police is a book that shows kids how important it can be to dream the big crazy dream no matter how naysayers and others might try to stifle them. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful with a watercolor cartoon feel. I really enjoyed the book, and think it could really hit home with many families.

I would recommend The Possible Police as a classroom or shared reading book to start with. I think it is important for younger readers to have the adults in their lives, that may act as unintentional possible police on occasion, share these ideas and be reminded themselves that the creativity and imagination of childhood is wonderful. 

Three of My Favorite Novels Inspired by Mythology

Mythology and other legends often explore universal truths about humanity, even ones that we would prefer to ignore. These novels take the original tales and put new spins on characters and stories that mankind has never forgotten.

 

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is a favorite of mine, but I freely admit being a Gaiman fan girl. He is an amazing storyteller and just draws his readers into the worlds that he creates. If you have the opportunity to listen to his work on audio book I highly recommend it, as he does his own narrations and does a phenomenal job. In American Gods Gaiman uses players from Norse, Hindu, Egyptian and African legends and throws them into today's world with their personalities and scheming fully intact. Readers follow Shadow Moon, released from prison one day after his wife is killed in a car accident. He says goodbye to his old life and accepts the job offer from a strange new acquaintance. Shadow is drawn into the strange reality of gods living in America and their battles amongst themselves.

The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul by Douglas Adams is the sequel to Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. We see the intrepid Dirk Gently investigating a man possessed by Odin. The novel is twisting and rambling but in an indescribably good way. Adams gave the world a novel that is both confusing and thought invoking. Every single time I pick up this book I see something that that I do not remember from previous readings. Puns and one liners will keep you laughing while the Norse gods wondering around in society will get you thinking about the nature of man, immortality and what people want versus what they need. 

The Lightning Thief and the entire Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan are found in the young adult section. The series is well known now due to the movie, but the books are still well worth reading. Do not skip the books just to watch the movie; the books are worth reading and adding to your collection. Young Percy Jackson just can not seem to blend in with 'normal' kids. He gets expelled from schools for fighting with monsters that only he can see. Soon he is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he learns the reason behind his problems, and that his is the child of a god. Prophesy quests and godly feuds fuel this action pact series that is a great read for everyone from around age nine and up. Older readers might also enjoy Oh. My Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs which is another series featuring children of the gods, but this time from a teenage girl's perspective.

Other fantastic novels of this sort include Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman which retells the story of Persephone and Hades as well as The King Must Die by Mary Renault, The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley, any books in P.C. Cast's Goddess series, Quicksilver by Stephanie Spinner and Ilium by Dan Simmons.

Three Series of Books Full of Allusions And Are Great, Fun Reads

I get a kick out of reading a book, watching a movie or television show, or reading an article when I get to use my mind more than expected. Literary or pop culture references that make me stop and smile or think really can increase my enjoyment of something if it is done correctly. Here are some books that use references to myths and literature in ways that made me enjoy the book even more. 

Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen is the first book in the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series. These series is full to the brim of references to authors, literature and myths. The main characters are three men from attached to Oxford University. The murder of an Oxford professor and the interference of a very strange man named Bert bind the three together and set them onto a path of adventure of mythic proportions. I do not want to tell you who the three main characters are, but I will say that they are all well known authors of their day, and it isn't said exactly who they are until near the end of the book, so I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't already guessed. Through out this series there are allusions to Greek Mythology, Arthurian legends, Narnia, Oz and Pythia.

Michael Buckley has gifted us with The Sisters Grimm series of books, which begins with Fairy Tale Detectives. This book is marketed to children, but I honestly think anyone interested in the evolution of fairy tales will enjoy this series, I know that I do. In this series, we see two young girls who have bounced around in the foster care system since their parents disappeared. A grandmother the girls did not know still lived claims custody of the girls, and then their adventures really begin. Grandmother Grimm just happens to live in Ferryport, a town for fairy tale characters whether they are willing or not. The variety and depth to the fairy tale characters is fantastic, and worth the read. We see Prince Charming, the Big Bad Wolf, Snow White, and Peter Pan all trying to survive in today's world. The series is also honestly funny for children and adults without resorting to childish humor, it is witty and clever.

Another series heavy with literary references is Cornelia Funke's Inkheart and the two books that follow. Even though some of the allusions self referential to this series, much like in William Goldman's The Princess Bride, there are also allusions to actual books and legends. We see a major player come into the story line from Arabian Nights and references to several mythological creatures throughout the series. Even though the amount of references to known literary works is less in this series than in the ones I mentioned previously, it has the same feel to it.

There are of course several other workers that touch on mythology or commonly known literature to deepen their own plot and enrich their own stories. I think these authors did more than that, they expanded on the original works rather than simply borrowing from them.

Book Review: The Riverman by Aaron Starmer

The Riverman by Aaron Starmer is a middle grade to young adult novel. Alistair Cleary is the kid everyone trusts while Fiona Loomis is not the typical girl next door. Alistair hasn't really thought of her since they were little kids until she shows up at his doorstep with a proposition: she wants him to write her biography. What begins as an odd vanity project gradually turns into a frightening glimpse into the mind of a potentially troubled girl. Fiona says that in her basement there is a portal that leads to a magical world where a creature called the Riverman is stealing the souls of children. Fiona’s soul could be next. If Fiona really believes what she’s saying, Alistair fears she may be crazy. But if it’s true, her life could be at risk. Could the story be hiding problems, or are her tales of a the other world real?

The Riverman is a multi layered story about kids finding themselves, facing problems bigger than themselves, and the notion of reality. Alistair is an average kid, with a few friends and the trust of just about everyone around him. He is creative, but not so much to normally attract attention. Fiona has noticed, and wants his to write her story, which she shares with him in bits and pieces. He tales of another world are both wonderful and terrifying as the threat of the Riverman and the possibility of who he might be in the real world become clearer. The build up and execution of the mystery/suspense involved in the story was nearly perfect. There was a good balance of suspicion that the world Fiona spoke about was real versus the possibility that she was hiding from something in her home above all else. The story had me hooked and turning pages quickly. I was a little disappointed in the conclusion, mainly because it was a bit subjective and left in the air. Most of the loose ends were tied up, but there were still some open ended questions.

I would recommend The Riverman to readers that enjoy fantasy, mystery, and coming of age stories. Alistair has much growth within the story and the story is greatly compelling. Readers of the middle grade to young adult persuasions would enjoy this story- as long as they are not easily frustrated by an ambiguous ending.