Book Review: Werewolf in Seattle by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Werewolf in Seattle is the third book in the Wild About You series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. This is a series that does not need to be read in any real order or even as a series, each can stand on its own. It seems to be only the larger werewolf community, and the changes in it, that ties the stories together. The last thing Colin McDowell needs is to inherit and manage his Aunt Geraldine's mansion in the San Juan islands off the coast of Washington. As the pack leader of the Trevelyans in Scotland, he had little time to take care of his inheritance. With troubles enough at home, he is ready to sell the place and move on. But when he meets Luna Reynaud, the personal assistant his aunt hired shortly before she died. Luna's clever plan for turning the mansion into a resort and his relentless attraction to her intrigue him. However, Luna has a secret  and there is some serious trouble brewing. Can they overcome the odds and find their own happy ending?

Werewolf in Seattle is a quick read with a good combination of fun and suspense. Luna is smart and independent, but sometimes loses those smarts when she finds herself alone with Colin. She has survived on her own for a long time, and has some great business sense, but is also pretty gullible and naive. Colin is a pragmatist, with a great deal on his plate. Like most alpha males, he tends to get a bit arrogant, but sometimes he crosses the line into greedy or pompous. Like Luna's naivete, it is not often enough to have ruined the book for me, but left me less happy with the book than I normally as with Thompson's work. The suspense portion of the book worked pretty well, but wrapped up a bit too neatly. It was still a good read, just not up to the standards i have for my favorite authors.

Werewolf in Seattle is not the best of Thompson's work, but was still a fun and quick read. This would be a good read for a weekend of being snowed in, or for trying to ignore the movie or game the family is attending to again. I am hoping that the next book from her that I read is as great as I expect from her.

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: Little Green Peas: A Big Book of Color by Keith Baker

Little Green Peas: A Big Book of Color by Keith Baker is the latest picture book adventure for the energetic little peas we met in LMNO Peas. In this book the passel of playful peas keeps it green as they experience the colorful world around them. There are red kites, yellow buses, purple mountains, and more! The pages are bright and bold, full of peas with a wide range of personalities and adventures as they explore color.

Little Green Peas is a fun, and adorable, way to explore colors with kids. The enthusiastic peas explore a rainbow of colors, one at a time. The peas each have their own personalities, and their little side conversations and activities make this a great book for repeat reading. You can find something new to enjoy and smile at every time you look at the book. My son, who loves Where’s Waldo and the I Spy books for the searching fun, definitely loved take a few passes through this to see if he could spot something funny each time through.

I would highly recommend Little Green Peas for sharing in a classroom or at home. It is great for teaching colors, reinforcing color lessons, and for a fun read. 

Book Review: This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris and Tom Lichtenheld

This is a Moose is a great picturebook written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. When a movie director tries to capture the life of the average moose on film, he is in for a big surprise. The moose has a dream bigger then just being a moose, he wants to be an astronaut and go to the moon. To upset the director further his friends and family come to help, and they are just as unexpected as a moose astronaut. A great story about breaking expectations, following dreams, and accepting others.

I really loved This is a Moose. the illustrations are a perfect match to the text, with small details that you might miss the first read, but will delight on the second or third reading. the director really wants to make a documentary about moose and how they really live in the forest. An astronut moose does not fit this moldn nor does his grandmother moose that plays lacrosse, or a giraffe in the woods, or a superhero chipmunk. However, a slingshot to the moon and the realization that the director is a little different as well has the entire group embracing the moose for his own dreams and quirks. Soon they are all enjoying a new documentary. 

This is a Moose is a great book and conversation starting on a number of topics; like following dreams, people that go against convention, and accepting others. I really loved the illustrations, text, and messages which make the book an all around winner. 

Book Review: Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Dan Santat

Ninja Red Riding Hood is a picturebook written by Corey Rosen Schwartz  and illustrated by Dan Santat. It is a companion to the hit The Three Ninja Pigs, another fractured fairy tale and sure-fire storytime hit.  Ever since the three little pigs started teaching everyone Ninja skills Wolf just can’t catch a break!, huffing and puffing just hasn’t been enough to scare up a good meal. His craving for meat sends Wolf to classes at the dojo, and soon he thinks that he is ready to try out his new moves. A little girl and her tiny granny should be easy targets, right?

Ninja Red Riding Hood is another great twist on classic fairy tales for the picturebook set. This story is told from the wolf's point of view, and he is very frustrated. Since so many of his fairy tale foes have started studying martial arts he has had a hard time finding food. He thinks that Little Red and her grandmother will be easier targets than the ninja pigs, especially as he spends some time training as well. Unfortunately for him, Little Red is no slouch when it comes to martial arts herself. A fun story, with the message that anyone can be strong and capable, regardless of age, gender, or even species.

I would highly recommend Ninja Red Riding Hood to all picturebook fans. Readers involved in martial arts, fairy tale fans, and those that loved The Three Ninja Pigs will all really enjoy the art and story.

Book Review: The Mischievians by William Joyce

The Mischievians is an older picturebook by William Joyce  that explains the strange smells, disappearing remotes, missing homework, and all the little things that you have never been able to explain on your own. None of these lost things or weird experiences happen by chance, they are the work of the Mischievians. These creatures are an ancient race of troublemakers who do all the things that embarrass you, bug you, and that YOU get blamed for!

The Mischievians is a fun and mock-informational book about the little mischief makers that make life a little more difficult. readers will meet the Homework Eater (steals your homework), the Endroller (uses up ALL the toilet paper), the Yawn Mower (makes you yawn at the worst time), and many more. The use of imagination is powerful and the details here are impressive. I loved the illustrations and the ideas and possibilities that this book opened the door too. My only reservation here is that so many children, and adults, refuse to accept responsibility for their own mistakes and faults that this book might give some imaginative folk the feeling that their responsibility avoidance is okay. As someone that loses things on a regular basis, particularly after putting them in a specifically 'safe' place, I like the idea that something else is to blame but know the difference. 

I enjoyed The Mischievians and would recommend it to older fans of picturebooks and for sharing in a group. The only people I would avoid sharing this book with are those that are regularly avoiding taking responsibility for themselves. It just might give them ideas that might amuse, could also continue or encourage bad habits.

Book Review: My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown is a great picturebook for this time of year. A boy named Bobby thinks his teacher is the worst. She is loud, she yells, and he is fairly certain she is a monster. Luckily, Bobby can go to his favorite spot in the park on weekends to play. Then one day he sees his teacher there! That day Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) is a fun story that most school age children can relate to. Either they are upset with their teacher for the work they need to do, a punishment they feel is unfair, or stories that they have heard about the teacher before school even starts. Then the is the innate belief with most young students that teachers really do not exist outside the school building, and you get a universal starting ground for a charming story. Each page has small monstrous details for the teacher and little bits of humor in each illustration. This is one of those picturebooks that stands up to several readings and will be a great going back to school read for story times or at home.

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) is a book that I would recommend for group or one on one reading. Newly independent readers will enjoy exploring the book on their own or sharing with others. The story is fun, humorous, and has a universal theme that all readers will enjoy.

Book Review: Have You Seen my Dragon by Steve Light

Have You Seen my Dragon by Steve Light is a picturebook that explores counting and numbers along with the fun of a search and find. In the city a small boy is searching for his friend. Readers of all ages spot the glorious beast along with a variety of big-city icons they can count. Is the dragon taking the crosstown bus, or breathing his fiery breath below a busy street? Maybe he took a taxi to the zoo or is playing with the dogs in the park. 

Have You Seen my Dragon has lovely pen and ink illustrations which results in a stylized blend of black and white page with pops of color. Searching for the dragon invites young readers to count to twenty as we spot the dragon hiding (not very well for the most part) in the daily finds of city life. I really loved the detailed artwork, and both my children could spend significant time enjoying this book. The lines and hidden details really made me smile, as did the fun counting and antics of the dragon. This book is well worth a look for the artwork alone, but it just might trick some reluctant counters to get some practice in.

Book Review: Hooray for Hat by Brian Won

Hooray for Hat is a picturebook written and illustrated by Brian Won. Readers first meet Elephant, who  wakes up grumpy. He is unhappy until he hears his doorbell ring and discovers a surprise box at the front door. Inside is a hat which immediately cheers Elephant, and makes him want to show off his surprise. Elephant marches off to show Zebra, but Zebra is having a grumpy day too. So, Elephant shares his new hat and cheers up his friend. The pair then march to show Turtle! The parade continues as every animal brightens the day of a grumpy friend. An irresistible celebration of friendship, sharing, and fabulous hats.

Hooray for Hat is a wonderful book for showing readers of all ages that doing something nice makes the person on the receiving end happy, but can make the doer very happy as well. All it takes to make Elephant happy is a modest surprise, which inspires him to share with others that need some cheering as well. I loved the premise, and the final result. The artwork and the hats are simply fabulous and add to the fun and feel of the story.

I would recommend Hooray for Hat for classroom, storytime, and family time reading. I think it works well whether the reading is sharing with a group or one on one. The story is sweet, fun, and contains a message we could all stand to be reminded of without leaving readers and listeners feeling preached to.

Book Review: Mustache Baby by Bridget Hoes and Joy Ang

Mustache Baby is a picturebook written by Bridget Hoes and illustrated by Joy Ang. In this delightfully silly picturebook Baby Billy is born with a mustache. The family takes it in stride but have some worry about whether this is a 'good guy' or a 'bad guy' mustache. They are happy to see him spend his time pretending to be a cowboy or cop. However, after a while little Billy’s mustache starts to curl up at the ends in a suspicious fashion and he begins to do dastardly deeds. A tongue in cheek book with a sweet happy ending.

Mustache Baby is funny and sweet, with illustrations that perfectly match the tone of the story. I love the little details in the illustrations that enhance the story. Billy and his mustache are a perfect pair, and the rise and fall of said mustache is delightful. I really enjoyed the ending and the neat little twist it involves. This book has made it into the staff storytime selection to share with my fellow librarians of all ages.

Mustache Baby is a fun story that mustached readers will get a particular kick out of. I think it would make a splendid fathers day gift, or a father to be present to a father with or without facial hair. It is wonderful for sharing in a group for story time, or as one on one reading with your favorite youngster.

Book Review: The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems

The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems is the newest addition to the Pigeon collection from Willems, and it meets all the exceptions of this fan. In this adventure the intrepid pigeon really needs a bath. However, you know the pigeon is not going to make this easy. Pigeon is sure the bath he took last month, he thinks, has him covered. But when even  the flies start telling him he needs a bath, pigeon still is not sure. It's going to take some serious convincing to try and get the Pigeon to take the plunge.

Mo Willem rocks, I love his books and was thrilled to see this on my cart to catalog! In The Pigeon Needs a Bath readers see the pigeon fight against a bath with as much effort as he has previously fought against bedtime, and for driving a bus, having a hot dog party, and so on. Pigeon's tenacity is something I can recognize in both my kids, and honestly myself at times. Also, I know there are parents out there that have battles about getting the kids in the bath. (I am fortunate in that my biggest problem is getting them out of the tub, and limiting the baths to once a day.) So this book is something so many kids and parents can relate to and find entertainment in that I think everyone should read it. Yup everyone, kids that love the bath, kids that hate the bath, and parents that just hose the kids off in the summer or let them play in the rain to avoid the fight.

The Pigeon Needs a Bath is another home run by Mo Willems. It is a great read aloud book to share, and a book young readers can enjoy alone. I think the book, the ending in particular, is something all caregivers can relate to, and will make kids smile too!

Book Review: Buddy and the Bunnies In Don't Play with Your Food by Bob Shea

Buddy and the Bunnies In Don't Play with Your Food is the latest picturebook from Bob Shea. My disclaimer, I am a huge Bob Shea fan. He is one of a handful of picturebook authors that I love beyond reason, but believe that he has more than earned my devotion.

Now, Buddy and the Bunnies In Don't Play with Your Food is all about a monster named Buddy and the bunnies he has deemed to be his next meal. However, when he told the bunnies to hop into his mouth and be eaten they distract him instead. They ask him to join them in baking cupcakes, going for a swim, playing at the carnival, or starting up a Buddy fan club. Before long, after having great fun with the bunnies, buddy is confused about whether the bunnies are really his lunch, or some new friends.

Buddy and the Bunnies In Don't Play with Your Food has all the fabulous artwork that Shea fans expect. There are bold lines, bright colors, and great humor on each page. the story, like the artwork, seems simple, but has tremendous humor and depth woven in. The flow and rhythm of the words combined with the bright artwork fairly beg to be read aloud and shared with a family, storytime crowd or classroom.

Book Review: Monsters A to Z by A.J. Cosmo

Monsters A to Z by A.J. Cosmo is a older picturebook that describes an alphabet full of monsters that just might lurk around any readers neighborhood. The illustrations throughout the book are colorful and frankly much more artistically done than the cover. There is a paragraph or so with a detailed description of each monster, with stylized and detailed text. I think newly independent readers and monster fans of all ages will enjoy the humor and artwork within the book.

I would recommend Monsters A to Z to monster fans, particularly emerging and newly independent readers. There are some hard and made up words (obviously because we are talking monsters) but the effort to devour this book will be worth it to monster maniacs (like my son).

Book Review: Pinkerton's Great Detective: The Amazing Life and Times of James McParland by Beau Riffenburgh

Pinkerton's Great Detective: The Amazing Life and Times of James McParland by Beau Riffenburgh is an intriguing exploration of the legendary Pinkerton detective who took down the Molly Maguires and the Wild Bunch. The operatives of the Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency were renowned for their skills of subterfuge, infiltration, and investigation. This is particularly true of McParland. So thrilling were McParland’s cases that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle included the cunning detective in a story along with Sherlock Holmes. There are many conflicting accounts of McPharland's life, and this book looks at the likelihood of what is true in light of the variety of stories and known facts about his life and times.

Pinkerton's Great Detective is the result of Riffenburgh digging into the recently released Pinkerton archives. Colorful narratives and a sharp look at the conflicting stories are combined to give interested readers the first biography of McParland and the agency’s cloak-and-dagger methods. There are a lot of theories and story explored within the research and suppositions of Riffenburgh. The result of the meticulous research makes for a dense but very interesting read. I was intrigued by the life and mysterious portrayed, but had to put the book down a few times to read something of a less dense nature. There are just so many stories about McParland, some perfectly possible and others completely impossible, that Riffenburgh had a huge amount of ground to cover and make accessible to interested parties. I think the result is well done, thoroughly researched and vetted, and an interesting read.

Pinkerton's Great Detective is an educational and interesting read for anyone interested in real detectives and the evolution of cloak and dagger detecting in the early days of the Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency. With the re-surging interest in Sherlock Holmes, I think that Riffenburgh will find an eager audience of individuals interested in one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's inspirations.

Book Review: The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, Patrice Barton

The Invisible Boy is a picturebook written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton. Brian is the invisible boy. He seems to be invisible in line, while teams are being chosen to play games, at lunch, and just about all the time. So, Brian often loses himself in his art to distract himself from going unnoticed. When a new boy joins his class Brian is left to wonder if it is better to be invisible or picked on. He reaches out to the new boy and in turn is given a moment of his own to shine.

The Invisible Boy is a story that I can heavily relate to. There were many times in my life (elementary school through college as well as among family and friends) where I have felt invisible. Like Brian, it is rarely because anyone doesn't particularly like you, but because teachers know they do not have to worry about you, that you are doing what you need to do rather than needing the extra effort. However, many do not realize how it feels to be the average kid that just kid of fades into the background, the reliable or steady one that needs no reminders of reprimands but also doesn't hit the home run for run faster than the rest. This book highlights that feeling, and can both make others (kids and adults alike) more aware of what others might be feeling while letting those that feel invisible that they are far from alone. Like Brian we might wonder if getting picked on or yelled at is worse or better than feeling invisible, and I like that Brian goes the extra mile to make sure the new kid knows that he is welcome and that not everyone will pick on him. Like most small acts of kindness, Brian's action brings the new boy to do one as well and is rewarded for his efforts. My favorite part of this exchange is that it does not feel like a direct tit for tat exchange, but rather one good deed inspiring another to be good as well. Perhaps the story shared in a family or classroom setting can inspire a spread of good feelings and kind gestures.

I would highly recommend The Invisible Boy for library, home, and classroom collections. I feel like the illustrations do a wonderful job of expressing the feeling of the characters, and expanding on the story. I think it could spark great discussions about how we treat each other, being mindful of others, empathy, and the power of kind actions.

Book Review: Storm Song by Nancy Viau and Illustrated by Gynux

Storm Song is a picturebook written by Nancy Viau and Illustrated by Gynux. This book explores the sounds and sights of a storm. Children and their dog are safe in a warm, loving home as they witness a rainy, windy day. Large and colorful use of pictures and words come together to capture the nature of a storm that might seem exciting or scary to younger children.

I think that Storm Song does a wonderful job of capturing a stormy day. The noise and sights, combined with the idea of being trapped inside for a day can make any child scared, frustrated, or restless. This story addresses all of these issues in a way that is fun and in a way that makes young readers more aware of the rhythm and logic of the words chosen. A great book choice for beginning readers looking to read to you for a change.

I recommend Storm Song for school, personal, and public library collections. The illustrations and text come together perfectly and can start a number of discussions with young readers. Conversations about storms, boredom, rainy days, and nature in general. It could certainly sooth the fears of a young child facing their first storms.

Book Review: The Nowhere Box by Sam Zuppardi

The Nowhere Box by Sam Zuppardi is a picturebook in which George becomes so annoyed with his younger brothers that he takes a journey to nowhere in order to escape them. Nowhere seems to be great, there are no brothers, but there is no one else to play with either. George discovers that sometimes he needs some time alone, but sometimes he wants to be with his brothers too.

The Nowhere Box is a great story about siblings and imagination. Every family with more than one child has seen the moments where one kid just needs to get away from the rest, and what kid can resist the allure of a big cardboard box. The character of young George is someone that every kid can relate to on some level, and someone that takes all readers on a trip into imagination. I love to encourage the use of imagination and playing pretend with the children in my life and I think this book does a great job of it. Not only does it encourage imagination use, it also gives kids the knowledge that it is okay to need alone time, and that you can create your own little world no matter where you are, but that they are not alone in needing that. The colorful and offbeat illustrations add a perfect touch to the story.

I would highly recommend The Nowhere Box to home and public library collections. The story and illustrations are perfectly paired and can start a series of great discussions about creativity, imagination, family, and personal space.

Book Review: Moonday by Adam Rex

Moonday by Adam Rex is a wonderful picturebook about what would happen if the moon lowered itself into your backyard. The changes in day and night, the tide, and everyone's lack of sleep would quickly become a problem. In a tale where a young girl takes the moon for a ride, Rex blurs the boundary between dreaming and reality.

I really loved the artwork in Moonday. It is what caught my eye and made me open the book. The art is amazing and would make the book something you should read even without the story. The text flows very smoothly and has the feel of verse, with no rhymes but a it rolls of the tongue and works very well as a read aloud book. I think more could have been done with the importance of the moon for tides, day and night, and so on but still found the book to be beautiful and charming.

I would recommend Moonday to those that enjoy fantastic illustrations and the use of imagination in daily life. I think the story would work well for storytime or bedtime reading, and for starting discussions about the moon, nighttime, and imagination.

Audiobook Review: Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, who also read the audiobook.  The book begins in Sussex England as a middle age man attends a funeral in his childhood hometown. He is drawn to the farm at the end of the lane where he remembers some extraordinary events, and the extraordinary girl Lettie Hempstock, when he was seven years old.  Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. His death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie; a girl that is magical, comforting, and wise beyond her years, promised to protect him, no matter what.

I do not want to talk to much about the contents of the book, because I listened to the audiobook based solely on the author and had not read a single review or even the summary beforehand. At first I thought I was going to be disappointed, as the story began with a forty something man driving down the road and pondering a funeral. However, the journey down memory lane and return back are unique and completely enthralling. The narrator sees the world through the selfish and innocent eyes of a seven year old. The fact that the landscape and some of the events from the book were actually part of Gaiman's childhood added to the feel that the layer of fable woven into the world here is really there, and we might stumble into similar troubles if we are not careful.  I absolutely loved the Hemstock family, and felt a bit of resemblance to the mother, maiden, and crone from Earth based religions.

Ocean at the End of the Lane is just what I expect from Gaiman. He takes normal events and memories, both the banal and the painful, and turns them into something even more important. There is a larger mythology and world in Ocean than some of its characters and readers can fully grasp, a blending of fantasy and realism that leaves me looking at the world a little differently when the book is over.  The heart of the story is the sheer frailty and fleeting nature of the human existence, the idea that the terrible and the wonderful can stand hand in hand. There is feeling of unity and understanding that the book leaves me with, like knowing I am not the only one who looks in the mirror and am sometimes surprised that the face the world sees is not the same as the real me or the face I think I wear.

With any audiobook the reader is extremely important. A great reader can bring life to the book, even a less than stellar book- however a less talented read can render even the best book impossible to enjoy. If you can get a great writer, with a great voice, to read their own work then you have the best of all worlds. Gaiman has a wonderful speaking voice (I could listen to him read the dictionary, and knowing him he'd sneak in something fun to make sure you are listening), and the inflections and tones he uses for each character and event was wonderful.

I would highly recommend Ocean at the End of the Lane to all readers that enjoy Gaiman's work, and those that like books that blend the 'real' world with mythology and fables in new ways. Fans of American Gods will be particularly pleased with Ocean, since it has a similar blending of worlds. This book has made me an even bigger fan of Gaiman, if that was at all possible.