Book Review: Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

Boats for Papa is a picture book by Jessixa Bagley. Buckley and his Mama live in a cozy cabin by the ocean. He loves to carve boats out of the driftwood he finds on the beach nearby. He makes big boats, long boats, short boats, and tall boats. Each one is more beautiful than the last, and sends them out to sea. If they don't come back, he knows they've found their way to his papa, whom he misses very much.

Boats for Papa is a story about love and grief. Buckley is a young bear that missing his father. It is never clearly stated whether his father is dead or just gone, but it is clear that both Buckley and his mother miss having father in their lives. The boats Buckley make to send over the water to his father are varied and beautiful, and when they do not return he just knows that they have made their way to his father. Each boat carries a note to Papa, and it is writing one note that Buckley discovers a secret and how much his mother loves him.

Boats for Papa is a a story that is sweet and sad all at once. While adult books are not often able to make me cry, this kind of picturebook has me sniffling back the tears. children suffering grief will be able to relate to this book, and see that they are not alone. it could also help them see that those around them are hurting too. The illustrations are hauntingly sweet and a perfect match for the story. It will be awhile before I do not tear up just thinking about this book. 

Book Review: My Haunted House by Angie Sage, Jimmy Pickering

My Haunted House is the first book in the Araminta Spookie children’s series written by Angie Sage and illustrated by Jimmy Pickering. The audiobook version is read by Katherine Kellgren. If you remember, I read the sixth book in this series, Gargoyle Hall, and felt like I had to go back and see how the whole series began. I was not disappointed. Araminta Spookie lives in a wonderful old haunted house, but her cranky aunt Tabby wants to move. Aunt Tabby is determined to sell their house and Araminta is determined to stop her! With the help of a haunted suit of armor named Sir Horace, a ghost named Edmund, and a lot of imagination, Araminta hatches a plot for an Awful Ambush that is so ghoulish, it just might work!

My Haunted House is a fun story that follows Araminta’s quest to keep her home. She is a quirky girl with a love for ghosts, spiders, and all things spooky. She is prepared for faking hauntings and exploring secret passages, while her Aunt Tabby is fighting with a boiler that does not want to work. Selling the house is the Aunt’s solution- but Minty is not taking the plan in stride. She does everything she can to stop any buyers from purchasing the house. The schemes are outrageous, and the discovery of two real ghosts makes the idea of leaving even less pleasant. Things get crazy, and messy, but when Minty’s plans do not work as planned the solution just might make things even better than she could have imagined.

My Haunted House is  a fun and sometimes silly story that will capture the imaginations of many children. I think reluctant readers and eager readers alike will enjoy the story, and be looking for more. The illustrations in the book are a perfect companion to the story, while the narrator in the audiobook does a great job with different voices for characters. Both are winners, and for readers that have trouble decoding books using the two in tandem could be a very useful strategy. 

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: What About Moose by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Rebecca J. Gomez

What About Moose is a new picturebook written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez. It was illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi. When Fox, Toad, Bear, Porcupine, and Skunk set out to build a tree house, they know just what to do: they’ll follow a plan and they’ll work as a team. However,  Moose is not ready to listen to other peoples plans. Will Moose's 'suggestions' for a perfect tree house ruin the day?

What About Moose is a story children and adults can relate to and enjoy. Moose and his friends have a great activity planned, but following the plans is not Moose's idea. He wants things done his way, which does not work out the way he hoped it would. The repeated chorus of "What about you moose?" will have some children chanting along with the book, while everyone gets to see what it is like to have their plans trampled by others that mean well, but have not thought everything through. This is a fun story that can show children how to play and work together a little bit better, while making them laugh a little in the process.

What About Moose is a fun rhyming picturebook that can start conversations about team work and planning. As a mom with two very opinionated and stubborn children this story struck a chord, and just might make a difference. Well, at least on the day we share the book.

Book Review: I Yam a Donkey by Cece Bell

I Yam a Donkey! is a picturebook by Cece Bell that will make English teachers and grammar fans smile and laugh along side young readers. Reminiscent of the classic Who's on First routine readers met a donkey that proudly proclaims “I yam a donkey!” A yam hears the announcement, and since he is very particular about sloppy pronunciation and poor grammar he begins trying to explain the mistake. An escalating series of misunderstandings leaves the yam furious and the clueless donkey bewildered by the yam’s growing (and amusing) frustration. The yam finally gets his point across, but regrettably, he’s made the situation a little bit too clear.

I Yam a Donkey! is a fun, and highly entertaining book for all ages. While it could easily be used to help explain some grammar and pronunciation it is also full of bright and energetic illustrations that will capture the eye and make everyone smile. The yam gets angrier and more erratic with his arguments as the confrontation continues. I love that a crowd of vegetables come to watch the argument, and end up meeting the same fate as the grammar obsessed yam. 

I Yam a Donkey! is highly entertaining. While the heart of the book is grammar and pronunciation awareness, it is also fun and has a twist(ed) ending to the tale. When I saw this book come across my desk I just had to stop and read it, and I know of several school teachers, librarians, and writers that need a copy of this book for their classroom or home collections.

Book Review: Doodle Diary of a New Mom: An Illustrated Journey Through One Mommy’s First Year by Lucy Scott

Doodle Diary of a New Mom: An Illustrated Journey Through One Mommy’s First Year by Lucy Scott includes dozens of funny moments like baby’s first lunch out to a forensic view of the living room. No matter how prepared a mother and family thinks they are, these are some universal truths that every mother can relate to, and laugh at. There are 120 two-color illustrations and is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or year-round fun. Also included are a few doodling prompts in the back of the book so moms can doodle their own first-year memories.

Doodle Diary of a New Mom is a fun and realistic look at what the first year of motherhood can look like. Now that I am 6 years or so out of that stage of life I can laugh about it all a little easier, and a little harder. I remember the lack of sleep (which I am still catching up on), diaper catastrophes,  the fact that it takes twice as long to pack up a kid’s gear and get them in the car that it does to run any necessary errand, and the ability of a child to complete destroy something in the time it takes you to blink (which is still in effect). Ah, the good old days- nope, not doing that again, two and done for me. The illustrations are cute and perfectly capture the sheer force of nature wrapped in cuteness that is a baby. This will make any mom or grandmother laugh, and any expectant mother a little more prepared, and a little scared about her upcoming adventures. 

Doodle Diary of a New Mom would make a great gift for mothers, grandmothers, or anyone expecting to become either in the near future. The book is funny, because it is true. As much as parents love their children, even in the midst of the crazies moments, it is a good relief to be able to laugh about it, and to see that others have gone through the same, or very similar, moments and you are far from alone!

Early Book Review: Poppy’s Best Paper by Susan Eaddy

Poppy’s Best Paper is a picture book written by Susan Eaddy and illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet . It is currently scheduled for release on July 7th 2015. Poppy is a cute little bunny, with a big personality. More than anything, Poppy wants to be a famous writer. She's sure Mrs. Rose will pick her paper to read to the whole class! Trouble is, she has tall ambitions but is short on effort, and her jealousy takes over when her best friend's paper is chosen instead. In the end, Poppy discovers that she has to get out of her own way if her big dreams are going to come true. 

Poppy’s Best Paper is a charming picture book with expressive illustrations which really bring the story to life. Poppy dreams of being a writer, but she does more dreaming and procrastinating than writing. (Sounds like many of us, right!?) The combination of big dreams and the desire to do as little work as possible is something most kids (and adults) can relate to. Poppy’s revelation, determination, and finally success is something that is both relatable and inspirational to many readers. I think that this story works as both a fun, entertaining read and a lesson about working to achieve success. 

Poppy’s Best Paper is a great picture. I would recommend it for home, library, and classroom reading. A nice addition to any library collection for preschool and elementary school readers- and the adults that share reading time with them. 

Picturebook Review: Meet the Dullards by Sara Pennypacker and Daniel Salmieri

Meet the Dullards is a picture book by Sara Pennypacker and Daniel Salmieri. It is a clever story about dull, boring parents that want the same dull life for their children. Their home is boring. Their food is plain. Their lives are monotonous. And Mr. and Mrs. Dullard like it that way. The children; Blanda, Borely, and Little Dud want more.

Meet the Dullards is a great picturebook that will capture the attention of all readers. The adult Dullards are as boring as they come. They hope for their children to have as equally dull of a life. thankfully the children are out for adventure. They want the excitement that most children would take for granted and possibly consider dull in their own lives; reading, art, playing outside, and so on. Their parents do everything they can to keep their lives as unexciting as possible, and

Meet the Dullards is great book in the tradition of The Stupids, which has been taken out of most storytime rotations because of the connotations of the word 'stupid'. It is good fun, and might inspire younger readers to appreciate what they have, and to step out of their normal and try something new. 

Picturebook Review: The Skunk by Mac Barnett and Patrick McDonnell

The Skunk is a picture book written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. When a skunk first appears in the tuxedoed man's doorway, it's a strange but possibly harmless occurrence. But then the man finds the skunk following him, and the unlikely pair embark on an increasingly frantic chase through the city, from the streets to the opera house to the fairground. What does the skunk want? It's not clear-but soon the man has bought a new house in a new neighborhood to escape the little creature's attention, only to find himself missing something.

The Skunk is a fun story that also one we can all relate to in some way, even if we have never been followed by a skunk. a man is all dressed up, with important things to do. When a skunk starts of on the doorstep the man tries to find a way to lose the skunk. He goes to incredible lengths, even moving. However, just when he has won he discovered that he is decidedly curious about that skunk and starts to follow the skunk. It is fun, and quite silly on occasion. Who wants to have a skunk everywhere they go? However, even the least wanted companion can become important and desirable. Just do not follow this character's lead and start stalking friends, just give them a call.

The Skunk is a fun and charming picturebook that will appeal to all ages. Whether you have had an unexpected friend at the part of the skunk, or felt like said skunk on occasion, this book will make you smile.

 

Science Fiction for Humor Fans

	Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Cat's Cradle relies on a fictional technology to examine larger questions of technology, religion, militarization, and the arm's race. While comedic in tone, Cat's Cradle is also on the dark side.
	The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams This is a classic science fiction comedy. It has been followed by several novels in the series, stage and radio shows, a video game, comic books, and a movie. The plot of the first book begins with the total destruction of the earth and ends at the ultimate answer to Life, the Universe and Everything, sort of.
	How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu A time machine repairman looks for his father, the rumored inventor of time travel, in the Science Fictional Universe Minor Universe 31 (MU31), which was only partially completed by its creator. The story explores time travel tropes as well as the deeper issues of regret, loss, and individual agency.
	Ringworld by Larry Niven A band of intergalactic and multi-species rogues crash land on Ringworld, an inhabited planet shaped like a ring, three million times the size of earth. They encounter a human-like race and are initially revered as gods before beating a hasty retreat in this fast-paced, comedic adventure. The Ringworld Series includes five novels and four prequel novels set in the same universe.
	The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison The Stainless Steel Rat and its sequels follow the Private Investigator/Con Man Slippery Jim diGriz. This irreverent, character-driven science fiction novel will also appeal to readers of the Pulp and Noir genres who connect with morally ambiguous protagonists.

Young Adult Novels for a Good Laugh

When their life gets too crazy, teenagers turn to humor to help them navigate adolescence. we adults that enjoy young adult and children's books sometimes are search for some good laughs too.  Everyone loves a good joke or story, since humor is often the glue of friendships. Teens and adults alike usually feel comfortable enough with their good friends to be honest and silly. While humor in young adult books often focus on the life experience of teenagers, adults remember those times as embarrassing and challenging, sometimes more so than they actually were. The books I am listing here tend to include the expected funny or embarrassing situations as well as offbeat characters and sarcastic or witty dialogue.

Fat Vampire: A Never-Coming-of-Age Story by Adam Rex

15-year-old Doug Lee has been turned into vampire but he's nothing like the sexy Twilight type. Doug is anxious, overweight and dorky. He's more pathetic than powerful, barely understands his vampire powers, and struggles to find any blood to sustain himself.

Sparks: the Epic, Completely True Blue, (almost) Holy Quest of Debbie by S. J. Adams. Debbie has kept her crush on best friend Lisa a secret for two years, even joining Lisa's Christian teen group in the hope that over time Lisa will reciprocate her feelings. But when Lisa gets a serious boyfriend, Debbie's life falls apart. Then she meets the Church of Blue, a faith made-up by two fellow high school outcasts, and begins a hilarious spiritual quest that gives her the strength she needs to come out. Debbie's sarcastic, angst-filled narrative propels this very funny lesbian coming-of-age story.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews 

Greg Gaines has one thing going for him, a wildly self-deprecating sense of humor. But low self-esteem and his efforts to just drift through the chaos of high school mean he has no real friends. His only social activity is making "unwatchable" remakes of classic movies, with Earl, a tough teenager from a dysfunctional family. Under pressure from his mother, Greg reconnects with Rachel, a former friend who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. His smart-aleck humor makes her laugh but it's not going to save her life.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
This intricately plotted adult novel includes a number of elements that should appeal to teenagers. A combination of e-mails, letters, articles, and a narrative by Bee, the teenage daughter of Bernadette, to create a comic collage of offbeat characterizations, witty situations, and satirical observations examining why a brilliant, but increasingly eccentric former artist disappeared.

There is No Dog by Meg Rosoff
God as a teenage boy named Bob; an immortal whose mother won Earth in a card game is the conceit at the center of Meg Rosoff's offbeat and darkly humorous novel. Bob is lazy, selfish, and obsessed with sex. He acts with no concern for the result of his actions. And now his lust for a beautiful human assistant zookeeper has brought Earth to the brink of environmental disaster. Might it not be time for a change in the heavenly order?

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
Kelsey Finkelstein's efforts to revamp herself during her freshman year in high school leads to mishap after mishap in this hilarious coming-of-age novel. The travails of freshman year have never been conveyed with so much humor.

More chuckle worthy young adult novels I would recommend include: Guy Langman, Crime Scene Procrastinator by Josh Berk, Firecracker by David Iserson, Matthew Meets the Man by Travis Nichols, Getting over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald, Call the Shots by Don Calame,  Not That Kind of Girl by Vivian Siobhan, and The Downside of Being Up by Alan Lawrence Sitomer.

Book Review: Timeless by Gail Carriger

Timeless is the fifth and final book in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. I listened to the audiobook, which was wonderfully narrated by Emily Gray. Alexia Tarabotti has settled into domestic bliss; including integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural with a touch. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play cannot put a dampener on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle. At least until she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

Timeless does a wonderful job of introducing fans of series to Prudence, the infant inconvenience, while answering many of the questions and mysteries that have arisen through the series. Readers get some long awaited closure on what well happen with some of their favorite characters in the future while enjoying a fast paced and  wildly amusing ride (as always). I greatly enjoyed the madcap journey and the wonders of Egypt, as well as the action and mysteries that needed attending to. If you have enjoyed the series thus far you need to read this book. It is entertaining and draws you in without letting go until the story is done. Of course, now I need to read the short story about Alexia's father and the new series that is just starting staring Prudence. Frankly, I can't wait!

Timeless is the perfect close to a wonderful series. Carriger's writing is like chocolate covered pretzels, so good and addictive but not necessarily vitamin and nutrient rich. Although I do occasionally dream about the world and characters for a few days after finishing any of her books. Just read, or listen to the fabulous audio version, and enjoy!

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.

Picturebook Review: This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne is a charming picturebook. When Bella's dog disappears into the gutter of the book, she calls for help. But each of her potential helpers disappear too and she realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to fix things.

This Book Just Ate My Dog is an interactive picturebook that is fun and encourages imagination. Bella's dog, and everyone that tries to help, disappear into the book with only the dog's leash remaining as evidence. A simple tug of that leash will not work, so it is up to the readers to follow directions and help Bella and the rest to safety. The result is fun, and engaging for readers of all ages. This would make a great book to share for story time, but not so much around bed time since it is liable to get everyone excited and laughing.

This Book Just Ate My Dog uses the physicality of the book which results in an experience that is  just plain fun! The illustrations and lettering are a perfect pair, and the interaction will excite readers of all ages. 

Book Review: Everything I Need To Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow

Everything I Need To Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow is a humorous and sweet "guide to life" for grown-ups! Muldrow's tips for getting the most out of life ("Don't forget to enjoy your wedding!", "Be a hugger.", "Sweatpants are bad for morale.") are drawn from more than 60 stories, are paired with the images from these best-loved children's books of all time. The images are pulled from stories like The Poky Little Puppy, Pantaloon, Mister Dog, Nurse Nancy, We Help Mommy, Five Pennies to Spend, and The Little Red Hen. The Golden greats of children's illustration are represented here as well: Richard Scarry, Garth Williams, Eloise Wilkin, J. P. Miller, and Mary Blair, among many others.

Everything I Need To Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book is a book that I honestly picked up because of the title and cover. I saw it come into my library on hold for a patron, and quickly put myself on hold for it as well. Thankfully the book gave me the exact warm fuzzies that I expected. I love the familiar golden foil spine and the images that I remember from my childhood pair with advise that might seem trite, but when combined with these particular images made me smile, and I will admit to misty eyes.

I think all book lovers, from every generation, need to look at Everything I Need To Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book. It is sweet, quirky, and nostalgic for so many of us that grew up with the classic golden book, and those of us that have carried that tradition on with our own children and  grandchildren. 

Book Review: Werewolf in Alaska by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Werewolf in Alaska is the fifth 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. In Polecat, Alaska, Rachel Miller and Jake Hunter have a mutual admiration for each other from across a lake. There’s nothing Rachel likes more than spying on the very fit wilderness guide when he skinny-dips each night. And Jake has always been curious about his reclusive artist neighbor. He even bought Rachel’s first wood carving: a wolf who looks suspiciously like him. Jake is a werewolf, and the founder of WARM (Werewolves Against Random Mating), which means a human like Rachel absolutely is off-limits. When Rachel is threatened by a bear, and Jake shifts to save her, their lives collide with an intense passion, one that could change everything they’ve ever felt about themselves, and each other.

Werewolf in Alaska is a fun read that had me happily turning pages. Rachel is an artist and enjoys her anonymity in the wilds of Alaska. She also enjoys using her binoculars to watch the very fit Jake skinny dip in the lake that separates them. It is only when Rachel’s safety is in question that Jake steps into her life, and risks his own secrets. The back and forth between the two is fabulous, I really enjoyed the humor of Rachel tending to the wolf’s wounds and the conversations it triggers. The inclusion of Rachel’s protective teenage assistant added to the complications and tension of the story. I liked how drastic the big climax was, though think some people gave in a wee bit too easily. All in all the read was great fun and I really enjoyed the interaction of the main characters. 

I would recommend Werewolf in Alaska to fans of Thompson, particularly those that are following this series. I was eager to see what would happen or be said next, and think it was a fun entertaining read.

Book Review: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

Mortal Heart is the third book in the His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers. While technically you could read each of these as a stand alone, why would you? Each book is fantastic and the layering of the larger story arch cannot be fully appreciated without reading in order. (Can you tell I am a fan?)

In Mortal Heart we finally get to see Annith's thoughts and her part of the saga. Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain and patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own. She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she or Mortain has.

In Mortal Heart I was thrilled to see Annith's story unfold. The look into her past and the conspiracies and betrayals that thread through the book are perfectly timed and woven into the story in a way that brings the entire trilogy together. I will admit that when Annith meets Bathazar I had a good idea of who he is, but that did not lessen my enjoyment of how everything unfolded and then came together. The action, character development, and character interaction just had me enthralled and happy throughout the entire book. I really did not want it to end, and was sad to leave the world of His Fair Assassin.

Mortal Heart is the perfect book for round out this trilogy, although I would dearly love to see more books from LaFevers about this world, and frankly i am going to go back and read the authors unrelated children's books as soon as I get a chance. I highly recommend this book, and this series which starts with Grave Mercy to everyone. Yes, everyone!! It is good for young adults, new adults, and adults.

Book Review: Princess Patty Meets Her Match by Charise Mericle Harper

Princess Patty Meets Her Match by Charise Mericle Harper is a picturebook about a princess taking matters into her own hands. Patty has always been told that one day her prince will come, but she is tired of waiting.  So with Miss Loverpuff (her pet starfish) in tow, Patty sets off to find her own happily-ever-after. Along the way, she meets a prince who places leftover peas under the bed, and another who can't tell the difference between catching dragons and dragonflies! Can she find a prince that she wants to spend time with?

Princess Patty Meets Her Match is a book about a girl taking charge of her own life. she goes out in search of something she has been told will find her. I like that patty is a strong and smart girl. She teaches those she comes in contact with quite a bit, but she is still kind and never rude even when those she runs across seem less than bright. I think a princess taking charge while still being a good person is an important story to share. Too often when princesses (or girls in general) and taking charge in books they come off as mean rather or a know it all. Patty knows what she wants, but is still a gracious girl and while sweet also not a push over. The illustrations  do a good job of bringing the story to life with some additional information and funny moments. 

I would highly recommend Princess Patty Meets Her Match to any readers that love princess and make believe. I think readers stuck on the idea that a princess needs saving, and that a prince needs to do all the work, will gain something from this fun and sweet picturebook.