Early Book Review: Dead Boy by Laurel Gale

Dead Boy by Laurel Gale is a middle grade novel that is currently scheduled for release on September 29 2015. Crow Darlingson died in the 4th grade, but he’s still alive and growing. He can’t eat or taste anything, his body parts sometimes fall off (mom always sews them back on, though), and he’s only allowed to leave his house once per year, on Halloween. His parents are now separated, and he blames himself, and is chafing at being confined. Sneaking out at night only makes things worse, but he can’t resist the chance at a real friendship with Melody Plympton, the new girl next door, who loves mystery more than she minds the side effects of Crow being dead. Together they investigate the mysterious Meera, a monster living in the nearby park. Logic and fear tell Crow to stay away, but fuzzy memories lure him on. When Crow and Melody venture into its underground lair, Crow’s not just risking the half-life he clings to. He’s also risking the only friend he’s had in years. The importance of friendship is crystallized as Crow and Melody face tests of loyalty, courage, and honor.

Dead Boy is a dark but still fun book about a boy that is slightly dead, but still wants to live his life. He has an overprotective mother that refuses to talk about any uncomfortable topic, and a father that loves him but lives a few hours away.  After he died and came back crow has had no real life outside his home; no friends, and no outside time to speak of. when a new girl moves in next door, and just happens to be fascinated with magic and monsters, the pair become fast friends. Then things go wrong, as they often do, and friendships seem to be crumbling. Encountering the Meera during a disastrous Halloween lead Crow and Melody on a quest of tests that will put their bravery, loyalty, and more to the test. However, just when everyone things things are settled, they will discover that there is more to do in order to reach their happy ending. Everyone discovers some truth about themselves, their faults, and the importance of being honorable. 

Dead Boy is a macabre story with much more to it than it seems. There is plenty of dark humor, high action, and adventure. However there are also lessons about friendship and being a honorable, good person that are woven through the story. this is a read that will appeal to many readers, for many different reasons. I think anyone that picks it up and reads will be happy with that decision. 

Early Book Review: Gargoyle Hall: An Araminta Spookie Adventure by Angie Sage

Gargoyle Hall: An Araminta Spookie Adventure by Angie Sage is a children's chapter book that is currently scheduled for release on August 11 2015. Araminta Spookie is a unique girl with a very special family. Uncle Drac keeps bats and goes of on expeditions to bring them home. There are three ghosts in the house, one that just happens to be a dog, and a best friend and her family that lives in the same house.when a great aunt comes to visit it is decided that Araminta has been "helpful" one too many times, so her family decides to send her to boarding school. On arrival, Araminta is surprised to discover that her best friend has stowed away in her trunk and that Gargoyle Hall makes her haunted home seem positively cozy. Strange moans and clanks echo down the halls and the two class leaders are equally creepy. Most of the other students have been scared away, but Araminta is determined to find out what-or who-is menacing the school.

Gargoyle Hall is the sixth book in this series, so I did feel a little like I was coming in late since I have not read any of the others, but I caught up to the spirit of the series fairly quickly. The writing is accessible to reluctant readers and avid readers alike and has a good mix of humor and spookiness to keep everyone entertained. Araminta is a strong willed, and slightly odd, young lady with good intentions. She is always trying to be helpful, but the majority of the time her 'help' causes more difficulty and chaos than expected. The adventures of Araminta, who reminds me of a kind hearted Wednesday Addams, are illustrated by Jimmy Pickering with black and white artwork. The pictures add a great deal of atmosphere and emotion to the story, helping younger readers identify with the characters even more. I found the adventure and the writing to be great from readers that need high action books to hold their interest and for those that love a touch of the spooky. 

Gargoyle Hall is a great chapterbook for adventure and series fans. I think my two children, who often feel intimidated by chapter books and love anything remotely spooky will be hooked on this series in short order. I am bringing home the first book of this series, My Haunted House, as soon as possible for their perusal. 

Early Book Review: Gryphons Aren’t So Great by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold

Gryphons Aren’t So Great is a children's graphic novel by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold. It is currently scheduled for release on September 8 2015. The Knight's best friend is her horse, Edward. They go everywhere together and do everything together! But when the Knight gets a gryphon, suddenly all she talks about is how awesome her new pet is. Edward can't help it, he's jealous! When the gryphon turns out to be more of a peril than a pet, and Edward comes to the rescue.

Gryphons Aren’t So Great is a cute graphic novel for the easy reader and youngest independent readers. Knight is described as a girl in the summary, but honestly there is no gender definition in the story, the Knight is just a brave kid in armor. Every reader can imagine themselves in her place. the horse, Edward is a brave partner to the knight, but feels left behind and unimportant when the gryphon and knight spend more and more time together. I think most readers (young and old) can relate to the feeling, and seeing their own experience in print will help them understand that everyone has had that experience.  It can also help them get a better grasp on their feelings and how to manager them. Beyond all that, the artwork and story are simply good, sweet fun and worth exploring.

Gryphons Aren’t So Great is the second of four adorable picture books from the creators of Adventures in Cartooning. It is a sweet and accessible story that even the youngest readers can relate to and enjoy.

Early Book Review: I Know Sasquatch by Jess Bradley

I Know Sasquatch is a picturebook by Jess Bradley which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015. Everyone knows that Bigfoot, or Sasquatch are big, creepy creatures with razor-sharp teeth, long claws, and stinky fur. At least, thats what most people think. But nobody's actually ever met one, except Jess Bradley!

I Know Sasquatch is a quirky and colorful picture book that combines photographs and illustration to tell Sasquatch's real story. The result is a creative and fun picturebook that just might jump start your reader's own creativity. The author shares her experiences with meeting Bigfoot and what she learned from him. He is not scary or dangerous, he is sweet and apparently smells like blueberries and enjoys chewing bubble gum. For instance, he is not a big fan of all those blurry pictures that make him look mean and scary.

I Know Sasquatch is a book that will capture the imagination of both young readers, and the adults that share the book with this. This would be a great story time book or summer reading starter for even the youngest of readers. 

Early Book Review: Even Monsters Say Goodnight by Doreen Mulryan Marts

Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a picturebook written and illustrated by Doreen Mulryan Marts. It is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015.  Avery hates bedtime, and she just knows that there are monsters under her bed.  After a thorough discussion with her mom about the monster situation, Avery finally goes to her room. Does she dare check under the bed?

Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a sweet picturebook that most families can relate to. Whether a child is really frightened, or just stalling because they do not want to go to sleep, the notion of monsters has arisen in almost every home There is a nice use of story text and speech bubbles through the story, which paired wonderfully with the illustrations. I really liked those illustrations, they blended fantasy and reality very well.  I loved the mother's description of how all monsters need to sleep too, and as Avery asks more questions mom comes up with the perfect answers. In fact, I might use some of them myself during bedtime arguments in the near future.

I think Even Monsters Say Goodnight is a wonderful book for bedtime and for sharing at any storytime, group or one on one. It might just be a good tool to quell you favorite kiddo's bedtime fears.

Blog Tour: Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat De Falla

Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat De Falla

Synopsis

Summer vacation is almost here! And Pea O'Neil is stoked to try out the new local BMX track which is finally open. He and his gang of friends can ride all summer long!

But when Pea tries a back flip, he unwittingly opens a portal to another dimension and hordes of flying mutant zombie rats are unleashed upon the city. With the help of an otherworldly talking cat sent to help prevent the demise of humankind, Pea and his friends must hunt down the hungry mutants and send them back before the portal closes.

But when the zombie rats attack a neighbor man, the boys have to enlist the help of a graveyard looney and the city's stray cats. With time running out, Pea and his gang track the monsters to the city's sewer system. But in the city sewer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s eat…or get eaten.

PURCHASE

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The Author

Kat's  Website / Facebook / Twitter 

THE SEER'S LOVER won 2nd place in the LuckyCinda Book Contest 2014!

Author Kat de Falla was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she learned to roller skate, ride a banana seat bike, and love Shakespeare thanks to her high school English teacher.

Four years at the UW-Madison wasn't enough, so she returned to her beloved college town for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is happily employed as a retail pharmacist where she fills prescriptions and chats with her patients. She is married to her soul mate, composer Lee de Falla and raising four kids together ala the Brady Bunch.

Book Review: Love in a Time of Monsters by Teresa Yea

Love in a Time of Monsters is the first book in the Golden Age of Monsters series by Teresa Yea. This new adult novel has romance, adventure, and a is darker than most new adult novels that I have seen since the genre was labeled. It takes place in 1867, one that is different than any you will read about in the history books.

When Rob Stevenson’s brother is killed,and eaten, his world is shattered by a monster infestation. Determined to keep his village safe, Rob's first duty as laird involves hiring a professional hunter. As the sole survivor of a massacre in the Congo, Catriona Mornay is rumored to have lost her mind in the jungle. In Edinburgh’s gas-lit streets, Cat’s skill as a hunter is unmatched. Her reputation as a killer of unnatural creatures, legendary. Faced with a rising body count, Rob takes a chance on Cat, hoping that somewhere inside this tortured yet charismatic girl is the hero he’s been searching for. But in this shadow realm of secrets, lies, and underworld crime, their lives overlap in more ways than one. And in an age where harpies flock the sky and serpents rule the sea, it’s even possible for a boy and his hunter to fall in love. But can their love survive in a time of monsters?

Love in a Time of Monsters was nothing I expected. I picked it up because I loved the cover, it is simply gorgeous. The story is multilayered and darker than I expected from the cover and description, but it was well thought out and executed. Rob has always been sickly, and the loss of his brother puts him in a position he never expected to hold- Lord of the manor. With his young sister and supportive and loving staff he struggles to maintain order and protect his people, which ultimately requires the help of a hunter. Cat has monsters to battle, both in the real world and in her head. she struggles to quiet them all, and ends up causing more damage to herself and those closest to her than she might expect. The story is full of twists, surprises, some gore, and coincidences. I loved some of the secondary characters and literary references that thread there way through the story. even when I struggled with the story, mainly because i was in the mood for lighter fare when I picked up the book, those threads kept me going.

I would recommend Love in a Time of Monsters to readers that like something different, do not mind some gore, and can handle emotionally distant characters. While it did not fit my expectations or desire for the moment- it is still an exciting and unique book that many will enjoy.