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: The Silver Rings by Samuel Valentino

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

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

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

Book Review: Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith

Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith is a cute picturebook. It will be available as a hardcover on October 1 2014.  Claude is a dog that is far from ordinary and spends each day after his owners leave pursuing adventure. In this book Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock go to the Snowy Mountain and learn to sled, ski, and more.

Claude on the Slopes is a fun book. Cluade is a dog on a mission, to have new adventures. He is sweet and sometimes a bit simple, but never comes off as a bumbling fool. Sir Bobblysock is a sock yes, but he is somehow also the more practical of the two characters. Claude learns about sledding, skiing, snowman building, snowball fights, the dangers of avalanche, and the methods to help those buried after one. The illustrations are great, adding some color and aditional humor to the tale.

Young readers that are fans of picturebooks featuring world discovery by an innocent main character that gets to do this they cannot, like Curious George, will enjoy Claude on the Slopes and the previous book in the series Claude at the Beach. While I enjoyed reading the book I do not think it broke new ground and did not leave me looking for more, but I am certainly glad that I met Claude and Sire Bobblysock!

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.

Early Book Review: The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer Holm

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a middle grade novel by Jennifer Holm which is currently scheduled for release in August 26 2014.  Eleven-year-old Ellie has never liked change. She misses fifth grade, her best friend, and even her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up; he is bossy, cranky, and looks an awful lot like her scientist grandfather. Could this pimply boy really be Grandpa Melvin? Has he finally found the secret to eternal youth?

The Fourteenth Goldfish is a story that is fun, but still covers some big ideas. Ellie is a smart girl with an artistic mother that wants her to find her passion. Middle school is hard, especially when your best friend has found her passion, and it is nothing you have interested in. When Melvin comes on the scene, dressed in his grandfather clothes while looking like a 13 year old boy, Ellie discovers a lot about science, who she is, and what she loves. The characters are all realistic, and just interesting to read about as they all come to learn more about themselves and the cycle of life. A coming of age tale about finding yourself well and truly woven together with a story about both the wonders and dangers of science.

I enjoyed the The Fourteenth Goldfish, and think that most readers will enjoy it as well. those facing changes in life, such as entering middle school, growing apart from a good friend, or a change in family dynamic will find the book particularly relate-able. Holms comes through again with a great book.

Book Review: Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin

Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin is a young adult novel about family, mystery, and connections. Alan Knightley is an expert in crimes too strange for Scotland Yard to handle, but four years ago he fell into a mysterious coma. His thirteen year old son Darkus is determined to follow in his father’s footsteps and find out what really happened. But when Alan suddenly wakes up, his memory is out of wack and he needs some help. There is a mystery that gets weirder by the minute, a bestselling book that makes its readers commit terrible crimes, and a sinister organization known as the Combination, and unusual family members who are all more than they seem.

Knightley and Son is a novel with a little bit of everything. There is mystery and humor with quirky characters and connections that will keep you wondering what will happen next. I always love a book with odd characters that are written sop realistically or surreally that I half expect to bump into them out in public. Alan Knightly, Darkus, and the variety of characters are each well fleshed out, and each have a vital role in the story. the larger mystery has enough twists and turns to keep every reader on thier toes while giving us just enough to feel like we already saw coming that we feel smart and engaged as we read. Darkus is dedicated to his father, and solving mysteries. While I felt like there were a couple aspects of him that I just did not get, like I had missed a prequel or something, I still found him to be a character I would watch on television.

Young adult and preteen readers that enjoy Sherlock Holmes, mystery, and humor will enjoy Knightley and Son. Adults that monitor their children's reading and those that are willing to pick up books labeled children's or teen books will get some enjoyment from the book as well. I will admit that there were some slow moments, but there were some break neck speed moments as well, so I feel it all balanced in the end and left me as a satisfied reader. 

Book Review: Operation Bunny by Sally Gardner

Operation Bunny is the first book in the Wings & Co series by Sally Gardner. This children's chapter book begins on a quirky note, and continues in that vein. Emily Vole makes headline news in the first weeks of her life, when she is found in an abandoned hatbox in Stansted Airport. she is adopted by a vain and greedy couple that had always wanted children, but did not get quite what they expected with Emily.  When their own children are born things become even worse for Emily, only to discover allies in her neighbor Mrs String dies leaving Emily a mysterious inheritance: an old shop, a small bunch of golden keys and a cat called Fidget.

Operation Bunny is a great opening to a fun and quirky series that I am looking forward to continuing. Emily is a good natured girl, unfortunately her adopted parents are not. they are greedy and overly concerned with appearance. when they adopt Emily they expected a perfect doll that would look like them, when Emily does not met this expectation they try to change that. When they have triplets, Emily is relegated to free labor. However, Emily remains a sweet girl doing her best. When she fosters a friendship with Mrs. String and the unusual cat Fidget life becomes much better for Emily. Unfortunately, after the good comes a big bad and soon Emily is in big trouble and her only hope is to find a mysterious moving shop, open it, and get some fairies back on duty. Mystery, adventure, and more will keep middle grade readers turning the pages and looking for more.

As I read Operation Bunny my first question was why I had not already read it. Magic, adventure, and quirky fun are right up my alley. The characters and the story are delightful and just might grab the attention of some reluctant readers. I need to get my hands on The Three Pickled Herrings and see what happens next.

Book Review: The Qwikpick Papers: Journey to the Fountain of Poop by Tom Angleberger

The Qwikpick Papers: Journey to the Fountain of Poop by Tom Angleberger is a middle grade novel in the same style as the Origami Yoda series (which if you have not read it, you should!) which blends  journal entries, doodles, and handwritten notes. Lyle Hertzog and his friends Marilla and Dave expect to spend another dull holiday passing time at the local Qwikpick convenience store. Just as they have given up the idea of a grand adventure, an article in their hometown paper catches their eye. It turns out that he sludge fountain at the nearby sewage plant is being shut down. The three friends decide to dub themselves the Qwikpick Adventure Society. Their first mission is to see the “poop fountain” before it fades from glory.

Journey to the Fountain of Poop is the great start to another middle grade series from Angleberger. This book has three kids from different family, religious, and economic backgrounds finding common ground and becoming great friends. The adventure they have is something that I can see many kids taking part in, or at least wishing they could take part in on some level. There is a good amount if 'potty humor', which you have to expect with the word poop in the subtitle. I think the combination of humor, the diary format of the book, and the sheer relateability of the characters will make this a great read for many elementary and middle school readers.

I recommend Journey to the Fountain of Poop to elementary and middle school readers. I think reluctant readers will find this book, and others from Angleberger, to be one that makes them interested in reading more. A must have for library collections.

Book Review: Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer by Will Summerhouse

Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer is a middle grade adventure novel by Will Summerhouse. Eleven-year-old Orion lives with his stodgy grandfather in eastern Maine. When a series of strange events draws Orion into the mystery of a lost explorer he is swept up in an adventure that takes him to the top of the world. To survive he must survive in the arctic, outwit a scheming treasure hunter, and take on a tyrant with an anger management problem. Can Orion solve the mystery and get back home alive?

Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer is an exciting tale with a balanced mix of survival fiction, mystery, action, and adventure. Orion Poe is a brave and loyal young hero with a pragmatic take on the world. he does not always toss himself into danger, but does a good number of times after weighing the pros and cons of action versus inaction. The story has a bit of a Treasure Island feel to it, so if you have always been a fan of that classic this book might feel like a new take of favorite ideas. Orion comes across a variety of crazy characters and situations. the professor, the ship captain, the shifty treasure hunter, and the crew of the ship they take north are just the start. There is a good deal of Orion finding his way on his own, and proving himself to those that might otherwise consider him too young to be of use. The combination of coming of age, survival, and sheer adventure might capture the attention of readers that might otherwise lose interest in reading. The short chapters might also keep these readers going, giving them satisfaction regularly in having completed a chapter, or two.

I liked that the grand adventure is linked to the real-life explorer John Franklin and there are little bits of knowledge about him and surviving in cold conditions through the book, as well as the historical information included at the end of the story. I rather liked Orion's grandfather, and only wish he had been included in more of the story.

I would suggest Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer for readers around nine and older. I think readers that enjoy action, adventure, mystery, or survival fiction would connect with the story the most. Readers that enjoy coming of age tales and exploration can also find a great deal to like here. I am not a big fan of survival fiction, I am one of those readers that prefers character driven plots more than stories where characters are consistently forced to react to outside forces, but I can think of many readers that will greatly enjoy the book.

Blog Tour Review: The Unicorn Thief by R.R. Russell

The Unicorn Thief  is the second book in the Unicorns of the Mist series by R.R. Russell. I highly recommend reading the first book, Wonder Light, before reading. In this sequel Twig and Ben and working to tame the last unicorn herd on Lonehorn Island while dealing with their personal struggles about identity and family. However, a thief runs rampant in the land of unicorns and now no one is safe, not even Ben's loyal unicorn Indy. When their search leads them to the island’s secret passageway of Terracornus, the land of unicorns, they discover a bold thief at work. It is here that Twig learns the tangled truth about Ben and the evil queen who’s enslaved all of the unicorns. Now all of the captive unicorns are in danger and only Ben and Twig, the last unicorn riders, can save them.

The Unicorn Thief is a wonderful sequel to Wonder Light. The world was not made perfect with one victory for Ben and Twig, and there are still many difficulties ahead of them. Ben is keeping secrets, as are others, and Twig is trying to be the best version of herself while trying to let down any of the people that have come to trust in her. I love the fact that every character is well fleshed out and given both good and bad quality, which makes them much more real than any perfectly pure hero or simply evil big bad. There are equal parts of adventure, mystery, action, and the emotional trials involved of knowing yourself and being a honorable individual. There are lots of secrets to be uncovered, and telling too much might reveal the truth and spoil the surprise. I will admit that I saw one or two of the big twists coming, but the journey was still delightful.

I would very highly recommend The Unicorn Thief to everyone that read and enjoyed Wonder Light. If you like action, adventure, magic, or coming of age stories then this series has something you can get lost inside. I do recommend reading in order, but with the quality of the storytelling, that will be no chore.

Early Book Review: Quinny & Hopper by Adriana Brad Schanen, Greg Swearingen

Quinny & Hopper by is a children's chapter book written by Adriana Brad Schanen and illustrated by Greg Swearingen. The book is currently scheduled for release on June 10 2014. This is a book about to very different kids finding a the best kind of friendship. Quinny has just moved from New York City to a big farmhouse in a tiny town. It is there that see meet Hopper, a crazy chicken, and a grumpy older neighbor. Quinny has a lot to say and never seems to stop moving while Hopper gets to the point and proceeds with caution. Quinny has some very big ideas, while
Hopper comes up with smart solutions. The pair could not be more different, but together they can do anything. Can Quinny and Hopper stick together in the face of social pressures at school and the hunt for a crazed chicken?

Quinny & Hopper is a fun and heart warming tale about children finding their best friends, and the best in themselves. In the summer before third grade Quinny, and big hair, smiles, and ideas finds herself in a tiny town with nothing familiar but her family, which includes two little sisters with less than sanitary habits. Hopper spends his days trying to avoid his older brothers and building bone models. They do not seem like a perfect pair, but like most children they will surprise you. Their well fleshed out characters struggle with themselves and expectations others have of them and the world in general, while still making the reader chuckle. I think children and adults can find something to relate to and enjoy in this book.

I recommend Quinny & Hopper to early chapter book readers, families to share, and library collections. There is a lesson in the story about being true to yourself and your friends, but it is not a lesson that comes off as preachy. Rather, young readers just might come away from this book with a new appreciation for the 'different' kids and wonder if they could be just as great of a friend as Quinny or Hopper.

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

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

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

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

Book Review: The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy, Bronson Pinchot

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle is the second book in The League of Princes series by Christopher Healy. Like with the previous audiobook, Bronson Pinchot is our narrator (and does a spectacular job!) I highly recommend starting with the first book The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom so that you know the Princes Charming; Prince Liam, Prince Frederic, Prince Duncan, and Prince Gustav along with all their quirks and the feisty Cinderella, Lila, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Briar Rose. Fame and recognition are fleeting, especially when the bards and one young outlaw do not seem to care for you. However, when the princes discover that an object of great power might fall into any number of wrong hands they band together once again band together to stop it from happening. They each have their own crisis to face, but work together to save the world as they know it, regardless of the fact that the world will most likely not know that they saved them all, again.

In The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle Healy takes us back to the fractured fairy-tale world he created in The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom for another tale of medieval mischief. What I really liked about this sequel, is that it was not just a rehash of the characters in another crazy situation- each of the character has their own moments, struggles, and growth that well well beyond my expectations. The adventure, fun, and excitement were all there- with mysterious plots, magical gems, fairy tale creatures, silliness, and some furiously fast fight or flight moments. All of that would have made the book an okay read. But then Healy adds Liam's crisis of character, Briar Rose's growth as a character, getting to know each character better as a whole was just a fabulous treat. And, like with the first installment, the narrated version includes some excellent voice acting by Bronson Pinchot. He does such distinct voices for each character that you know immediately who is thinking or talking, and the accents and inflections always add an extra dimension to my understanding and thoughts on the characters.

I highly recommend listening to The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle, but only after having enjoyed  The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. The action is fast, there is plenty of humor, and well developed characters that offer something for everyone.

Early Book Review: If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur by Linda Bailey, Colin Jack

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Colin Jack is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 13 2014. This quirky picturebook offers young readers ideas for what they might do with a dinosaur if they happened to have one laying around. Suggested uses include a can opener, nutcracker, a fine umbrella, a kite, and a dandy pillow. Not to mention a their use as a reliable burglar alarm and the perfect excuse to forget your homework. This  exploration of the possible domestic uses of dinosaurs, and the things they are not good for at all, will bring on the giggles and inspire imaginations.

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur is a fun look at dinosaurs and the imagination. The images and ideas about how useful, or not useful, a dinosaur might be in specific situations is very well done. I think readers of all ages will find some fun here, and perhaps be inspired to consider scenarios of their own. In fact, the final pages do a good job of continuing the flow of ideas and thoughts. I really enjoyed the story and think that most readers will agree.

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur is a well done picturebook that is well suited to sharing in a storytime setting or one on one. older readers will enjoy exploring the book on their own as well.

Early Book Review: Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey by Alex Milway is an early reader book that us currently scheduled for release on May 27 2014. Pigsticks is the last in a noble line of explorers, and he is determined to follow in his forepigs’ footsteps. however, he needs an assistant to do the heavy lifting. His help-wanted ad draws a motley crew of candidates, so he chooses a hapless delivery hamster named Harold. The unlikely pair set off from Tuptown with plenty of tea cakes in tow, Pigsticks is breathless with excitement while Harold is struggling for breath under all the gear. They take long trek through jungles, over deserts, and up a giant ice-topped mountain. When the last crumb of cake is stolen by a herd of thieving goats and their goal is nowhere in sight the doubt whether they will ever discover the Ends of the Earth?

Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey is a charming tale that will make newly independent readers and those that need a wee bit of help smile. The tale has everything young readers might want; cute animals, adventure, humor, and some daring do. I loved that the path taken by Harold and Pigsticks mirrors the journeys many imaginative youngsters might take in their own backyard. I love the twist that brings them home and allows for the opportunity of further adventures. I think my two imagination fueled adventure seekers will adore this book, if I can let go of it long enough for them to enjoy it.

I would recommend Pigsticks and Harold and the Incredible Journey to readers that are just starting out with chapter books and to reluctant readers that think they cannot handle, or would not enjoy, reading a chapter book. The story is engaging and fun, while encouraging readers to go out and use their imaginations and have adventures of their own.

Book Review: 100 Hungry Monkeys! by Masayuki Sebe

100 Hungry Monkeys! by Masayuki Sebe is a picturebook that offers numbers, counting, and more. One hundred monkeys are hunting for food, but something else is hungry, too! Can the monkeys find their food without becoming lunch? Additional seek and find activities are on each page to encourage readers to slow down and study the whole picture, not just the words.

100 Hungry Monkeys! is a colorful and interactive book that could capture the attention of most readers for far longer than it would take to merely read the text. The story itself is cute and well done. 100 monkeys are hungry and search for food, find food as well as someone else that is big and hungry, a fun twist for the ending. However, it is hidden joys in each of the 100 pages that really sold this book for me. Some of the monkeys on each page always have something to say, and there are seek and find activities on each page, like finding a certain number of monkeys with orange hats. Once the main story is over there are further seek and find clues for readers to go back and find through out the book. My son is a big fan of this type of activity, and the book is a big hit with him.

I highly recommend 100 Hungry Monkeys! for readers that enjoy interactive books, and books that you can find something new in every time you pick it up. The story and illustrations are bright, fun, and colorful and can capture the interest and imagination of even the most reluctant readers.

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

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

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

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

Blog Tour Review: Wonder Light (Unicorns of the Mist #1) by R.R. Russell

Wonder Light is the first book in the middle grade series, Unicorns of the Mist, by R.R. Russell. Twig is resigned to living on a pony farm for troubled girls, despite the spooky stories she has read about the island. Soon Twig discovers someone that needs her, mysterious filly that has claimed her as her own. Then there is the mysterious of the wild boy in the misty woods and the terrifying screams from something that is not quite a horse. Twig discovers that the island's secret is the last free unicorn herd, but not all unicorns are good.

Wonder Light is a fantastic series starter. The world and character building are very well done, with little bits of Twig slowly being revealed to the reader. I found her personality and trials to be touching and something most middle grade and even older readers can relate to. I particularly liked that even with the fantastic elements, the real life troubles of Twig are not simply swept under the carpet- instead the two come together in order to help her come to terms with her life and the world in general. Ben is a complicated character, with many mysteries that still need to be revealed but still makes the reader feel for him and root for him. The other characters were less developed, but they did not feel neglected, rather I felt like I knew what I needed to in order to keep the story and personal connections intact but without a massive information dump that might overwhelm the heart of the story.

I highly recommend Wonder Light to readers that enjoy coming of age stories, mystery, adventure, and fantasy. There is a good balance of emotional and physical struggles to keep most readers turning pages and eager to see what happens next. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

Writing as R.R. Russell for kids and R.H. Russell for teens and adults. She grew up traveling the world as an army brat and now travels the country as a coach with a non-profit judo club. She loves to read and draw, and like Twig, once spent a lot of time sketching unicorns. Visit her at rrrussellauthor.com.

Unicorns of the Mist Series  
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