Showing posts with label reluctant readers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reluctant readers. Show all posts

Book Review: The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull is a companion book to the popular series. It is illustration by Brandon Dorman. Fans of Fablehaven know every one of the dragons and mythical creatures in the series has a name and a special power and in the text they’re described as all looking very different. But they’ve existed only in our imagination, until now. This book is the first visual discovery of ALL the creatures in the series and is written as if you, the reader, is the new caretaker of the Fablehaven preserve. It has all sorts of insider’s knowledge like "dragon tears" are very powerful for making potions but they are extremely difficult to come by and cruel people have been known to capture a young dragon and murder his family just to collect tears! Entries detail important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves.
The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven is full of fun and interesting information about the creature of Fablehaven. The illustration from Dorman are beyond wonderful, and add more details about the creatures while captivating the readers even more. the Notes from Seth and Kendra are well done, and look like they are taped into the book. The descriptions of the people, creatures, things, and places from the series are extremely well done. I have been inspired to go back and reread the series with all of this information at my disposal, how and when I will have the time to do this I do not know- but it is on my list! if you have not read the series, you can still greatly enjoy this volume, although fans of the series will definitely get more from the read. Anyone4 that enjoys mystical creatures, adventures, and beautiful illustrations will greatly enjoy this read.

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven is a delightful read for fans of the series, and those that think taking care of mystical creatures might be a good job. The details and writing style will have readers entertained and engaged right from beginning to end. 

Book Review: Gorilla Tactics (Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions #2) by Sheila Grau, Joe Sutphin

Gorilla Tactics is the second book in the Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions series written by Sheila Grau and illustrated by Joe Sutphin. This middle grade novel is just as good as the first, and I highly recommend reading the series in order, as the character development and relationships are important. However, if you feel the need to jump in now, I think there is enough hints to the backstory that you will still be able to enjoy this story.

Runt Higgins needs answers, fast. Someone cursed him to die on his sixteenth birthday, but no one seems to know who cursed him or why. Runt decides he must find the Great Library, where all true knowledge is hidden. Unfortunately, the only people who know the location of the Great Library are a covert network of librarian-spies who’d rather die than give up the Library’s secrets. And when one of Runt’s professors is attacked, it soon becomes clear that others are also out to find the Library at any cost. Meanwhile, Runt’s not the only one whose days are numbered. To save the floundering school from an inevitable sale, Dr. Critchlore takes some desperate measures. His master plan to save the school: a fashion show.

Gorilla Tactics is much more than the official summary gives it credit for. There are schemes and subterfuge at every turn, at multiple levels. Scheming teachers and administrators, bullies, teachers with an axe to grind, covert librarians, sirens and fashion shows, and so much more. I liked that Runt and his friends face the usual school issues; like bullies, popularity worries, and trying to pass important classes while still having to face bigger issues like the possibility of a school take over, death, and the most evil guy they can think of gaining access to the most complete library in the universe. Runt and his classmates all have some significant character growth, even the secondary characters like Rufus and Janet. I feel like even the most insignificant role in the larger story might come to be very important as the series continues on. There are problem solving, risk taking, and friendship struggles through out the story- and the action seems non stop. Even when Runt is contemplating his next move or how he is going to get through the current or next crisis the tension level is pretty high. I think that the combination of illustrations and high energy story telling will keep middle grade readers turning pages in this series. I liked that the book wrapped up the story nicely, while opening new questions to make us eager for the next book. It was a satisfying ending, with just a hint of "and then what".


Gorilla Tactics is a wonderful follow up to Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions, and I will be following this series as it continues. I am eager to see how Runt, and the rest progress through school, and beyond. I have many questions I want answered, and cannot wait to see how Grau answers them.

Book Review: Skycastle, the Demon, and Me (Skycastle Series, #1) by Andy Mulberry

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me by Andy Mulberry is a short chapter book for children. It is marketed as a middle grade book, but I think some younger readers would enjoy it as well. Jack gets more than he bargained for when he orders a demon straight from the Underworld. Things go hilariously awry when the demon Brinkloven Crowley the Third, Brink for short, is not quite what Jack expected.

Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is an interesting book, and is the first in a series. Jack lives in a crumbling castle with his family, and they give tours to tourists. The leaking ceiling and dwindling cashflow have Jack a little worried, and when he finds an unusual note touting the Demon Delivery he gets some big ideas for how to make tours, and his time, in the castle more interesting. Jack gets more than he bargained for, and things get pretty interesting with a demon about, but not in any way Jack expects. I felt that Jack's character was relatable for readers, and while the action was not necessarily believable, I think there are many kids that would read and enjoy the story. I was not really thrilled with how unimportant the parents seem to be in the grand scheme of things, both in the action and in Jack's line of thinking. The ending was a little disappointing to me as well, partly because it was a cliff hanger ending to make sure readers continue the series.


Skycastle, the Demon, and Me is a quick read, and will be a fun read for many. I was not thrilled with it, but I think that is because I have read so many really great books for this age group that just alright books make me a little sad. This was a book that fell into that category for me.

Early Book Review: Science Comics: Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks

Science Comics: Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks is part of a series that uses the graphic novel format to engage children in science. This volume: in Coral Reefs, we learn all about the tiny sea animals that are our coral reefs. This absorbing look at ocean science covers the biology of coral reefs as well as their ecological importance. There is an entertaining and informative combination of serious cuteness and in-depth science.


Coral Reefs is a cute and informative graphic novel that will fascinate readers that love cute graphic novels, non fiction about science, and information about animals or the environment. I think this combination of science and cuteness will keep a wide audience interested and reading about science. The illustrations are very detailed and help in the information gathering by readers, while keeping them amused. The informative text alternates between very in depth and tidbits of information that will recapture the attention of any readers starting to drift.


Coral Reefs is a good resource for capturing the attention of a wide variety of readers and getting them excited by science, informed, and hopefully curious to learn more.

Book Review: The 26-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 26-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. It is also the sequel to The 13-Storey Treehouseand while it is more fun to read in order, it is not necessary. The action and zaniness come through just fine without having read the previous book. 

This book tells the story of how Andy and Terry met, and how the pair met Jill. In the newly expanded treehouse readers are treated to the mostly true, and slightly long, story of how the treehouse came to be their home. The sharks make an appearance, as does pirate wooden head, a robot serving 78 insane ice cream flavors, a wacky nursery rhyme, and the Maze of Doom. The combination of fast action, silliness, and equally crazy illustrations (or voice acting and sound effects) come together to entertain. The interruptions of writing the next story, layered with the interruptions of the story in which they all met, come together in a larger story that will make any parent or sibling recognize their lives in the inability to finish anything uninterrupted. There is a good amount of potty humor, and some high action. Just a silly and high entertainment story perfect for reluctant and struggling readers to get them eager to keep reading.

 The 26-Storey Treehouse is even better than the first book, and made my family eager to have The 39-Storey Treehouse in their hands (and in the car CD player). They have never been so eager to get in the car to head to school or church than they are when a entertaining audiobook is in the cd-player. This is one book that had them moving at high speeds. As with the previous book, The 13-Storey Treehouse, I both read and listened to the book with my two kids. I still say that both versions are wonderful, and it comes down to personal preference and time to decide what path to take, I still so do both!

Early Book Review: Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies by Carmen Oliver, Jean Claude

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a picture book written by Carmen Oliver and illustrated by Jean Claude. It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. All the students in the class are assigned reading buddies, except for Adelaide. She already has a great reading buddy, a bear! Adelaide is quite persuasive as she explains to her language arts teacher and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies.

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a fun picture book. I never knew bears were such great reading partners, although I do not recommend anyone go out and try their hand at getting one of their own! Did you know that bears sniff out good books, or that their claws are just right for turning pages? Adelaide knows this, and tells her teacher and the readers about all the things that make her bear the best reading buddy ever. While the idea of snuggling with a bear for reading, along with although bonus features listed in the book, is terribly tempting, I think I will stick to kids and cats as my reading partners. I think the silliness will keep the target audience reading, while helping them become better reading buddies and cheerleaders for themselves and each other as they grow their reading skills.


Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is a fun book that will encourage readers to find the perfect reading buddy, whether it is a stuffed bear, cat, dog, sibling, parent, or classmate. I do not recommend a real bear, but the book makes it temping. A fun book encouraging new readers to keep reading and growing, regardless of who their reading buddy is. 

Early Book Review: The Sandwich Thief by André Marois, Patrick Doyon

The Sandwich Thief by André Marois and Patrick Doyon is a children’s book that straddles the line between illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, It is currently scheduled for release on March 1 2016. I think elementary school through high school age readers will enjoy the book. Marin loves the sandwiches his parents make for him—every day they're different and more delicious than the last. One morning, someone dares to steal his favorite sandwich: ham-cheddar-kale. Furious, Marin begins a fevered and famished investigation to unmask the thief. The days go by, the suspects multiply, and Marin's sandwiches continue to disappear. 

The Sandwich Thief is a fun, and funny, mystery that will appeal to transitional readers, and more advanced readers that enjoy mystery, humor, and illustrations or graphic novels. Poor Marin has foodies for parents, and his lunches are definite evidence of that. While he has talked then out of some of the more elaborate meals, he still gets some pretty great sandwiches. When they start going missing Marin is on a mission to solve the crime. I like that once he comes clean and shares the problem with his parents a solution is found that not only catches the culture but keep Marin from getting himself into more trouble. There were some little things that bothered me here and there through the story, overall I found it to be good fun and I think it will have broad appeal to elementary and middle grade readers. My two kids will certainly get a kick out of the humorous aspects of the story. 


The Sandwich Thief is the first in a series, but it does not require readers to continue to solve a cliff hanger. Return readers will do so because the like the characters, wit, and art style rather than because they are trapped into doing so because of unresolved endings.  

Book Review: The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. 

Who wouldn't want to live in a treehouse? Especially a treehouse that has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of sharks, a library full of comics, a secret underground laboratory, a games room, self-making beds, vines you can swing on, a vegetable vaporiser and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots your favorite flavored marshmallows into your mouth whenever it discerns you're hungry. Andy and Terry  live here, make books together, and have a series of completely nutty adventures. 

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a zany story that will appeal to readers that like high action, silly humor, and crazy illustrations. The treehouse is pretty insane, and the adventures that Terry and Andy have in the process of trying to get their next book written will entertain just about everyone. There are man eating sharks, a cat painted yellow (like a canary) that can fly, a marshmallow shooter, and a variety of insanity hidden away in a treehouse. I think the combination of story and illustrations (or voice acting) in this book make it a great pick for anyone interested in picking it up. There are jokes that might go over the heads of younger readers, but older readers will enjoy it. This is a great pick for reluctant readers and those that claim that they do not like to read, because they just have not found the right books for their tastes and skill. 

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a book high in silliness, action, and eye catching humor (or fantastic voice acting and sound effects). My son is now a huge fan, and any time that he picks up a book rather than his DS I know that it is a winner for readers that crave this kind of reading material. 


My nine year old has read the books with me, and my seven year old has listened to the audiobook with both of us. I would recommend both formats, because they are fantastic. The illustrations and text art in the printed format is wonderful fun, but Stig Wemyss’s voice acting is fantastic. I say buy the paper version, and have the kiddos read along as you listen to the audiobook- that way you get the best of both worlds!

Book Review: Oddly Normal Book 2 by Otis Frampton

Oddly Normal Book 2 is the second trade paperback of the Oddly Normal graphic novel series by Otis Frampton. This includes issues 6-10 and picks up right after the first collection. I do not recommend jumping in here, start from the beginning!

In Volume 2, Oddly Normal's adventure in Fignation continues with new friends, new mysteries and new revelations about her missing parents. Meet Oddly Normal, a ten-year-old girl with pointed ears and green hair. She is a half-witch who will be the first to tell you that having a mother from a magical land called Fignation, also known as the Wicked Witch of the West and a father from Earth, does not make it easy to make friends at school! On her tenth birthday, she blew out the candles on her birthday cake and made a disastrous wish. Now, Oddly must travel to Fignation to uncover the mystery of her parents' disappearance. Join Oddly as she navigates a strange new school, teenage angst, monstrous bullies, and Evil itself on an unforgettable fantasy adventure through the vibrant world of Fignation in Oddly Normal. 

Oddly Normal Book 2 picks up right were volume one left off. She is in Fignation with her aunt, trying to discover where her parents went, find out about her family history, and survive school. Thankfully she has some great new friends, who make things a little easier for her. Of course, in a place like Fignation everyone is a little different. Her friends and the not so friendly teachers and other students are all right out of dreams, nightmares, and stories. I think the best parts of this collection are when Oddly gets a peak at memories, and when her friends insist on giving her a birthday gift. However, as a whole the graphic novel felt a little disjointed. I think I might wait and read the full collection (when all the volumes are released, in a row. That might make it feel more like a story to me rather than vignettes that have little connecting them.


Oddly Normal Book 2 is  a good collection, but not fantastic. The art is wonderful and there are some great storylines here, and lots to work with. However I felt like there is little pulling everything together at this point. 

Book Review: HooDoo by Ronald L. Smith

HooDoo is a middle grade novel by Ronald L. Smith. Twelve-year-old Hoodoo Hatcher was born into a family with a rich tradition of practicing folk magic: hoodoo, as most people call it. But even though his name is Hoodoo, he can't seem to cast a simple spell. Then a mysterious man called the Stranger comes to town, and Hoodoo starts dreaming of the dead rising from their graves. Even worse, he soon learns the Stranger is looking for a boy. Not just any boy. A boy named Hoodoo. The entire town is at risk from the Stranger's black magic, and only Hoodoo can defeat him. He'll just need to learn how to conjure first. Set amid the swamps, red soil, and sweltering heat of small town Alabama in the 1930s, 

HooDoo is a solid middle grade book with a gothic or horror overtone. There are little bits of humor tossed in, along with a little historical fiction, but this is not for the easily creeped out readers. I liked the character of HooDoo, he is trying to do right by his family and find his way in the world but he is still very much a boy becoming a young adult.  He is facing the evil of the Stranger while coming to terms with himself, and learning new things about himself. The danger is solid, and there is a almost constant feeling of wondering what is coming next. HooDoo's family and friend Bunny are less well developed characters than HooDoo, but are still well written and described enough that I cared about all of them before the story was over. I will admit that it took me awhile to read this one, but I am very glad that I saw it through and finished it. I can see this being a well loved book by many of my middle grade readers.

HooDoo is an interesting and unique read. It combines the best qualities of historical fiction, coming of age, and horror reads and leaves the reader looking for a bit more. I think fans of The Night Gardener and similar books will particularly enjoy this read. 

Book Review: The Perfect Match by E. D. Baker

The Perfect Match by E. D. Baker is a fun follow-up to The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker.  I would suggest reading the books in order to have the best understanding of where Cory, Blue, and the Tooth Fairy Guild stand. Former tooth-fairy-in training, Cory Feathering, is coming into her skills as a matchmaker more and more each day. But as she hones her skills, she's still doing odd jobs around town in order to help people who need it. One day as she's house-sitting for the Three Bears, Cory runs into the infamous Goldilocks. The girl with blonde locks wants Cory to help set her up on a date, but typical, no one is quite right for her. Then, Cory has a vision of Goldilocks with a prince who lives far away in a castle. The only problem? He's getting married to someone else. Luckily, the prince is a huge fan of Cory's band and wants them to perform at his ceremony, which means there might still be hope for Goldilocks. Will Cory be able to act fast and match everyone with their rightful love before it's too late?

The Perfect Match is a fun and well done sequel. I do not recommend skipping the first book, because knowing how Cory and her friends got where they are, and the complications with the guilds is important. I really love Cory's outlook on life and her willingness to pitch in and do what needs to be done. she cares about others, even those she does not really know. The action and complications in her world ramp up and build through the entire book, with lots of satisfying solutions but a great deal of build up for what will follow in the series. I was a little bothered by just how much of this book was build up for the next, but the complications of Goldilocks, the water nymphs, and so on keep the story moving along and very interesting. It was well worth reading, I just wish I had the next book already so that I could find out what happens next.

The Perfect Match is a solid read. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, and Baker's work in general, you will enjoy it. I will say that if you are someone that hates carried over plot lines and complications, you might want to wait until the entire series is published and commit to a weekend (or more) of binge reading.

E. D. Baker is the author of the Tales of the Frog Princess series, The Wide-Awake Princess series, and many other delightful books for young readers, including The Fairy-Tale Matchmaker, A Question of Magic, Fairy Wings, and Fairy Lies. The Frog Princess was the inspiration for Disney’s hit movie The Princess and the Frog. She lives with her family and their many animals in Churchville, Maryland.

Historical Fiction for Middle School Students; Five Great Books to Stir Imagination

Getting the attention of middle school students is hard. They are too young to handle some of the most popular books and too old for a great deal of literature as well. They are trapped between two phases of life and their reading interests and abilities reflect that. Here are some fantastic works of historical fiction that can capture their attention and keep them thinking long after they have finished the book.

Goddess of Yesterday by Caroline Cooney is an adventure story with strong elements of mythology. Anaxndra was only six years old when she was taken from her home on an island in the Aegean Sea. She seeks help from her goddess Medusa as circumstances compel her to pose as different other people to survive. She eventually ends up as a servant traveling with Helen and Paris as they make their way to Troy and becomes part of mythology and history. This novel is exciting and compelling. It could leave your middle school student ready to explore mythology and the writings of Homer.
Shen and the Treasure Fleet by Ray Conlogue is a swashbuckling adventure tale that will appeal to the middle school age boys as well as the girls. This work of historical fiction is set in fifteenth century China as the throne changes hands. Shen is thirteen and must take care of himself and his younger sister Chang as they take refuge with a traveling circus. While the historical figure focused on in the book, Zheng He, is not well known the detail and feel for the time is fantastic. The story truly helps readers understand the turmoil of the era and how people there age lived. The story is fast pasted and exciting, so your middle school student can get lost in the book and want to learn more about the time.
The Fire of Ares by Michael Ford is another work of historical fiction that will appeal to the boys. This book is the start of the Spartan Quest series and can be read by a wide age range, from fourth graders through twelfth graders. Lysander is a twelve year old caught between the Spartan ruling class and rebelling slaves. He has a foot in both worlds all because of a chance encounter triggered by his only valuable possession, an amulet called the Fire of Ares. There are no supernatural elements in the series, but parallels can be drawn with Harry Potter and other coming of age stories that blend two worlds. There is a great deal of realism about the treatment of slaves and life in ancient times, so there is historical knowledge gleaned between exciting battle and chase scenes. 

The Bronze Bow
 by Elizabeth George Speare is a historical novel featuring characters from the bible. Daniel's father is brutally killed by Romans so he goes in search for someone to lead the Palestine people and drive the Romans out. He learns about himself, life and human nature and discovers that love
can be more powerful than weapons of hate. Jesus and his teachings are a major aspect of the book, but the challenges and issues of the era are also very vividly portrayed. While the theology of the book will not play with all audiences, the trials of young Daniel and the journey to overcome hatred in lieu of tolerance and love are well done and a great read for middle school students of both genders.
Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner will most likely appeal more to girls. In this work of historical fiction, the reader travels with Spartan princess Helen as she disguises herself as a boy to learn to fight and has adventures to prove that she should be able to make decisions about her own life. On the surface, the novel is about a selfish, spoiled girl using her mind and status to get her own way, but larger issues of women's rights, slavery and individual destiny play their part as well. The era is well portrayed and the book is entertaining while leaving the reader looking for more. Thankfully, there is a sequel, Nobody's Prize, in which Helen manages to join the quest for the Golden Fleece on the Argo.
These are five fun and fantastic books to get your middle school student interested in historical fiction; however, it is far from a comprehensive list. There are a large number of historical fiction novels written for children, teens and those in between. If these books appeal to you and your young readers I also suggest books by Markus Zusak, Henry Aubin, Ross Collins, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Susan Fletcher, Julius Lester, Lois Lowry, Gill Harvey, and Christopher Paul Curtis. 

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: Little Robot by Ben Hatke

Little Robot is a children's graphic novel by Ben Hatke. It is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2015. When a little girl finds an adorable robot in the woods, she presses a button and accidentally activates him for the first time. Now, she finally has a friend. But the big, bad robots are coming to collect the little guy for nefarious purposes, and it's all up to a five-year-old armed only with a wrench and a fierce loyalty to her mechanical friend to save the day.

Little Robot is another fantastic graphic novel from Hatke, who has yet to disappoint me. A young girl is off exploring and finds a box, that just happens to have a robot inside. when she activates him she gains a friend. They explore and start to understand each other. However, a larger robot is on the hunt for the little one and danger is on the way. I really liked that the friendship was not perfect, our young heroine makes some mistakes, but her determination to protect prevail. The artwork tells most of the story, since the mechanical players are not very verbal. The story is simply charming and sweet, with the strong girl lead that I have come to expect from Hatke. I think this is a graphic novel that children of all ages, from the youngest readers to the middle grade set, can find something to connect with.

Little Robot is another must read for fans for Hatke. The charming artwork combined with a story that has determination, kindness, and friendship overcoming forces bent on destruction is a definite winner.

Book Review: Puppy Pirates: Stowaway by Erin Soderberg

Puppy Pirates: Stowaway is a children’s chapter book by Erin SoderbergWally is a pup with a nose for adventure. So when he stumbles onto a ragtag group of puppies who sail the seven seas, he knows he has to join the fun! But if pirates are supposed to be gruff and tough, this furry little guy isn’t exactly first-mate material.  Does he have what it takes to become a full-fledged puppy pirate?

Stowaway is the first book in the Puppy Pirate series, and it sets up a series of pirate adventures for one ship of puppies, and a human boy. Wally wants adventure, he wants to be a puppy pirate. When he and a human boy stowaway on a puppy pirate ship they have to prove their worth of they will have to walk the plank. They show that being quick witted and kinder than any proper pirate should be holds more value than the other puppies might expect. A fun story full of fun, friendship, and determined cuteness.


Stowaway is a easy chapter book that just might capture the attention of many young readers. Puppies, pirates, and adventure- three things most young readers love. The story is a cute read, and will appeal to many fans of similar series. I did not think it was outstanding, but I certainly think it will get some children hooked and reading which is what is important.  

Book Review: Cody and the Fountain of Happiness by Tricia Springstubb and Eliza Wheeler

Cody and the Fountain of Happiness is a children's chapter book written by Tricia Springstubb and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler. For whimsical Cody, many things are beautiful, especially ants who say hello by rubbing feelers. But nothing is as beautiful as the first day of summer vacation, and Cody doesn’t want to waste one minute of it. Meanwhile, her teenage brother Wyatt is moping over a girl, Mom is stressed about her new job as Head of Shoes, Dad is off hauling chairs in his long-distance truck, and even camp has been closed for the summer. Just when all seems lost, Cody bumps into a neighborhood boy named Spencer who is looking for a runaway cat. With a new friend and a soon-to-be-found cat, Cody is on her way to the fountain of happiness.


Cody and the Fountain of Happiness is a sweet and heartwarming story about a young girl that finds wonder in the little things, like ants, but faces a summer that is not meeting her expectations. Her big brother is moping and not  spending time with her like she expects while her mother gets a fantastic opportunity that means better pay but more time away from her family. On top of it all her father is traveling for his job and her summer at camp is canceled. what is a girl to do? Well Cody goes out and makes a new friend, finds a cat, loses a cat, tries to help her brother, and has a grand adventure while finding happiness.


Cody and the Fountain of Happiness is a wonderful read about coming of age, finding yourself, and finding happiness in unexpected places. I loved Cody and her sweet but whimsical mindset, and how much she learns during one summer's series of unexpected events. 

Book Review: Jakes Monster Mess by Ken Spillman and Chris Nixon

Jakes Monster Mess is a picturebook written by Ken Spillman and illustrated by Chris Nixon. Jake's room is only slightly messy, until he tries to clean it! After he has cleared out his sock drawer, his jock drawer, and his toy cupboard and dragged all the dusty and forgotten clutter out from under the bed, he realizes all those things are piled high on his floor and worse, they seem to have expanded!


Jakes Monster Mess is a book that captures what often happens when anyone tries to tackle a small project, which seems to grow. I know it happens to me every time I try to sort through what clothes or toys can be given away and what should be kept. Jake tries to fold and put away his laundry, only to discover the drawer he needs in full. So he decides to move those clothes elsewhere, but that location is already taken and prompts more dumping, which brings his attention to something else that needs to be organized, and so on. I can sympathize, and think kids, teachers, care givers, and parents can all relate to that feeling and phenomenon as well.


Jakes Monster Mess is a fun and relate-able books for readers of all ages. It could be used in a story time or family sharing setting, with a great story and entertaining illustrations to match. A good read for anyone with organizational difficulties, myself included. 

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.

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.