Book Review: Mr. and Mrs. Bunny-Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny-Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath is a children's chapter book with much more to it than I expected from the cover. There are two story lines in the beginning, that intersect and continue in unexpected ways. Madeline is a responsible young girl being raised by two free spirited parents, in an equally free spirited town. One night Madeline comes home from work to discover her parents have been kidnapped. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny are moving to a new home, that has been vacated under mysterious circumstances. To alleviate boredom Mrs. Bunny has decided they should become detectives, which turns out to be a good choice when they meet Madeline, who has sought help from her uncle. As the story continues, it gets funnier and more interesting with quirky characters and beautiful illustrations from Sophie Blackall.

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny-Detectives Extraordinaire is a hilarious mystery full of expected characters like detective bunnies, disreputable foxes, and a garlic loving marmot. I liked the fact that Madeline was smart and self reliant, and thought it was even better that the bunny couple wanted to take care of her. She is a practical girl that seems to be raising her parents. The entire island she lives on seems to look at her as the strange one, because she is responsible. The bunny community is equally odd. The kidnapping and the search for Madeline's parents draws in a slew of eccentric characters, like the brilliant code breaking but odd uncle, scatterbrained marmot, hat loving bunnies, and a nuisance of a neighbor. The bunny couple is well-meaning and many parents might see some aspects of their own relationships in the bunny interactions. The entire effect is fun and highly entertaining.

I recommend Mr. and Mrs. Bunny-Detectives Extraordinaire! For seven to twelve year-old’s, and the adults that might read to or with them. Teachers, parents, and anyone that enjoys children's literature will also enjoy this book. There is something fun and entertaining for both distinct levels of readers, and I am looking forward to further exploring the work of Polly Horvath and Sophie Blackall.

Book Review: The Cowboy Tutor by Linda Ford

The Cowboy Tutor by Linda Ford is a Christian, historical romance. I saw the cover and a short description and decided I needed to request it from NetGalley. I am glad I did not read the longer description, which would have made me more aware of the Christian aspect of the story, which I am not always fond. However, in Linda Ford's case, she make the character's religion so much a part of their lives that it does not come across as forced or instructional, which is often the case in Christian fiction that I have read. The story description and character that hooked me is Madge Morgan. She is the oldest daughter, the one her family counts on to find a way to make mortgage payments and keep the family together since her father died. She takes in laundry and whatever respectable jobs that she can find in a town hit hard by the depression. One day she literally runs into Judd Kirk, a detraction that she does not need in these desperate times. Little does she know that Judd has a mission of his own, and is trying to avoid becoming sidetracked himself. Subterfuge complicates matters; but hard work, trust in God, and forgiveness might bring everyone the peace and love that they deserve.

I think that The Cowboy Tutor is a relatable story. The Depression era is a time full of struggles that many of us are now dealing with again, trying to make ends met and avoid becoming without basic necessities. While we might not be taking in laundry to pay the mortgage, many people are doing everything in their power to stay afloat, just like Madge and her family. Family dynamics, strong characters, and conflicts keep the story moving and the reader enthralled.

I think that The Cowboy Tutor is a well done romance, with or without the Christian element. However, readers that simply do not enjoy any book with religious tones will want to skip the book. While the faith found here is woven seamlessly into the lives of the characters, there are those that simply do not like romance blended with scripture. I typically do not enjoy Christian romance, mainly because many of the books I have read that try to merge romance and Christian themes seem to either tack in religion to fill the dialogue gaps, make it sound forced and unnatural, or go too far and leave the reader feeling preached to or judged rather than entertained by the book. Christian readers that enjoy romance but a leery of reading books with a Christian theme for the same reasons I am will want to take the leap and pick this one up.

Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

Halflings by Heather Burch is the first book in a new young adult series. Nikki is a smart, strong and independent seventeen year old. Suddenly she seems to be under a could of dark intent and three watchful young men are charged with protecting her. Mace, Raven, and Vine are the beautiful misfits charged with watching over Nikki. it is not long before events bring Nikki and one of her protectors close, and she discovers at least part of their truth. Soon everything is at risk as Nikki and her guardians have to fight attraction and those hunting Nikki.

Halfling's main character is Nikki who is clearly something special. This is made clear quickly as this assumedly normal teenage girl being chased by hell hounds and the occasional madman. Three mysterious, impossibly attractive young men ride to her rescue, and it is not long before Nikki guesses at least part of their secret and gets a glimpse of the bigger picture. Attraction between Nikki and two of her new guardians makes everything more complicated, and more dangerous for everyone. Her parents, normal trusted and trusting, seem to be hiding something and a mysterious family friend appears from nowhere. I was initially disappointed when the almost inevitable love triangle made itself known. At first I just sighed and a little annoyed at the fact that a love triangle is pretty much a given when reading teen paranormal books these days. However, I quickly was appeased with the unique angle on the love angst, the developing characters, and mystery elements of the story erased any negative feelings I had about the book.

Halflings is the great start to a new series, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me and its characters. Heather Burch is now on my list of need to read authors. There is a solid balance of world building and urban fantasy aspects with suspense and mystery. The main characters are in a safe enough position that I cannot call the ending a cliff hanger, but it left be seriously craving the next book in the series. There are puzzles stilled to be solved, and I feel a little in limbo waiting to see if my suspicions are right, or if I am out in left field. I recommend Halflings to those that enjoy young adult novels, books with angel mythology, urban fantasy, and a solid read.

Book Review: Secrets of An Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore

Secrets of An Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore made me sad that I have yet to read the first book in the Donovan sister series, Confessions of an Improper Bride. Which is something I should rectify soon. Olivia Donovan is treated like a porcelain doll by her sister, like she might break at any moment. While this concern might be anchored in good intentions, since she can develop a serious fever at any time due to contracting malaria as a child. Her delicate appearance does not help her in this regard at all. however, Olivia is a lot stronger than anyone seems to believe. She is smart, independent, and bold with no way to enjoy some freedom other than her daily walks. Max spots the ethereal Olivia across a crowded ballroom in London, and is goaded into a bet with an acquaintance. little did he know that that bet, and the madman he made it with, would cause so much danger and destruction.

Secrets of An Accidental Duchess was a well paced romance. I liked that the story did not end as soon as the pair came together, or after max's poor decisions came to light. the villain and other side of Max's bet, Fenwicke, is a sociopath and all things bad about the male members of society. I think that he was a little one dimensional with no background or reason behind his attitude or actions, but he is terrifying none the less. there are some suspenseful moments, and some good intimate movements as well. The story was well rounded, well paced, and very involving. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the first book in the series, since there were multiple references to one of her sister's marriage and some intense family activity. However, the missing bits of background did not make Olivia and Max any less real or interesting, it only effected the understanding of family dynamics and how certain people came to be part of their inner circle. There was also some serious set up for the next book in the series, Pleasures of a Tempted Lady, which I will have to read when it comes out in August of 2012.

I recommend Secrets of An Accidental Duchess to fans of romance that offers more that insta-love between the main characters. i think readers that have ever felt stifled by overprotective family will especially enjoy Olivia's character, particularly her true strength. Jennifer Haymore is an author that I am going to explore further, now that I have been treated to her well developed heroines.

Netgalley Month- January 2012 Edition

I feel like I read an awful lot this month, but at the same time that I did not read as much as I could have. Here is my reading list, at least of NetGalley books. I will admit to having read three or four library books between these. So at least I know I read more than I am listing here.  

Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers (Urban fantasy)  
Daughter of the Centaurs by K.K. Ross (Young adult/fantasy)  
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges (young adult/historical/urban fantasy)
Tina's Mouth: An Existential Comic Diary by Keshni Kashyap (young adult/graphic novel)  
Under His Influence by Justine Elyot (erotica/science fiction/suspense) How to Make a Golem and Terrify People by Allete J. Willis (Children)
First Aid for Fairies and Other Fabled Beasts by Lari Don (Children) Hades: Lord of the Dead by George O'Connor (Young adult/Graphic novel) Popular Clone by M.E. Castle (Children)
Dark Sins and Desert Sands by Stephanie Draven (Romance/suspense)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain (Non-fiction)
Dotter of Her Father's Eyes by Mary Talbot and Brian Talbot (Graphic Novel)
Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! by Beth Bracken, illustrated by Richard Watson (picture book)
Tall: Great American Folktales, edited by Donnie Lemke (Children/graphic novel)
Ragnarok by A. S. Byatt (historical, partly biographical part mythology)
Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster by Mary M. Cerullo (children/non-fiction)

So I read sixteen NetGalley books. There were a couple I read the first pages of and decided to shuffle behind others on my list. However, I'll be proud of my sixteen, and hope to do better in the next NetGalley Month.

Book Review: "Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster"

Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster by Mary M. Cerullo is a children's non fiction book. This book details the search for the 'sea monster' of the deeps, the beast that has terrified and enthralled people for centuries, the giant squid. Doctor Clyde Roper is a scientist that is particularly fascinated by the giant squid, and Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster chronicles the search and his discoveries surrounding this secretive creature. While there is still much to learn, there are many fascinating facts about the giant squid, its habitat,its cousins, its prey, its predators, and what it is a vital part of the ocean's ecosystem.

My complete review is available here on Yahoo! Voices.

Early Book Review: Ragnarok by A. S. Byatt

Ragnarok by A. S. Byatt is an intriguing combination of autobiographical remembrances of tumultuous times during her childhood and the intricacy of Norse legends. The two come together with striking skill that will speak to anyone that has found myths to be somehow a more real world than the one that we live in. While toe tale ultimately shows how stories, myths, and legends can help us process the reality of our own demise regardless of not knowing when it might come.

Ragnarok is a relatively short work, but I would not call it a quick read. It is deep and layered. I had to set the book aside a couple times to think about my own relation to mythology and the connections the 'thin child' of the story had to her myths, as well as my connection to her. The setting for the 'thin child' that is our main character that frames the book's narrative is the British country side. Her family has been evacuated there while her father is fighting in world War Two, and the world at large is in chaos. The conflicts and chaos of the Norse myth of Ragnarok, the final battle of th e gods and resulting end of the world, is mirrored in the wartime atmosphere and the child's own beliefs about father's likelihood to return. Her retreat into her inner world, and the way she uses that world and the mythology she studies to relate to the world around her, is relatible. It takes the readers along on a journey that no only explains one girls mindset, but compares a variety of mythologies and how they relate to each other in the greater scheme of things.

Ragnarok is a striking work that I recommend for anyone that enjoys mythology, autobiographical stories, or anything that related to World War Two. This is a thought invoking and enthralling work that challenges the reader on a level that has nothing to do with reading comprehension or understanding. There are political, personal, and ecological themes entangled in the journey, some which I am still pondering.

Early Book Review: Tall: Great American Folktales

Tall: Great American Folktales, edited by Donnie Lemke is a children's graphic novel retelling some favorite American tall tales. It is set for release on February 1 2012. The tales of Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Johnny Appleseed come to life on the pages of this volume, entertaining and teaching the next generation classic stories of early America. The authors involved in the project include Martin Powell (Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed), Sean Tulien (Pecos Bill), and Stephanie Peters (John Henry). The artists are Aaron Blecha (Paul Bunyan), Lisa K. Weber (Pecos Bill), Nelson Evergreen (John Henry), and Michelle Lomoreaux (Johnny Appleseed).

Tall: Great American Folktales is a great introduction to classic American folklore. Each of the stories has a different feel because of the different authors and artists, but they share a feel of Americana. I recommend this graphic novel collection volume to children around eight and older. The stories truly are tall tales, complete with over the top tales of how the Grand Canyon, Rio Grand, and other distinct landmarks of the nation came to exist. The book left me happy, entertained, and feeling nostalgic. While I am not sure as to how much each of the tales varies from the traditional versions, because it has been years since I have read any of them, but they certainly were entertaining, tall tales.

Early Book Review: Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners!

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! by Beth Bracken, illustrated by Richard Watson, is a picture book set for release on February 1 2012. Peter the monkey is typically rude and gross. He does not say please or thank you, never mind saying excuse me. He does not seem to think being polite is very important. In fact, he greatly enjoys the extra attention that his lack of manners bring his way. However, one night at dinner his family begins to act strangely and Peter gets a look at how the people around him feel when he behaves badly.

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! is a fun story with colorful, bright illustrations. Peter is one rude monkey, and loves that behaving badly gets him some extra attention. His parents and little sister team up at dinner one night to give him a little taste of his own medicine. While this might not be the more mature parenting style, it certainly seems to get the point across to Peter. I think that this will definitely speak to the four to six year old set that the book is aimed at.

Terrible, Awful, Horrible Manners! will be a hit in some homes, a complete miss in others. While bathroom and grooming humor is always a hit with the target age range, and some parents, it might be deemed inappropriate by some adults. If you want to avoid books with that type of giggle, then you might want to skip it, because it is definitely in this book. Would would suggest it for reading at home, rather than for use in a preschool or kindergarten environment. My children, ages three and five, got a real kick out of the story and illustrations. Hopefully it also made them more aware of how their actions affect those around them. Thankfully they are already good with saying please and thank you. However, like with most children, an occasional reminder is needed and this book can be a fun way to do the job.

Early Book Review: Dotter of Her Father's Eyes

Dotter of Her Father's Eyes by Mary Talbot and Brian Talbot is a graphic novel that is part personal memoir of Mary Talbot, the daughter of a renowned Joycean scholar, and part biography of Lucia, James Joyce's daughter. The two personal histories are interwoven and well told. The two coming of age takes share some heart wrenching similarities as well as sharp contrasts fueled by time period and social expectations. The book is slated for release on Feb. 8, 2012.

Dotter of Her Father's Eyes details the pressures and young lives of Mary Talbot and Lucia Joyce. While the particulars their situations, particularly in regards to social status and personal ambitions, are different they each suffer from relationships with their parents that were far from perfect.

My complete review is available here on Yahoo! Voices.