Book Review: Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind by Gary Ross

Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind, written by Gary Ross and illustrated by Matthew Myers, is the story of a boy that is tired of an ordinary life. He takes a chance to harness a wild wind one night, and uses a bed-sheet and the wind to take a ride on the breeze. Soon he is off, high above his town and far beyond. At the mercy of the wind Bartholomew meets up with pirates, a gray boarding school, and a cove lacking any wind. Can he recapture the wind and find a way home?

Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind is an interesting book. The verse is very well done, as are the full page illustrations. Together they which capture the imagination and take you along with Bartholomew and his journey. I am generally avoid books, aside from picture books, told in verse. At 96 pages this is well past picture book stage, but because of the well turned verse and the vivid illustrations this book can appeal to all ages.

Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind is recommended for age 6 and older, and can capture the imagination of any reader that has pondered escaping to an adventure, not unlike that of Bartholomew.

I recommend Bartholomew Biddle and the Very Big Wind as an addition to a home or library collection. It is a little to long for a traditional story time, but would work well as a bed time story or sharing with one or two children.

Book Review: Fairies at Bedtime: Tales of Inspiration and Delight for You to Read with Your Child to Enchant, Comfort and Enlighten

Fairies at Bedtime: Tales of Inspiration and Delight for You to Read with Your Child to Enchant, Comfort and Enlighten, written by Karen Wallace and Lou Kuenzler, is a collection of twenty stories with mystical characters intended to teach your child about respecting the world and people around them. The stories are short and very simple, including some instruction for meditation.

Fairies at Bedtime begins with some background of fairies and the legends that surround them all over the world. The short stories are very short, and simple, with clear moral instruction. There are stories about respecting the natural world, being kind to others, not making promises you cannot keep, and other important lessons.  There are some small illustrations, but no enough to keep some young readers happy, but the stories are so simple that older children might become bored.

Fairies at Bedtime would work for short bedtime stories, or as an aid in teaching a young child about mediation or a particular lesson that they might need to learn. It would work best with the 4 to 7 crowd, but I think the combination of easy text and lack of significant illustrations makes this a book that is too young for some and too easy to lose interest in for others.

Early Book Review: Trouble in Texas by Katie Lane

Trouble in Texas is the fourth book in the Deep in the Heart of Texas series by Katie Lane. It is scheduled for release on December 18 2012. Elizabeth Murphy was taught by her mother not to trust men, and she never questioned it. She is living a quiet life, working as a librarian in a tiny Texan town and playing the role of an old maid. However, when she inherits an infamous henhouse her life begins to spin out of control, but that could be just what she needs. Brant Crates is on a search for his heritage, and maybe a little revenge. When he finds the ramshackle building that is said to be the henhouse where his ancestor was shot, he finds more questions than answers. His plan certainly did not include being shot, drugged, or handcuffed to a bed but some elderly women, but getting wrapped up in Elizabeth's world could prove to be a major game changer.

Trouble in Texas was a fun romance, and just what I needed after some much heavier fare. Elizabeth was a well intentioned and good hearted character, with enough spunk to override the straight lace persona she tried to maintain. The fact that she shared my profession, a librarian mind you, and a deep love of books made me relate to her even more than I might have otherwise. I liked her through out the book, and really enjoyed that she grew as a person and came to understand herself, and her family, more as the story progressed. Brant had some serious baggage as the story began, and he also grew and came to understand himself and the world around him better as the story progressed. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and while there were a couple moments that I was not thrilled with either of them and their choices, as a whole I liked them both, and their story.

Trouble in Texas is a great romance read. It is contemporary, but has a small town atmosphere and fun, quirky characters. If you are like me and have not read the first three books in the Deep in the Heart of Texas series, do not fear. I did not feel like I was missing anything important but when I finished the story I was eager to read the others (both those that came before and those to come) to read more about some of my favorite secondary characters.

Picturebook review: Dinosaur Countdown by Nicholas Oldland

Dinosaur Countdown, written and illustrated  by Nicholas Oldland, is a book that will help children master counting down from ten to one, while introducing them to dinosaurs. The cartoonish and non threatening dinosaurs and the adjectives attributed to them are fun and will make this a favorite counting book for those that are fascinated with the large lizards.

Dinosaur Countdown does not have a new concept, or stand out as the best of concept counting books. However, I think that the dinosaur names, and the included pronunciation guide at the back of the book., and some vocabulary included, can make this a valued teaching tool. Young children with a love of dinosaurs will especially enjoy the silly lizards. I do recommend anyone planning on reading aloud, or sharing the book with children, take a quick peak at the guide in the back before reading so that you are prepared for some of the dinosaur names prior to turning the pages.

Book Review: Tilly's Moonlight Garden by Julia Green

Tilly's Moonlight Garden by Julia Green is a children's book recommended for ages nine and older. It is a story that will hit home for children and adults alike. Tilly's family moves into a new house, a large house that Tilly's mother has inherited. Tilly's father is a writer, often lost in his own work, and her mother is pregnant and ill enough that she is restricted to bed-rest. In her fears of the new home, new school, her mother's health, and becoming a big sister, Tilly is feeling a little lost. A wild fox in the garden and a mysterious girl leads Tilly to a secret garden. A new girl at school, Christmas, and family changes lead Tilly to question just what is real and help her grow.

Tilly's Moonlight Garden is a coming of age story with a strong sense of learning to accept yourself and your family for who they are. Tilly misses her best friend and feels lost in a big house and no neighbors to play with. Her parents are dealing with their own concerns, and obviously love Tilly (which she never doubts), but she is left to her own devices most of the time. Exploring the garden and house is entertaining to a young girl with a solid imagination, but Tilly craves more. It is only in her nighttime wanderings that the fox and mysterious girl make Tilly feel that she is having adventures. I connected with Tilly right away, including her fears about being made fun of for liking 'childish' things by classmates and worried that others are mocking her even when they might not be paying any attention to her at all. I often felt that same way as a child, and can only imagine that it is common. Tilly grows, makes connections, and channels her creativity in constructive and positive ways.

I recommend Tilly's Moonlight Garden to children that share any of Tilly's insecurities. Readers facing a move, illness in the family, family additions, or just spending a lot of time alone will find much in Tilly's mind and story that they can relate to. I will be looking for more by Green to add to my children's library as they grow up.

Early Book Review: Kept: A Coveted Novel by Shawntelle Madison

Kept by Shawntelle Madison is the follow up to young adult novel Coveted, and will be released on November 27 2012. The characters of Kept continue the urban fantasy story surrounding Natalya Stravinsky, a werewolf with a compulsive disorder. Her ex boyfriend is slated to be the alpha and engaged to snooty Erica. Nick and the other friends from Nat's therapy group make their appearances along with Nat's best friends and family. Love, war, and friendship collide just when Nat needs a little down time. Her father's past has caught up with him and the possibility of a serious love triangle blooms. Could saving her father and trying to rejoin the pack be the end of Nat, or will the danger help her rise above the challenges she faces. Resolution on all fronts is offered.

I really enjoyed Coveted, and so admit to moving Kept up in my book queue, simply to see what would happen next. I still love Natalya, Nick, Thorn, and the variety of quirky characters in the story. I think the suspense and action in the story were wonderfully handled. Nat's father and the deal made around that leads to a broader storyline, which I loved. I enjoyed just about every bit of conflict here, and the solid resolutions the book offers. My only complaint is that I expected more. Not more from this book, but more openings for Nat's story to continue. I felt like either her story could have either fit into one larger book with other characters getting their own books in the future, or that more could have stood in Nat's way so that the series could have continued on. I still enjoyed the read, and am glad I read it, but felt a little let down when I read the last line. I do not think I am ready to say goodbye to these quirky characters.

I recommend Kept to everyone that has read and loved Coveted. If you have not read it yet, then go read it  and follow it up quickly with Kept to finish Natalya's story. I hope that Madison continues writing novels set in the world she has created here. I would love to see where the stories of other members in Nat's family and therapy group go post Kept. In fact, I just visited Amazon to get Collected, the prequel to Coveted, which I plan on reading as soon as possible.

Book Review: The Soulkeepers by G. P. Ching

The Soulkeepers by G. P. Ching is a young adult novel which begins the urban fantasy Soulkeeper series. Jacob Lau only has his mother, and when he wakes up in a hospital, certain he is dead, he discovers that he might not even have her anymore. His father died years ago, and now his mother is missing, and very well could be dead. Jacob has more questions than answers as an uncle he did not know he had takes him to live with his family in a small town that does not seem to want him there. Small time life, and small minds, wear on Jacob as he makes one good friend and discovers he has some hidden talents. The mysterious woman across the street might have some answers, and might hold the key to discovering the truth about his mother's whereabouts, but even the answers he gains raise more questions. Could Dr. Abigail Silva be telling the truth with her tales of Soulkeepers and Watchers and will the events and knowledge change Jacob and the world forever.

The Soulkeepers is a fascinating take on growing up, and on the legends of fallen angels and faith. I always enjoy new takes on old ideas when the characters and storyline are well written, and offer something that really does make the reader stop and think. Jacob is a smart boy, even when swayed by normal teen urges, anger, and fears. The teens in his new high school, and the cousin he needs to share the house with, are absolutely believable. I swear I knew some of these kids when I was in school. The more mystical aspects of the story are equally well done, and them merge well, creating a seamless blend. Trust, faith, and being true to yourself are huge themes here, but never does the author preach to a specific religion or faith, which I found to fit well within the story and would make readers of all faiths comfortable reading the story.

I recommend The Soulkeepers to young adult and adult readers that like new takes on old ideas, urban fantasy, coming of age stories, or any combination of these genres. It was fresh and new, even as other authors try to write about angels, demons, and the various aspects of beings found in religion based stories. I was particularly impressed with a story that could have easily became preachy and lost readers of several beliefs, but instead spoke to anyone that believes in something, or nothing at all.

Book Review: Coveted by Shawntelle Madison

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison is a novel for adults, and young adults, that speaks about mental illness in a fresh new way. Natalya Stravinsky is a werewolf with a broken heart, and who feels broken in a much larger way. She calls herself a collector, but in reality is a hoarder. She is obsessively clean, and has a special love for Christmas ornaments. She was not always like this, but events that broke her heart and brought her to be an outcast of the pack have exasperated her urges, and she is a little out of control. Now complications are starting to pile up faster than the ornaments, as a rival pack brings danger close to home, Nat's ex boyfriend returns, an old friend comes to stay, and a return to therapy brings new connections and surprises.

I really fell into the world of Nat and Coveted. She loves her family, friends, and pack but is often insulted and typically outright mistreated or ignored because of her strange habits. She has found a job that soothes her need to organize and be in control, but the chaos of life often bring on urges to search out new items for her collection. Even those with no mental illness, or lacking a close connection to someone with one, can relate to that need for some level of control when life seems to spin out of control. The explanation of how it feels to have compulsive urges and to face them, is something many readers need to understand simply to understand others they will encounter in life, and Coveted handles it with honesty and compassion.

Oh, and then there is the supernatural component to Coveted. The werewolf hierarchy is not new, readers of paranormal novels will already have an understanding of how it works, and it holds true here. However, I greatly enjoyed the inclusion of other supernatural creatures. I always found it silly to write about one type of supernatural creature with dismissing the idea that if one exists, it is likely that there are even more possibilities out there. The introduction of a wide variety of supernaturals, and the open possibilities of more being out there, makes the world Nat lives in feel even more realistic to me.

I highly recommend Coveted to readers that enjoy a well written paranormal or urban fantasy novel, but are tired of reading ones that all feel the same. Readers with mental illness, or close to someone with one, will have even more to love about Coveted as it gives an honest look at compulsive urges and the true humanity of those so often ignored or shunned by other people.

Book Review: The Recruit: A Highland Guard Novel by Monica McCarty

The Recruit: A Highland Guard Novel by Monica McCarty is a historical romance that takes place the the midst of war between England and Scotland's King Robert the Bruce. Kenneth Sutherland wants to be part of Bruce's elite guard, and will do anything to prove himself. Mary of Mar is hiding from everything including herself. She has been betrayed by the husband she loved, and the country she lives in. She just wants to live her life, maintain her independence, and do everything she can to reconnect with her son while protecting his future. When the two met under less than proper circumstances the battle begins. Mary has seen the hero sort before, and refuses to go down that path again, but Kenneth is caught off guard by her and the two collide. Can they overcome their own misgivings and the chaos of the world around them to come together in love, or are they both heading for disaster?

The Recruit is a fun and funny tale. Kenneth is an alpha male with temper issues. Mary is wiser and more cynical because of her first marriage. Both characters are well developed and had me worried for them on a few occasions. Mary is strong and smart, struggling with her own misgivings and against the culture that left women very few choices. Kenneth is a little temper heavy, but in a way that makes him seem vulnerable as well, since he does not strike at those smaller or weaker than himself as others in the story. Of course, in the end love conquers all- but not until there are some serious actions scenes, betrayal, and high emotion moments.

I recommend The Recruit to readers that like their warriors in kilts. If you also like romance that centers around soldiers, spies, or those in a black ops type service you just might want to give this book and the series as a whole a go as well. Why? , well because McMarthy's Highland Guard series is basically about a band of Black Ops Highland Warriors!  I will be looking for more of this series to fill me desires for romance reading.

Picturebook Review: Oh No, Little Dragon! by Jim Averbeck

Oh No, Little Dragon! is a delightful picturebook written and illustrated by Jim Averbeck. Little dragon love to use the spark inside him to create fire as he plays. However,m a side affect of such play is that he ends up sooty and in need of a bath. Even a bath can be fun, until he gets an accidental gulp of water and dowses his spark. Little dragon is sad and worried that his mother will no longer love him is he does not have his special spark. Reassurance and love bring the dragon comfort, and the depth of a mother's love also brings back his spark.

Oh No, Little Dragon! is a book that has many great opportunities for story time.It can be used to start discussions on imagination, fire safety, bath time, and the love parents have for their children.  Dragon is an imaginative little kid, with great games and expressions.The detail of his play, including in the bath, is wonderful. His fears are those everyone can relate to, and understand.The colorful crayon style illustrations are simple and appealing to all ages, playing well for both one on one interaction and group reading.

I highly recommend Oh No, Little Dragon! for home, school, and library shelves. The story can be used for a variety of storytime topics, and highlights the amazing love between parents and children.