Early Book Review: The Long, Long Journey: The Godwit's Amazing Migration by Sandra Markle and Mia Posada

The Long, Long Journey: The Godwit's Amazing Migration, written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Mia Posada, is a nonfiction picture book, or easy non fiction book, which is scheduled for release on April 1 2013. The book takes readers through the life on one godwit, from the day she hatches through her first migration from Alaska to New Zealand. The dangers of life, the 7,000 mile journey, and a glimpse at what the future holds for this female bird make for an interesting and entertaining tale.

The Long, Long Journey is a beautifully illustrated story that captures the imagination, and can foster amazement in the wonders of animals. The bar-tailed godwit is a bird that hatches in Alaska and spends its first year on that shore, before making the longest flight known of, an eight day migration without stopping. There is further information about the birds, and their lives, after the story of this young bird. I found the illustrations to be particularly striking, and well done. The bring the animals to life, particularly as the young bird is in danger from predators.

I would recommend The Long, Long Journey for elementary school libraries, public libraries, and personal collection. Children with that are particularly interested in animals will have  the most interest, but the illustrations will capture those that might otherwise lose interest in a non fiction story.

Early Book Review: Where's Leopold? #1 Your Pajamas Are Showing! by Michel-Yves Schmitt and Vincent Caut

Where's Leopold? #1 Your Pajamas Are Showing! is a children's graphic novel written by Michel-Yves Schmitt and illustrated by Vincent Caut. It is scheduled for release on April 1 2013. Leopold and his big sister have a recognizable love hate relationship. When Leopold discovers that he can turn himself invisible he plans on playing pranks and stealing his sister's candy. But, only his body seems to become invisible. Can Leopold get the courage to go around naked for the sake of invisibility, or will he find away to make his ability work on his clothes too. More importantly, will he discover that even a cool power like turning invisible might not be all the fun that he thinks it will be?

Your Pajamas Are Showing! is the start of a new series, and it promises to be silly and fun. Leopold has no sense of responsibility or purpose with his new-found power. He just wants to play pranks and get away with things he would not be able to do other wise. I think elementary school age student will find the story fun and entertaining, a quick and momentarily diverting read. I think it will appeal to some of the more reluctant readers, and could become a popular pick in libraries. However, do know that Leopold does not learn that responsibility should temper the use of power- there is no redemption or moral lesson embedded here. It is simply a fun, silly read.

Book Review: My Crocodile Does Not Bite by Joe Kulka

My Crocodile Does Not Bite by Joe Kulka is a picturebook about the annual pet show at an elementary school. As students met at the bus stop, you see all the expected pets, including the very confident Cindy Lou and her pet poodle. Ernest arrives with his pet crocodile and the fun begins. Cindy Lou does everything to discourage Ernest, and to disprove the crocodile's abilities. However, the crocodile is indeed very well trained, and Cindy Lou ends up helping Ernest prove that his crocodile really does not bite.

My Crocodile Does Not Bite is bright, colorful, and fun. Ernest and his crocodile Gustave are fun characters. They seem to both be friendly and good sports, characters the reader will want to identify with. Cindy Lou is a bit of a brat, with a poodle that is just as stubborn and prideful as its owner. The story does have a little touch of vindictiveness, that might cause concern for some parents, as Cindy Lou gets a lesson at the end, but it comes off as all in good fun.

My Crocodile Does Not Bite is a fun picturebook that I would recommend to most young readers. It could be used in discussing good sportsmanship in relation to Cindy Lou's behavior, or talking about what people really can have as pets.

Book Review: The Notorious Lady Anne by Sharon Cullen

The Notorious Lady Anne by Sharon Cullen is a historical romance. Nicholas Addison is a captain returning to the sea for the first time since being injured. But, it is not just any journey. He is on a mission to discover the truth behind reports of pirate attacks. Mrs. Emmaline Sutherland is a widow that just happens to be a passenger on that journey. When the ship is attacked by pirates, Emmaline is revealed to be much more than she appears. She is the notorious pirate Lady Anne. The real story only begins with that revelation, as Emmaline and Nicholas need to face other dangers, their own emotions, and the obstacles between them and a future together.

I admit, I had high hopes for The Notorious Lady Anne. I love strong female characters, particularly those that defy convention. Emmaline, or Lady Anne, is a strong woman. She has faced many difficulties in her life, and has prospered. Nicholas is another well done character. He is a member of nobility, and a ship captain with honor. He is a good man, that accepts others for who they are, even if he does not agree with their ideas or choices. I do have to admit that at a certain point in the story I started getting impatient with the story, as more and more problems arose and the pair still had not sat down and simply discussed most of the obstacles, keeping their thoughts to themselves. While I was glad the book broke with the traditional pattern, I had a few moments of just wishing we could reach the happily ever after. This could certainly have been partially my eagerness to open up the next book on my reading list.

I recommend The Notorious Lady Anne to readers that like historical romance that involve pirates, adventure, strong characters, and unconventional women. This is not a quick read, but one that takes readers on romance with many layers and complications. The conclusion is satisfying, but you need to be patient in order to get there.

Early Book Review: I Hate Picture Books by Timothy Young

I Hate Picture Books!, written and illustrated by Timothy Young, is a picturebook that is scheduled for release on March 28 2013. Max has a large collection of picturebooks, and decided that he needs to throw them away because they just get him into to much trouble. Just how can a book get one in trouble, when an imaginative boy starts acting out what he sees in those books, like drawing on the walls or eating green ham. In his thoughts about why he hates those books, Max comes to realize just how much he loves them and has a change of heart.

I Hate Picture Books! is a book that both pays homage and pokes a little fun at picturebooks that can be considered classics. Young readers, and the adults sharing this book with them, are likely to recognize most, if not all, of the books that are hinted at in the story. I know that I saw some of my favorites, and some of the frequent picks from my own children. The humor and the love for picturebooks found through out this short book made this book lover smile.

I highly recommend I Hate Picture Books! to readers of all ages. Anyone that enjoys picturebooks on any level, will find enjoyment in this book. Despite my efforts to keep my own children from using the word hate, I just might need to add this one to my permanent collection.

Book Review: Cold Days by Jim Butcher

Cold Days is the fourteenth book in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. If you have not yet started this series, do not start here, you absolutely need to begin at the beginning. Do not feel daunted by the number of books in the series, or fear that the quality will have started to slip, or that the effort will not be worth it. Go get Storm Front and read it now, and while you are at the library or bookstore pick up Fool Moon and Grave Peril too, since you will just want to keep going as soon as you get started. This series is one that just gets better with each book! This is a series that deserves its own shelf in your personal collection- and brings out the occasional fan-girl squee from this reader.

That being said, readers of the series will know from Ghost Story (book 13) that Harry Dresden, my favorite wizard for hire, is not only alive but also carrying the title of Winter Knight and in the service of Mab. However, he is still the Harry we know and love, just with the added challenge of battling the instincts of Winter, which urge him to do things more in line with Mab's ideals than his own. Harry's first job as Winter Knight after surviving Mab's idea of rehabilitation just happens to be killing an immortal. Of course, nothing is that simple in Harry's life. Not only does he need to do the impossible by killing an immortal, he also is beset by new enemies, discovers a larger plot to release evil and destruction on the world, and the knowledge that anyone around him could be tainted by evil. Just an ordinary day in the life of Harry Dresden.

If you love the Dresden Files series, you will continue loving the series with Cold Days. Harry's desire to save the people around him, and the world in general is still going strong. His wit, one liners, and self-deprecation is still going strong as well. Several of our favorite characters make appearances, and we get a glimpse at just how complex the world that Butcher has built through this series has become. I do not want to give away any of the details- because it would just take away some of the joy that comes with reading it and being blindsided along with Harry. The stakes are rising, and I will not lie, the ending of Cold Days only makes things more complicated and left me incredibly eager to see what awaits Harry (and readers) in book 15.

Dresden fans that were disappointed with Ghost Story, have no fear! Cold Days is one of the best books in the series. Read and enjoy, just make sure that you leave yourself enough time to read in just a couple sittings, or you will be greatly annoyed with necessary interruptions. And again, if you have not yet enjoyed any of the books in this series, go get Storm Front now and start reading!

Early Book Review: Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest by Brian P. Cleary and Brian Gable

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest, written by Brian P. Cleary and illustrated by Brian Gable is a fun, and sometimes silly grammar book which is scheduled for release on March 1 2013. We all know that the English language is hard, and full of wacky rules and even stranger exceptions. This book takes great strides in explaining the basics of those rules for comparatives and superlatives, forms of describing words that compare two or more things. The illustrations and word choices make the book fun for readers as they learn.

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest is the newest book in the Words Are CATegorical series of books. The illustrations are bright, fun, and sometimes silly. The book outlines the basics, as well as more detailed  information on the rules to teach the concept to older students, or simple to get the rules in the minds of students of all ages. The rhythm and rhymes make it fun to read aloud, and make the learning process a little easier, and a lot more fun. A chart at the end of the book helps makes this concept even easier to take to the next level. Teachers and parents can challenge their students to take things to the next level by asking them to come up with more comparatives and superlatives, the zanier the better.

Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest is a great tool for introducing the concept to children, or as a refresher for older students. This makes the book a good choice for multiple age groups, and a book many elementary school students can enjoy when assigned to read.

Early Book Review: Cardwell Ranch Trespasser by B.J. Daniels

Cardwell Ranch Trespasser is a new book in the Montana Mystique series by B.J. Daniels and is schedule for release on March 19 2013. Dana Cardwell was so glad she had more family out in the world, that she invites a cousin she never knew existed for an open ended stay at her ranch.  However, the cunning Dee Ann that Dana and her family welcomes to the family might have plans Dana could never imagine. Dana' best friend Hilde is skeptical about Dee, and fear for her friend only deepens when accidents befall her in Dee's company. Dana and her husband Hud do not believe Hilde, everyone seems to complete trust and fawn over the newcomer. Everyone but Deputy Marshal Colt Dawson, who just wants to keep Hilde safe, and as close as possible. Can they uncover the truth about Dee before tragedy strikes.

I believe Cardwell Ranch Trespasser to be the fifth book in a series. I have not read any of the other books, and despite not fully understanding some of the apparently complicated family dynamics in the Cardwell clan, I did not feel like the plot of this book were compromised by that lack. Dana is an abundantly cheerful and good-natured woman, with no ill thoughts about anyone. She has no apparent concerns about inviting a stranger into her house with her family. I am rather glad that I have not yet read her book, as I think I would not appreciate that character on a larger scale. Hilde is a character I can connect with. She is pragmatic, hard working, and a realist. She is willing to give Dee a chance, but listens when her warning bells start ringing. Colt makes no secret that he is fascinated with Hilde, even though she previously turned him down. But,it is his trust in her, and her instincts, that lead him to help her. I liked that dynamic, as well as the details of the strain on previously strong relationships caused by the situation.

I found the majority of the story a little far fetched, like a marshal would not do a little research about the woman invited to stay with his family, which includes four small children, which bothered me. I also found that the relationship between Hilde and Colt moved a little too quickly from 'its not a good idea, to 'come on in' for my tastes. I know that stress and fear push things along faster, and that life and death situations can make people do silly things, and that it was a fairly short story, but still irked me a little.

I recommend Cardwell Ranch Trespasser to readers that enjoy the other books by B.J. Daniels, particular those in this series. I think that readers that want a quick, but slightly wild, read with romance, suspense, and some mystery will enjoy the book. For those that need a story with a more convincing tale, something that feels real regardless of the setting, will want to skip the book.

Early Book Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

Poison by Bridget Zinn is a young adult novel with publication scheduled for March 12 2013. Kyra is sixteen years year old in a world of kings and queens, where witches are born, potion makers are valued, and all trades have a guild to belong to. Kyra has become a potions master with a specialty in assassination, and knows that the entire kingdom is going to be destroyed on the day the princess gets married. In an attempt to save the kingdom Krya attempts to kill the princess, but something happens that has never occurred before, she misses. To make things more complicated, the princess is Kyra's best friend, and Kyra is now a wanted criminal and still searching for a way to complete her task. Can Kyra complete her task with just her wits, a potions bag, a fellow traveler that just wont seem to leave her alone, his dog, and an enchanted pig?

I enjoyed reading Poison. The character building was very well done. I loved Kyra; with her cynical outlook, practical actions, and desire to do the right thing regardless of the consequences or danger to herself. She is isolated, even when surrounded by people, trying to protect herself and others rather than enjoying life. Fred, her fellow traveler, is equal parts charming rouge and bumbling fool, who made me laugh and infuriated Kyra on several occasions. Rosie, the adorable enchanted pig is both sweet and somehow hard core. The world building was less detailed than the characters, and on several occasions left me wondering if there was a previous book or more information somewhere that I missed. When I reached the end, and saw the finely woven web of details in the plot line, I saw why most of that was the case, but still would have liked more about the world Poison takes place in.

Poison had a very well done mystery that fulled the action through out the story. The mystery of why and how the princess was going to destroy the world tied everything together wonderfully. While there were certain things I anticipated, I was completely surprised by other moments. The relationships, and how they change, between Kyra and those she trusted prior to her assassination attempt might be in the background to the story, and set up room for future books, but they have definite impact on Kyra's choices and interactions with others.

I love a story with well built characters, and Poison fits that bill. Kyra and her companions came alive, with viable personalities. I recommend the book to those that like fantasy, particularly those that move forward based more on characters and mystery rather than the world the story takes place in. If you enjoy young adult fantasy, and reading about a character learning to let others in, despite the knowledge that it might backfire, then you will love this book.

Book Review: Spider Stampede by Ali Sparkes and Ross Collins

Spider Stampede is  a children's book written by Ali Sparkes and illustrated by Ross Collins. It was originally published by Oxford University Press 2011, but will be released by Lerner Classroom ion May 1 2013. Josh and Danny Philips are eight year old identical twins, that are very different from each other. One thing they have in common, aside from their looks, is the desire to play outside with their dog like most kids. Unfortunately, their dog Piddle run's into their neighbor's yard. It would not be too bad, but this neighbor is a little strange. Miss Potts has a secret, and that secret turns the two boys into spiders. Can the two boys survive as spiders, and can the find away to change back into humans?

Spider Stampede is a fun book, with adventure and a little science fiction. I liked that the twins are very different from each other, and know how to work those differences to their advantage. They might tease each other, what siblings don't, but they obviously care about each other ad work well as a team. I also liked that through out the book readers actually lean something about spiders, and other creepy crawlies. Even though I knew most of the facts already, I liked seeing them woven into the story.

I think that readers that like insects and arachnids, spunky kids, a little trouble, adventure, and science fiction will enjoy Spider Stampede. The story is fun, full of action and humor. Spider Stampede is followed by Fly Frenzy, Grasshopper Glitch, Ant Attack. Crane Fly Crash, and Beetle Blast in the S.W.I.T.C.H series.