Early Book Review: At the Highlander's Mercy by Terri Brisbin

At the Highlander's Mercy is a historical romance by Terri Brisbin scheduled for release on March 19 2013. Lilidh MacLerie is newly widowed after a short marriage and just wants to return home. She is on her way when her party is attacked and she is kidnapped. Robert Matheson is laird of his clan, and less that secure in his leadership. Someone is working against him, and when his cousin brings the kidnapped Lilidh to him things only get worse. The unwanted action has not only brought the clan to the brink of war with the powerful MacLeries, but it has also dropped the woman Rob love, and rejected, years ago at his feet. Can the two find a way to find a resolution that does not include bloodshed or more heartbreak, or will everything continue to spiral out of control?

At the Highlander's Mercy is a highland historical romance that turned out to be a steadily paced, sweet read. Lilidh was a smart woman, but I found her lacking the fire that I tend to enjoy most in my heroines. She occasional would spark and make me smile, but most of the time she just seem to be going with the flow. Similarly, Rob was a tempered leader, struggling to do what is best for his clan. However, he seemed to be lacking the force behind his honor, the bluster that often makes highland heroes among my favorites. Although, I did like the pair as they rediscovered each other, and how that obviously cared about each other despite the doubts they each held. The story itself was alright, but I cannot say that it was anything past good or alright.

At the Highlander's Mercy was a quick, sweet read. Fans of Terri Brisbin might want to pick this one up to continue the story of the The MacLerie Clan. I found it to be an average read, where nothing really stuck out at me as extremely good or bad, although others might enjoy it more than I.

Book Review: Getting Skinny by Monique Domovitch

Getting Skinny by Monique Domovitch is the first book in the Chef Landry Mystery series. This cozy mystery for foodie fans follows Nicky Landry, a chef who has put on a few extra pounds. However, she thinks her life is good, she has great friends, partial ownership of her own restaurant, and is about to be proposed to by her boyfriend Rob. Except, things are not as great as they appear. After discovering Rob has been cheating and confronting him, Nicky discovers his body in her backyard and becomes the main suspect. Determined to clear her name, and find the real killer, Nicky begins to investigate only to discover that everyone around her has secrets of their own, and very well could be the killer.

Getting Skinny was a great mystery read. The suspects for Rob's killer were many, and I was left guessing and suspicious about just about every character until the reveal. Nicky is a smart character, with some self esteem issues, but while they did color some of the story they did not detract from her confidence in her abilities, only in her appearance. While that can get annoying, the line of being aware of her own flaws as well as her strengths, did not cross the line to the level of some other fiction about those of us that carry a few extra pounds. Nicky's friends are strong characters in their own right, and do not feel like secondary characters at all, rather in many cases I was wondering if they pulled the murder off or worried that since this is the start of a series, that they might just be the victim of the next murder mystery.

I recommend Getting Skinny to readers that enjoy a solid mystery with well written characters and a mystery that leaves you guessing about even the main character's best friends as suspects. Cozy mystery lovers, particularly those that enjoy food related fiction, will enjoy the story. There are even recipes for some of the dishes described in the story included at the end of the book.

Book Review: Stitch Head by Guy Bass, Pete Williamson

Stitch Head, written by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson is a children's book very different from many others. The story follows Stitch Head, the creation of a mad scientist, that does his best to protect his creator while preventing his other creations from causing destruction or being noticed by those he protects. When a traveling circus that has lost its ability to scare and amaze comes to town, Stitch Head's almost-life is put in jeopardy, as is the well-being of the professor and every creature in Castle Grotteskew.

Stitch Head is a story that balances many different things masterfully. There are gruesome monsters, but they are not all that scary. There is some low level humor, but there is also a deeper story about friendship, trust, and looking beyond the surface to see the real person underneath the appearance. Stitch Head has devoted his almost-life  to helping the professor, the scientist that created him, even though he has been forgotten in the never ending quest for the next great creation. He is tempted by the words and persistence of Fulbert Freakfinder, who promises him that he will be unforgettable as part of the traveling circus. However, the seemingly normal Freakfinder holds more monstrous qualities that the creatures you would expect to rampage and howl at the moon.

I highly recommend Stitch Head to readers around 7 and older. the story holds fun, humor, and a good story without a heavy handed moral or message. It is a layered story, with something for the advanced and emotionally thoughtful readers, as well as those that enjoy a simple joke about bodily noises and entertaining action.  I think it would highly appeal to reluctant readers and those that often complain that reading is boring, because this book could just convince them otherwise.

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.