Book Review: The Silver Rings by Samuel Valentino

The Silver Rings by Samuel Valentino is a fun book for middle grade readers.  Celia and Alice are twin sisters whose bid for freedom from their evil stepmother leads them on a journey through a world of fantasy and imagination. They encounter a sarcastic fairy godmother, giants, charming princes, an overly dramatic fox, and more along the way. Bits of familiar tales are woven through the story, along with some lesser known stories. However, each tale is given a humorous twist. 

The Silver Rings is a fun twist on fairy tales for the younger set. There are many recognizable fairy tales that are heavily woven into the story, which makes the reading feel more inclusive to those that feel like they know more about the story than what the author is initially telling them. at the same time, there are less known stories and many unique twists that will keep even some of the most jaded readers on their toes.The characters are well developed, and while often times the reading is easy, there is a sardonic twist and a feeling of sarcastic humor that would made this book great for middle grade readers, particularly reluctant readers. I really enjoyed the common thread through the whole book that it is not being royalty, or pretty, or anything so shallow that gets a happy ending, it is resilience, planning, and creative thinking that will help you come out ahead. 

I really enjoyed The Silver Rings, and  think that it will have a wide fan base once word gets out about the story. It is clever and fun, with a feel that is somehow both familiar and unique. the best of both worlds.

Early Book Review: Bug on a Bike by Chris Monroe

Bug on a Bike by Chris Monroe is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on October 1 2014. This book follows a bug leading everyone he meets on a long trip. As he rides his bike on friends ask if they are there yet, but the bug does not answer. When the bug finally reaches his destination, with everyone from the athletic pickle to a surprisingly agile nickel along for the ride, everyone is happily surprised. 

Bug on a Bike is a cute story of friendship and exploration. I loved that the bug leads his friends on a merry ride through the country side with the goal of giving them (and himself) a happy surprise. The illustrations are cute and cartoony, with bright colors that will catch the eye. There are rhymes and silly details on each page, some of which you might miss on the first read. While I do not want my kids randomly following anyone off into the distance with no idea where they are going, I think the story is still cute and worth a look. 

Book Review: Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith

Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith is a cute picturebook. It will be available as a hardcover on October 1 2014.  Claude is a dog that is far from ordinary and spends each day after his owners leave pursuing adventure. In this book Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock go to the Snowy Mountain and learn to sled, ski, and more.

Claude on the Slopes is a fun book. Cluade is a dog on a mission, to have new adventures. He is sweet and sometimes a bit simple, but never comes off as a bumbling fool. Sir Bobblysock is a sock yes, but he is somehow also the more practical of the two characters. Claude learns about sledding, skiing, snowman building, snowball fights, the dangers of avalanche, and the methods to help those buried after one. The illustrations are great, adding some color and aditional humor to the tale.

Young readers that are fans of picturebooks featuring world discovery by an innocent main character that gets to do this they cannot, like Curious George, will enjoy Claude on the Slopes and the previous book in the series Claude at the Beach. While I enjoyed reading the book I do not think it broke new ground and did not leave me looking for more, but I am certainly glad that I met Claude and Sire Bobblysock!

Early Book Review: The Angry Little Puffin by Timothy Young

The Angry Little Puffin by Timothy Young is a picturebook that is currently scheduled for release on September 28, 2014. One little puffin at a zoo or aquarium is upset after hearing visitors constantly mistake him for a penguin. He finally reaches his breaking point and goes on a rant about the many differences between the two. that is until a little girl stops him in mid-speech by explaining to her father why puffins are her favorite.

The Angry Little Puffin is a well drawn and fun picturebook. I think the little puffin is absolutely adorable, and most readers (regardless of age) can relate to his upset. we have all had a moment when we felt alone, misunderstood, or unappreciated. The little girl actually seeing the puffin and recognizing his characteristics for the wonders they are turns everything around. The book not only shows children that we all get angry and frustrated, but it also shows how we can help ourselves and others when they reach that breaking point. I think the point that reaching out can be a simple, small thing but can mean everything to the one they are helping.

I loved The Angry Little Puffin and think everyone else will too. children that love nature and animals will love learning about the puffin, and just what makes them different from the penguin. the book can also let readers of all ages know that getting upset is normal, but not only can you calm down but a small effort can go miles in helping lift someone else out of a frustrated funk as well. 

Book Review: My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) by Peter Brown is a great picturebook for this time of year. A boy named Bobby thinks his teacher is the worst. She is loud, she yells, and he is fairly certain she is a monster. Luckily, Bobby can go to his favorite spot in the park on weekends to play. Then one day he sees his teacher there! That day Bobby learns that monsters are not always what they seem.

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) is a fun story that most school age children can relate to. Either they are upset with their teacher for the work they need to do, a punishment they feel is unfair, or stories that they have heard about the teacher before school even starts. Then the is the innate belief with most young students that teachers really do not exist outside the school building, and you get a universal starting ground for a charming story. Each page has small monstrous details for the teacher and little bits of humor in each illustration. This is one of those picturebooks that stands up to several readings and will be a great going back to school read for story times or at home.

My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) is a book that I would recommend for group or one on one reading. Newly independent readers will enjoy exploring the book on their own or sharing with others. The story is fun, humorous, and has a universal theme that all readers will enjoy.

Book Review: Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory

Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble is the first book in the Jolie Wilkins series by H.P. Mallory  is a blend of human, urban fantasy, and romance. Jolie is a self employed psychic approached by a powerful warlock to help solve a murder. The trouble is that in the process she discovers that she has the unique power that allows her to bring the dead back to life. This makes her a major asset, and there are several players that want her for their team. The gorgeous warlock that discovered her powers, a ruthless witch in search of more power, a couple of vampires with a taste for witches, and more are all vying to have her on their side. Jolie needs to decide who has the best intentions, and her best interests at heart. Her love life is in play, but so is the fate of the supernatural creatures around the world. Can she master her powers and make the right choices?

Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble was a mixed bag for me. I know as the first book in the series there would need to be some serious world and character set up for the future. However I felt like the introduction of men interested in the self deprecating and seriously in the need of a mirror Jolie was a little much. As was the oversexed best friend. I felt like the guys were just tossed at her, not because they were necessary to the plot (which they were but not as relationship fodder) but because the author wanted to set up complications that could carry through the series. now that I have that out of the way, I did like the premise of the book and the majority of the characters. I regularly got annoyed with Jolie and her disbelief that men could be attracted to her and her obsession with her appearance (because of course outward appearance is everything and personality and whatnot mean nothing). The puzzles of who is on what side and who has ulterior motives is very well done, and I was actually surprised at one point. I m hoping that now all of the story and world prep work is done the second book in the series will have some serious character growth and action to make the investment worth it. I am trying to trust that it will, but am a little leery. 

I would recommend Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble to readers that are a fan of the author. Readers that are willing to read a first novel that is mostly the set up for the following series might want to give it a try, but I would wait until reading a review of the second book (which I will get to eventually) before making an investment. 

Book Review and Giveaway: Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life by Carole P. Roman

Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life by Carole P. Roman is a fun picturebook.  Captain No Beard and his pirate ship The Flying Dragon set sail for a voyage of the imagination with his fearless crew of four: First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the loudmouthed lion, and Fribbit the floppy frog. Normally a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and three stuffed animals, once they board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel, sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures!

Captain No Beard is the first book in a series of picturebooks about Alexander, Hallie, and their stuffed animal crew using their imagination to explore the seven seas. They explore pirate terms, use team work, and entertain young readers. The illustrations are colorful and fun, exploring the use of imagination.

The second book, Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience continues the narrative about friendship, teamwork, and how everyone is a little different. In this book Pepper is a new member to the crew and is having trouble keeping up with everyone else. It all comes down to different learning styles and shows young readers that no only is it okay to learn or think differently from others, but that helping each other is much better than laughing, teasing, or getting angry.

Would you like to add this series to your personal or classroom collection? I just happen to have a complete set in my hot little hands. Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below to win every captain no beard book in my possession. The set includes; Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life, Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience, Stuck in the Doldrums, Strangers on the High Seas,The Crew Goes Coconuts, and The Treasure of Snake Island. 

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Book Review: Have You Seen my Dragon by Steve Light

Have You Seen my Dragon by Steve Light is a picturebook that explores counting and numbers along with the fun of a search and find. In the city a small boy is searching for his friend. Readers of all ages spot the glorious beast along with a variety of big-city icons they can count. Is the dragon taking the crosstown bus, or breathing his fiery breath below a busy street? Maybe he took a taxi to the zoo or is playing with the dogs in the park. 

Have You Seen my Dragon has lovely pen and ink illustrations which results in a stylized blend of black and white page with pops of color. Searching for the dragon invites young readers to count to twenty as we spot the dragon hiding (not very well for the most part) in the daily finds of city life. I really loved the detailed artwork, and both my children could spend significant time enjoying this book. The lines and hidden details really made me smile, as did the fun counting and antics of the dragon. This book is well worth a look for the artwork alone, but it just might trick some reluctant counters to get some practice in.

2014 Hugo Award Winners Announced!

The 2014 Hugo Award winners have been announced! The 2014 Hugo Award winners were announced on Sunday evening, August 17, at the ExCel Converntion Centre in London, England.  Text-based CoverItLive coverage of the ceremony was provided through the Hugo Awards web site.

Here are this years winners:

BEST NOVEL Ancillary Justice, by Ann Leckie

BEST NOVELLA “Equoid” by Charles Stross

BEST NOVELETTE “The Lady Astronaut of Mars” by Mary Robinette Kowal

BEST SHORT STORY “The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere” by John Chu

BEST RELATED WORK “We Have Always Fought: Challenging the Women, Cattle and Slaves Narrative” by Kameron Hurley

BEST GRAPHIC STORY “Time” by Randall Munroe

BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, LONG FORM Gravity written by Alfonso Cuarón & Jonás Cuarón, directed by Alfonso Cuarón

BEST DRAMATIC PRESENTATION, SHORT FORM  Game of Thrones “The Rains of Castamere” written by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, directed by David Nutter

BEST EDITOR, SHORT FORM Ellen Datlow

BEST EDITOR, LONG FORM Ginjer Buchanan

BEST PROFESSIONAL ARTIST Julie Dillon

BEST SEMIPROZINE Lightspeed Magazine edited by John Joseph Adams, Rich Horton, and Stefan Rudnicki

BEST FANZINE A Dribble of Ink edited by Aidan Moher

BEST FANCAST SF Signal Podcast, Patrick Hester

BEST FAN WRITER Kameron Hurley

BEST FAN ARTIST Sarah Webb


JOHN W. CAMPBELL AWARD FOR BEST NEW WRITER
Award for the best new professional science fiction or fantasy writer of 2012 or 2013, sponsored by Dell Magazines (not a Hugo Award) Sofia Samatar

See the Final Ballot Details for a full breakdown of votes, subsequent placements, and nomination counts.

Early Book Review: Dino-Boarding by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott

Dino-Boarding by Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott is the latest in a series of picturebooks about dinosaurs performing sports, and is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2014. Team Green Machine battles the Shredding Crew in a dino-boarding competition. Allo and Diplo thrill the surfing crowd, while Compy comes up short on a short board. Next, Iguano, Raptor, and the Ptero Twins fly high on skateboards. And who will win the snowboarding half-pipe? Tricera and T-Rex each think they'll take home the prize. Let's hope the dinos remembered their helmets since these tricks might get gnarly!

Dino-Boarding is the newest book in the popular series featuring dinosaurs competing in a variety of sports. This book focuses on surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. The cartoonish dinos wear their helmets and compete hard, playing fairly to win. The pages are colorful and bright, catching young readers eye. There are many details in the illustrations, so the book can withstand multiple reads.

I would recommend Dino-Boarding to young readers that love dinosaurs and or sports. The illustrations are bright and a bit stylized, and will appeal to many young readers.