Early Book Review: The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth by Ian Lendler and Zack Giallongo

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth is a graphic novel by Ian Lendler and Zack Giallongo. It is currently scheduled for release on September 30, 2014. The Stratford Zoo might look like a normal zoo, but when the zoo closes for the night the animals perform, and watch, Shakespeare's greatest works. While they are not all great actors, or audience members, the have heart and the basic gist of Macbeth complete with murder, madness, and plenty of ketchup. 

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth is a fun look at a piece of classic literature with a twist. While certain plot points and details are not quite what literature majors and scholars remember, it is a fun and entertain entry to the world of Shakespeare for young readers. The fact that is it a graphic novel, with animals and plenty of laughs, will draw in reluctant readers and hopefully get some youngsters interested in Shakespeare. A lion plays the role of Macbeth, and rather than straight murder he devours his victims, with lots and lots of ketchup. Because we all know that ketchup can make just about any meal more appetizing, right?  There are remarks from the audience, and everyone comes out all right in the end despite being eaten earlier. All in all the story is fun, with pictures that offer humorous and important details, while imparting the basic themes and ideas of the original play. 

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Macbeth and its story of after-hours animal stagecraft is paired with adorable and accessible artwork. I think that this book just might be the gateway for some reactant readers to develop interest in theater in general, and possibly Shakespeare. I look forward to Romeo and Juliet coming out as book two in this new series of graphic novels for young readers. 

Blog Tour Book Review: Rose and the Magician's Mask by Holly Webb

Rose and the Magician's Mask by Holly Webb is the third book in the Rose series. While it is helpful to have read the previous books for character details, however the author does a good reminder or introduction to the series in the opening of the book, so new readers can catch on pretty quickly. Rose is now a fully fledged magician's apprentice. When a precious mask of unimaginable power is stolen from the royal palace Rose suspects that dark magicians with a grudge against them for past interactions are involved. The race to stop the evil thieves will take Rose to the mysterious city of Venice, where nothing is quite what it seems. Can Rose use her magic to find the terrible mask before its true powers are revealed?

Rose and the Magician's Mask was a fun story and a decent follow up to Rose and the Lost Princess, but was not as good as I hoped. I really enjoyed the character development and the adventure that flows well through the entire story. Rose grows as a person and a magician, and so do the other main players. I really enjoyed getting to see more of Bella and her growth. The exploration of Venice was less than I hoped for, but it was made up for with the action and atmosphere of magic and danger. My main disappointment was the climax, it really did not feel like our heroes had much to do with the conclusion- but the lead in to the rest of the series was well done.

Rose and the Magician's Mask is a book that I would recommend for fans of the series and of Holly Webb. I enjoy the characters and the action for the most part, but am occasionally disappointed with the big climax of good versus evil. The series is still worth the read, but not as good as I expect because of the depth of the rest of the book.

Book Review: This is a Moose by Richard T. Morris and Tom Lichtenheld

This is a Moose is a great picturebook written by Richard T. Morris and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. When a movie director tries to capture the life of the average moose on film, he is in for a big surprise. The moose has a dream bigger then just being a moose, he wants to be an astronaut and go to the moon. To upset the director further his friends and family come to help, and they are just as unexpected as a moose astronaut. A great story about breaking expectations, following dreams, and accepting others.

I really loved This is a Moose. the illustrations are a perfect match to the text, with small details that you might miss the first read, but will delight on the second or third reading. the director really wants to make a documentary about moose and how they really live in the forest. An astronut moose does not fit this moldn nor does his grandmother moose that plays lacrosse, or a giraffe in the woods, or a superhero chipmunk. However, a slingshot to the moon and the realization that the director is a little different as well has the entire group embracing the moose for his own dreams and quirks. Soon they are all enjoying a new documentary. 

This is a Moose is a great book and conversation starting on a number of topics; like following dreams, people that go against convention, and accepting others. I really loved the illustrations, text, and messages which make the book an all around winner. 

Early Book Review: The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud

The Whispering Skull is the second book in the Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud. It is currently scheduled for release on September 16, 2014. It has been six months since Anthony, Lucy, and George survived a night in the most haunted house in England and Lockwood & Co. hasn't made much progress. A team of Fittes agents always seem to be near, and Anthony challengestheml to a contest: the next time the two agencies compete on a job, the losing side will have to admit defeat in the paper. When Mr. Saunders, hires Lockwood & Co. to be present at the excavation of Edmund Bickerstaff, Saunders needs the coffin sealed with silver to prevent any supernatural trouble. All goes well-until George's curiosity attracts a horrible phantom. When Bickerstaff's coffin is raided and a strange glass object buried with the corpse has vanished. Inspector Barnes believes the relic to be highly dangerous, and he wants it found. The teams go head to head, and there is more at stake than a ad in the paper.

The Whispering Skull is a perfect follow up to The Screaming Staircase. We see more of what makes George, Lucy, and Anthony such real characters, more about their teamwork, and more troubles for each of them to face. I loved that Stroud explores how each of the very different children come together, and how each of their gifts could be great strengths or weaknesses depending on the situation and use. The adventure is high, as is the danger. Every single character is in life threatening situations again, and they each also face situations that have them doubting themselves and each other. the combination had be holding my breath on occasion, and kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to bed or starting doing my household chores. The secondary characters received a bit more depth in this book, and I am very interested to see where stroud takes the world he has created next. 

The Whispering Skull is  amusing, chilling, and ingeniously plotted sequel. The characters are well defined, relatable, and far from perfect. However, they face huge obstacles and come together to use their strengths and friendship to come through in the end. Stroud is definitely a must read author for the middle grade set. 

Book Review: Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Dan Santat

Ninja Red Riding Hood is a picturebook written by Corey Rosen Schwartz  and illustrated by Dan Santat. It is a companion to the hit The Three Ninja Pigs, another fractured fairy tale and sure-fire storytime hit.  Ever since the three little pigs started teaching everyone Ninja skills Wolf just can’t catch a break!, huffing and puffing just hasn’t been enough to scare up a good meal. His craving for meat sends Wolf to classes at the dojo, and soon he thinks that he is ready to try out his new moves. A little girl and her tiny granny should be easy targets, right?

Ninja Red Riding Hood is another great twist on classic fairy tales for the picturebook set. This story is told from the wolf's point of view, and he is very frustrated. Since so many of his fairy tale foes have started studying martial arts he has had a hard time finding food. He thinks that Little Red and her grandmother will be easier targets than the ninja pigs, especially as he spends some time training as well. Unfortunately for him, Little Red is no slouch when it comes to martial arts herself. A fun story, with the message that anyone can be strong and capable, regardless of age, gender, or even species.

I would highly recommend Ninja Red Riding Hood to all picturebook fans. Readers involved in martial arts, fairy tale fans, and those that loved The Three Ninja Pigs will all really enjoy the art and story.

Book Review: It's in His Kiss (A Lucky Harbor novel) by Jill Shalvis

It's in His Kiss is the newest Lucky Harbor novel by Jill Shalvis, and I expect it is the start of a new trio. Becca Thorpe left behind her old life of doing everything she can for her brother, and ran away to the beach. She is ready to take chances and live in the moment, particularly if one of those moments includes the grumpy but sexy surfer she meets after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man with a few trust issues and a father that takes more than he gives. Working together is a dangerous proposition for them both, but well worth the risks. But, when Becca's brother comes to town asking for help, will her habit of helping more than she should take her away from a chance at love?

It's In His Kiss has exactly what I expect from Shalvis, but not what the book summaries I have seen online prepped me for. Some of the major plot points are slightly different in the book than on the Amazon and Goodreads summaries say, but everything that Shalvis fans look for is still very much in play. Becca is a smart and strong woman, that has gone through quite a bit. She never received the care and support she deserved, and as a result is more than a little weary of others and giving her trust. Sam has not had the greatest life either, and has earned his trust issues as well. Thankfully, his friends and support system are firmly in place and knows his worth and even with his issues is a strong and caring individual. The chemistry is great, there is humor and a good set up for where the Lucky Harbor love bug will strike next. I found that there was a little less of the humor that I normally find in the Lucky Harbor crowd, less wacky antics from the secondary characters, but it was still a good read.

It's In His Kiss was a nice weekend read, one that had me wondering how everyone's issues would resolve, and how the closest characters to Becca and Sam will get together in the next book (which I am looking forward to). It was not the best that I have read from Shalvis, but it was still pretty darn good.

Book Review: The Mischievians by William Joyce

The Mischievians is an older picturebook by William Joyce  that explains the strange smells, disappearing remotes, missing homework, and all the little things that you have never been able to explain on your own. None of these lost things or weird experiences happen by chance, they are the work of the Mischievians. These creatures are an ancient race of troublemakers who do all the things that embarrass you, bug you, and that YOU get blamed for!

The Mischievians is a fun and mock-informational book about the little mischief makers that make life a little more difficult. readers will meet the Homework Eater (steals your homework), the Endroller (uses up ALL the toilet paper), the Yawn Mower (makes you yawn at the worst time), and many more. The use of imagination is powerful and the details here are impressive. I loved the illustrations and the ideas and possibilities that this book opened the door too. My only reservation here is that so many children, and adults, refuse to accept responsibility for their own mistakes and faults that this book might give some imaginative folk the feeling that their responsibility avoidance is okay. As someone that loses things on a regular basis, particularly after putting them in a specifically 'safe' place, I like the idea that something else is to blame but know the difference. 

I enjoyed The Mischievians and would recommend it to older fans of picturebooks and for sharing in a group. The only people I would avoid sharing this book with are those that are regularly avoiding taking responsibility for themselves. It just might give them ideas that might amuse, could also continue or encourage bad habits.

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!