Picturebook Review: Meet the Dullards by Sara Pennypacker and Daniel Salmieri

Meet the Dullards is a picture book by Sara Pennypacker and Daniel Salmieri. It is a clever story about dull, boring parents that want the same dull life for their children. Their home is boring. Their food is plain. Their lives are monotonous. And Mr. and Mrs. Dullard like it that way. The children; Blanda, Borely, and Little Dud want more.

Meet the Dullards is a great picturebook that will capture the attention of all readers. The adult Dullards are as boring as they come. They hope for their children to have as equally dull of a life. thankfully the children are out for adventure. They want the excitement that most children would take for granted and possibly consider dull in their own lives; reading, art, playing outside, and so on. Their parents do everything they can to keep their lives as unexciting as possible, and

Meet the Dullards is great book in the tradition of The Stupids, which has been taken out of most storytime rotations because of the connotations of the word 'stupid'. It is good fun, and might inspire younger readers to appreciate what they have, and to step out of their normal and try something new. 

Early Book Review: I'm with Cupid by Anna Staniszewski

I'm with Cupid is the first book in a new middle grade to young adult series, Switched at First Kiss, by Anna Staniszewski. It is currently schedule for release on July 7th 2015. When she's dared to kiss the adorkable Marcus Torelli at a party, Lena thinks it's the perfect opportunity to cross First Kiss off her list of "Things to Accomplish Before I Turn Fourteen." The spark she feels during the kiss is an added bonus, or so she thinks. It's only when she gets sent on an assignment the next day that she realizes something is wrong. That ZING she felt was not just the thrill of her first kiss, she and Marcus have swapped powers! Lena is not your average eighth grader; she's a soul collector with a serious job to do. And Marcus turns out to be a supernatural matchmaker (like Cupid, but without the diaper). Now logical Lena finds herself with the love touch, and sweet, sentimental Marcus has death at his fingertips.

I'm with Cupid is a great start to a new series. I love Lena's no nonsense approach to the world, an attitude that has been shaped by her family. Marcus is a sweet and adorably awkward tween dealing with a completely different set of family dynamics. I liked the realistic way the pair are tentative around each other as they face their first relationship, changes at home, and dealing with the crisis of their switched powers. I really liked how much each of the characters grew as they came to understand important things about themselves and life because of everything going on around them. I am really looking forward to finding out what lies in store for this pair as their story continues.

I'm with Cupid is a delightfully fun story about two extraordinary kids facing normal, and less than normal, problems. I think most tween and young teen readers will relate to the book in some way, and be entertained, and older readers will also enjoy the book on several levels. A good, fun read that I think will be a hit for this years summer reading. 

Early Book Review: The Best of Both Rogues by Samantha Grace

The Best of Both Rogues is the third book in the Rival Rogues series by Samantha Grace. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on July 7 2015. Lady Eve Thorne was devastated when Mr. Benjamin Hillary left her at the altar. She’s no longer that starry-eyed young woman, and now that he’s back, she wishes he would just stay away.  At least that is what she keeps telling herself. Eve has a new man in her life, and Ben is nothing but trouble. The worst thing Benjamin Hillary ever did was abandon his bride-to-be on their wedding day. The hardest thing he will ever have to do is watch her marry another man. But once Ben realizes he might have a chance, he’ll do just about anything to win back Eve’s heart.

The Best of Both Rogues might be the third book in the series, but it can easily stand on its own. Eve is a capable and steady woman and has a new fiance that is smart and a little distracted. When Ben returns he is still in love with Eve, and knows he has to set things right even if it means losing her. When he discovers a chance of still marrying her he is willing to do just about anything to win her back. Thankfully her new beau is much more than he seems, and  this brings additional danger and mystery to the mix. The pair go through quite a bit to rediscover each other and find their happy ending. I liked that they were both level headed, capable people. They each had their weaknesses too, which made them more real as far as I am concerned. 

The Best of Both Rogues is an enjoyable read and one that left me interested in the rest of the series and how the other characters got, or will get, their happy endings. I did not find the book to be absolutely amazing, but it did fulfill my expectations and left me a happy reader.

 

Book Review: All the Little Fathers by Margaret Wise Brown, Marilyn Faucher

All the Little Fathers by Margaret Wise Brown and Marilyn Faucher is a wonderful picturebook, and just in time for Father's Day. Animals have fathers, just like you. Fathers that play with them, care for them, and love them. All the fathers are looking after their children in this fun and playful story.

All the Little Fathers is a very sweet picturebook depicting a variety of animal fathers caring for and playing with their children. There is a wide variety of ways the father's interact with their young, showing that while there are differences the love is there and the most important part of the relationship.

All the Little Fathers would make a wonderful gift to new or expecting fathers, and a perfect choice for Father's Day storytimes or sharing at home. It is simple, sweet, and nothing less than what I expect from Margaret Wise Brown. 

Early Book Review: SEAL Wolf Hunting by Terry Spear

SEAL Wolf Hunting is the 16th book on the Heart of the Wolf series by Terry Spear. It is currently scheduled for release on July 7th 2015. Paul Cunningham is one of the only bachelors left on the SEAL wolf team, and he's less than thrilled to hear he's been volunteered for a local charity bachelor auction. Lori Greypaw suspected that her grandmother would use the auction as an opportunity to fix her up. So she's not surprised when she "buys" Paul to help Lori renovate her mountain cabin for a week. Lori's had a crush on the sexy SEAL wolf for years, but he proves to be handy with more than a hammer when two fugitives come knocking and he'll do anything to protect the woman he's falling for.

The description for SEAL Wolf Hunting does not give the plot and backstory justice. I have read a few Spear books, but not so many that I knew all the characters in this series. I was coming into the story cold, and that did not detract from the flow at all. There is a history of mutual attraction between Paul and Lori, and a bad end to Paul most resent SEAL mission. The pack is small, and needs a leader. A few loan wolves are causing trouble in the area, and then there is the auction. Lori's grandmother buys Paul and sends the pair off to fix her lakeside cabin with the hopes that the pair will mate. Problems and passion arise, surpassing expectations and bringing changes. But when Paul gets a call for an emergency mission everything is at risk.

I enjoyed SEAL Wolf Hunting and like that while it made me curious about the books that came before, and those to follow, it did not make me feel like I would be forced to read them for basic understanding of the story. It struck a good balance of engaging the reader in the series and satisfying them with the book in hand.  I would recommend this book to paranormal romance fans, and particularly fans of Spear's work.

Early Book Review: Amber Smoke by Kristen Cast

Amber Smoke by Kristen Cast is the first book in her The Escaped series, and is scheduled for release on June 9 2015. There is a world that runs parallel to our own where the souls of the damned are caged and are looked over by the Furies. The barrier that separates our world from theirs has weaken and damned souls are escaping. The Furies send an untested warrior, their only son, Alek to try to bring those souls back. However, he won’t be able to do it alone. Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets. First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life. Then, she will become the hunter. With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another.

In Amber Smoke we see the worlds on Alek and Eva collide and their adventure together begin. There is significant world building; getting the mythology, characters, and larger story arch in place for the continuing story. I enjoyed the character building. I liked Eva and Alek, and found myself caring about them and a few of the side characters quickly. I feel like I can predict at least one plot twist in book two, or maybe later, just by

Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the House of Night series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge.

You might recognize the name Cast from the writing team of the House of Night series, which Kristen co-wrote with her other. I read the Night, and recommended it to many. However, about halfway through that series I lost interest. I did enjoy a few references to the House of Night series made in the book, and sincerely hope that this series either holds steady or gets better rather than slowly sliding downhill like the Night series. 

June is National GLBT Book Month

In June 1969 demonstrations in response to a police raid in New York City, known as the Stonewall riots, marked the beginning of a cohesive gay rights movement in America and sparked a gay pride movement that has yet to slow down. In 2009 June was named LGBT Pride Month, and it has also become National GLBT (Gay,Lesbian,Bisexual & Transgender) Book Month. This means that it is a good time to bring attention to exceptional literature which deal with GLBT themes. My focus here is books with GLBT themes for young adults.

The preteen and teen years are tough on everyone. Young adults are trying to find their place in the world, as well as who they want to be. Social pressures often weigh heavily, as to family and school expectations and obligations. It is even harder for those that might be perceived as different, regardless of if it is their perception or that of others.

Finding someone you can identify with or relate to in the books you read can go a long way to help young adults questioning their identity or feelings feel more understood and less alone. Here are some novels and a short list of related nonfiction books that I would recommend.

Fiction

If You Could Be Mine and Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel by Sara Farizan

One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva

Blue is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh

For Today I am a Boy by Kim Fu

When We Were Good by Suzanne Sutherland

Cinnamon Toast and the End of the World by Janet E. Cameron

Freakboy by Kristin Elizabeth Clark

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Everything Leads To You by Nina LaCour

Far from You by Tess Sharpe

Love in the Time of Global Warming by Francesca Lia Block

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg

Nonfiction

We Are the Youth: Sharing the Stories of LGBT Youth in the United States by Laurel Golio and Diana Scholl

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin

The Full Spectrum: A New Generation of Writing about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Other Identities by David Levithan, Billy Merrell

It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living by Dan Savage, Terry Miller

The Journey Out: A Guide for and about Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Teens by Rachel Pollack, Cheryl Schwartz

Picturebook Review: The Skunk by Mac Barnett and Patrick McDonnell

The Skunk is a picture book written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell. When a skunk first appears in the tuxedoed man's doorway, it's a strange but possibly harmless occurrence. But then the man finds the skunk following him, and the unlikely pair embark on an increasingly frantic chase through the city, from the streets to the opera house to the fairground. What does the skunk want? It's not clear-but soon the man has bought a new house in a new neighborhood to escape the little creature's attention, only to find himself missing something.

The Skunk is a fun story that also one we can all relate to in some way, even if we have never been followed by a skunk. a man is all dressed up, with important things to do. When a skunk starts of on the doorstep the man tries to find a way to lose the skunk. He goes to incredible lengths, even moving. However, just when he has won he discovered that he is decidedly curious about that skunk and starts to follow the skunk. It is fun, and quite silly on occasion. Who wants to have a skunk everywhere they go? However, even the least wanted companion can become important and desirable. Just do not follow this character's lead and start stalking friends, just give them a call.

The Skunk is a fun and charming picturebook that will appeal to all ages. Whether you have had an unexpected friend at the part of the skunk, or felt like said skunk on occasion, this book will make you smile.

 

Early Book Review: Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

Second Chance Summer is the first book in the new Cedar Ridge series by Jill Shalvis. It is currently scheduled for release on June 30th 2015. Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is a resort town famous for crisp mountain air, skiing, and climbing. It is also last place Lily Danville wants to be. She left after some serious loses and is returning for less that happy reasons. However, what has her concerned is Aidan Kincaid; firefighter, rescue worker, and heart-breaker that she never could resist. The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance.

Second Chance Summer is the start of another small town contemporary romance full of charm, chuckles, and some tough love. Lily has gone through some serious pain, and is not quite ready to open up to anyone- even the guy that she was never able to get over. She has some personal issues to deal with, none of them easy. She is determined to do it all on her own. Aidan has gone through some serious trouble as well, but trusts in his family and rescue team to stand by him. He wants to help Lily and stand by her too, but the past and Lily's fears keep things unsteady. Aidan is a great character. He is a serious alpha male, but has compassion and understanding to spare. I found Lily's issues to be realistic for the most part, but eventually they did begin to irritate me because of the way she acted. It was not enough to ruin the book, but it made me want to throttle her on occasion.

Second Chance Summer is a quick read, but not necessarily easy for everyone. It might hit some triggers for those that suffered similar trauma as Lily or Aidan, but I think the overall combination of humor and facing out faults and troubles to conquer them and find happiness could overcome that. I enjoyed the introduction of the small town and side characters, and think this will be another series Shalvis fans will greatly enjoy. 

Book Review: Still the One by Jill Shalvis

Still the One is the sixth book in the Animal Magnetism series by Jill Shalvis. like most of Shalvis's small town romances it can stand fine on its own, but having read some of the previous books will give readers a better sense of the town and additional background story for all of the characters.  

Darcy Stone is game for anything except sexy Navy veteran and physical therapist A.J. Colten, the guy who'd rejected her when she'd needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately, Darcy can't refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers. Meanwhile, A.J. admits (at least to himself) that Darcy is irresistible. However, he's already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he does not want to make the same mistake twice. Growing closer than they'd ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What's the real thing? And where does it go from here?

Still the One is exactly what I have come to expect from Shalvis. A small town, contemporary romance with wounded characters and a side of humor. Darcy had a wake up call when her car crashed and she was severely injured. she has made huge strides in her life and dedicated her free time, and all of her money, to rescuing potential service dogs and matching them with those that need one and cannot afford one. Her main weakness is for A.J., the guys that has been by her side for recovery but rejected her when she was vulnerable and looking for more. A.J. has a definite weak spot for Darcy, but still bares the scars from a past relationship and is not ready to take a chance. I liked how the two came to terms with the own issues, and helped each other through the rough patches. Another good, solid story from Shalvis.

Still the One is a solid, quick read that had me turning the pages well past bedtime. It still does not reach favorite status for me, since Shalvis has so many great books, but it was still entertaining and had me caring about the characters like they were my own family and friends.