Book Review: I Yam a Donkey by Cece Bell

I Yam a Donkey! is a picturebook by Cece Bell that will make English teachers and grammar fans smile and laugh along side young readers. Reminiscent of the classic Who's on First routine readers met a donkey that proudly proclaims “I yam a donkey!” A yam hears the announcement, and since he is very particular about sloppy pronunciation and poor grammar he begins trying to explain the mistake. An escalating series of misunderstandings leaves the yam furious and the clueless donkey bewildered by the yam’s growing (and amusing) frustration. The yam finally gets his point across, but regrettably, he’s made the situation a little bit too clear.

I Yam a Donkey! is a fun, and highly entertaining book for all ages. While it could easily be used to help explain some grammar and pronunciation it is also full of bright and energetic illustrations that will capture the eye and make everyone smile. The yam gets angrier and more erratic with his arguments as the confrontation continues. I love that a crowd of vegetables come to watch the argument, and end up meeting the same fate as the grammar obsessed yam. 

I Yam a Donkey! is highly entertaining. While the heart of the book is grammar and pronunciation awareness, it is also fun and has a twist(ed) ending to the tale. When I saw this book come across my desk I just had to stop and read it, and I know of several school teachers, librarians, and writers that need a copy of this book for their classroom or home collections.

Early Book Review: The Art of Sinning by Sabrina Jeffries

The Art of Sinning (Sinful Suitors, #1) by Sabrina Jeffries avid Jeffries fans will recognize characters from previous series, but even if this is your first book from Jeffries (gasp!) you will not be at a loss. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on July 21 2015. American artist Jeremy Keane refuses to return home and take over his father’s business. He’d much rather sample beauties abroad, in search of a model for the provocative masterpiece he’s driven to paint. When he meets Lady Yvette Barlow at a London wedding, he realizes she’s perfect for his work, and is determined to capture the young heiress’s defiant spirit and breathtaking sensuality on canvas. No stranger to scandal, Yvette agrees to be Keane’s subject in exchange for his help gaining entry to the city’s brothels he knows intimately, so she can track a missing woman and solve a family mystery. But when their practical partnership leads to lessons in the art of sinning, can they find a bold and lasting love?

The Art of Sinning is a fun romance that has many of the elements I love. The main characters have troubles in their past, but maintain strong sense of self and a powerful wit. Jeremy has suffered, he is a widower losing his wife and child in one fell swoop. Not many know about the previous marriage and Jeremy allows everyone to see him as a rogue rather than admitting that he just is not interested with putting another woman through a marriage with him. Yvette's had a close call with scandal herself, and uses her causes and quick wit to keep men at bay. When the two meet they will need to decide if love, or just some lessons in sin, are worth the risk to their hearts. I loved the strength in Yvette, when combined with her innocent trust in her brothers, made be really care about her. Jeremy is such a good guy under his disguise as a rogue, although blind to how his past is coloring his future. Together the pair made for an entertaining and page turning story.

The Art of Sinning is a satisfying and entertaining read. If you enjoy historical romance with strong, dynamic characters all around then this would be a great weekend read. This book reminded me why I love Jeffries' work, and why she is such a powerhouse in the genre.

Adventure Novels for Middle Grade Readers

Children between nine and twelve are a hard group to suggest books for. They are trapped in the middle of being young children and teens, and feel the challenge of trying to find their place. Books marketed to children in this group often miss the mark because they aim for minds too young or too sophisticated. Thankfully there are some great books from every genre out there for his age group, they are just a little harder to find. Here are ten of the best classic adventure books for this challenging age group.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George gives reader the story of an Inuit girl who leaves her people. At thirteen Miyax is an orphan and married. She is hoping to reach San Francesco but becomes lost is the tundra where she survives with the help of a wolf pack. Eventually she needs to decide if she belongs with people or wolves. The book is touching, poignant and extremely powerful. 

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is about twelve year old Karena who jumps from a ship to save her brother who had been left behind while the rest of her tribe is evacuated. Unfortunately he dies and she is left alone. She must fend for herself and learn how to survive by herself on the island through her determination and memories of her tribe. It was based on a true story.

My Side of the Mountain by Jean George is a story of survival and discovery. Fifteen year old Sam Gribely runs away from home to live on his own in the Catskill Mountains. He makes a home for himself and befriends animals. Sam lives the dream that most children have had at some point, and shows how hard it really is to survive in the wild. Intelligence, discipline, and determination are key aspects of Sam's survival. 

The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare shows readers the struggles of thirteen year old Matt. He is left alone to protect his family's homestead when his father travels east. After he is stung by bees he is treated and cared for by a local Native American man. To repay the kindness he teaches the man's grandson to read who in turn teaches Aaron about the wilderness. This is a story of friendship, hard choices and survival.

The Half-a-Moon Inn by Paul Fleischman is an engaging tale about a twelve year old mute boy named Aaron. He is off on a search for his mother in a blizzard but is held captive by an evil innkeeper after spending the night there. The book is suspenseful and Aaron is a proactive hero that will keep anyone reading.

Toliver's Secret by Esther Wood Brady tells the story of ten year old Ellen who disguises herself as a boy during the Revolutionary War to complete her wounded grandfather's mission. She needs to deliver a secret message George Washington to help defeat British troops. The book is a phenomenal historical novel for the age group and gives a great feel for the time period. It also helps show that sometime it is a good thing to step outside your comfort zone and do something difficult and to persevere when things do not go as planned.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry is an adventure story set in Denmark during World War II. It is a true story interpreted by Lowry and told through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie Johannesenin. Annemarie and her family are doing their best to help her best friend Ellen and her family. The story moving and really gives readers a feel for the danger and trauma that the characters faced. It is even more poignant because it is based on truth. I think everyone should read this book at least once.

A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer is an adventure story about an eleven year old girl named Nhamo living in Mozambique. Circumstances force her to flee her home to escape an unhappy marriage. She starts out on a two day river voyage to her father's family in Zimbabwe, but things do not go as planned. Her journey ends up taking over a year, with Nhamo making mistakes and almost starving but ultimately surviving. The book has spiritual aspects as well as adventure and great information on cultures children might not otherwise have exposure to.

Monkey Island by Paula Fox tells readers about eleven-year-old Clay. His father loses his job and after becoming distant from his family just disappears. Soon his pregnant mother disappears as well and he is alone. Clay soon takes to the streets and finds a way to survive while searching for his mother in New York City. This is an unflinching look at the realities of urban homelessness. There might be disturbing moments for less mature readers, so I do suggest parents read first to see if it is to harsh for your readers.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is not about surviving in the wild or during war times. Thos adventure follows siblings Claudia and Jamie who have run away to live in an art museum. They need to find a way to avoid notice and live. They are only there a short time when they discover a mystery that needs to be solved. This Newbery Medal winner is a timeless book that can be enjoyed by boys, girls and their parents.

Book Review: Doodle Diary of a New Mom: An Illustrated Journey Through One Mommy’s First Year by Lucy Scott

Doodle Diary of a New Mom: An Illustrated Journey Through One Mommy’s First Year by Lucy Scott includes dozens of funny moments like baby’s first lunch out to a forensic view of the living room. No matter how prepared a mother and family thinks they are, these are some universal truths that every mother can relate to, and laugh at. There are 120 two-color illustrations and is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, baby showers, or year-round fun. Also included are a few doodling prompts in the back of the book so moms can doodle their own first-year memories.

Doodle Diary of a New Mom is a fun and realistic look at what the first year of motherhood can look like. Now that I am 6 years or so out of that stage of life I can laugh about it all a little easier, and a little harder. I remember the lack of sleep (which I am still catching up on), diaper catastrophes,  the fact that it takes twice as long to pack up a kid’s gear and get them in the car that it does to run any necessary errand, and the ability of a child to complete destroy something in the time it takes you to blink (which is still in effect). Ah, the good old days- nope, not doing that again, two and done for me. The illustrations are cute and perfectly capture the sheer force of nature wrapped in cuteness that is a baby. This will make any mom or grandmother laugh, and any expectant mother a little more prepared, and a little scared about her upcoming adventures. 

Doodle Diary of a New Mom would make a great gift for mothers, grandmothers, or anyone expecting to become either in the near future. The book is funny, because it is true. As much as parents love their children, even in the midst of the crazies moments, it is a good relief to be able to laugh about it, and to see that others have gone through the same, or very similar, moments and you are far from alone!

Book Review: Playing In Shadow by Lesley Davis

Playing In Shadow is the second book in the Playing series by Lesley Davis. I did not read the first book in the series, and while i was still able to catch up quickly, the couple that comes together in the first book does continue their story in this book, so I do wish I had already read Playing Passion's Game. I will be going back to read it shortly. 

After surviving a devastating car crash, Bryce Donovan is plagued by crippling nightmares that leave her terrified to close her eyes. She still bears the scars from that night, both emotionally and physically. Her job at Tweedy Contractors brings the diversion she is desperate for, and the new apprentice painter is a welcome distraction. As a gifted artist, Scarlet Tweedy creates beauty in every medium she employs. But she’s always been expected to take over her father’s business. The problem is she doesn’t want to follow in his footsteps while she has dreams of her own to pursue. But can she choose her own path over what has always been expected of her? 

Playing In Shadow is a solid romance, and a satisfying read. Bryce is still recovering physical and emotionally from a deadly car accident. Not even she has acknowledged how deep some of those scars run. Scarlet is glad to be home and with her friends again, but does not want fall into the role her father has lined up for her. She needs to decide on what is best for her in the long run. Bryce and Scarlet come together fairly quickly, and while that bothered me on some level, the way it happens felt very organic and possible in the real world. I also liked that friends and previous main characters have their stories told and are included in the mix as well. So often the focus on the main characters has me wondering if they completely shut out their friends when love comes into the picture, or if other characters that already have found their happy ending go into hiding.

Playing In Shadow is different from my typical romance reading, but at the same time exactly the same. I loved the two main characters and the secondary characters. The issues they all face were realistic and handled really well. My complaint is the same I have with many romance, in that the main couple fell a little too fast, but sometimes that is how real life happens too, and it felt so very real. I do not often read LGBT romance, but thus far every time I have I have been thrilled with how fantastic the writing is. I guess I need to read more!

Playing In Shadow is a sweet romance with dynamic characters. I would recommend it to anyone open to LGBT romance. I enjoyed the characters and the story and will be reading more from this author.   

Blog Tour: Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat De Falla

Flying Mutant Zombie Rats by Kat De Falla

Synopsis

Summer vacation is almost here! And Pea O'Neil is stoked to try out the new local BMX track which is finally open. He and his gang of friends can ride all summer long!

But when Pea tries a back flip, he unwittingly opens a portal to another dimension and hordes of flying mutant zombie rats are unleashed upon the city. With the help of an otherworldly talking cat sent to help prevent the demise of humankind, Pea and his friends must hunt down the hungry mutants and send them back before the portal closes.

But when the zombie rats attack a neighbor man, the boys have to enlist the help of a graveyard looney and the city's stray cats. With time running out, Pea and his gang track the monsters to the city's sewer system. But in the city sewer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s eat…or get eaten.

PURCHASE

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The Author

Kat's  Website / Facebook / Twitter 

THE SEER'S LOVER won 2nd place in the LuckyCinda Book Contest 2014!

Author Kat de Falla was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she learned to roller skate, ride a banana seat bike, and love Shakespeare thanks to her high school English teacher.

Four years at the UW-Madison wasn't enough, so she returned to her beloved college town for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is happily employed as a retail pharmacist where she fills prescriptions and chats with her patients. She is married to her soul mate, composer Lee de Falla and raising four kids together ala the Brady Bunch.

The Best of Adult Adventure Fiction

In adventure fiction readers follow heroes as they set out on desperate missions, fight overwhelming obstacles and often rescuing themselves and others. Our heroes carry out dangerous assignments or missions as save the day. Typically, there is a happy ending with the hero safe and sound. While that might make you think the stories would become stale or predictable, the very best writers in the genre have written stories that thrill readers, even after years in print or several reads. Here are some of the best examples of adventure fiction authors to get you started in the genre.

Clive Cussler is the contemporary author I suggest most when library patrons ask for adventure novels. His heroes tend to be everything an action-adventure reader loves, without being overly predictable. Cussler's Dirk Pitt series is my personal favorite of his, which has over twenty books at last count. His books include four adult series, three non-fiction books, and two children's books.

Arturo Perez-Reverte is better known for thrillers, but he does have a fantastic adventure series. Captain Alatriste is the first book n the series and introduces the title character. Alatriste is a brooding, swordsman-for-hire in seventeenth century Spain. The sixth book in the series is about to be published, and each swashbuckling installment it worth reading by discriminating adventure lovers.

The late Patrick O'Brian's swashbuckling adventure books were set during the Napoleonic Wars. Master and Commander launches the series, which features Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. They are a surgeon and spy who face dangerous and far-reaching adventures.

Bernard Cornwell writes has a large selection of books to chose from. Honestly I think that readers could start with the first of any series, but the Richard Sharpe Novels are the most well known and offers over twenty books for dedicated readers. The Sharpe series is set in the Napoleonic Wars, the novels follow Sharpe's climb up the military ladder. Sharpe's Tiger, set in India in 1799, is the first book in chronological order.

Umberto Eco's best selling novels include The Name of The Rose, Foucault's Pendulum, The Island of The DayBefore, and Baudolino. He has also written children's books, academic texts and moral essays. His novels take place in medieval Italy and feature mystery and adventure, often with a literary twist.

Some of the other books in the genre include James Clavell's Shogun, Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, and Louis L'Amour's westerns In The Walking Drum and In The Last of the Breed. Other authors to explore in the genre are Richard Adams, Jack London, James Patterson, Tom Clancy, and William Goldman. For adventure lovers that enjoy a fantasy angle the works of J. R. R. Tolkien, David Eddings, and Robert Jordan will also offer a satisfying read. This is an expansive genre with more authors that I can effectively name, however this should be a good start for new readers to adventure fiction.

Early Book Review: Poppy’s Best Paper by Susan Eaddy

Poppy’s Best Paper is a picture book written by Susan Eaddy and illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet . It is currently scheduled for release on July 7th 2015. Poppy is a cute little bunny, with a big personality. More than anything, Poppy wants to be a famous writer. She's sure Mrs. Rose will pick her paper to read to the whole class! Trouble is, she has tall ambitions but is short on effort, and her jealousy takes over when her best friend's paper is chosen instead. In the end, Poppy discovers that she has to get out of her own way if her big dreams are going to come true. 

Poppy’s Best Paper is a charming picture book with expressive illustrations which really bring the story to life. Poppy dreams of being a writer, but she does more dreaming and procrastinating than writing. (Sounds like many of us, right!?) The combination of big dreams and the desire to do as little work as possible is something most kids (and adults) can relate to. Poppy’s revelation, determination, and finally success is something that is both relatable and inspirational to many readers. I think that this story works as both a fun, entertaining read and a lesson about working to achieve success. 

Poppy’s Best Paper is a great picture. I would recommend it for home, library, and classroom reading. A nice addition to any library collection for preschool and elementary school readers- and the adults that share reading time with them. 

Book Review: Love in a Time of Monsters by Teresa Yea

Love in a Time of Monsters is the first book in the Golden Age of Monsters series by Teresa Yea. This new adult novel has romance, adventure, and a is darker than most new adult novels that I have seen since the genre was labeled. It takes place in 1867, one that is different than any you will read about in the history books.

When Rob Stevenson’s brother is killed,and eaten, his world is shattered by a monster infestation. Determined to keep his village safe, Rob's first duty as laird involves hiring a professional hunter. As the sole survivor of a massacre in the Congo, Catriona Mornay is rumored to have lost her mind in the jungle. In Edinburgh’s gas-lit streets, Cat’s skill as a hunter is unmatched. Her reputation as a killer of unnatural creatures, legendary. Faced with a rising body count, Rob takes a chance on Cat, hoping that somewhere inside this tortured yet charismatic girl is the hero he’s been searching for. But in this shadow realm of secrets, lies, and underworld crime, their lives overlap in more ways than one. And in an age where harpies flock the sky and serpents rule the sea, it’s even possible for a boy and his hunter to fall in love. But can their love survive in a time of monsters?

Love in a Time of Monsters was nothing I expected. I picked it up because I loved the cover, it is simply gorgeous. The story is multilayered and darker than I expected from the cover and description, but it was well thought out and executed. Rob has always been sickly, and the loss of his brother puts him in a position he never expected to hold- Lord of the manor. With his young sister and supportive and loving staff he struggles to maintain order and protect his people, which ultimately requires the help of a hunter. Cat has monsters to battle, both in the real world and in her head. she struggles to quiet them all, and ends up causing more damage to herself and those closest to her than she might expect. The story is full of twists, surprises, some gore, and coincidences. I loved some of the secondary characters and literary references that thread there way through the story. even when I struggled with the story, mainly because i was in the mood for lighter fare when I picked up the book, those threads kept me going.

I would recommend Love in a Time of Monsters to readers that like something different, do not mind some gore, and can handle emotionally distant characters. While it did not fit my expectations or desire for the moment- it is still an exciting and unique book that many will enjoy. 

Book Review: Max the Brave by Ed Vere

Max the Brave is a picturebook by Ed Vere. This is Max. Max the Brave, Max the Fearless, Max the Mouse-catcher. However, in order to be a Mouse-catcher he needs to know what a mouse is. So off Max goes to find out.

Max the Brave has the fun and wit through the story that I have come to expect from Vere. The text is simple, with bold background colors and relatively simple artwork that catches the attention. Max is a lovable kitten tired of being dressed up and called cute or sweet. So he goes in search of a mouse so that he can become 'Max the Brave'. I love the variety of critters Max runs into and hopes to be mice. The story is simple, fun, and has a sweet little giggle at the end.

Max the Brave is a great book for catching and keeping the attention of young readers. The youngest readers will be enthralled by the colors and story, while those just beginning to read for themselves could conquer this book and have some added satisfaction. A recommended book for library and home collections.