Early Book Review: Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer

Live Out Loud by Marie Meyer is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on April 30 2017. Harper will never be able to hear, but music has always been a source of comfort for her. The moment she saw Thorin playing his guitar, she was mesmerized. However, Thor has secrets. He's holding something back, something that's keeping the relationship from being real. Can they Harper and Thorin open up and trust each other to share the secrets they fear sharing most.

Live Out Loud is a book that drew me into the story quickly. I really enjoyed the realistic portrayal of Harper. She may be deaf, but that is not what defines her, and while it has a major part to play in her character, trust and understanding are more more important factors with her relationship with Thor. Similarly, Thor has huge trust issues, but mainly in himself and not turning out like his father. He has real issues to deal with, and success on the horizon, if only he can trust himself and let Harper in. I think the realism of both characters is very well done, however, some of the circumstances and situations made my put aside some skepticism. I have seen how hard it is for people in the music scene, so that bit was hard for me to get on board with, as was the flexibility of the employer, but those that have never seen that firsthand would never know. I found the romance and characters, which are often the most important part, were well done. I enjoyed the read and think that many other people will as well.

Live Out Loud is an engaging and enjoyable read. I liked the characters and the conflicts they had, it was a nice blend of gritty reality and pure escapism.

Early Book Review: Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt by Ben Clanton

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt is the second easy reader about this pair of underwater friends by Ben Clanton. It is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2017. The first book was Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea, and it was fantastic.They do not need to be read in order, but if you want to see more about Narwhal and Jelly you will want to check it out.

Happy-go-lucky Narwhal and no-nonsense Jelly find their inner superheroes in three new under-the-sea adventures. In the first story, Narwhal reveals his superhero alter-ego and enlists Jelly to help him figure out what his superpower is. Next, Narwhal uses his superpower to help a friend find his way back home. In the third story, Jelly is feeling blue and Narwhal comes to the rescue. The book showcases the joys of friendship and the power of believing in yourself and others through this irresistible duo.

Super Narwhal and Jelly Jolt is another great easy reader or fun graphic novel for young readers. Narwhal is a cheerful and optimistic narwhal, ready to be a superhero. But, he does not seem to have a super power. With the help of Jelly he explores what his power might be, and they have a grand adventure in the process. They deal with being blue, name calling, friendship, and self confidence. It is also great fun, with plenty of humor. I think this series might fill the whole left by the end of Elephant and Piggie.

Early Book Review: Best Jokes Ever: Jokes for Kids by Chantelle Grace

Best Jokes Ever: Jokes for Kids by Chantelle Grace is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2017. How do trees get on the internet? They log in. What type of music are balloons afraid of? Pop music! Young comedians love to share  jokes with anyone who will listen. Some kids are always looking for new material, hungry for the next best thing. This is a brand-new collection of laughs, giggles, and guffaws. Beware--it is sure entertain for days to come!

Best Jokes Ever: Jokes for Kids is a fun and filled with a good variety of kid and family friendly jokes. Some were just what we needed to get a smile out of my daughter when she was having a bad night, some others were ones were had all heard before or real groaners. As with any collection, some were just what I was looking for, and others were a miss. However, for young joke fans this would make a good addition to their arsenal of appropriate jokes. 

Book Review: Hocus Focus by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, Andrew Arnold

Hocus Focus is another children's graphic novel by James Sturm, Alexis Frederick-Frost, and Andrew Arnold. Staring the same knight and her horse Edward from Adventures in Cartooning, Sleepless Knight, Gryphons Aren't so Great, and Ogres Awake. You do not need to read these graphic novels in any order, but the deceptively simple artwork and stories make them a joy to explore. 

All day long, the Knight peels turnips. This isn’t what she had in mind for her first magic lesson. She wants to make a magic potion, not soup! Things get a lot more exciting when she steals the wizard’s magic wand and spell book. Her potion transforms Edward into a giant worm, and he’s hungry!

Hocus Focus has the same goofy storytelling that I have come to expect from this team. Knight is impatient, and rushes her studies, as we have come to expect. The artwork is fairly simple when it comes to the characters, but the details and charm of the art really bring the story to life and bring the reader into the adventure. I love that these stories have a lesson, in this book its all about patience, and wrap it up in a fun, wacky adventure. Even more than that, I honestly love that with each book they also include a simple how-to-draw tutorials at the end of the book. So, after anyone reads the book they are encouraged and instructed a bit in continuing the story and setting of on their own. Another win for this series.

Book Review: Schooling the Viscount by Maggie Robinson

Schooling the Viscount by Maggie Robinson is the first book in the Cotswold Confidential series. Captain Lord Henry Challoner is a young viscount who’s left his ambition on the plains of South Africa. Wounded in the First Boer War, he’s come home and wishes he were anywhere else, until his desperate father sends him to Puddling-on-the-Wold to rusticate and recalibrate. How can Henry have any fun without any alcohol, or worse yet, any women? Kept under house arrest under the watchful eye of his draconian housekeeper and earnest local vicar, he’s bored enough to begin speaking to sheep until he literally stumbles across schoolteacher Rachel Everett. Rachel knows she’s not on Henry’s improvement plan, but can’t seem to avoid or repel him no matter what she does to keep him at arm’s length. Could it be that she quite enjoys being in his arms, even if it’s against all the Puddling Rehabilitation Rules? Can Rachel circumvent the town fathers and Henry escape his personal jailers and demons.

Schooling the Viscount is a historical romance that takes a route different than any I have read before, which was a nice change. However, I found the set up to be a little too contrived. Not that I doubt titled families doing this sort of thing to each other, whether out of caring and concern or less honorable reasons nor do I doubt that people (even today) would be willing to make a dollar from this sort of enterprise. It just seemed a little much to me, although some of that was because this as the first book in a new series, and there needed to be some groundwork laid down. I did like Rachel's character for the most part, but hated to see her simpering and whatnot to the town's leaders. I also liked that Henry's troubles were realistic, and that he was just as upset with the way Rachel was treated and so on as I was. I did like the romance portion of the story, although some moments seemed a little off in the grand scheme of things. I also liked Henry's perspective and how he grew as a person, his reactions and thoughts were on point, and occasionally highly entertaining.

Schooling the Viscount was an interesting read, and I greatly enjoyed some of it, but was a little put off by other moments. It balanced out to be a good, but not wonderful read. Perhaps I will pick up the next in the series to see if it is better, but I will not be seeking it out. 

Book Review: Nick Newton is not a Genius by S.E.M. Ishida

Nick Newton is not a Genius by S.E.M. Ishida is a children's book about a boy from a family of geniuses. Nick is not a genius, he is a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero’s greatest secret. With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

Nick Newton is not a Genius is a good story about Nick Newton, trying to live up to his family name while still using his unique perspective and interest to be happy. I like that his skill set is still outstanding, but not considered on par with his family's based on standard measures. However, his intelligence just takes a different path. Sometimes being different, and thinking differently, is the key to being happy. I was glad to see Nick's journey being one that highlights this idea rather than him suddenly wowing the world by really being who they wanted him to be. I liked that most characters ended up being different than the perceptions others had about them.  I would have liked a little more information on the world the story was taking place in, and its particulars. I feel like we were kind of dropped into a story and missing an introduction, and then we were missing a bit of an ending. While there was a conclusion, there was just way too much unanswered to make me happy. I really wanted more, on both ends of the story. Part of this was because I liked the world and the characters and honestly wanted to know more about them all, and part of it was that I do not feel like I got the whole picture.

Nick Newton is not a Genius held my interest and told a story about finding yourself, and being happy with your own gifts. My only biggest issue with the book is the ending. It was left open ended, with clear paths of continuation. I felt more like I was missing the last chapter than there was a sequel to come.

Book Review: If You Were the Moon by Laura Purdie Salas, Jaime Kim

If You Were the Moon is a picturebook by Laura Purdie Salas and Jaime Kim. If you were the moon, what would you do? You'd spin like a twilight ballerina and play dodgeball with space rocks! A blend of ideas about what a moon does that is perfect for bedtime reading is paired with information about the real science and facts about the moon.

If You Were the Moon is a lovely book, with illustrations that are detailed and in colors that catch the eye. This book could be approached two ways, and in that way can also grow with your child. On one hand, you could just read the larger print and have a lovely bedtime story, a quick and light read. Thgis text is well shaped for reading aloud, and the illustrations are somehow soothing even with the pops of color and details. The bracketed information offers accessible facts about the moon, that can inspire research or further conversations about science and the moon in particular.  I really liked that there was a glossary and resources for further information and exploration at the end of the book.

I think this book is one that can grow with young readers, can inspire interest and conversations, and will stand up to multiple reads. A win on encouraging science and information seeking, as well as offering a sweetly flowing bedtime story.

Early Book Review: The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot: How to Make a Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Kung Fu Sandwich by Jason Bays

The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot: How to Make a Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Kung Fu Sandwich by Jason Bays is a middle grade novel with plenty of illustrations and silly humor. It is currently scheduled for release on March 28 2017. Kung Fu Robot is an international machine of mystery and the savior of all things awesome and cool. He's the world record holder for ice cream sandwiches eaten in one sitting, the reigning champion of continuous nunchucking, and once won a bronze medal for the simultaneous stomach rubbing and head patting. Together with his 9-year old sidekick, Marvin, he faces his arch-nemesis, Kung Pow Chicken: a robotically-enhanced, foul fowl bent on destroying the city's peanut butter and jelly supply. Kung Fu Robot and Marvin must save the day, and their lunches!

The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot was a fast paced and silly read. The robot is absurdly excited, messy, and destructive while Marvin is the voice of reason and caution. I did like that contrast, and think the words of caution from Marvin might do some readers good to read and hopefully heed. The story did get a little repetitive for my taste, but the story was wacky enough that some readers will enjoy it.

I think The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot will appeal to reluctant or struggling readers because of its repetitive nature, and the crazy nature of the story. As an added incentive to those that enjoy the reader, there is a free interactive companion app for an innovative, augmented reading experience.

Book Review: Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox

Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox is the fourth book in the Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series. The previous books, in order, were Southern Spirits, The Skeleton in the Closet, and The Haunted Heist with novellas between each book. I think the previous stories help to understand Verity's powers and some character dynamics. However, I think newcomers could catch up quickly and enjoy the story.

Southern belle Verity Long is back in business—as a ghost hunter. Now all she has to do is visit the town's creepiest mansion and exorcise a family of vengeful spirits. Piece of cake. After all, ghosts love her and need her...that is until she meets the ghosts of Rock Fall mansion. They'll do anything to keep their murderous secrets hidden within the cliff-side fortress—even if that means getting rid of one meddling ghost hunter. With the entire town skeptical and scrutinizing her every move, Verity struggles to uncover the century-old mystery behind the house. And when she stumbles upon a very fresh, very dead body, she realizes there’s more to it than she ever imagined. With the help of her sexy cop boyfriend, Ellis, and her ghostly gangster sidekick, Frankie, she braves the overgrown gardens, the desolate family cemetery, and the haunted mansion that have been locked away for generations.

Deader Homes and Gardens puts Verity and her ghostly partner Frankie back in the thick of a mystery. This time there are angry ghosts (yes again), Egyptian artifacts, and the possibility of an ancient curse. As Verity tries to solve the murders of an entire family, and avoid being killed by those same ghosts, Frankie is looking for more independence and Verity and Ellis are still trying to find their feet as a happy couple. I like that romance between Verity and Ellis is part of the story, and her character development, it does not overwhelm the story around the mystery or Frankie's own troubles. I liked the complication involved in the mystery- long assumed haunted house steeped in tragedy and odd happenings is the main focus of the story. Verity, Ellis, and Frankie all have their roles to play and I like that they each give each other the trust and space to do what they need to while being true to themselves. I will admit to seeing some of the final climax coming, but the journey was good fun and I enjoyed the read.

Deader Homes and Gardens is another fun, fast read by Fox. While it was not something that will stick with me after moving onto the next read, it certainly made what was hopefully the last snow day of the year more entertaining than expected.

Early Book Review: Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food by Paula Ayer, Antonia Banyard, Belle Wuthrich

Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food by Paula Ayer, Antonia Banyard, and Belle Wuthrich is currently scheduled for release on April 11 2017. This middle grade non fiction book is a colorful infographic look at the many surprising and fascinating facts about food. Information is presented in easy-to-understand graphics and clear explanations. Each spread explores a different aspect of the topic. Readers will find answers to a wide range of questions, including: Who grows our food? Where does our meat and fish come from? How does it get to us? What’s the difference between a hybrid and a genetically-modified crop? How do companies advertise to children? Who are the “Big 10” food companies? How much farmland is there across the world? Weightier topics (for example, farming and pollution, or child labor in agriculture), are balanced out by fun facts, such as “extreme foods” and how our sense of taste works (and sometimes deceives us). Other topics include how food production has an impact on the local and global economy, access to food and food insecurity around the world, and conventional vs. organic farming. Vibrant, dynamic illustrations, diagrams and photos and small chunks of text make this book ideal for reluctant or struggling readers.

Eat Up: An Infographic Exploration of Food was an interesting read with graphics that caught the eye, and a good combination of thought provoking facts and fun or surprising information that is a little lighter. I knew a good portion of the information, but there were still bits of information and ideas that made me stop and think a little more about the food in my house. I found the organization and graphics of the book to be very understandable and accessible by readers in elementary school, but not boring or too easy for more advanced readers. This book hits that sweet spot of interesting and engaging for readers from a variety of ages and skill levels.