Picturebook Review: Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

Exclamation Mark is a picturebook written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. The exclamation mark stands out, no matter what he does or where he goes. He would really like to be more like everyone else, but he is just too different. Finally a friend shows him that being different is a good thing, and that he has endless potential.

Exclamation Mark seems like a simple enough story, but like Spoon and Chopsticks, we see that it can be the simple things that can really change us. Exclamation mark is tired of standing out in a crowd and tries to bend and twist to be more like the rest of the punctuation marks, only to find that it does not help him, and is extremely uncomfortable. It is his differences that make him special, make him wonderful, and gives him his abilities. I know I have gone through moments (or years) where I thought I had to twist myself to fit other's expectations to some degree, and I think that everyone regardless of age can remember going through it as well.

I highly recommend Exclamation Mark to everyone. Thats right, everyone. I also recommend taking a peek at Rosenthal's other books and enjoying the apparent simplicity of the story, and the impact it can have. Liking yourself and being yourself is something that readers of all ages might need to learn, and be reminded of on a regular basis. This book can help with that, and make you smile about it the whole time.

Interview with Anna Staniszewski, Author of My Very Unfairy Tale Life and My Epic Fairy Tale Fail

Thank you to Anna Staniszewski, author of My Very Unfairy Tale Life and My Epic Fairy Tale Fail for answering my interview questions.

1.Was there a specific moment or idea that inspired writing My Very Unfairy Tale Life and My Epic Fairy Tale Fail?

The series evolved from a scene I wrote several years ago as a break from a dark, depressing project that was sucking the life out of me. I needed something fun to work on, so I sat down and wrote a pretty absurd scene about a girl and a talking frog. The girl was so funny and spunky that I knew I had to find out more about her.

 2. If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of writing or getting published that you would change?

I don’t think I’d change any part of the process. It was long and hard and sometimes frustrating, but I think those struggles made the payoff that much sweeter. Maybe I would warn my younger self that I was embarking on a journey that would require some serious patience, but that’s about it.

 3. Do you see bits of yourself, your family, your friends, or your life in your characters that surprise you?

It’s funny the things that work their way into my characters without me even realizing it. The minor characters in my books tend to have traits that reflect me (an obsession with tea, candy, and shiny things) but they also have a lot of characteristics that seem to come out of thin air.

 4. Do you have any set writing routine or rituals, or do you work as inspiration strikes?

My writing routine depends on where I am with a manuscript. If I’m drafting (which I find to be the hardest part) then I usually set a word count goal for myself to help me get through to the end. Once I have a full draft, then I often spend entire days revising until the manuscript is in decent shape.

 5. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

The opening chapter of the first book changed a lot during the revision process. The story was originally in third person, but when I decided to rewrite the first chapter in first person to see how it would sound, Jenny’s voice really came alive. After that, it was so much fun to see her tell her own story.

 6. Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I love twisting fairy tales, so I wanted to focus on that even more in the second book. In My Epic Fairy Tale Fail I decided to send Jenny to the land where all fairy tales comes from. I loved playing with fairy tale stereotypes and seeing how far I could push them.

 7. What do you do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing, I teach in the Children’s Literature program at Simmons College, I read A LOT, and I hang out with my family (and play with my dog).

 8. Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

 Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Born in Poland and raised in the United States, Anna Staniszewski grew up loving stories in both Polish and English. She was named the 2006-2007 Writer-in-Residence at the Boston Public Library and a winner of the 2009 PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award. Currently, Anna lives outside of Boston, Mass. with her husband and their adopted black Labrador, Emma. When she’s not writing, Anna spends her time teaching, reading, and challenging unicorns to games of hopscotch. You can visit her at www.annastan.com.

Book Review: My Epic Fairy Tale Fail by Anna Staniszewski

My Epic Fairy Tale Fail is the second book in the My Very UnFairy Tale Life series for children by Anna Staniszewski. Jenny the Adventurer is back, and has come to terms with her magically manic life. Her new mission includes heading to the Land of Tales, otherwise known as the place that all fairy tales come from. It also happens to be the world in which her parents disappeared.
All she needs to do is defeat an evil witch by completing three impossible tasks, while keeping herself and her best friends alive. If she can succeed maybe Jenny can finally get answers about what really happened to her parents. Jenny has never faced a greater challenge, or higher stakes.

My Epic Fairy Tale Fail is a wonderful follow up to My Very UnFairy Tale Life. Jenny is more comfortable in her role, and responsibility she has to carry out her promises in the fairy tale worlds. She is very aware of the dangers, but does not let them stop her from doing her best to help others. Stereotypes of trolls, knights, witches, sea monsters, and just about every fairy tale character can be found here, and turned on their sides. Making readers of all ages recognize the archetypes, and how things are much more than they seem, is another great aspect of this series.

I liked that there is wit and humor throughout the book, while Jenny faces some serious struggles, even the darkest moments carry a thread of light and hope despite the seriousness. Balancing the humor with tough situations and danger, without making light of a particular character's issues, is a tough balance to maintain. however, it is demonstrated here. jenny has to face life threatening situations, while dealing with the realization that she needs her friends, but cannot protect the people she cares about from everything. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Jenny still puts others ahead of herself and acts like a real girl in the same situation might- and still comes out as a hero any young girls can both relate to and look up to.

I recommend My Epic Fairy Tale Fail to readers that enjoyed My Very UnFairy Tale Life. For readers age nine and older that enjoy adventure, fairy tales, and spunky girls that spout witty sayings when feeling threatened- I suggest starting with the first book and reading both. I am very eager to see where the series goes from here in My Sort of Fairy Tale Ending, which is currently scheduled for release on November 5 2013, and am a new fan of Anna Staniszewsk.

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Picturebook Review: Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers

Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers is a picturebook that follows one white rabbit with a problem. No matter where he goes, a black rabbit follows him. It is only when the rabbit enters the dark wood that his mysterious companion disappears, but he also finds a much more threatening foe. Thankfully, when the black rabbit reappears he is more friend than foe.

Black Rabbit is a fun story about discovery and friendship. While it might be obvious to readers of all ages that the black rabbit is really just a shadow, the fun of playing with one's shadow is something young readers will relate to. The story is just great fun, and gives children the feeling of being in on a secret, which is always fun. Most kids will enjoy the story for its fun playfulness, and because they can recognize themselves in the feeling and play of the little white rabbit.

I recommend Black Rabbit to picturebook fans of all ages. The illustrations wonderful, and the story is fun. I liked this book particularly for my son, who like the rabbit seems to be afraid of things he has no need to fear, and likes to run from his own shadow and imaginary monsters of his own creation for fun.

Book Review Accidentally Dead, Again by Dakota Cassidy

Accidentally Dead, Again is the sixth book in the fun paranormal romance Accidentally Friends series by Dakota Cassidy. Sam McLean was planning on a night of fun with co-workers, but wakes up with missing memories of the night and a sudden need to drink blood. He wakes up in in the office of OOPS- where Wanda, Nina, and Marty help new members of the paranormal fold deal with their new status. Soon, Phoebe Reynolds was looking for her half-sister, Nina, and found her only to land tush first on Sam's new fangs  Not only do the newly changed pair need to come to terms with their new lifestyle, they also need to figure out who changed Sam and find a way to stop a crazed scientist from creating his own paranormal posse.

Accidentally Dead, Again is a fun and easy read. Sam is a solid character, with much more to him than I really expected when I started reading. Phoebe, like Nina, has a combination of spunk and honor that made me like her instantly.Nina, Marty, and Wanda are all fun characters that held true with past appearances, but are secondary characters here for the most part. There are plenty of witty exchanges throughout the book, and readers might find themselves smiling as Phoebe or Nina rails at someone. The mystery and suspense of figuring out the mystery of who turned Sam and how they came came to be vampires themselves is just the beginning. Stopping more experiments and just who is behind them is a huge factor in the story, as is the full disclosure of the secrets stored away by both Sam and Phoebe.

Accidentally Dead, Again has the same combination of warmth humor, and action that I remember from the other Accidental Friends series. Although, I will admit that it has been awhile since I read the last one and it took me a little while to remember everything from the past books. I think that readers that have not red the earlier books might miss some of the details about the individual characters, but would still be able to enjoy the action, mystery, and romance involved.

I recommend Accidentally Dead, Again to fans of Cassidy's work and this series in particular. Those that like fun paranormal romance with aspects of mystery and action will find some enjoyment here.

Picturebook Review: Perfectly Percy by Paul Schmidt

Perfectly Percy is a picturebook that is written and illustrated by Paul Schmidt. Percy loves balloons, and who doesn't, because balloons are great fun. But Percy has a small problem. Everytime he tries to play with balloons, they pop. This could be because Percy is a porcupine.He tries some things to solve his problem, and finds solution to allow him to play with his favorite toy.

Perfectly Percy is a great picturebook. The illustrations are fun, and show the trial and error Percy goes through in his search for a solution. I like that this prickly little guy does not give up, just keeps working until he finds the perfect solution. Nothing is to hard to solve if determination and a big heart are involved.

I highly recommend Perfectly Percy to picturebook fans of all ages. I think this story would work great in a home setting, story time, or classroom. It could serve as  a conversation starter about perseverance, differences between people, and seeking unique solutions to fit unique individuals or situations.

Book Review: The Self-Sufficiency Bible by Simon Dawson

The Self-Sufficiency Bible: Window Boxes to Smallholdings - Hundreds of Ways to Become Self-Sufficient by Simon Dawson is a all around book about how to live a life in a self-sufficient manner. This book can guide in in all aspects of homesteading, from animal husbandry to crafting your own beauty products and apple cider. For those that want to depend on the grid as little as possible, this is the guide to have, even if you are not going to go as far as slaughtering and preparing your own meat.


The Self-Sufficiency Bible offers readers exactly what the title suggests, a comprehensive guide in living a life that is as close to self sufficient as possible. Whatever the reason you might want to learn these skills; going green, decreasing your carbon footprint, saving money, not trusting store bought foods, or just wanting to learn survival skills, this book will can you started. Making beer, cider, crafts, natural cleaning products and beauty products were the portions I had interest in, but there is much more here for interested individuals. I have no interest in the animal husbandry, slaughter, and meat preparation however I have family that have raised a few head of cattle and might have been interested in this portion of the book. It is certainly packed with information and a useful tool. However, I did find the tone and wording to border on condescending. Which almost made me stop reading on more than one occasion.

I recommend The Self-Sufficiency Bible to those that are serious about homesteading of living a self-sufficient lifestyle. However, if you are not interested in raising and slaughtering your own meat, I say borrow the book from a local library rather than buying it, since a good portion of the book will not be of much use to you.

Book Review: Undertown by Melvin Jules Bukiet

Undertown by Melvin Jules Bukiet is a young adult novel full of adventure and discovery. Timothy and Jessamyn have each lost a parent, and are thrown together when their parents begin to date. A simple prank to annoy their parents while towing a sailboat through Manhattan on the way to the harbor sends the pair of teens on an unexpected adventure in the underground. Lost in the sewer system of New York City, the pair navigate the narrow tunnels and discover the subculture of those that spend their time in the twisting tunnels. There are the frightened homeless, the street artists, and a criminal element that scares some of the toughest men. I will never look at the storm drains the same again!


Undertown is a fast-paced story of adventure that feels like it could really happen. Timothy and Jessamyn are both smart, and both do not really fit in with their peers, and share the loss of a parent. Despite the similarities prior to being thrown together in their adventure, they do not really like each other, or really even know each other. The combination of shared grief, fear, and necessity forges a solid friendship between the pair. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the pair, and the secondary characters that cross their path. I did find myself less than thrilled with the depiction of girls and women here- with no women on the police force, as members of the press, or officials, or anything else of authority. The only female authority figure is terrifying, but partially because of her overblown femininity and insanity rather than because of her power.

The underground tunnels of the sewer system are vast, and  not even completely known to the officials and engineers in charge of their maintenance. There are waterfalls, rapids, as well as water and man-made alterations throughout the tunnels. I would not doubt that a crime ring of thieves and crazy super-sized critters could be thriving there. I think the possibility of the elements found in the story could be true, could really happen on some level, that made the story stick with me the most.

I highly recommend Undertown to tweens, teens, and adults. Although, there are some frightening moments that might make squeamish readers uncomfortable.There is adventure, drama, friendships forged, and emotional understanding forged through the book which can speak to every reader in some way.

Early Book Review: Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino

Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino is a children's chapter book that is schedule for release on April 16 2013. Elvis Aaron Ruby is a musical prodigy, and at eleven has decided that he needs a break from the spotlight. The only place he can hide is with his aunt and cousin at Piney Pete's Pancake Palace in New Jersey. Cecilia is a girl that likes to sneak out and roam at night, and cannot seem to stop blurting out whatever is on her mind.When she discovers the secret behind the new boy's arrival she shares her need to hear the fabled music of the pines, which was said to have been heard when she was born.

Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace is a story about finding yourself, and liking yourself, even when you are hiding. Elvis, or Aaron, is hiding from the paparazzi and himself by working at the Pancake Palace. His stint on Tween Star, think American Idol for tweens or Star Search, has left him disillusioned and unhappy. Music is part of his life, in his soul, but in his efforts to hide he tries to lock the music away. Cecilia is looking to keep the magic in her life, the joy and innocence that seems to be fading away as she gets older and her parents begin to doubt the story about the music of the pines.

There are moments told by several different characters throughout the story, but I found that it kept the action going and the story moving forward when another character might have shut down emotionally. Revelations about a failed performance and its root cause are perfect, and might just cement peoples views on television based talent contests. The tidbits about the Jersey Devil, and area folklore, were nice additions to the story and added a special flavor to the conclusion.

I recommend Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace to readers around nine and older. Tweens, teens, and adults can all easily lose themselves in the story and recognize something of themselves in the at least some of the emotional aspects of the story. Finding yourself, and your personal song or rhythm, are important to the story, which will leave readers of all ages a little more aware of how they seem themselves, and in turn how they see and treat others.