Early Book Review: The Queen is Coming to Tea by Linda Ravin Lodding

The Queen is Coming to Tea is a picture book by Linda Ravin Lodding which is currently scheduled for release on February 1 2017. When Ellie finds out the Queen is coming to tea, she snaps to attention! But will the Queen patiently wait? And what exactly will be waiting for the queen? Ellie enlists the help of all of her stuffed animal friends to make it a memorable affair. Together they travel to Paris, China, Italy, and New York to gather everything they need.

The Queen is Coming to Tea is a sweet picture book about family and imagination. Ellie receives a note that the Queen is coming to tea. She immediately sets off to get the very best of everything for the visit. Along with her favorite toys she gathers the best cakes and tea then dresses in the very best. Spending the afternoon with the Queen is very special- and when she finally gets her one on one time with mom it is a wonderful treat for both. I like that the story stresses the importance of independent play, imagination, and family bonding time. Finding the balance can be hard- but it looks like Ellie's family has it right. Perhaps this will inspire some special tea times with parents, grandparents, or other important people or some other activities. I know i am inspired to do more in this vein, even if my children are older now.

 

Book Review: More Than Magic by Kathryn Lasky

More Than Magic by Kathryn Lasky is a middle grade novel that combines a Cinderlla style story with a touch of television and computer coding. Ryder Holmsby is the same age as Rory, the popular TV cartoon character her animator parents created. Ryder and Rory are alike—bold and brave! But Ryder is a bit lonely: Mom passed away a couple of years ago, and Dad is dating a woman with snooty teenage daughters. Ryder doesn’t fit in with them at all.  And then: Shazam! Rory jumps out of the TV into Ryder’s bedroom to tell her that the TV studio behind her parents’ show is trying to turn Rory into a dopey princess, no more adventures. She needs Ryder’s help! The two girls team up with a crew of animated and real-life friends to save the day in both worlds


More Than Magic is an interesting take on the Cinderella tale. Ryder's mother was a force larger than life, full of energy and creativity. When she died Ryder and her father lost some of their spark, and her father has fallen prey to a scheming woman looking for fame and fortune for her family. Part of her plan is to change Rory from a brave adventurer that resembles Ryder to a princess that is older, curvy, and more like one of her daughters. Family crisis and changes combined with the fight against those changes has Ryder and her friends journeying between the real world, the television, and the computers that create and store the television show. A variety of characters and adventures keep things interesting, but while we get a reasonably deep look as some of the characters I really never felt fully connected to any of them. The all felt like part of a show rather than the book in my hands. I am not sure what did not click, but while I loved the idea of the story and where it was going I never felt fully engaged.


More Than Magic is a good adventure for those of us who always enjoyed the rough and tumble part of an adventure more than the princess being rescued from the tower and getting married. Readers with a deep love of TV magic and how animation is done will have an extra interest and understanding of some of the adventure Ryder, Rory, and their friends undertake.

Book Review: The Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel

The Book Club Murders is the first book in the Oakwood Mystery series by Leslie Nagel. Charley Carpenter has poured heart and soul into her clothing store, Old Hat Vintage Fashions. She’ll do anything to make it a success, even join the stuffy Agathas Book Club in order to cultivate customers among Oakwood, Ohio’s wealthy elite. Although mixing with the most influential women in town has its advantages, Charley finds the endless gossip a high price to pay. But after two women with close ties to the Agathas are brutally murdered, everyone falls under threat—and suspicion. When key evidence indicates that both murders are the work of the same hand, Charley realizes that the killer has arranged each corpse in perfect imitation of crime scenes from the Club’s murder mystery reading list. She uses her membership in the Club to convince Detective Marcus Trenault to use her as an inside informant. Not that he could stop her anyway.

The Book Club Murders is a solid opening to a cozy mystery series. I will admit that there were a couple times that I felt like there was a previous book out there, but author quickly gave me the character building that I needed to fill in the blanks. I enjoyed the main characters Charley, partly because we share the distaste for schmoozing and dressing up. She is a smart, witty character and I liked her strong friendships with two important secondary characters. I thought the angst between her and Marcus was a odd though it was eventually explained. I still found it not completely understandable- at least in the path it took. I thought the mystery was very well done, as was the danger to Charley and her friends. There were some real surprises along the way and I enjoyed the majority of the ride. It was not perfect, but it has enough going for it that I will be picking up the second installment, The Antique House Murders, which is schedule for release in May of 2017.



The Book Club Murders is the start of what promises to be a fun cozy mystery series. I like the setting and character build up here, and hope the series only gets better from here. 

Book Review: California Dreamin': Cass Elliot Before the Mamas and the Papas by Penelope Bagieu

California Dreamin': Cass Elliot Before the Mamas and the Papas by Penelope Bagieu is a biography in graphic novel format. Before she became the legendary Mama Cass―one quarter of the mega-huge folk group The Mamas and the Papas―Cass Eliot was a girl from Baltimore trying to make it in the big city. After losing parts to stars like Barbra Streisand on the Broadway circuit, Cass found her place in the music world with an unlikely group of cohorts. The Mamas and the Papas released five studio albums in their three years of existence. It was at once one of the most productive (and profitable) three years any band has ever had, and also one of the most bizarre and dysfunctional groups of people to ever come together to make music. Through it all, Cass struggled to keep sight of her dreams―and her very identity.

California Dreaming: Cass Elliot Before the Mamas and the Papas was an interesting read. I did not know the story behind Cass, or the Mamas and the Papas- and I think many people that have enjoyed their music are equally as ignorant of this information as I was. I was glad to see how things came about, and while not happy that there was so much struggle on Cass’s part to find her place in the world, it was enlightening. I think that this information could also be encouraging to young people with big dreams, and big troubles, to see that others have been there, that others have made it, and than they are not alone. Seeing other people facing similar feelings or struggles through life, especially in people that are admired, can help those struggling see that it is possible to get through it all. Thew art work was well matched to the story, and it drew me in. It is not the style that I normally like the best, but it grew on me as I read.  

Book Review: The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart

The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart is a middle grade novel. Eleven-year-old Reuben spends his days exploring, hiding, and practicing parkour among the abandoned buildings of the Lower Downs as a way to escape the rough times that have befallen him and his mom, but his discovery of an extraordinary antique pocket watch changes everything. When Reuben finds that the watch has the power to turn him invisible, he's propelled on the adventure of a lifetime. Now Reuben is being pursued by a group of dangerous men called the Directions, and someone called The Smoke. They all want the watch, and with the help of new friends, it's up to Reuben to unravel the mysteries surrounding it and protect the city from evil.

The Secret Keepers is a middle grade read, and as descriptive and long as the Mysterious Benedict Society books. I really enjoyed Reuben and his sweet nature. His concern for others, like his mother, really made my love his character. Penny and particularly her doll, cracked me up and kept me reading when I might have staggered. The descriptions of the watch, the Smoke, the Directions and other aspects of the story are very detailed- but somehow the world building did not feel complete. I liked the interplay of the characters and the adventure, no matter how misguided some of the efforts to protect others were on occasion. I got a bot bogged down in the length and descriptions, but think that was more my headspace when I started the book rather than faults within the writing.

The Secret Keepers is a wonderful adventure, and fans of the Mysterious Benedict Society will gladly get lost in Reuben’s adventures. Less adept readers might be intimidated by the book length, or the amount of description versus dialogue. I would suggest trying the audio book or reading aloud as a family for those that really want to read the book, but are not getting lost in the story. I admit that I had trouble fully engaging in the story, because I get lost in characters and dialogue much easier than this style of writing, but found listing to this style much more engaging than reading.  

Book Review: Not His Dragon by Annie Nichols

Not His Dragon by Annie Nichols is a paranormal romance. Eoin Grant hasn’t encountered a female of his race in decades, and this crazy person’s scent declares her unmated. Fate set her in his path, and he won’t let this opportunity slip through his claws. No matter how wary she is of him. After all, how many chances does a dragon have at finding love? But fate can be a crueler mistress than his perfect mate. Of all things, she thinks she’s human. Business is taking off for Angie Weldon. She put her freakishly sharp nails to good use when she opened her back-scratching spa in downtown New Porter City. The local shifter community pounced on her skills and she’s knee-deep in shed fur. By the end of the year, if lucky, she could afford to move out of her crappy apartment. Dollar signs flash before Angie’s eyes when a dark, brooding stranger books her solid for a week but she notices the possessive fury in his glare. She’s been around enough shifters to know the look, and she won’t go down that road again. Angie is literally swept off her feet by the intense shifter and he wants more from her than she’s willing to give. She figures it’s best to avoid eye contact and back away slowly. Until he changes her life by insisting she’s a dragon. 




Not His Dragon is a fun paranormal romance. Angie is a quirky heroine, although her internal dialogue in the very first chapter almost had me putting the book down. I am glad I kept reading though, because the read was fun with several twists and plenty of world building. I thought this might be part of a series, but so far I have not found any evidence of that. I liked the interplay between Angie and Eoin, and that our dragon had to admit some vulnerability to our heroine before we normally see that kind of sharing in romance involving alpha males of any species. There were several very funny moments, and some that were very high tension. I liked that there was a nice mix of mystery, romance, suspense, and magic throughout the read. There were faults, several of the twists were fun but either not fully developed or unnecessary, but I enjoyed the read on a snowy weekend as I stayed snug and dry indoors.

Early Book Review: The Green Umbrella by Jackie Azua Kramer, Maral Sassouni

The Green Umbrella is a picture book written by Jackie Azua Kramer and illustrated by Maral Sassouni. It is currently scheduled for publication on February 1 2017. When Elephant takes a peaceful walk with his green umbrella he's interrupted by a hedgehog, cat, bear, and rabbit each claiming that they’ve had exciting adventures with his umbrella. After all, it is an umbrella, and it certainly hasn’t been on any adventures more exciting than a walk in the rain. Or has it? Things aren’t always what they seem in this charming tale of imagination, sharing and friendship.

The Green Umbrella is a wonderfully charming picture book about a simple umbrella- and the imaginations of many that have used an umbrella for so much more. The story shows how different people can see something so simple as an umbrella very differently, and they are all worth exploring. I love the inherent encouragement for imagination and play here, as well as the acceptance pf different ideas. While no one wants to give up the umbrella, or their ideas for it, they are willing to share what they have and compromise. This is beautiful. The illustrations do a wonderful job of exploring the stories the different characters experience in their imagination. The colors and fun intros images are a perfect pairing to the text and story of the book. 

Book Review: If the Magic Fits (100 Dresses) by Susan Maupin Schmid, Lissy Marlin

If the Magic Fits is the first book in the 100 Dresses series, written by Susan Maupin Schmid and with illustration by Lissy Marlin. Inside an enchanted castle, there’s a closet—a closet with one hundred dresses that nobody ever wears. Dresses like those need a good trying-on, and Darling Dimple is just the girl to do it. When she tries on Dress Number Eleven, something unbelievable happens. She transforms into the castle’s Head Scrubber! It turns out that each dress can disguise her as someone else. And Darling is about to have an adventure that calls for a disguise or two, or maybe a hundred.

If the Magic Fits has a nice balance of magic, mystery, and a young girl finding herself and her courage. I really enjoyed the adventure and magic aspects of the story. Darling is an orphan, and is happy working as an under scrubber in the castle, then things start to change. She has a new position, new responsibilities, new troubles, and less of a connection with the friends that have always been there for her. When she discovers the magic dresses and starts to unlock the magic of the castle she uncovers more dangerous secrets that are dangerous for everyone. Darling is a smart and clever girl, and I like that it is ultimately being brave and trusting in yourself and your friends that saves the day. I think that the idea that no matter who you are you can make a big difference, and save the day. I also like that most of the characters are neither all good or all bad, even the bully has a reason for their actions- not that it makes them right, but even Darling can empathetic without condoning the actions. I am looking forward to following this series.

If the Magic Fits is a fun fantasy that reminded me a little of the Jessica Day George Tuesday at the Castle series- more in feel and writing style than anything else. I loved the mixture of magic, friendship, mystery, and self discovery. This book is a great read all around.

Book Review: Charlaine Harris’ Grave Surprise (Harper Connelly) by Charlaine Harris, Royal McGraw, Ilias Kyriazis

Charlaine Harris’ Grave Surprise is the second graphic novel in the Harper Connelly series written by Charlaine Harris and illustrated by Royal McGraw and Ilias Kyriazis. I have read the entire original book series, but I did not read the first graphic novel in the series, Grave Sight. Thankfully I already know the story so I did not have to play catch up. I do suggest readying this series in order, regardless of format.

Harper Connelly, a psychic capable of finding dead people and reading their last thoughts, discovers a grave in Memphis with two bodies: a man centuries dead, and a girl recently deceased. How the two bodies ended up together would be perplexing enough... but the sudden appearance of a third body the next morning makes this a mystery that perhaps even Connelly can't solve!

Charlaine Harris’ Grave Surprise follows the story of the novel, and the artwork is well done. If you are reading these stories for the first time in graphic novel format, then please do read them in order. There are some things that build up that really should be explored the way they were intended. If like me, you are revisiting the stories, I found myself second guessing my memory as to the solution of the mystery. I was right, but the twists and turns were enough to make me wonder if I was misremembering even though there are no story changes. Well done.

If you have already read the books and have a firm personal vision of the characters you might have the issues I did. While the characters are drawn to match the book descriptions I found it a little angular for my taste. It was all very well done, and there was plenty of detail. I am just not a big fan of the sharper lines that were used. They fit- it is just a conflict in personal taste rather than anything done wrong.  Charlaine Harris’ Grave Surprise is a nice reminder of the book, and I enjoyed revisiting the story. 

Book Review: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children) by Seanan McGuire

Every Heart a Doorway is the first book in the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. This novella length story is a solid introduction to what could be a wonderful series, but since I really adore the author's October Daye series I must admit I am likely a little bit biased.

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere else. But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced, they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world. But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of the matter.

Every Heart a Doorway is a mystery, an urban fantasy, and a look at coming to know yourself. Nancy opened a door in her basement and walked into a faerie underworld. She spent years learning to be still and quiet, to please Hades and Persephone. Now struggling to survive in the world she is sent to a special boarding school for those that have had trips to faerie, but every trip is different and like any school there are cliques and bullies. This would not be so bad is Nancy's room was not murdered, and then things manage to get even worse. Nancy and her new group of friends need to solve the mystery, as they also look for the hidden doorways that might take them back to faerie. Self discover and understanding are important to the story, as is acceptance and understanding. I really enjoyed Nancy's character- and the majority of the outcasts that she bonds with. I think the world building here can take the series in a number of interesting directions and I plan on see exactly where McGuire takes us next!