Book Review: Tricked (Fairy Tale Reform School) by Jen Calonita

Tricked is the third book in the Fairy Tale Reform School series by Jen Calonita. The Previous books are Flunked and Charmed. To get a full understanding of the characters and the world, I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Newcomers might still enjoy some of the character development and all of the action, but I think they would not be able to enjoy the story fully without already having read the other books.

Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School. At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She's been released from FTRS and is now suffering through attending Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff. But when Gilly's little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her trouble-making new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she's got to get Anna out of there. There's only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS. It's time to out-trick a trickster. 

Tricked is a continuation of Gilly's adventures in a fairy tale world. Life after FTRS is hard for those that have found friendship and themselves on school grounds. Things are changing fast, and not necessarily for the better. I like that while some of the basics remain the same, the adventures, characters, and relationships continue to change and grow. Gilly and her motley crew of friends have quite the challenge, outwitting Rumpelstiltskin is never easy, but I like that friendship and being honorable come through as more important than winning. Gilly grows significantly during this book, and I think her growth, and that of her companions, is well paced and relatable to readers. I would have liked more of the story from Anna's side, or had a chance to see more of her story, but I am fairly certain that she has a major role to play in further installments. I like that there was a solid conclusion to this particular adventure, but openings fort he story to continue on. 

Tricked is another fun and enjoyable read from Calonita. Fans of the author, and the series, will greatly enjoy the read.  This series is holding stead in quality, and I think it still has plenty of life in it for further books, and I look forward to seeing what will happen next.

Book Review: Top Dogs : Canines That Made History by Elizabeth MacLeod

Top Dogs : Canines That Made History by Elizabeth MacLeod is a children's non fiction book. It shares the stories of eight canines whose actions influenced the course of history. Among the dogs featured are Stubby, a mutt who rescued American soldiers in the trenches of WWI, Buddy, the first seeing-eye-dog in North America, Brandy, a German Shepherd who discovered a bomb aboard a plane, and Seaman, the Newfoundland, who accompanied Lewis and Clark, helping them complete their expedition by protecting them from wild animals and providing them with food. Scattered throughout the book are side bars filled with information about the exploits of many other dogs as well as the history, habits, and characteristics of various breeds.

Top Dogs : Canines That Made History is a wonderful collection of stories and bits of information that will interest young readers, particularly those with a love of animals. The information is presented in a narrative style that is accessible and interesting. There is a sense of adventure and flavor of the time from each story, and there are sidebars of other information about dogs that might inspire further research. While I knew most of these stories, at least in part, I enjoyed the read and felt like I learned a lot. I think readers like my daughter, who loves all things animal related, will be very interested in this read. Others that are interested in history or dogs along will also get a good amount of knowledge and enjoyment from the read. The balance of entertainment and knowledge is nearly perfect here, and I think that the book would make a good addition to school and public library collections. 

Book Review: The Baker Street Peculiars by Roger Langridge, Andy Hirsh

The Baker Street Peculiars is a children's graphic novel written by Roger Langridge and illustrated by Andy Hirsh. It puts a supernatural twist on the world of Sherlock Holmes. When a giant lion statue in Trafalgar Square comes to life and wreaks havoc on 1930's London, it seems like the perfect case for the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. With an overwhelmed caseload, however, Holmes recruits the help of three precocious young detectives-in-training (and one cunning golden retriever) to solve the mystery. Molly, Rajani, Humphrey, and Wellington (the dog) will have to work together and use all their wits if they are to uncover the truth behind the living statues and save London. But on the legendary Baker Street, nothing is as it seems and their biggest mystery might be the real identity of the famous detective who brought them together.

The Baker Street Peculiars is a interesting new take on Sherlock Holmes. The art work reminded me a first of the Asterix books, but seeing that Hirsh has done the art for Adventure Time and Regular Show the familiar feel of the work made much more sense to me. The story flips quite a bit of the Sherlock cannon, although some of it I will admit to expecting much quicker than I would have liked. I liked the inclusion of folklore, and the interplay between the main characters. I was glad to see some role reversal, and the fact that while adults do not play a big role in the story- the ones that do are as varied as real adults. They are not all bumbling fools or people eager to punish children. Rather, some are caring and overprotective, while others are vindictive or  oblivious to the odd things going on around them. I liked the take on Sherlock and that the mystery took a supernatural nature, but my favorite part was the odd trio of children that become our main characters. I like that none are quite what you expect in a hero or detective, but they come together as a solid team.

The Baker Street Peculiars is a fun twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes cannon. The graphic novel is a well told and drawn story with a nice mix of characters. While it did not wow me, I liked the story and can think of many middle grade readers that will adore it.

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.