Early Book Review: Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen by Nancy Viau

Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen by Nancy Viau is currently scheduled for release on August 28 2019. Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves science! In the beginning of fourth grade, she never let a moment go by without talking about rocks. Now she’s back with a new obsession: insects! Upon learning that the local apiary is for sale, she goes into action to save the honey bees. Will her someday boyfriend Todd or her best friend Kelli be part of her plan? Will That Kid Richard get in the way? Sam’s lists of insect facts and funny thoughts highlight her quest to keep the bees in the community, the challenges she faces at school, and her ongoing struggle with her temper. Join Samantha as she looks to science for answers and does her part to change the world. 

Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen was a read with some good points, and some low points. I really enjoyed that facs about bees and other insects were part of the story. I also liked that the larger idea of friendship changing and having more than one good or best friend is possible. Most of all, I liked the encouragement to get involved with causes that are important to you, such as saving the bees. The dealing with frustration and anger, counting and channeling the energy towards better things, were fairly well done as well. The friendship battles, dealing with changing interests, new friends, and peer groups seemed very accurate to me- as a mom and someone that has worked in an elementary school. All of that was what kept me reading. I was a little annoyed with the 'boyfriend' seeking, and the leaning on the idea that a boy teases a girl because he likes her. Can we not continue with that? I would much rather boys learn to give their attention in better ways, and girls not be in the position where they have to deal with that or be tasked with changing that boy's behavior by giving him the attention they want. I think that sets a bad president for both boys and girls. I also had some trouble becoming engaged with the story as a whole- the writing style just did not click with me, but I think that is more a matter of personal preference than anything wrong with the technique. 

Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen is an interesting early chapter book that will strike a chord with some readers. The story just did not wow me, despite some very well done aspects.

Book Review: Megabat and Fancy Cat (Megabat) by Anna Humphrey, Kass Reich

Megabat and Fancy Cat is the second Megabat book written by Anna Humphrey and illustrated by Kass Reich. While those that have read the first book will have a better grasp on the characters andknow how they came to be friends, I think all readers should be able to pick things up pretty quickly. All they need to know is that Megabat is a talking fruitbat that lives with his human best friend. 

Megabat was looking forward to Christmas morning: presents, playing toys, smooshfruit and watching Star Wars. But then Daniel opened his last, most special present. Daniel thinks this might be the best Christmas present yet: a beautiful cat named Priscilla! He's always wanted a pet. Megabat is not sure he likes this cat. She tastes most hairy. Daniel loves his new cat! She's fun to play with, and she's so soft and fluffy. Megabat is not soft OR fluffy. He's not purebred and he doesn't have a big, beautiful swishy tail. What if Daniel loves Priscilla more than Megabat? This is truly a disturbance in the Force. Megabat and Birdgirl must find a way to get rid of this trubble cat once and for all! Calamity ensues as Megabat and Birdgirl try to come up with ways to get rid of Priscilla. But is there more than meets the eye with this furry menace? 

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a fun story about friendship and compromise in the guise of an adorable bat feeling pushed aside by his best friend. When Priscilla joins the family only Megabat and Dad seem to be less than pleased, but soon only Megabat and Birdgirl are unhappy. Megabat feels left out and unloved, so comes up with a slew of crazy schemes to get the cat out of the house. Of course things backfire, and a good conversation solves the majority of the problems, as is true with many book for children and adults. I found Megabat's speech patterns and typing to be cute and fun, although it could be a mixed bag with young readers. Some might be glad to see a character that struggles with something they struggle with, or it might further the issue if they are really struggling with spelling. I think the story is a fun read that many kids will relate to, weather it is because of a new shifts in family or friendships- the explanation of love growing and always having enough is one that everyone sometimes needs to hear.

Megabat and Fancy Cat is a sweet and entertain read with plenty of fun and solid lessons to adsorb. Great choice of transitional and  emerging readers- as well as animal lovers. A fun read for anyone that picks it up. 

Book Review: Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer by Catherine Holt

Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer by Catherine Holt is the first book in a new middle grade series. When twelve year-old misfit Midnight Reynolds takes a job helping out eccentric Miss Appleby in the mansion down the street, she never imagined her work would involve battling ghosts. But as it turns out, Midnight and her new employer have quite a bit in common—they were both born on Halloween and have the power to see spirits of the dead. But when Midnight learns more about the history of her town, she starts to wonder if she’s fighting on the right side.

Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer is a wonderful middle grade novel. I will admit that it started a little slow for me, but once I got a good understanding of the characters, and Midnight's insecurities, I was fully engaged in the read. Midnight is tired of feeling different and wants to fit in more than just about anything. Unfortunately the popular girls that she wants to fit in are far from perfect. In her strides to appear cool she needs money, which leads her to working for Miss Appleby and embarking on a new adventure. I like Midnight's determination, even though she is not always working toward the best or healthiest goal. I really enjoyed Midnight's journey and how much she grew as a friend, daughter, and person in general. She found her place, her special skill set, and her bravery and learned how to use all of them for good. There were moments that had me cringinging, mainly because the middle school drama was right on point with what I remember, and what I worry about in the future for my kids. I really enjoyed the read and am disappointed in myself for letting it languish in my TBR pile for as long as I did. I have already gotten my hands on the sequel, and plan to get to that one much quicker.

Midnight Reynolds and the Spectral Transformer is a highly entertaining and relatable adventure. While readers might not have the ability to see ghostly energy, but at some point we have all felt like an outside or have been in search for our own special niche or place. 

Book Review: Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker by Shelley Johannes is a children's chapter book all about Beatrice, who does her best thinking upsidedown. Hanging from trees by her knees, doing handstands, what ever. For Beatrice Zinker, upside down works every time. She was definitely upside down when she and her best friend, Lenny, agreed to wear matching ninja suits on the first day of third grade. But when Beatrice shows up at school dressed in black, Lenny arrives with a cool new outfit and a cool new friend. Even worse, she seems to have forgotten all about the top-secret operation they planned! Can Beatrice use her topsy-turvy way of thinking to save the mission, mend their friendship, and flip things sunny-side up?

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker is a fun and relatable book for readers that think differently than those around her. I love that Beatrice is herself, even when she knows that it makes her different. While she does try to curb her impulses to fit the rules of teachers and family, she is still very much her own person. Adding the idea of friends changing and growing, and that we can like more than one kind of play or friendship is important. Kids change so much from year to year, and making it clear that it is normal and okay to change and alright to keep on being the same if that is what is right for you, is extremely important. The story is funny, sweet, and will speak to many children and adults that have never quite fit in the box that others have built for them.

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker is a wonderful children's book that will be a great conversation starter about how people and friendships can change, and how being yourself is always the answer- although accepting others for who they are and become is equally important. I think this would be a great addition to school libraries, and I am putting it on my own wish list for my school.

Early Book Review: Gnome-a-geddon by K.A. Holt

Gnome-a-geddon by K.A. Holt is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2017. Buck is a super fan of the book series, The Triumphant Gnome Syndicate. He knows all the trivia. The properties of the Troll Vanquishing Mace, and even what kind of snack Custard, the Gnome of the West, prefers. But when the book’s author disappears in a cloud of smoke at the release party for book three, and Buck’s little sister disappears into a bottomless dumpster, Buck realizes that the world of gnomes and trolls might really exist. What the heck? As it turns out, the real Custard (don’t call him that) needs Buck’s help to find the Troll Vanquishing Mace. And Buck needs to find his sister. So Buck and his best friend Lizzie set off on an adventure that would make any fan’s head spin. But not everything is as Buck expected—it seems the books did not tell the whole truth about this not-so-make-believe world. Buck soon discovers that real life doesn’t work like a story, and the heroes and villains might not be who they seem. Holy trolls! What’s a super fan to do? Buck is about to fulfill the ultimate fantasy: going on adventures with his favorite characters, and getting the chance to save the world. Assuming he can figure out whose side he’s really on.

Gnome-a-geddon is a book with a fairly unique concept. While there have been a few books that share a few characteristics, I really felt like this book took it in a slightly different direction. I liked that our main characters change and grow, both in self awareness and in ability to look at things differently. Buck is a good kid, who cares about those around him but with the natural craving to be special and a hero like his favorite book and game characters. He tries to be a good person, even while dealing with his craving to be more. Lizzie is a smart, strong, and independent girl with a good instinct about people and situations. They make a good team, especially when they listen to each others and those around them. I liked that the good guys and the "bad" guys are all ambiguous. No one character is all good or bad, and the idea of moving past prejudice and generalizations about any person is key in the entire story. I think the idea of unexpected heroes and strengths was very well done and just might have younger readers open to accepting help and seeing skills in others that they might otherwise dismiss. I am very interested in seeing more from the author, maybe in this same world, in the future.

Gnome-a-geddon is an entertaining and enjoyable read with a fun concept. I think there is a wide range of middle grade readers that will enjoy this read and be looking for more.

Book Review: Pedro 'n’ Pip: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey for Eco-Kids by Taylor Barton

Pedro 'n’ Pip: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey for Eco-Kids is a unique children's book by Taylor Barton. Pedro ‘n’ Pip is a raucous, uplifting rock 'n' roll odyssey about a tenacious ten-year-old girl, named Pip, and a ‘rockoctopus’, Pedro, who she meets while scuba diving after an oil spill in the Gulf. Together, they forge a powerful friendship and unite sea creatures and landlubbers alike to help clean up our waters for the good of all. A blend of colorful illustrations, easy-to-understand messages and an embedded musical score of more than a dozen original songs performed by a cast of award-winning musicians, including the legendary GE Smith, Robbie Wyckoff, (voice on Phineas and Ferb) Ella Moffly, Christine Ohlman, The Persuasions, David Broza and Jillette Johnson.

Pedro 'n’ Pip: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey for Eco-Kids is an interesting story- one that music fans, ecologically concerned children, and amateur marine biologists will understand and appreciate the most. Pip is a young girl with a vivid imagination and love of nature. When her father's company is involved in an oil spill her mission to help clean up is born- which lead her to the singing octopus Pedro. Yes, the story is strange, very much so, I do not mind that, and in some cases really appreciated it. I feel the same way about the inclusion of song lyrics. Sometimes this works, but I felt like the combination of both in the same book made it a little too unfocused. I just could not get lost in the story. Every time I would start to get into the flow another crazy event of song would pop up and I would lose the flow of the story. The adult is the story seemed to be fairly realistic at times, but more often than not completely unlikable. Pip's father had me upset with him in the very beginning, and I never really got over that- even when he was doing better.

Book Review: Princess in Black Takes a Vacation by Shannon & Dean Hale, LeUyen Pham

Princess in Black Takes a Vacation is the fourth book in the Princess in Black series written by Shannon & Dean Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham. After battling monsters all night, a sleepy Princess in Black decides that she needs a vacation. After all, the Goat Avenger, a new hero who looks oddly familiar, has offered to protect the goats while she takes a much needed break. The very next day Princess Magnolia rides her bicycle to the seaside, where the air is salty, the sun is shiny, and the sea is as blue as monster fur. But just as Princess Magnolia is about to take a nap on her hammock, she hears a “ROAR!” Seriously? A monster? Could a sea monster really ruin this vacation for the Princess in Black? 

 Princess in Black Takes a Vacation is another great installment in this transitional chapter book series. The Princess in Black is a wonderful character that takes young readers on grand adventures, even when all she needs into relax and take a nap. I really like tat the Goat Avenger gets some adventure of his own while Princess Magnolia tried to rest- only to end up fighting yet another monster. I love the ending, which I will not spoil, and the colorful illustrations are a perfect pairing with the text. I think this series will continue to be a favorite for many young readers. I read it with my eight year old (we already own the previous books) and she reread it in the morning. I think this will be staying on my Kindle for quite awhile.

Book Review: Flea and Spikey by Pieter Koolwijk, Linde Faas

Flea and Spikey is a children's book written by Pieter Koolwijk and illustrated Linde Faas. Meet Floyd, otherwise known as Flea. He's not so brave, rather small, and constantly being hassled by Arnold the bully. His life isn’t very exciting until a new student joins his class. A petite girl with colorful clothes.  Spikey is not afraid of anything. She isn’t even afraid of Arnold, and she takes Floyd under her wing. Slowly but surely Floyd discovers that life isn’t as ordinary as he thought. Spikey shares a big secret with him and Arnold turns out to have a voodoo mother. When Arnold discovers that Floyd knows, Floyd lands in big trouble. How will Flea and Spikey escape the wrath of Arnold and the machinations of his mother? And how will Floyd come to terms with his pesky nickname?

Flea and Spikey is a great example of characters that are real, and more than a little unreal. Floyd, or Flea, is a boy that you might be able to find in any school. He is small and picked on, not because he is exceedingly different but because of the nature of childhood bullies. Flea just wants to keep his head down and go unnoticed- but that is not working. When Spikey joins the class Flea is both scared and in awe of her fearlessness. She embraces the parts about her that others might consider weird, or tease her about, and just rolls with the punches. Her strange family and the oddities that Flea discovers about life make the adventure exciting, with some humor and wonderful lessons about embracing what makes you you, and ignoring those that might want to put you down in order to feel better about themselves.

Flea and Spikey is a children's chapter book that will appeal to those transitioning to chapter books through middle grade readers. The characters are both wacky and relatable and deal with fantastical problems along side those most children see on a daily basis. A good book for opening conversations about bullying, being different, and being yourself.

Early Book Review: Doodle Adventure: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate by Mike Lowery

Doodle Adventure: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate by Mike Lowery is the second book in the Doodle Adventure series, which invites, no actually requires, readers to add their own artwork and ideas to the story. It is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. The first book is The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs, which I now own two copies of- because each of my children wanted their own. 

Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate! features Carl, the friendly narrator who happens to be a duck, and the reader, who is drawn right into the story—literally. Together, they embark on the very important mission of finding out who has been stealing all of the pizza in town. Could it be the Dread Pirate Slobberts, the meanest, nastiest pirate ever to sail the Seven Seas? And, more important, how are they going to get all that pizza back? The reader takes part in the adventure, filling in the blanks on each page and making the story their own, and ready to read again or share over and over again.

Doodle Adventures: The Pursuit of the Pesky Pizza Pirate! is a fun interactive story that appeals to readers that have big imaginations and enjoy more interactive stories. Each page offers a prompt for the reader to draw on object or finish a picture to help the story along. While the adventure of looking for a pizza thief would be enough to capture my son’s attention (since pizza only comes second to cake on the favorite food list) the interactive and adventure aspects of the story keep him interested and actively reading than most books. This is true for newly independent readers that are still getting comfortable with exploring chapter books, but more advanced readers as well. The creativity and fun factors will make this a hit for many. I am off to preorder my two copies now. 

Book Review: Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries by Tom Angelburger, Cece Bell

Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries is an easy chapter book written by Tom Angelburger and illustrated by Cece Bell. On his first caper, Inspector Flytrap heads to the Art Museum’s Secret Lab to discover what important message lies in a mysterious glob on a recently discovered Da Vinci flower painting. The ingenious solution: Da Vinci was allergic to flowers, and the glob is, er, evidence of that ancient sneeze. Next Inspector Flytrap works on cases such as “The Big Deal Mystery of the Stinky Cookies” and “The Big Deal Mystery of the Missing Rose".

Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries is another funny and engaging story that will capture the interest of young readers. Inspector Flytrap is insistent on only working big deal cases, and his assistant and friend, a goat, is clearly not impressed with anything. Together they work cases, and sometimes cause more problems than they fix. I like that Inspector Flytrap is indeed smart and clever enough to solve the cases that come his way, and that in a silly but fun way show readers that his lack of mobility (he is a potted plant after all) is no barrier in making friends or solving cases. The characters and cases are silly on several levels, leaving readers entertained as they attempt to solve the cases before the detective. There is a running theme of friendship and working as a team through out the book along with wonderfully entertaining illustrations that keep readers interested.

 

Inspector Flytrap and the Big Deal Mysteries is a wacky book that will draw in reluctant and newly independent readers and keep them reading happily. The story and illustrations come together wonderfully to make readers laugh, think, and enjoy reading- which is the point, right? 

Book Review: The Inn Between by Marina Cohen, Sarah Watts

The Inn Between is a middle grade novel written by Marina Cohen, with illustrations by Sarah Watts. Eleven-year-old Quinn has had some bad experiences lately. She was caught cheating in school and her little sister Emma disappeared while walking home from school. She never returned. When Quinn's best friend Kara has to move away, she goes on one last trip with Kara and her family. They stop over at the first hotel they see, a Victorian inn that instantly gives Quinn the creeps, and she begins to notice strange things happening around them. When Kara's parents and then brother disappear without a trace, the girls are stranded in a hotel full of strange guests, hallways that twist back in on themselves, and a particularly nasty surprise lurking beneath the floorboards. Will the girls be able to solve the mystery of what happened to Kara's family before it's too late?

The Inn Between is a slow building story that takes readers on a unexpected journey. A road trip turns odd and dark when an unexpected stop at an inn starts and even stranger journey for two friends. Quinn is still struggling with self blame and the related stressors from her sister's disappearance. A final trip with a friend and her family to say goodbye is a bittersweet escape. However, the inn is creepy and so are many of its occupants. At first Quinn thinks she is the only one that sees the oddities around her, but soon more people are disappearing and Kara is along with her on the mission to figure out just what is going on. I will admit that I had a feeling as to what was going on briefly after the arrival at the inn, but the slow reveal and conclusion was so well done that there was still plenty of suspense and heartfelt moments to make the read more than worth my time.

The Inn Between is a thoughtful, sometimes creepy, but very poignant read. I think those dealing with trauma or loss will particularly see bits of themselves in the story, but that everyone can get something valuable from the read and enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur by Heath McKenzie is a picture book scheduled for release on May 17 2016. More than anything in the world, one little boy wants to be a great big dinosaur. And he's in luck! A great big T. Rex shows up to teach him how to stomp and roar just like a dinosaur. But dinosaurs aren't so great at soccer or video games. Maybe being a little boy isn't all bad?

I Wanna Be a Great Big Dinosaur is a fun and colorful picture book about exploring the world and being exactly who and what you want to be. I brings home the message that it is wonderful to explore all the possibilities and options around us, but we will be happiest when we are ourselves, no matter who or what that might be. I really loved the colorful and fun illustrations, showing or young boy and dinosaur exploring different activities and generally having fun. It was a fun read with a great message that did not feel forced or overbearing, which is something that often turns me off picture books with a particular message. 

Book Review: The Secret of Dreadwillow by Brian Farrey

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a middle grade novel by Brian Farrey. In the center of the verdant Monarchy lies Dreadwillow Carse, a black and desolate bog that the happy people of the land do their best to ignore. Little is known about it, except for one dire warning: If any monarch enters Dreadwillow Carse, then the Monarchy will fall. Twelve-year-old Princess Jeniah yearns to know what the marsh could possibly conceal that might topple her family’s thousand-year reign of peace and prosperity. Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Emberfell, where everyone lives with unending joy, a girl named Aon hides a sorrow she can never reveal. She knows that something in the carse holds the cure for her sadness. Yet no matter how many times she tries to enter, the terror-inducing dreadwillow trees keep her away. After a chance meeting, Princess Jeniah and Aon hatch a plan to send Aon into the heart of the carse to unlock its darkest secret. But when Aon doesn’t return, a guilt-stricken Jeniah must enter the carse to try and rescue her friend, even if it means risking the entire Monarchy. 

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a solid dark fantasy for the middle grade set. Aon is a normal village girl trying to hide the range of emotions that she feels. She wants to be happy like everyone else, but it is only by visiting the forbidden Dreadwillow Carse that she gets some relief. Jeniah is a princess, dreading the coming loss of her mother and trying to figure out who she is, and how to be a good queen. She is desperately trying to find her way, and the harder she looks for answers the more troubling the results and her concerns grow. The point of view goes back and forth between the two characters, which might be a little confusing or off putting for some readers, but I thought getting to see the inner thoughts of both characters was important here. They each have secrets, inner doubts, and questions about the world. They are each multidimensional and likable. I like that the struggles of both girls is very different because of who they are, but still very much the same because there are aspects of growing up and self discovery that are fairly universal. I think the big themes of coming of age, and the social commentary that are included blend well with the adventure and gothic feel. No one aspect overcomes the other, leaving the book accessible and relatable to a wide audience.

The Secret of Dreadwillow is a fantasy, mystery, and coming of age tale all rolled in together. I feel like there are more stories to be told, and much more that can happen here, both before and after this story. I am curious to see if Farrey does anything else with the world he has created.

Book Review: Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk by Ibk Akin

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk by Ibk Akin is a transitional or easy chapter book. Uncle Fazo is not your typical Uncle. He was a crazy scientist that invented lots of funny and random things for the fun of it. Zach, his nephew, and Miranda loved to test them out. When Zach's Uncle passes away Zach inherits all of his stuff. Readers join the brave best friends, Zach and Miranda, as they discover some insane inventions like the mute wand, ice cube ray gun, a talking robot and oh' did I mention a teleporting device that takes them anywhere in the world in seconds, where they can discover secrets of old times, solve mysteries and outsmart goons of all sorts? Keeping things action packed the pair need to worry about the evil overlord Tain who has a mission to destroy the very things Zach and Miranda try to save, words.

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk is an adventure for readers just starting to read chapter books on their own. When I first started reading the book I was very interested. I wanted to check out of of Uncle Fazo's gadgets and see what kind of trouble they could cause. When the real adventure began, traveling through time and space to save words or help them come into existence I was still on board. The gadgets and adventures still held great promise. then it got a little more complicated, and then a little more so, and then I felt like the original thread of the story that had me hooked was gone. I think some young readers might get set adrift like I felt, while others with revel in the adventure and complexity of the story. It was still fun, and interesting, but not what i had been hoping for when I opened the book.

Plip Plap Plop The Beginning Series: Fazo's Junk is a good beginner chapter book for those looking for high adventure. Readers with an  interest in language or inventions will particularly enjoy the book.

Book Review: The 39-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 39-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. This is the third installment in Andy and Terry’s book series about their ever-growing treehouse. While it is more fun to read in order, it is not necessary. The action and zaniness come through just fine without having read the previous book. The previous books are The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse.

Andy and Terry’s amazing treehouse has 13 new levels including a chocolate waterfall, a non-erupting active volcano, an opera house, a baby-dinosaur petting zoo, Andy and Terry’s Believe it or Else! museum, a not-very-merry merry-go-round, a boxing elephant called the Trunkinator, an X-Ray room, a disco with light-up dance floor, the world’s scariest roller-coaster and a top secret 39th level that hasn’t even been finished yet! Part of the unfinished treehouse is the "once upon a time" machine to help them meet their latest book deadline. But, as usual things go a bit awry and adventure ensues.

The 39-Storey Treehouse is the third installment of the series, and is just as funny as the previous adventures. I think the action in this book is actually a bit more intense than that of the previous books, although there is plenty of silly fun and entertaining illustrations (or wacky voice acting) as well. I got a kick out of the new inventions, and the new characters. The inclusion, and then un-inventing, of things like hot ice cream and a cross between frogs and hippos made my kids and I laugh more than once. I do not want to expose all the fun in this installment- just know that if you liked the humor and style of the first two books, this installment has all that and more.

The 39-Storey Treehouse is another winner for fans of silly reads with great action. If you (or your kids) liked the previous books and like illustrated chapter books then this book will keep everyone happy. My son keeps rereading this one, because he notices new or different details in the book every time!

Book Review: The 26-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 26-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. It is also the sequel to The 13-Storey Treehouse, and while it is more fun to read in order, it is not necessary. The action and zaniness come through just fine without having read the previous book. 

This book tells the story of how Andy and Terry met, and how the pair met Jill. In the newly expanded treehouse readers are treated to the mostly true, and slightly long, story of how the treehouse came to be their home. The sharks make an appearance, as does pirate wooden head, a robot serving 78 insane ice cream flavors, a wacky nursery rhyme, and the Maze of Doom. The combination of fast action, silliness, and equally crazy illustrations (or voice acting and sound effects) come together to entertain. The interruptions of writing the next story, layered with the interruptions of the story in which they all met, come together in a larger story that will make any parent or sibling recognize their lives in the inability to finish anything uninterrupted. There is a good amount of potty humor, and some high action. Just a silly and high entertainment story perfect for reluctant and struggling readers to get them eager to keep reading.

 The 26-Storey Treehouse is even better than the first book, and made my family eager to have The 39-Storey Treehouse in their hands (and in the car CD player). They have never been so eager to get in the car to head to school or church than they are when a entertaining audiobook is in the cd-player. This is one book that had them moving at high speeds. As with the previous book, The 13-Storey Treehouse, I both read and listened to the book with my two kids. I still say that both versions are wonderful, and it comes down to personal preference and time to decide what path to take, I still so do both!

Book Review: The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Stig Wemyss

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a children's book written by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, and the audiobook is narrated by Stig Wemyss. Both formats have something to recommend them, but I will save that for the end of the review. 

Who wouldn't want to live in a treehouse? Especially a treehouse that has a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of sharks, a library full of comics, a secret underground laboratory, a games room, self-making beds, vines you can swing on, a vegetable vaporiser and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots your favorite flavored marshmallows into your mouth whenever it discerns you're hungry. Andy and Terry  live here, make books together, and have a series of completely nutty adventures. 

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a zany story that will appeal to readers that like high action, silly humor, and crazy illustrations. The treehouse is pretty insane, and the adventures that Terry and Andy have in the process of trying to get their next book written will entertain just about everyone. There are man eating sharks, a cat painted yellow (like a canary) that can fly, a marshmallow shooter, and a variety of insanity hidden away in a treehouse. I think the combination of story and illustrations (or voice acting) in this book make it a great pick for anyone interested in picking it up. There are jokes that might go over the heads of younger readers, but older readers will enjoy it. This is a great pick for reluctant readers and those that claim that they do not like to read, because they just have not found the right books for their tastes and skill. 

The 13-Storey Treehouse is a book high in silliness, action, and eye catching humor (or fantastic voice acting and sound effects). My son is now a huge fan, and any time that he picks up a book rather than his DS I know that it is a winner for readers that crave this kind of reading material. 

My nine year old has read the books with me, and my seven year old has listened to the audiobook with both of us. I would recommend both formats, because they are fantastic. The illustrations and text art in the printed format is wonderful fun, but Stig Wemyss’s voice acting is fantastic. I say buy the paper version, and have the kiddos read along as you listen to the audiobook- that way you get the best of both worlds!

Book Review: Dream on, Amber by Emma Shevah

Dream on, Amber by Emma Shevah is a children's book about Ambra Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto. As a half-Japanese, half-Italian girl with a ridiculous name, Amber's not feeling molto bene (very good) about making friends at her new school. But the hardest thing about being Amber is that a part of her is missing. Her dad. He left when she was little and he isn't coming back. Not for her first day of middle- school and not for her sister's birthday party. So Amber will have to dream up a way for the Miyamoto sisters to make it on their own.

Dream on, Amber is a wonderful book for independent readers, middle grade readers, young adults, and adults. Anyone that feels caught in between, like something is missing, or that they6 do not quite fit in anywhere. Amber is a germ-a-phob, an artist afraid to share her work, a sister that wants to help and protect her little sister, and a daughter that wants to protect her mother from pain even when she has questions she really wants to ask. Starting middle school is hard for anyone, but doing so when you feel so out of place and lost is even harder. I think everyone feels awkward (at least to a certain extent) but Amber has additional challenges and a great mind and imagination. I think readers that feel outcast or lost in some way will easily connect with Amber. Readers dealing with an absent parent, are biracial, or an appearance different than those around them will relate to Amber's troubles. I enjoyed the story on several levels, and think other readers will as well.

Dream on, Amber is a wonderful children's novel that speaks to many kinds of readers. It is realistic fiction dealing with racial insensitivity, coming of age, family trouble, starting middle school, and so much more. There is something here for just about everyone, and readers that do not see something of themselves in the story will hopefully walk away with a better understanding of others that do. 

Book Review: The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star by Jill Murphy

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star by Jill Murphy is a middle grade book and the seventh book in the series. I had not read the previous books, and while I would have had a better understanding of each character and how they relate to each other, I was perfectly able to enjoy the story regardless.

Mildred Hubble may be the clumsiest witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy, but as a senior student she has been assigned the important task of lighting lanterns and candelabras each evening. Inspired by this responsibility, Mildred tries to stay out of trouble. But there are many opportunities for mayhem when a wish on a star leads to a lovable stray pup who, unlike Mildred’s timid tabby, loves to fly on a broomstick. Can Mildred keep Star a secret and avoid setting fire to the school despite an impending talent competition, the disapproving Miss Hardbroom, and her ever-spiteful classmate Ethel Hallow?

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star made me smile as I read. Mildred tries her best to be herself, and a good witch. She champions the animals and fellow students that are as awkward or that might feel as much of a misfit as she does. she does not mean to cause any problems, but opportunities to help others and her attempts to stay out of trouble tend to bring even more trouble her way. When she is given the task of lighting and extinguishing candles every day Mildred works very hard and does a great job. In the process she also happens to find a stray dog that she just needs to take care of. In the process she trains the dog to do wonderful things. I really liked that all her efforts to do the right thing, regardless of the rules, turns out to be the thing that saves the day.

The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star is a charming book for every reader that has ever felt left out or behind. Anyone that has felt clumsy or different can see a bit of themselves in Mildred, I know I saw some of myself. This is a fun and charming read that has me thinking I should go back and read the earlier books ion the series.

Early Book Review: Magical Animal Adoption Agency: The Enchanted Egg by Kallie George and Alexandra Boiger

The Enchanted Egg is the second book in the Magical Animal Adoption Agency series written by Kallie George and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. It is currently scheduled for release on November 3 2015. Mr. Jams brought home an enchanted egg from his last journey, and Clover can't wait to find out what kind of creature the polka-dotted shell contains. But one morning after Mr. Jams leaves on another trip Clover checks on the cozy nest of feathers she's made for the egg. She finds the nest empty and the baby animal is nowhere in sight! Clover is anxious to find the creature, but the Agency is full of visitors looking for pets of their own. Will Clover be able to match them with their perfect companions and save the mysterious animal before Mr. Jams returns from his trip?

The Enchanted Egg is a great follow up to Clover's Luck. Clover is settling into her work at the Magical Adoption Center, and loving the daily tasks involved in learning about and taking care of magical creatures. When Mr. Jams runs off again to get special supplied to care for whatever might be hatching for the mystery egg she is a little worried, but content in her duties. That is until the mystery egg hatches and Clover cannot find anything by mischief in the wake of the critter, but no sight of it. When a variety of hopeful adopters come looking for the perfect pets, and Clover still looking for the former inhabitant of the egg her wit and resolve are tested. Thankfully Clover's good heart and quick thinking save the day again.

The Enchanted Egg is a delightful book. I do suggest reading the series in order, and thanks to a little tease at the end of this book I am very eager to get my hands on the next book. I highly recommend this series to young chapter book readers that enjoy reading about animals, magic, or both.