Early Book Review: Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister

Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on My 5 2020.  When Leo, the city mouse, visits his friend Zoe in the countryside for the first time, he meets a huge and horrible monster.  It’s gigantic, has lots of horns, an enormous tail, and when it roars, the earth shakes. At least that’s what Leo saw. Or did he? Zoe thinks his description sounds just like Berta, the sweet-tempered cow in the meadow.

Leo's Monster is a brightly illustrated story that reminded me of the old legend about the blind men and the elephant. Trying to describe something we have never encountered before can be hard, and overcoming fear when facing something we do not know or understand can be hard. I think this story does a good job of showing readers that they are not alone in these reactions, and that sharing with a friend or trusted adult can help alleviate the fear, and find the truth behind the matter. I loved the artwork, and thought the changes to the 'monster' as the story progressed was a perfect touch. 

Book Review Summons (Fable Rangers #1) by A.L. Brown

Summons is the first book in the Fable Rangers series by A.L. Brown. This is a middle grade book that offers a fantasy story with pieces of stories you might think you already know. Twelve-year-old Casey doesn’t think life could get any more unfair. Plans for her special basketball tournament are tossed aside by her sister’s wedding plans.  All she wants is an escape, but she never imagined she’d be swept away to a world of Mother Goose rhymes, fairy tales, stories of Arabian Nights, and oh, by the way, all but one fairy godmother has been kidnapped. Casey learns she’s been summoned as the Fable Ranger to lead the search and rescue of the missing wish-makers. But she’s not the hero they want. In the world of fairy tales, damsels aren’t meant to swoop in and save the day. Now all Casey wants is to go home, but the veil between worlds is on lockdown. Taking fate into her own hands, she embarks on an airship flight to find the phoenix tears that can open her way home. Her journey would’ve gone as smooth as the perfect layup if it weren’t for that pesky bounty the evil Dovetail has placed on her head. If Casey fails, the Arabian Nights will disappear forever and she will be trapped in a world unraveling one fairy tale at a time.

Summons is a story that many readers will relate to on some level, and enjoy. Casey feels that life is unfair, and that she is the one making most of the changes and sacrifices in her family. When she is sucked into a world of stories through a book she borrowed from her father she finds herself facing much bigger problems than anything she faced at home. Fairy godmothers have been kidnapped, stories are unravelling, and danger is lurking around every corner. When the people she is called to help see that they got a young girl rather than the trained man they expected everyone’s plans are changed. Dealing with gender biases and working to save an entire world, not to mention trying to secure a way home, Casey not only proves herself but comes to some important realizations along the way. The story was fast paced with good character development for both Casey and the main supporting characters. World building was also p[aced well, although the opening with Casey’s family made me wonder if I had missed something prior to the start ofd this story.

Summons is a well written middle grade novel. I think fans of the Lands of Stories, Tale Dark and Grimm, and other fairy tale based series or the Once Upon a Time television series will particularly enjoy the read. Not completely new territory, but it is a well done and entraining read.  

Early Book Review: The Peddler’s Road by Matthew Cody

The Peddler’s Road is a middle grade novel by Matthew Cody. This will be the first book in his new Secrets of the Pied Piper series, and is scheduled for release on October 27 2015. It is said that in the thirteenth century, in a village called Hamelin, a piper lured all but one of the town’s children away with his magical flute. Today tough, pink-haired Max and her little brother, Carter, are stuck in modern-day Hamelin with their father until they are also led away by the Piper to a place called the Summer Isle. There they meet the original stolen children, who haven’t aged a day and who have formed their own village, vigilantly guarded from the many nightmarish beings that roam the land. Their appearance may be the key to returning the lost children of Hamelin, and to going home themselves. However, in order to discover the secrets of the Piper, Max and Carter will have to set out on a mysterious quest down the dangerous Peddler’s Road.

The Peddler’s Road is the start to another great middle grade series from Matthew Cody. I really enjoyed the characters, Max is a spunky girl with a strong mind but growing through a period of many changes. Carter has always had challenges, and has faced them with intelligence and grace. Getting stolen away to the Summer Isle is no exception. The framework of folklore and magic woven through the story is wonderfully done, with each character getting enough detail and personality to bring them to life. My only complaint with the story is that when it ended I needed more. The story leaves so many loose ends, definitely a cliff hanger that need the sequels to complete the story in my opinion. I love series that give at least some resolution, while still urging readers to keep reading. I dis not feel that I got quite enough of that resolution to keep me happy, instead I got another layer of plot and complication that needs resolution in the future installments. 

The Peddler’s Road is as well written and engaging as I expect from Cody. I really liked the main characters, especially Max, and felt like they all had significant growth in the story. I was not happy with the inconclusive ending, but am likely to read the sequels because I need to know how they solve the huge problems they are facing.  

Book Review: What About Moose by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Rebecca J. Gomez

What About Moose is a new picturebook written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Rebecca J. Gomez. It was illustrated by Keika Yamaguchi. When Fox, Toad, Bear, Porcupine, and Skunk set out to build a tree house, they know just what to do: they’ll follow a plan and they’ll work as a team. However,  Moose is not ready to listen to other peoples plans. Will Moose's 'suggestions' for a perfect tree house ruin the day?

What About Moose is a story children and adults can relate to and enjoy. Moose and his friends have a great activity planned, but following the plans is not Moose's idea. He wants things done his way, which does not work out the way he hoped it would. The repeated chorus of "What about you moose?" will have some children chanting along with the book, while everyone gets to see what it is like to have their plans trampled by others that mean well, but have not thought everything through. This is a fun story that can show children how to play and work together a little bit better, while making them laugh a little in the process.

What About Moose is a fun rhyming picturebook that can start conversations about team work and planning. As a mom with two very opinionated and stubborn children this story struck a chord, and just might make a difference. Well, at least on the day we share the book.

Early Book Review: The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

The Tea Party in the Woods is a picturebook by Akiko Miyakoshi which is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2015. Kikko sets out after her father with a forgotten pie for Grandma. She follows a trail to a strange house in the wintry woods, thinking it was her father.  A peek in the window reveals that the footprints Kikko had been following did not belong to her father at all, but to a bear in a long coat and hat! The day only gets stranger, and more wonderful for Kikko from there.

The Tea Party in the Woods is a creative and beautifully illustrated picturebook. I loved how the pencil illustrations convery the cold, snowy day and the fantasy found in Kikko's woodland hike. Kikko is bringing a forgotten goody to her grandmother's house, and like Little Red Riding Hood she strays from her path- thankfully the adventure Kikko finds is more like that of Goldilocks than Little Red. Instead of a big bad wolf Kikko finds an animal hosted tea party and help from that unexpected quarter. Her bravery and the kindness of the animals are beautiful on every level.

The Tea Party in the Woods is a delightful and visually attractive storybook. I do not know if I want to share it with my children, because they are already a wee be too willing to explore, but I think most everyone will be able to absolutely love this book. It would be good for one on one or small group storytimes, but I think the illustrations might be too delicate and light to be fully appreciated in a large group.

Best Young Adult Novels Retelling Fairy Tales New Perspectives and Life Given to Classic Stories

There are some stories we all know very well, from books or movies. Some authors have taken a chance and added new twists to classic fairy tales. Here are some that surpassed expectation.

Beastly by Alex Flinn is a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Kyle Kingsbury was a golden boy. He had everything a high school boy could want; good looks, popularity, good grades and money. When he behaves beastly toward a classmate, she appears in his bedroom and makes that adjective true in looks as well as deed. His superficial world falls apart and he has to transform himself inside to earn the love that can transform his exterior. This is a fun, entertaining read that dos not become trite or corny which is always a danger in this kind of story. Finn has also written his take on Sleeping Beauty titled A Kiss in Time, and many other tales since. 

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is the retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Here the story is set in nineteen-century Europe. Rose and her younger sisters are trapped by their mother's bargain to dance every night until their dancing slippers are worn. Galen is a soldier with a knitting hobby and a personality that has him being polite and kind to the elderly. What I really love about this retelling is that the princesses are feisty with minds and plans of their own; they are not simply waiting around for rescue. While the romance aspect seems a little thin, there is a sequel to the book, which follows Rose on to the next stage of her life. Again the author has done many more fairy tale related books since. 

Robin McKinley has retold a few fairy tales, and done all of them very well. Spindle's End is her version of the Sleeping Beauty story. Everyone knows the basics, infant cursed to die on a birthday after sticking her finger on a spindle. While tat stays the same, in McKinley's version our heroine is raised by a peasant fairy and grows up wild, preferring pants to skirts and able to communicate with animals. Twists to the original tale have her stronger and more capable than one might expect in this story, and it reads extremely well. Surprises make the read so much more intriguing and entertaining. . If you have not read any of McKinley's novels I strongly suggest exploring her work, she has never disappointed me.

Magic Circle by Donna Jo Napoli is the unique retelling of Hansel and Gretel from the witch's point of view. She was tricked and forced to live as a witch, alone until she takes in two lost children. She fights the evil that has invaded her life. The book is intriguing, beautiful, surprising and disturbing on several levels. It was a great read and one of many reimaginings of fairy tales by this author that I have found to be fantastic.

Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey and Mahlon F. Craft is a retelling of Cinderella, and part of the Once Upon a Time series of fairy tale reimaginings. This retelling is full of strong women and matters of family, loyalty and courage. While most of the basic elements of the known story are here, the characters do not blindly slide into their usual molds. No one in inherently evil or doormats to be mistreated and abused. The changes and twists inn this version of the classic tale captivate and entertain.

Book Review: Alice in Tumblr-land: And Other Fairy Tales for a New Generation by Tim Manley

Alice in Tumblr-land: And Other Fairy Tales for a New Generation by Tim Manley is a quirky and sardonic look at what would happen after the stories we know ended, but set in the era of social media. This book is a funny look at how princesses and their princes, the Ugly Duckling, the Frog Prince, Alice, Peter Pan and more might have continued their tales in the age of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, OkCupid and more. Peter Pan deals with an internet addiction, Red Riding hood deals with a different kind of wolf, the Tortoise and the Hare stalk each other via Facebook, and much more. The book is formatted in short paragraphs and pictures, much like the social media sites that the book uses in the stories.

Alice in Tumblr-land is a quick read that will have middle grade, young adult, and adult readers chuckling as they recognize behavior that seems most prevalent on social media. Fairy tale characters losing themselves in Facebook and dealing with the social issues we all struggle with makes the little bursts of stories that much more relatable and humorous. The illustrations are a perfect pairing to the tiny tales, adding some humor and insight to the stories. I will admit that  expected some of the stories to come together, but the book still really worked for me.

Alice in Tumblr-land is an entertaining and quick read. It is perfect for light reading outside or where you might need to occasionally put the book down to take a swim to beat the heat. It was funny, and sometimes surprisingly insightful. I really enjoyed the read, and finished it off in a single sitting.

Book Review: Two Parrots by Rumi, Rashin

Two Parrots is a classic tale from Rumi and illustrated by Rashin.  A plucky parrot living in the home of a wealthy merchant appears to have everything: the love of his owner, the best food, and a golden cage. But, despite all this, the parrot is sad. The merchant will do anything to make his parrot happy! But will he be willing to set his beloved pet free?

Two Parrots is a classic tale that many of us have heard in some form. A bird lives in a gilded cage and is given everything he could possibly need, but is unhappy because despite everything he is still captive. Using his wit the parrot tricks the merchant into setting him free, which in turn makes the merchant sad. It is only in the return of the parrot and conversation between the pair that the realization that captivity and love do not survive together. Freedom is a need, and in giving that the merchant was able to gain a true friendship with the parrot. The bright, colorful illustrations really bring the story a fresh feel and new life. A simple story that can be widely enjoyed.

I would recommend Two Parrots for readers that enjoy seeing folklore and its re-tellings from around the world. The artwork by Rashin matches the story and will interest readers of all ages.

Early Book Review: Odd, Weird & Little by Patrick Jennings

Odd, Weird & Little by Patrick Jennings is a children's novel that is currently scheduled for release on January 28 2014. Toulouse is the new kid, and he is a little odd. He is very short, always wears a hat, and does not talk much. Woodrow is not exactly popular, but he decides that giving the new kid a chance is more important than becoming more of a target to the schoolyard bullies.  The two make a good pair, they enjoy fishing and make a great volleyball team. The story is simple and sweet, with fun moments.

Odd, Weird & Little is a charming children's chapter book about being yourself, bullying, and acceptance. Toulouse is an odd kid, and Woodrow is not the most accepted kid in his grade either. However, their teasing by others and some shared interests connect the pair quickly. I loved that Woodrow has his reservations about befriending someone that was libel to make him a bigger target to bullies, but saw something in Toulouse that made him extend his friendship and defy the fear of the bullies. I liked that message about bullying was subtle and flowed well with the mystery of just why Toulouse was as different as he appears. While moments of the story seemed a little simple, it all come together in a way that really worked for me. The story itself was just like the title, something a bit odd, weird, and little.

I would recommend Odd, Weird & Little for elementary school and middle grade readers. The book is one that even the most popular kids might get something out of. The story is charming, sometimes funny, but also heartfelt. It is a short read, and well worth the time.

Book Review: The Dragon's Boy by Jane Yolan

The Dragon's Boy by Jane Yolan is a children's chapter book in the Arthurian tradition. Artos is a lonely and regularly teased boy in the castle of Sir Ector. One day he is tasked with chasing down a dog that has run off- and somehow ends p in a mysterious cave where he meets a dragon that offers him wisdom. Despite his fear, Artos becomes the dragon's student and learns things he never imagined. Atros receives wisdom of all kinds from the dragon, but still wants to be recognized as a worthy friend by the other boys of the castle. Many lessons need to be learned, in many different ways, to complete the learning required of Artos Pendragon.

I am firmly of the opinion that Jane Yolan is an author that would have to put serious effort into writing something that isn't wonderful. Combine that with my love of Arthurian legends, and The Dragon's Boy could not lose. This book offers a new look at Arthur, or Artos's, early life and his relationship with Sir Ector and Old Linn (Merlin). I liked that Artos was a young man that new his mind, and thanks to the wisdom of 'the dragon' and his own common sense, saw through most of the faults of the other boys. However, like most going through the preteen and teen years, he still wanted to fit in even when the crowd was doing something he did not want to be a part of. The book offers a coming of age ideal with the hints of adventure soon to come. The twist of the dragon and possibilities for the future really made the book even better.

The Dragon's Boy is a book that I would recommend to all readers that love Yolan's work, have a love of Arthur, enjoy coming of age tales, and enjoy stories about being true to yourself. I really enjoyed this book, and the experience was made even better with the personal history of Yolan and some of her photographs that were included at the end of the book.

Book Review: The Adventures of Caterwaul the Cat: Feline Pie by Damon Plumides and Arthur Mark Boerke

The Adventures of Caterwaul the Cat: Feline Pie is a children's chapter book by Damon Plumides and Arthur Mark Boerke. Caterwaul the Cat sets out on his own in search of a friend and a place to live after sneaking away from his home with the Witch of Red Moon Forest. When he meets the bitter Queen Druciah, who warms to his feline ways and promises he can live with her forever at Cathoon Castle, he thinks he has found exactly what he needed. However, he soon discovers that the queen has not changed as much as he thought. In her quest to be young and beautiful forever she has a scheme with includes the abandoned witch and the tail of a pure white female cat. Caterwaul and his friends Coy, Huxley, Frankie, Muse, Pudding, and all the rest take on militant frogs, feline mobsters, wicked hunters, corrupt police constables, giant snapping turtles, and more in his quest.

The Adventures of Caterwaul the Cat was an interesting read and I enjoyed the look at the world through a cat's eyes. I liked Caterwaul's character, as well as those of his fellow felines that appeared toward the end. The characterization of the Witch of the Red Moon Forest, Queen Druciah, and the others in the castle are well done. I felt like I could predict their actions and motivations because they were so well fleshed out. I did find myself having trouble getting into the story. While I was reading it I was enthralled and engaged, but when I had to put down the book to cook dinner, work, or those important things I did not feel any driving need to pick the story back up again. Because of that, it took me longer to read than expected. I am not sure if this is just because slightly slow pacing (which does pick up considerably toward the end of the book) or my own need to wrap Christmas presents and finish up my crafting.

I would recommend The Adventures of Caterwaul the Cat to readers that like adventure, particularly those that featuring animals. I found the story a bit disjointed, but I think that there are many middle grade readers out there that will love this book.

Audiobook Review: Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, who also read the audiobook.  The book begins in Sussex England as a middle age man attends a funeral in his childhood hometown. He is drawn to the farm at the end of the lane where he remembers some extraordinary events, and the extraordinary girl Lettie Hempstock, when he was seven years old.  Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. His death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie; a girl that is magical, comforting, and wise beyond her years, promised to protect him, no matter what.

I do not want to talk to much about the contents of the book, because I listened to the audiobook based solely on the author and had not read a single review or even the summary beforehand. At first I thought I was going to be disappointed, as the story began with a forty something man driving down the road and pondering a funeral. However, the journey down memory lane and return back are unique and completely enthralling. The narrator sees the world through the selfish and innocent eyes of a seven year old. The fact that the landscape and some of the events from the book were actually part of Gaiman's childhood added to the feel that the layer of fable woven into the world here is really there, and we might stumble into similar troubles if we are not careful.  I absolutely loved the Hemstock family, and felt a bit of resemblance to the mother, maiden, and crone from Earth based religions.

Ocean at the End of the Lane is just what I expect from Gaiman. He takes normal events and memories, both the banal and the painful, and turns them into something even more important. There is a larger mythology and world in Ocean than some of its characters and readers can fully grasp, a blending of fantasy and realism that leaves me looking at the world a little differently when the book is over.  The heart of the story is the sheer frailty and fleeting nature of the human existence, the idea that the terrible and the wonderful can stand hand in hand. There is feeling of unity and understanding that the book leaves me with, like knowing I am not the only one who looks in the mirror and am sometimes surprised that the face the world sees is not the same as the real me or the face I think I wear.

With any audiobook the reader is extremely important. A great reader can bring life to the book, even a less than stellar book- however a less talented read can render even the best book impossible to enjoy. If you can get a great writer, with a great voice, to read their own work then you have the best of all worlds. Gaiman has a wonderful speaking voice (I could listen to him read the dictionary, and knowing him he'd sneak in something fun to make sure you are listening), and the inflections and tones he uses for each character and event was wonderful.

I would highly recommend Ocean at the End of the Lane to all readers that enjoy Gaiman's work, and those that like books that blend the 'real' world with mythology and fables in new ways. Fans of American Gods will be particularly pleased with Ocean, since it has a similar blending of worlds. This book has made me an even bigger fan of Gaiman, if that was at all possible.