Book Review: Gracie LaRoo at Pig Jubilee by Marsha Qualey, Kristyna Litten

Gracie La Roo at Pig Jubilee written by Marsha Qualey and illustrated by Kristyna Litten is an advanced easy reader or beginner chapterbook- depending on how you look at it. Gracie LaRoo is the youngest pig to make it to the Pig Jubilee in synchronized swimming. As the star of her team, the Water Sprites, the pressure is on! But Gracie can't seem to concentrate and land her signature move-the one sure to lead them to victory. Gracie has to find a way to get her concentration back, find her confidence, and land the move to bring home the gold medal and to make her team proud.

Gracie LaRoo at Pig Jubilee is a sweet collection of  stories about a little pig trying to find her way. She learns about concentration, confidence, and being true to herself. She gets to learn about teamwork and patience as well, all while she does something she loves- swimming. Her practice, performing, and imperfections make her a characters that readers can relate to, empathize with, and learn with. The art work and stories remind me a little of Olivia- both in lessons learned and the fact that they are pigs. The art is lovely, and the emotion and captured in the illustrations help bring the story alike, and get the reader more involved in Gracie's struggles. I like that she makes mistakes, but still does her best and works to fix them.

Gracie LaRoo at Pig Jubilee is a good read with valuable lessons. I love a children's book that gets these lessons across to young readers without feeling pushy or preachy, which can be hard to do. This book does that, and entertains readers at the same time.

Book Review: The Knights of Boo'Gar by Art Roche

The Knights of Boo'Gar by Art Roche is an illustrated novel perfect for reluctant readers. Storm clouds hang over the kingdom of Boo’Gar. The cantaloupe crop has failed. There is no money in the treasury. Even kind old King Mewkus has started to doubt himself. Can things get any worse? Of COURSE they can! When Princess Phlema’s beloved goat is kidnapped, King Mewkus and his trusted wizard must assemble those fearsome warriors for justice—The Knights of Boo’Gar! There are just a few small problems. Sir Justin ditched the knights to start a boy band. Sir Daphne traded in her sword for a real estate license. Sir John shed his armor to become a tax attorney. That just leaves young (and short) Sir Rowland and his trusty pet turtle, Angelina. Okay … so maybe there’s a LOT of problems.

The Knights of Boo’Gar is a graphic novel that will appeal to many reluctant readers and fan of silly or gross comedy. The puns of grossnes got to be a bit obvious and overwhelming to me- Boo'Gar, Phlema, Mewkus, and so on. This will entertain and keep some turning the pages to see what snort worthy thing will happen next. HOwever, I think more mature (not in regards to age) readers might grow tired of it, as this parent did.  I think the combination of humor, adventure, font size and artwork will appeal to a number of young readers. I already can think of several students in my elemntary school library that will gravitate toward the book and share it with thier friends. I think that my favorite part of the book is Princess Phlema's character. Rather than needing saving, she is the one that saves the day in the end. This made me happier than any of the gross out humor in the book. 

The Knights of Boo’Gar is a fast-paced adventure filled with plenty of illustrations and gross humor to amuse readers. I think reluctant readers and those that just love a fast, fun, and more than a little gross read will enjoy this book. 

Book Review: Curse of the Were-Hyena by Bruce Hale

Curse of the Were-Hyena is the first book in the Monstertown Mystery series by Bruce Hale. Mr. Chu, the coolest teacher ever, has developed some very unusual habits, like laughing hysterically for no reason, sniffing people's homework, and chasing chickens. When best friends Carlos and Benny decide to find out what's happening to him, they get caught up in some moonlight madness. And it looks like just the beginning of the weirdness that has arrived in the town of Monterrosa.

Curse of the Were-Hyena is an entertaining read that will appeal to a wide audience. Carlos and Benny each get into a good amount of trouble as they do their best to save their teacher, unravel the mystery, and not become were-anything in the process. I like that they are fully aware of what they are doing and that the adults are not foolish. The adults might miss some things, but are not the clueless cutouts that are often found in children's books. Carlos' family is facing big changes, which gives the story an undercurrent of him trying to find his place in light of a younger sister with big things going on. Benny might be a little to reliable for the goofy option, but I still know people that think like his, so i still found his character to be realistic. The family dynamics play a role, and change as the story continues, which adds an extra dimension to the story. The mystery and supernatural elements kept me on my toes, and held a couple surprises for me. I was pleased to actually have some of the final twists to be unexpected, and in some cases completely so. While not a perfect story, it was well worth the read and I think  it will become a favorite series for many reluctant readers.

Curse of the Were-Hyena is a fast and fun story that will be a hit with middle grade readers. I think this is a series that might encourage more reluctant readers in that age range to follow the series and explore reading a little more.