Early Book Review: The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Unicorn by Bella Swift

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Unicorn by Bella Swift is an illustrated chapter book that is currently scheduled for release on August 312021. After Peggy the pug puppy is left at the animal shelter just before Christmas, she is taken in by a foster family. But the situation is just temporary—the family isn’t ready for a dog quite yet. And the little girl, Chloe, wants a unicorn for Christmas, not a puppy. Peggy decides that she will become a unicorn to make Chloe’s Christmas wish come true—and hopefully make Peggy’s temporary home her forever home in the process. All she needs is a long silky mane, a glowing horn, and the ability to do magic! Easy-peasy, right? But all of Peggy’s attempts to become a unicorn go hilariously wrong. From knocking over the Christmas tree to getting lost in the snow, Peggy remains a pug. How will she ever find a forever home if she can’t make her new humans happy?

The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Unicorn is a transitional chapter book that might hit just the right chord with some young and transitional readers. I love that while the book is sweet and fun, it also shows how much work is involved with properly caring for a puppy. I think this is even more impactful, especially for young readers, but putting the book in the dog's perspective. Poor Peggy just wants to play and be loved, just like the kids reading the book. Seeing that the pug makes mistakes (just like them) but that those mistakes come from good intentions or things out side Peggy's control is something that most will be able to relate to. I think the book is very accessible to new independent readers, and might be a new favorite for many. I now need to read the author's previous book about a pug wanting to be a reindeer.

Book Review: Dear Professor Whale by Megumi Iwasa

Dear Professor Whale by Megumi Iwasa is a follow up to Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, which I missed somehow. If you have missed the first like me, no worries, the connection is quickly explained. Now that Professor Whale has retired, he writes many letters to "You, Whoever You Are, Who Lives on the Other Side of the Horizon". Seal and Pelican are busy delivering the letters and Penguin is now teaching. Although he is happy his friends are doing so well, Whale wants a special friend; who might call him by a friendly sort of name. Like Whaley, maybe, instead of "Professor." The letters bring penguins, whales, and seals together in the famous Whale Point Olympics, where the winners are friendship and humor.

Dear Professor Whale is a cute illustrated story that will appeal most to emerging readers. I did find the illustrations to be a little simplistic, almost childish. It did not seem like they were intended to, as some books do. The story of a whale seeking the kind of friendships and comradery that those around him have is nice, and the idea of searching for a new nickname or persona is one that people of all ages might relate to. The continuing tales of penpals, the whale olympics, and so on were nice. They flowed well together and had some imaginative and creative moments. I liked it but it just never really grabbed me in a way that would get me excited about it, or going back to read the previous book.

Book Review: Rabbit & Bear: Rabbits Bad Habits by Julian Gough, Jim Field

Rabbit & Bear: Rabbits Bad Habits was written by Julian Gough and illustrated by Jim Field. This is the first book in what promises to be a series about Rabbit and Bear. When Bear wakes up early from her hibernation, she decides to build a snowman. Her grumpy neighbor, Rabbit, decides to build an even better one. Talk of gravity, avalanches, and eating habits lead to some interesting moments and an unlikely friendship. 

Rabbits Bad Habits is labeled a chapter book, but I think it would fit better as an easy reader or transitional chapter book for younger or struggling readers. Although some of the humor with surely entertain the older readers as well. Bear is a calm, cheerful, and hungry character that has woken up early to discover the food she has stored was stolen. So, she goes outside to have a little fun and build a snowman. Rabbit is a grumpier character, who also likes to share knowledge about gravity, avalanches, and why rabbits eat their poo. Much is said about the poo, but the other information actually comes in handy when a wolf makes an appearance. THe story had some good moments, and some that made me say why. However, I liked the development of the characters, and how they went from acquaintances to friends. 

Rabbits Bad Habits is a fun, interesting read. I think it is a book that most will love or hate, but I somehow landed in the middle.

Book Review: Meet Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly

Meet Yasmin is an early chapter book written by Saadia Faruqi, and illustrated by Hatem Aly. Yasmin Ahmad is a spirited second-grader who's always on the lookout for those "aha" moments to help her solve life's little problems. Taking inspiration from her surroundings and her big imagination, she boldly faces any situation, assuming her imagination doesn't get too big, of course! A creative thinker and curious explorer, Yasmin and her multi-generational Pakistani American family will delight and inspire readers.

Meet Yasmin is a sweet early chapter book about a young girl exploring her world, trying new things, and trying to decide what she wants to do. She tries out being an explorer, a painter, and a fashionista and learns something about herself and the task at hand each time. I loved the bold and bright illustrations, that add details to the story. I really love that the story is just about a kid exploring the world, and other kids or all ages, genders, and backgrounds can find something of themselves in the story. I find it important that Yasmin is Pakistani American, and some young readers that might never have seen someone like themselves in print can see themselves mirrored in the book, and those they might be being taught nationalism or racism at home can see how much kids are alike regardless of culture and background. We all just want to find and do things we enjoy, like Yasmin. I think it is also important and helpful to unfamiliar readers that the backmatter includes a section on learning Urdu, facts about Pakistan, a recipe for lassi, and instructions for making a flower motif bookmark. It just might help young readers take the next step and research even more about the Pakistani culture and hopefully other people and cultures as well.

Meet Yasmin is a wonderful transitional chapter book, with charm and humor that a wide range of readers will enjoy. I am hoping for more books like this in the near future. 

Early Book Review: The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess by Emma Wunsch, Jessika Von Innerebner

The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is an illustrated chapter book written by Emma Wunsch and illustrated by Jessika Von Innerebner.  This series starter is currently scheduled to be released on August 7 2018. Princess Miranda does not want to go to school. She wants to shoe shop, plan parties, and decorate the castle. Maude cannot wait for school. She loves rules and social justice and getting good grades. She also loves hard-boiled eggs, much to Miranda’s dismay. When a tense first week of school results in Maude getting excluded from the Royal Birthday Party, Maude decides she’s found her first fight for social justice: a birthday boycott. This hilarious, heartfelt chapter-book series teaches empathy, and reminds us that your very best friend could be one desk away.

The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is the start of a sweet early chapter book about dealing with changes, school, and being yourself. I loved the set up. Miranda is a princess that loves pink, nail polish, and party planning. She does not want to go to school, and when she does her head hurts and she just wants to go home. Maude loves learning, rules, and hard boiled eggs. These two seem to have nothing in common, and clash right away. Miranda needs to learn to get along with other children, and to consider how others feel. Maude needs to stop and think about how others feel as well. When they each take a moment and consider other people, a friendship is formed and thrives, showing readers that empathy can bridge  almost any gap and bring wonderful surprises. I like that readers get multiple points of view, so they can see why Miranda is as unhappy and uncomfortable at school- and we can see why Maude holds on to her eggs and unusual ways. I also like that even after the friendship is formed, we see that not every day is perfect, and the pair each still needs to grow and learn about themselves, each other and the world. 

The Princess and the Absolutely Not a Princess is a wonderful easy chapter book with lovely illustrations. The ook encourages young readers to think about how others feel, and how great things might come from breaking out of our own comfort zones. 

Early Book Review: Polly Diamond and the Magic Book by Alice Kuipers, Diana Toledano

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book is an illustrated chapter book written by Alice Kuipers, and Illustrated by Diana Toledano. It is currently scheduled for release on May 1 2018. Polly loves words. And she loves writing stories. So when a magic book appears on her doorstep that can make everything she writes happen in real life, Polly is certain all of her dreams are about to come true. But she soon learns that what you write and what you mean are not always the same thing!

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book is a cute chapter book for newly independent and developing readers. The illustrations are charming and add a lot of humor and detail to the story. I found the characters, including all of Polly's family, to be realistic and relatable. While Polly gets herself into trouble with her written attempts to improve her day the reactions of her parents, sister, and all are not unexpected and completely understandable given the changes coming to their household. I loved the positive outlook and fun names that fill the book, and that aspects of grammar, writing, and language tools are such a strong aspect of the story and cant teach young readers about how to use this aspects of language. However, despite the educational value of the book- it does not feel like it is teaching lessons, instead it is just a fun and endearing read that I think many young readers can enjoy and relate to.

Polly Diamond and the Magic Book is a fun, endearing book that I think many young readers will enjoy, and leave them looking to continue the series. The level of imagination and good humor that fills this book makes it a wonderful book to explore alone, or share. 

Early Book Review: The Uncanny Express (The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters) by Kara LaReau

The Uncanny Express is the second book in The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters series by Kara LaReau, and is currently scheduled for release on January 9 2018.  The first book was The Jolly Regina, and while I almost always recommend reading a series in order, I think newcomers to this series will be able to pick up the story quickly.

Jaundice and Kale are back from their adventure on the high seas, and they are settling back into a quiet life in Dullsville, just the way they like it. The tea is tepid, the oatmeal is tasteless, and the socks are ripe for darning, until Aunt Shallot shows up and reveals herself to be anything but the dull relation they were expecting. Instead, she tells her nieces she is Magique, Queen of Magic, and she’s on her way to a big show and in need of two willing assistants. As Magique and the Bland sisters board the Uncanny Express, they meet a cast of mystifying characters. And when Magique goes missing, it’s up to Jaundice and Kale to solve the mystery—with the help of famous detective Hugo Fromage.

The Uncanny Express is the continuation of the story about two sisters whose parents are off adventuring. They prefer to hide away at home avoiding excitement and emotion, but their parents keep arranging adventures for them from afar. Here they are tricked into going off with a female magician and solving a mystery or two on a train. I love that while they drag their feet at every new thing and every emotion, they still keep moving forward and handle what ever comes their way. I liked the resilience that they show, and that while they might complain, they still do what ever needs to be done. I think it might be a good conversation starter for readers that are often reluctant to step up to lead or join in activities, to show that once you get started it gets easier- and they might just enjoy themselves. I know I was never a joiner or one to put myself out there as a kid, and most of the time once I was in the midst of the activity I would enjoy it. I will admit that certain aspects of the mystery I had guessed, but the delivery and journey was enjoyable. 

The Uncanny Express is  a fun adventure that I would love to get my son to read. It is fun, with moments of humor and irony that might go over the heads of some, but I found to be pretty perfect. 

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: Maggie and the Wish Fish (Magic Animal Rescue) by E.D. Baker, Lisa Manuzak

Maggie and the Wish Fish is the second book in the Magic Animal Rescue series written by E.D. Baker and illustrated by Lisa Manuzak. The first book was Maggie and the Flying Horse, which I missed. However, I was quickly able to catch on to who the characters were and what was happening even without having read the first book. 

With each day, Maggie is finding it harder and harder to get along with her step-mother and step-siblings while her father is away. It doesn't help that every time Maggie finishes cleaning laundry, flying pigs swoop in to muddy everything up and get her into trouble! One day while she's out collecting berries and her step-brother is fishing, Maggie happens to catch a magical fish herself! The fish promises to make one of her wishes come true, but only if she frees him. Maggie wants a new family more than anything, but how much faith can she put into a talking fish?

Maggie and the Wish Fish is a story that takes the legend of the magic fish and combines it with Maggie's Cinderella like homelife. I like that Maggie is well aware of the fairy tale creatures and echos around here- which might have been explained in the first book. I really enjoyed the matter of fact way she looked at the world, even when things were less than fair towards her. I also liked that the adults in the story, and the other kids, were neither all good or all bad. Just like in real life, there are those that will help others, and those that are only interested in themselves.

Maggie and the Wish Fish is a good transitional chapter book for fairy tale and animal lovers alike. I will admit that I have come to expect more from Baker, but I still think there are many young readers that will love this series.

Early Book Review: The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot: How to Make a Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Kung Fu Sandwich by Jason Bays

The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot: How to Make a Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Kung Fu Sandwich by Jason Bays is a middle grade novel with plenty of illustrations and silly humor. It is currently scheduled for release on March 28 2017. Kung Fu Robot is an international machine of mystery and the savior of all things awesome and cool. He's the world record holder for ice cream sandwiches eaten in one sitting, the reigning champion of continuous nunchucking, and once won a bronze medal for the simultaneous stomach rubbing and head patting. Together with his 9-year old sidekick, Marvin, he faces his arch-nemesis, Kung Pow Chicken: a robotically-enhanced, foul fowl bent on destroying the city's peanut butter and jelly supply. Kung Fu Robot and Marvin must save the day, and their lunches!

The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot was a fast paced and silly read. The robot is absurdly excited, messy, and destructive while Marvin is the voice of reason and caution. I did like that contrast, and think the words of caution from Marvin might do some readers good to read and hopefully heed. The story did get a little repetitive for my taste, but the story was wacky enough that some readers will enjoy it.

I think The Adventures of Kung Fu Robot will appeal to reluctant or struggling readers because of its repetitive nature, and the crazy nature of the story. As an added incentive to those that enjoy the reader, there is a free interactive companion app for an innovative, augmented reading experience.

Early Book Review: Agnes and Clarabelle by Adele Griffin, Courtney Sheinmel, Sara Palacios

Agnes and Clarabelle is a children's book written by Adele Griffin and Courtney Sheinmel with illustrations by Sara Palacios. It is currently scheduled for publication on January 17 2017. It is an advanced easy reader or easy chapter book, depending on how you categorize those transitional books that help bridge the gap for young readers.

Agnes the pig and Clarabelle the chicken are best friends through every season! Whether it's planning the perfect birthday party in the spring, spending a summer day at the beach, braving a big department store in the fall, or making the very best pizza in winter, they help each other through every up and down. For Agnes and Clarabelle, everything is better when they're together!

Agnes and Clarabelle is a charmingly illustrated set of stories about best friends Agnes and Clarabelle. They are friends that will do anything for each other and help each other face challenges and fears on a daily basis. I like that they how teamwork and understanding no matter what they face, and do not judge each other no matter how intense those fears might be, or how silly someone else might find them. They are a perfect pair, and that is my only sticking point. While I love that the stories clearly show a character with anxiety, and how the pair care for each other unconditionally, i thought the lack of any frustration or conflict was a little too perfect. Although, that could have been intentional.

Agnes and Clarabelle is a sweet book that can help start discussions on anxiety, tolerance, and acceptance. I think it will appeal to many, and can help foster empathy in some and the feeling of not being alone in others.

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: The Spell Thief (Little Legends) by Tom Percival

The Spell Thief is the first book in the Little Legends series by Tom Percival and is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. Jack (of the beanstalk fame) and his magical talking chicken, Betsy, have always been great at making new friends. But when Jack spots Anansi, the new kid in town, talking to a troll in the Deep Dark Woods, everything changes. Everyone knows that trolls mean trouble, and Jack will do anything to prove to the rest of his friends that Anansi is a troll spy. Even if that means using stolen magic!

The Spell Thief is a nice transitional book, good for those on harder easyreaders and easy chapter books. The characters are already well known to fairy tale fans, and the illustrations are fun and charming. Even readers that are not fully versed in fairy tale lore will quickly catch on and enjoy the story. Anansi is the new boy and town and Jack is a little jealous of the attention he is getting from his friends and the fact that his worries are ignored by those same friends. Jack gets so caught up in proving he is right that he changes, and almost loses friends, old and new. While the story was interesting I found the lessons of jumping to conclusions and judging others to be a little heavy handed, as was the point about obsession. It was still a good read, and I think many of the target audience will enjoy it, but I did not love it. I think including Anansi might also spark some interest in fairy tales that young readers might not know yet, and exploring a wider variety of tales.

The Spell Thief is a short read that will interest many transitional readers, and spark some interest in fairy tales and the rest of the series.