Book Reviews

Book Review: 101 Ways to Have Fun

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I’ll have some new posts for you all this week. I’ve been working on a lot of projects lately and busy keeping up with my newspaper column and haven’t had a chance to get things posted here.

Here’s a new book review for girls ages 9 and up.

101 ways to have fun

101 Ways To Have Fun

From the Editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life magazine

Need fun ideas for your next slumber party or birthday party? Want to have a girls’ day with makeovers and manicures? This book is packed with ideas for crafts, activities, parties, and more. Girls of all ages will find something to do on a rainy day or when hanging out with friends.

“101 Ways To Have Fun” from the Editors of Faithgirlz and Girls’ Life magazine, brings together a collection of fun and wholesome activities for girls of all ages. Some activities are better for teens but many activities can be enjoyed by preteens too. This would also be a good resource for parents when planning a party.

The book is well illustrated with pictures of all the activities and detailed instructions. Some of the titles run into the binding which is a bit annoying but not impossible to read. Also some of the activities suggested for making money slightly overestimate the amount of money a teen or preteen could make. It’s great that the book suggests business ideas but perhaps a little more realistic wage estimate would have been appropriate.

Also the book lacks any biblical or faith related activities. While the activities are great, since this book is published by a Christian publisher and from the Editors of faith-based magazines, parents and readers might expect suggestions of church group activities or biblical meditations.

Overall, a fun read, and highly recommended for parents, teens and preteens.

 

Thank you BookLook Bloggers and Zonderkidz for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

New Beginning Reader Book Reviews

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the princess twins birthday

The Princess Twins and the Birthday Party

Written by Mona Hodgson

Illustrated by Julie Olson

Princesses Emma and Abby are the Princess twins and they are excited for their birthday party. They spend all day getting ready, picking out their dresses and crowns, and spending time with their parents, the King and Queen. The girls look beautiful, but the King reminds them, “You are even more beautiful inside”. The girls can hardly wait for their friends to arrive, but when one of their friends feels like she doesn’t belong, what will the twins do?

“The Princess Twins and the Birthday Party” written by Mona Hodgson and illustrated by Julie Olson is a new “I Can Read” title from Zonderkidz. The short sentences and simple story will boost beginning readers’ confidence and have them wanting to read more about the Princess twins. Parents will love the sweet message and kind-hearted characters. A great series for young readers.

Thank you BookLook Bloggers and Zonderkidz for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

sapphire trail

On the Sapphire’s Trail (Hotel Strange #2)

Written and Illustrated by Katherine and Florian Ferrier

The residents of Hotel Strange are preparing for a festival but Kiki wants no part in the festivities. In fact, Kiki wants to get away from it all. Unfortunately, a walk in the woods leads to an encounter with bandits! The bandits have been robbed and it’s up to Kiki and friends to find the missing Sapphire. What kind of bandit gets robbed? Where is the Sapphire? Will Kiki like the festival after all?

“On The Sapphire’s Trail” by Katherine and Florian Ferrier is the second book in the Hotel Strange series. This comic book style tale is bizarre and entertaining. Children will find the unique characters interesting and the plot fun, if slightly chaotic. The comic style will encourage children less interested in reading to try something new. This book can be read without having read the first book in the series, but there are many different characters and the first book may set up the series slightly better than this one.

I received an e-book copy from Net Galley and Lerner Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

Dreambender and Nora & Kettle

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Two book reviews which also appeared in this week’s column in the newspaper. Dreambender is a middle grade dystopian novel and Nora & Kettle is a young adult historical fiction novel.

dreambender jpeg

Dreambender

Written by Ronald Kidd

Callie is a computer in the City. She works with numbers and she shouldn’t dare to dream of anything more, especially not singing…but she does.

Jeremy is a dreambender in the Meadow. He works in people’s dreams, changing them and, in turn, changing the dreamer. The dreambenders maintain order. They keep peace among the people and prevent dangerous dreams from taking hold. Dangerous dreams like singing.

Jeremy also asks a lot of questions. And soon he questions the very idea of dreambending. He has met the singer in her dreams and it doesn’t seem so dangerous to him. What would happen if no one patrolled the dreams? What would happen if Callie was allowed to sing?

“Dreambender” written by Ronald Kidd is a dystopian novel reminiscent of “The Giver”. The oppressive government (dreambenders) seek to control the City dwellers by manipulating dreams. While the concept is interesting and this world could be incredible, the story didn’t quite make it to that level.. Too much time is spent preaching about the morality of manipulating a person for the greater good, leaving the reader to feel as though they are being taught a lesson. Subtlety is not the strong point of this novel, and neither is character development or pacing. The characters feel flat and the story rushed. There are too many big ideas going on with none of them properly developed.

While some may enjoy this book, there are better dystopian novels available for middle-grade readers.

nora and kettle

Nora and Kettle

Written by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

Set in 1953, following World War II, Nora and Kettle live two vastly different lives that will intersect in a way they never imagined. Kettle, a Japanese American and an orphan, roams the streets following time spent in an internment camp. Nora, daughter of a high-profile civil rights lawyer, dreams of a life outside her brownstone walls. One poor, one rich, both struggling with the life they’re living, Kettle and Nora find themselves thrust together when each is at their breaking point. Nora wished to fly away. Will a boy named Kettle finally set her free?

“Nora & Kettle” written by Lauren Nicolle Taylor explores the hidden lives of two teenagers, drawing inspiration from the tale of Peter Pan. Kettle, a resourceful, hard-working street kid, is often assumed to be a thief, and Nora, a troubled, abused girl, is assumed to be a spoiled rich kid. Written quite lyrically at times, the prose is a bit too vague to begin with as the author strives for suspense and instead leaves the reader grasping for details. Once major plot points are revealed, the story comes into focus and Nora and Kettle develop as more than just characters in a book. An engaging read reminding the reader that people are not always what they seem. Best for ages 13 and up, due to repeated descriptions of domestic violence.

Thank you to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Sunday Special

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Happy Sunday Morning!

Only one book review today, but it’s a new Berenstain Bears book and they are always popular with children. This book is part of a new collection offered by Zonderkids which features Christian themed Berenstain Bears stories.

berenstain bears mothers day

The Berenstain Bears: Mother’s Day Blessings

By Mike Berenstain

Mother’s Day is fast approaching in Bear Country and the cubs want to do something special for Mama Bear. With Papa Bear’s help, the cubs decide to take Mama Bear and Grizzly Gran out for brunch on Mother’s Day, but they want to keep it a surprise. On Mother’s Day, Mama Bear points out all the other Mothers and cubs celebrating Mother’s Day in their own special ways. Lucky for her, the cubs have a special surprise for her too!

“The Berenstain Bears: Mother’s Day Blessings” by Mike Berenstain, based on the original characters created by Stan and Jan Berenstain, is a sweet tale for Mother’s Day. Though lacking in any real conflict or climatic point, the tale is still fun and a nice reminder for children to do something extra for their Mother on this special day. In Bear Country, as in real life, Mothers come in all shapes, sizes and occupations, and some even have to work on their special day. An easy, fun read for children and their Mothers anytime of the year, but especially fun to share on Mother’s Day.

Thank you to Book Look Bloggers and Zonderkids for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I review for BookLook Bloggers

The Serpent King

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New young adult novel featured in my newspaper column this week.

serpent king

The Serpent King

Written by Jeff Zentner

Dill, Travis, and Lydia are best friends, outcasts, and seniors in rural Forrestville, TN. Dill, the son of a recently incarcerated evangelical preacher, faces ridicule daily about his father and his faith and turns to his friends and music to cope. Travis, the son of an abusive father, finds refuge in fantasy books and online forums. Lydia, the daughter of loving parents, is an outcast in her own way and seeks escape through her fashion blog “Dollywood”. Over the course of their senior year, their friendships will be tested, as they each contemplate life after high school and where it might take them. While Lydia tries to shake the boys out of their small town resignations, they in turn cling to life just as it is. The unknown is scary, but so are snake-handling and abusive fathers.

“The Serpent King” written by Jeff Zentner captures both the struggle of youth and challenges of rural living in a resounding tale of love, loss, hope and believing in oneself. The story is slow to build, but if the reader can stick with it, this coming of age tale gains momentum and eventually finds its rhythm. Characters, at first flat and predictable, gain authenticity as the story progresses, and they become whole and complex. The author weaves a gripping story of what it means to be a teen, lost and alone in a world too big and unfair to understand. Teens from all walks of life, but especially those living in their own Forrestville, will identify with Dill, Lydia, and Travis as they each struggle against a way of life that would crush their dreams. There are many themes and good things to be said about this book. “The Serpent King” is about rising above one’s situation and courageously following dreams despite difficulties. A poignant read for anyone holding a dream in their heart.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sunday Special

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Changed my clocks and forgot what day it was! I almost forgot to put up my Sunday book reviews.

Two fun Christian books today. One great for early readers, especially boy readers, the other a sweet Christmas story.

elijah the prophet

Adventure Bible: Elijah, God’s Mighty Prophet

Adventure Bible Series

Pictures by David Miles

Meet Elijah, a faithful servant of God. Elijah was a prophet and told the people of Israel that God was not happy with them but they did not listen. A drought plagued the land because they turned away from God. Elijah listens to God and wants to help the people of Israel, but what can he do? Can Elijah help the people of Israel hear God’s word?

Part of the “Adventure Bible, I Can Read” series, “Elijah, God’s Mighty Prophet” illustrated by David Miles retells the biblical story of Elijah the prophet. The story is engaging and well told, and the pictures are exciting and interesting. Elijah comes to life through the words and pictures, in a way children will understand. As part of a series, this is a great way to introduce children to the Bible. Early independent readers, especially boys, will love this exciting lesson from the Bible. An excellent addition to any home or church library.

if he had not come

If He Had Not Come

Originally written by Nan F. Weeks

Reintroduced by David Nicholson

Illustrated by Charles Jaskiewicz

Bobby is excited to go to bed because when he wakes up it will be Christmas! He’s excited to see what’s in the presents under the tree, but he’s also thinking about the story his Dad read to him. It was the story of Jesus and now, despite his excitement for Christmas and presents, he can’t get Jesus’s words out of his head. “If I had not come” Bobby thinks about this verse over and over. He falls asleep thinking about it and when he awakens, the world is a different place. In this world where Jesus did not come, there is no Christmas. It isn’t just the lack of a holiday that makes the world different. People are angry and rude. Bobby doesn’t like this world. Is this what the world would have been like if Jesus had not come?

“If He Had Not Come” intertwines the celebration of Christmas with the story of Jesus, drawing inspiration from John 15:22, “If I had not come”. The story explores a world in which Jesus did not exist. Jesus was never born so there is no Christmas, but what else would be different? The reader, and Bobby will discover that these five words make a profound statement on how different life could have been. Children may not be drawn in by the cover illustration, but this sweet, touching read perfect for Christmas or anytime of the year.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Harper Collins Christian Publishing for copies of these books in exchange for my honest review.
I review for BookLook Bloggers

Mud Show Monday

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I’ll be sharing a lot of exciting new books in the upcoming weeks and months. I also have some great authors scheduled to appear on the blog and I have some news about a new endeavor that I will be sharing later this week 🙂

Lots of exciting things happening, and I’m so thankful to all of you who read my blog and comment. You have no idea how much it means to know I have readers and friends who are excited about writing and reading children’s literature as much as I am.

Love to you all!

And now on with the show!

unicorn-thinks-hes-pretty-great

T0: Unicorn

From: Rabbit

Subject: You think you’re so great

Yeah, I’ve been talking to the Goat and Bob Shea. I read all about you in “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great.”

Goat told me how great you are. He told me how you made it rain cupcakes and turned a bunch of stuff into gold. Well you know what I have to say about that?

So what!?

I’m just a Rabbit but I can do cool stuff too. I can dig tunnels. Can you dig tunnels? Also, you see these feet? They’re lucky. That’s right…lucky. You ever heard of a lucky Unicorn foot?

No. Didn’t think so.

Goat can do great stuff too, but everyone will just have to see how it turns out because Rabbits also don’t spoil things, like parties, or book endings.

We’re all pretty great, and so is this book. Five stars are pretty great too.

 

girl in the well

To: The Girl In The Well

From: A Concerned Bystander

Subject: Hello down there!

Wow! You are really stuck in a well.

Karen Rivers captures your plight beautifully in “The Girl in the Well is Me” and I just had to pop over and send down some encouraging words.

Words like:

“Conserve your oxygen”

“Why would you want to be friends with those mean girls?”

“Is there anything else in the well?”

Oops, probably shouldn’t have mentioned the last bit…I’m sure there’s absolutely no creepy crawlies in there with you. No need to panic. I’m sure your new “friends” are getting help as we speak. Seriously, don’t panic. Remember you need to conserve oxygen.

Everything will be fine. Right?

I mean, you are stuck in a well, but this sort of thing happens all the time…right?

You’ve been down there a long time…I would send down some food or water or a book, but all I have is these stars. I’ll give you all five of them. They’re bright and shiny, and might help you see down there.

Oh, your arms are stuck?

I’ll just leave them up here then. You can get them when you get out…you will get out, right?

Professional Reader

I received an e-book of “The Girl in the Well is Me” from Net Galley and Algonquin Young Readers in exchange for my honest review.

Sunday Special

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Good morning!

More book reviews for your Sunday 🙂

7 days of awesome

7 Days of Awesome

Written by Shawn Byous and Illustrated by Colin Jack

Join a colorful and crazy cast of creatures, as they rhyme their way through the seven days of creation. Hear the creation story in a new way, as you learn of God’s power and wisdom. Seven awesome days, in one awesome book!

Shawn Byous and Colin Jack have created a delightful retelling of creation in “7 Days of Awesome”. The rhyme and verse is clever and creative, and flows wonderfully. The illustrations are bright and fun, and will certainly keep children engaged. If you are looking for texts to introduce your child to the Bible, this is one that will definitely get them excited to hear more Bible stories. A fun read for children of all ages.

rainbow egg

The Rainbow Egg

Written by Linda Hendricks, M.D. and Illustrated by Christine Greer, R.N.

Hope is a chicken who lives in the woods. One day, she discovers she’s laid an egg. A rainbow egg! She carries the egg with her everywhere since she has no nest. The egg is heavy and makes her tired. What will she do with this egg? Can she find a nest for her egg?

At first, “The Rainbow Egg” seems like just a cute story about a chicken and her oddly colored egg, but soon it becomes apparent the story carries a much deeper meaning about adoption. While the message may be too subtle for young children, this story will likely spark questions from older children. I admire, the author’s attempt to tackle a sensitive issue and think this text could be a great resource for parents wishing to discuss adoption with their children. The illustrations are cute but not spectacular. A good read for those needing an analogy when approaching the topic of adoption.

I received complimentary copies of these books from BookLook Bloggers and HarperCollins Christian publishing in exchange for my honest review.
I review for BookLook Bloggers

Mud Show Monday

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Happy (Mud Show) Monday!

I have so many books to review! I hope you enjoy this week’s Mud Show Memos and look for more reviews at different times throughout the week.

Bring on the books!

Armadillo in new york.png

To: Arlo the Armadillo

From: A New Yorker

Subject: Safe Travels Kid!

I just read about your New York City trip as told by Julie Kraulis in “An Armadillo in New York”. Who’d have thought an armadillo would be so well traveled! And come all the way from Brazil to see New York City!

I think the kiddos will like reading about your travels too. You sure saw a lot of stuff! There’s a lot to see in the city, lucky you had your Grandfather’s travel journal to guide you. Wouldn’t want you to get lost trying to find that Lady Liberty.

I sure learned a lot about the Big Apple and even some American History too. What a clever Armadillo you are! My favorite part was thinking about all those elephants marching across Brooklyn Bridge. Gee whiz! That must’ve been quite the sight.

Speaking of sights, Julie Kraulis sure did a fine job capturing you in all your armadillo glory. Lovely illustrations for a lovely armadillo, and she captured the magic of New York City too. I’m sure all those pretty pictures will keep the kiddos entertained!

Speaking of kiddos. I’ll probably read your tale to the littlest ones, but older ones, you know in that 6-8 year old range, they’ll enjoy it on their own. I’m thinking they might want to make their own travel journal after reading your adventure.

Oh yeah, and here’s five stars. You can put them in your passport if you’d like!

outdoor math

To: Math Enthusiasts

From: A Math Enthusiast

Subject: MATH!

Oh boy, there’s nothing I like more than a good math problem! I like to crunch those numbers, swirl ’em around in my head, really visualize them. Guess what? There are lots of math things to do outdoors.

In “Outdoor Math”, Emma AdBage describes all sorts of activities to do outside involving all the elements of nature. Rocks, sticks, leaves, snow, and more can be used to calculate and play with numbers.

I must admit some activities are a bit more fun than others. Most of them involved only things I could pluck off the ground or take from some unsuspecting slug, but a few activities needed items of the store-bought variety. Oh, and I’m a big kid (8 years old) so I could do all the stuff by myself or with my classmates’ help. My little brother needed some help, so he had to ask his teacher to guide some of the activities.

I can also count 1..2..3! 3 out of 5 stars just because some of the activities require adult help, and my mom didn’t like it when I put a snowman inside and timed how long it would take him to melt.

fourteenth goldfish book

To: Ellie

From: The Fifteenth Goldfish

Subject: Symbolism of a Goldfish

Life is short. I’m a goldfish, I should know.

Thought you had a magic goldfish didn’t you? That goldfish could have told you, life is short. Us goldfish, we know these things. That’s about all we know.

I do know a bit more after reading your story, “The Fourteenth Goldfish” by Jennifer L. Holm. Seems like you learned quite a bit too. Your grandpa he’s a smart guy. A bit kooky, but smart. He’s not always right, but then again, who is? Not your mom. Not you. Not me. I’m just a goldfish.

Kids, 10 years old and up, will like reading your book too. It’s good to talk about science stuff and experiments and how the world works. Your life is pretty interesting, with your Grandpa discovering the fountain of youth and all. He’s a teenager, your babysitter, and still your Grandpa. Like I said, kooky.

I really hope your Grandpa and you sort things out with your Mom. I’d like to be your next goldfish, but with all this stress your Grandpa’s teenage hormones have brought to the house, I don’t think your Mom will be shopping for pets anytime soon.

I’m just a goldfish. I don’t know much but I do know your story was great. I’d give you five stars if I had them, but I’m just a goldfish.

My reviews for some of the books mentioned above may also be found at Net Galley. Follow the links below to learn more about these exciting tales (and others) including publishing dates.

An Armadillo in New York by Julie Kraulis

Sheepy and the Riddle of the Occurrence by Henrietta Williams and Illustrated by Richard Berner

Outdoor Math by Emma AdBage

Are you an author or publisher? Have a book you’d like me to review? If my reviewing style appeals to you, head on over to my Book Review Submissions page and send me your query (or book). New book reviews every Sunday and Monday!

Professional Reader
I review for BookLook Bloggers

Sunday Special

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I never imagined I’d have so many books to review! This is a good problem to have…I think 😉

I’m still learning how to run this blog, and it will take a bit to get in the groove of things. I’ll still have Mud Show Mondays (hooray!) but I will also post book reviews at other times during the week. Mondays will now be reserved for the books I enjoy the most.

Sunday reviews will be reserved for books with a christian influence or message.

I have joined BookLook Bloggers, operated by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and the books I receive from them generally have a spiritual message, but not always. Sometimes the books are simply kid friendly texts published by a christian publisher.

On with the reviews!

Angels in the Bible Storybook (2016, Zonderkidz)

There are angels throughout the Bible. Some appear with song and trumpets, while others are peddlers on the road. This storybook brings to light all that angels have done for many important figures in the Bible. With a message that angels are all around us, the text carries the reader through various Bible passages where angels acted on God’s behalf to bring his love and guidance to the people.

“Angels in the Bible Storybook” written by Allia Zobel Nolan and illustrated by Alida Massari retells the Bible with an emphasis on the actions of angels, in a beautiful and loving way. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and bring to life the stories from the Bible. Each passage used in the book has been carefully paraphrased by the author. The passages selected are interesting, as some may be lesser known to children. The text is perfect for beginning and early readers to grasp many pivotal stories from the Bible.

The book itself is heavy and solid with a beautiful cover illustration. Overall, this is a treasury of stories and illustrations, sure to delight both children and adults.

Five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

 

Willie Out West (2016, WestBowPress)

Willie Walrus is bored! He wants adventure in his life. When he hears about danger in the Big West he’s ready to go, and then Octopus shows up on his doorstep asking for help. Willie must go, of course! The citizens of Big West are glad to see him, until Old Walter rolls into town. When the citizens tuck tail and run, will Willie have the courage to face Old Walter on his own?

In “Willie Out West”, writer and illustrator Rhonda Walker combines two of kids’ favorite things, animals and the wild west. Children will enjoy the illustrations and the Octopus with a spur on each tentacle, but the story itself falls a bit flat. The text is too wordy for the book’s intended audience of beginning readers. The plot itself will also leave more questions than answers and the ending is less than satisfying. Also, I was expecting a christian message as this was advertised through a christian publishing company, but there is no clear christian or religious theme.

Children who enjoy pictures of animals decked out in wild West gear will enjoy this tale. They might have fun making up their own story about Willie Walrus in the Big West.

2.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow for a Mud Show Monday!