Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts

Monday, June 11, 2018

The Cozies by T L Fischer

The Legend of Operation Moonlight

5 stars

This was a charming and delightful illustrated tale of imagination.

I'm not totally sure about the intended audience.... everything about it screams young-to-mid-elementary school.... until you start reading. 

And then there's a lot that's going to go over a kid's head.

But it's engaging and hilarious.

Honestly, I think it may be best as a read-aloud.

Recommended.

(Received for review)

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Rebels Rising by Shanna Swendson

5 stars

(Can I give it more than 5?  Like 10? 'Cause really.)

Oh how I love these books.

In fact, I bought them with the money my inlaws gave me for my birthday.... and I reread one and two and read this one twice.

Because seriously they're that fun.

I'm obsessed.

These are great for teens, too.  Boo is also obsessed.

If you haven't read them yet, well for one, what's wrong with you, and for two go do it now.  Stat.

Start with Rebel Mechanics.


Can we get the 4th book like now please??

Monday, July 17, 2017

The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents...

by Ian Lendler

Okay first off, WHY ARE THERE NOT MORE OF THESE??

Because there need to be.

Seriously.

Overall-- Graphic novels about zoo animals performing Shakespeare after everyone has left the zoo?  What more could you want?!

Macbeth
5 stars
Oh my gosh, so funny!  I loved it.  Poor Macbeth just has to eat the king.... and anyone else who gets in his way.  Hilarious.

Romeo and Juliet
4 stars
Not as good as Macbeth, but really... it's Romeo and Juliet.. which is not as good as Macbeth.... so, yeah. (I loathe Romeo and Juliet, in all honesty.)
Romeo and Juliet are a rooster and a bear respectively which seems like it wouldn't work at all, but I promise it does.

Bottom line-- you need these in your life.  I don't care if you have kids or not, you NEED these.

Friday, June 23, 2017

William Shakespeare's Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge by Ian Doescher

(William Shakespeare's Star Wars #3)
5 stars
received for review

Skip the movie and read this instead. Though the "why on earth would Padme have fallen for him?!" is more painfully present in this than in the 2nd possibly. Ian Doescher does an incredible job considering how awful the writing was for the movie.

But seriously, WHY ON EARTH PADME??

It's actually possible that the third movie wasn't as bad as I remember it being, but the problem is you can't untangle it from the 2nd and I know the 2nd was exactly as bad as I remember it being.

Anyway, if you haven't read these, what is wrong with you? 

Kidding.

Sort of.

Go read them already.


Saturday, June 17, 2017

LuLu's Current Fravorites

I did not spell it wrong, that's how she says it.

How to Eat an Airplane by Peter Pearson
This one is getting a fair amount of bedtime story action lately.  It's hilarious.  If you've got kids who are fans of the ridiculous, you must try this one.

Samson The Piranha Who Went to Dinner by Tadgh Bentley
Speaking of ridiculous-- this one's great.  I won't spoil the twist, but look carefully at the illustrations on the final page.

Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson
I think I've already reviewed this one, but I'm doing LuLu's fravorites and this one definitely qualifies!  She LOVES the interactive style and pretty much has the text memorized.

Good Night, Good Night by Carin Berger
Pretty sure I've already talked about this one too (it's a Pixie favorite) but it's been picked so much by LuLu lately it had to be on the list.  Shockingly, I'm not actually tired of it yet,

And finally, drumroll please.....

Announcing what is (based on giggle-o-meter) LuLu's current FRAVORITE:

The Princess and the Frogs by Veronica Bartles
illustrated by Sara Palacios
Oh my gosh, you guys.  If you haven't read this one YOU MUST and I do mean MUST go find it and read it.  What a hilarious take on the princess and the frog.  So cute.
(My only whine, because I'm OCD and once I saw this I couldn't unsee it, you know? Her "favorite green dress" seems to change.  Doesn't look the same towards the end as at the beginning.  Nit picky, yes.  Bugging me, also yes.)

So if you have a 4-ish (or any age really) you simply must try these!  They are LuLu approved.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

10 Things For Teen Girls by Kate Conner

5 stars
nonfiction/christian

So I was browsing at the library.... trying to waste enough time that all my kids would be in bed when I got home.

(Oh, like you've never wasted time for that reason.)

Anyway.

I spotted this one on the shelf and since Boo is at THAT AGE I picked it up and flipped through.

I wasn't sure about it at first.... but decided I liked enough of what I saw to read through it myself and then if I liked it I could pass it off to Boo and if I didn't it could just quietly head back to the library.

Well.

If I could give this more stars, I would. I LOVED this book. So much that anyone who's been around me for the past couple of days has heard all about it.  (Including the doctor.  Hey, she took a pic of the cover with her phone.)

So I gave this to Boo and told her to read it.... and told my husband that we need to buy it... and that our girls are going to read it at 12, 14, 16, etc.

Here's what parents should know-- this is a Christian/Bible-based book. It's not the same flavor of Christianity that I subscribe to, so the vocabulary (and translation of the Bible) is not what my kids are used to. It's all good, we'll talk about it.  (That's part of why I want to own it.  I want to add Book of Mormon references.)

There is some discussion of sex. Also prostitution, sex trafficking, cutting, and eating disorders.

I would recommend this to girls 12 and up, though depending on the girl it might be appropriate as early as 10.

I plan to acquire a copy and mark it up and make all my girls read it over and over.

Overall, I'd suggest parents read it, if only to be able to better talk to their teen about it.

(Note, the author also has a book called Enough that seems to be more or less the same stuff but geared to adults and what we should be telling teens.  I haven't looked at that one yet.  GoodReads currently thinks the two are the same book.)

(Also, the author's husband has 10 Things for Teen Guys but I haven't gotten hold of that one yet.  It seems to be harder to get.)

(The word "enough" really stops looking like a word if it's used a lot on a single page.)

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Holy Cow, I Sure Do Love You! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

A Little Book That's Oddly Moo-ving
illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
5 stars


"Udder"ly adorable!

And so bittersweet.  Because you see, just hours before picking this gem up from the library I learned that Amy Krouse Rosenthal lost her battle with cancer.

I'm actually sitting here trying not to cry as I type this, because we're talking about one of THOSE authors.

You know, the ones that are there with you from the beginning.

We read Little Pea when Boo was just, well, little.  (And Little Hoot.  And Little Oink.)

Through the years we've read about utensils (Spoon, Chopsticks)

We've reread Little Pea (of course).

We've read about Little Miss.  (We have Plant a Kiss in board book form and at least one of my littles has it memorized.)

We've enjoyed Wumbers and Wordles and Little Equations.

And as I look at GoodReads I see that somehow we missed a few... which is also bittersweet because it means we still have things to discover, but there will be nothing truly NEW.

So I sit here.... devastated.

Which feels like a ridiculous word, but also feels like the right word.

We already lost Anna Dewdney a few months ago, which felt like a sucker punch.

Now this.

Sigh.

It feels right, though, to memorialize Amy Krouse Rosenthal with this little book of love.

Almost more of a gift book than a picture book (don't get me wrong, the pictures are fabulous... talking size/shape/tone) this little volume is going on my list of books to give....

Everyone.

Anyone.

Go read it.

Ms. Rosenthal, our family will certainly miss you.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L Holm

5 stars
jf

This was DELIGHTFUL.

Seriously, just such an enjoyable little book.

It's a quick read, but every so worth it.

This one has come up on my radar before... Boo read it quite a while back... but I hadn't gotten round to it.

I'm so glad it's this month's Great Reads pick at the library!

(It used to be Great Reads for Girls, and then the one library started doing an equivalent program for boys, but then there was a hullabaloo about discrimination, so now it's just Great Reads and I take both Boo and Mister the same night rather than different nights.  I have mixed feelings about the change and what it has done to the dynamic of the discussion, but whatever.)

Anyway.

Go read this.  Right now.  Just do.

Friday, February 17, 2017

A Question of Inheritance by Elizabeth Edmondson

5 stars
r- 1
sequel to A Man of Some Repute

GAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so once again a delightful mystery.  I love the feel and the setting and the characters.

You must must MUST read the first one first.... plus probably the novella, which is #1.5 (A Youthful Indiscretion) which apparently would have made the beginning of this one make more sense.

(I thought I'd just forgotten more than I thought I had of book 1, lol, but it appears that the novella clears things up.)

Unfortunately, reviews indicate that the novella is not quite as well written/edited as the novels, which is a shame.

The real reason for my outburst at the beginning of this post though is that the author died.

DIED.

Just over a year ago.

:(

According to her website, publishers have contracted with her son to complete the third book, but I'm still devastated.

We shall have to see what happens, I suppose.

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Rebel Magisters by Shanna Swendson

5 stars

Oh these books!

I need the third one.  Which as far as I can tell doesn't even have a title yet.

Sigh.

This series is officially on my "need to buy" list.  And they've earned a spot on my comfort reads shelf.

You know, those books you keep going back to-- the ones you read like once a year?

Because I already want to reread these.

This is a fabulous second installment.

If you haven't read the first one yet (Rebel Mechanics)... well what are you waiting for??

Boo hasn't read them yet, so I can't give you a younger perspective, but I'm in love.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

5 stars
R- 1
young adult, steam punk, alternate history

New on my list of "things I need to own"!

I really enjoyed this one.  Like REALLY enjoyed it.  Like want to live in it longer enjoyed it.

A totally fun what-if-- what if the British upper class had magic and used that to stop the American Revolution?  And what if all technology was powered by magic?

Well, you'd end up with rebel mechanics-- radicals who develop steam engines and other such machines in an attempt to overthrow the dependence on magic.

I enjoyed the characters and the story.

So looking forward to the second book!

Saturday, January 28, 2017

New Favorites

Good Night! Good Night!
by Carin Berger

Oh my gosh.  The cuteness.

I love the illustrations and I find the text not only amusing, but fun to read aloud.

(And let me tell you, as a mom who loves books and reading but doesn't always actually love to read aloud.... fun to read aloud is a big deal.)

This is Pixie's FAVORITE right now.  Hands down.  She asks for it at bedtime EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.  I think the older kids are getting tired of it, lol.

But Pixie is devoted.  In fact, though she has long been a child of few words, she does in fact say "Goodnight Goodnight".

LuLu also enjoys this one, though she's not as obsessed.

Highly recommended.


Plant the Tiny Seed
by Christie Matheson

Companion to Tap the Magic Tree (and apparently Touch the Brightest Star, though I'm not familiar with that one), this is a great interactive picture book.

Both Pixie and LuLu enjoy the interactive aspect.  Heck, I think MeiMei does too, so this clearly has a wider appeal than some picture books.

We definitely recommend this one.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter

5 stars
YF
(Parents of younger readers should be aware that there is a transvestite and a few mild swear words.)

Another thoroughly satisfying and entertaining installment!

I loved seeing more of Jenny's story and getting more character development there.

As always, Abigail's voice is marvelous.

I really do just love these books.

If you haven't tried them yet, start at the beginning certainly.  This is not a series to jump into in the middle.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Christmas Gift Guide Little Person Edition

And by "Little Person" I mean like this little person:

who, while adorable, might still be inclined to... shall we say "mishandle" real books.

That's right, we're talking about BOARD BOOKS today.

Specifically these ones:



I don't know for sure what it is about these Alphaprints books (we own several) but both my little girls are OBSESSED.

They are totally cute, with textured pictures made from fingerprints and random everyday items.  Mostly these books are of the simple ABC, Colors, 123, etc variety, though I see on Amazon that they also have a Ho, Ho, Ho and a Gobble Gobble version, which possibly bears investigation.

Anyway, the only places I've seen these are Amazon and Costco, but they are a great choice for toddlers (and even preschoolers if my turning-four-year-old is any indication).

Friday, October 14, 2016

Wilma Tenderfoot by Emma Kennedy

Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Frozen Hearts
Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Putrid Poison
Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Fatal Phantom
Wilma Tenderfoot and the Case of the Rascal's Revenge

5 stars (each)
JF
mystery

Oh how we've been enjoying Wilma Tenderfoot!

This is a great middle-grade-ish (Wilma is 10, I'd say mid- to late elementary crowd mainly, though middle schoolers may also enjoy them) mystery series with a delightful narrative voice.

The characters are lovable (if sometimes bizarre), the setting is silly, the stories are sometimes zany.

Overall, it's all a bit wonky, but in the very best ways.

These are a MUST READ.  Boo loved them; I loved them.  (Mister doesn't read mysteries.  He's weird.)

You'll laugh, you'll cry.

Go get them.  Seriously.  Right now.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Leo the Storybook Knight Classroom Sweepstakes



To celebrate the publication of The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Docherty, we’re giving away a grand prize to one lucky classroom that includes $300 worth of books for their school library, along with a pizza party gift card, classroom set of The Storybook Knight and original art from the illustrator. Two runners-up will receive a pizza party gift card and copy of The Storybook Knight.

How fun is that??

So, go enter Leo's Classroom Sweepstakes for your favorite class!

Monday, September 26, 2016

The Storybook Knight by Helen and Thomas Docherty

5 stars
received for review

From the same folks that did The Snatchabook (if you haven't read that one, go do it), this is a sweet story about a knight who just doesn't see why knights have to fight.  He'd rather sit and read thank you very much.

Another instant favorite around here.  LuLu especially loves it.

An awesome choice for holiday shopping!

Here's some more info:

Storybook Knight landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/the-storybook-knight-join/ 
Join Leo’s Storybook Knights, pledge your allegiance and receive a certificate of membership, and download and share Twitter, Facebook and blog images.


Download an educator or activity kit: http://books.sourcebooks.com/the-storybook-knight/
Rafflecopter: Enter for a chance to win an original sketch of Leo and Ned by illustrator Thomas Docherty!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Max at Night by Ed Vere

5 stars
received for review
Oh Max.  We love Max.  You remember him from Max the Brave, right?  If you didn't check that one out you'd better go do that.  Now.  I'll wait.  ;)
Now Max is back and it's bedtime, but Max can't find Moon to say goodnight.
Cute cute book.  LuLu is in LOVE.  This one was an instant favorite.
Keep Max (both books) on your radar for your holiday shopping this year!
More info below:
Max at Night landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/maxatnight/
Rafflecopter: Enter for a chance to win an original sketch by author and illustrator Ed Vere and a copy of Max at Night!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, June 4, 2016

A Few More Picture Books

Yeah, I'm catching up on review copies.

Samanthasaurus Rex by B B Mandell

You had me at "You clearly need to evolve".  That page made me laugh SO HARD.  Samanthasaurus is not a typical T-Rex, but in the end she can save the day HER way.  Fun story about just being yourself.

My Little Sister and Me by Maple Lam

So cute.  This book captures the bond and the responsibility involved in being a big brother.  Good for any siblings but especially recommended for a big brother with a little sister.

Paddington Sets Sail by Michael Bond

This is a Level 1 I Can Read book.  A few words were a little tricky for MeiMei, but overall it's a good fit for where she's at right now.  Plus she LOVES Paddington, so really.... can't go wrong.

(I saved my FAVORITE for last)

Chicken in Space
....
You know what? This requires CAPS

CHICKEN IN SPACE (that's better) by Adam Lehrhaupt
illustrated by Shahar Kober

Oh. My. Gosh.  This book is hilarious.  It is a HUGE hit at our house.  AND there are sequels planned.  I can't wait. :)

If you check out NOTHING ELSE that you see on my blog this month, seriously-- do yourself a favor and check this one out.  It's really that fun.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Swatch The Girl Who Loved Color by Julia Denos

received for review

I love this one.  I really do.

The story is fun and the art is awesome.




This book is a great choice for any wild child or art lover in your life.

Plus, you can find out more about the book trailer and the cool music in it on Julia Denos' blog.