Nick Bland's books have been favorites in our home for a few years now, from the fun and funny A Monster Wrote Me a Letter to the hilarious The Wrong Nick Bland's books have been favorites in our home for a few years now, from the fun and funny A Monster Wrote Me a Letter to the hilarious The Wrong Book, and the very charming I Lost My Kisses. But our first introduction to Bland's work was the wonderful, The Very Cranky Bear. So when a new book came out called The Very Itchy Bear we had to have it and read it. My son loved it the first time I read it to him. He had to hear it about a dozen times in a row, then he went and found The Very Cranky Bear so we could read them alternately about another 7 or 8 times. Bland's books are all amazing and this one is great fun.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
Harry and Horsie are best friends. And then one night, Horsie gets trapped in a bubble and floats off to space. Harry must rescue him. Based on Dave LHarry and Horsie are best friends. And then one night, Horsie gets trapped in a bubble and floats off to space. Harry must rescue him. Based on Dave Letterman's son, the story is charming and fun. Illustrated in a classic style it will take parents back to their own youth. It is almost like a Calvin & Hobbes without the cynicism. My kids loved this story on first reading and asked for it again and again. It will soon become a family favorite. Van Camp and Agnew have created a great story and hopefully there will be many more adventures with Harry and Horsie to come.
This book is very different from the rest of the books in the Lego city series. Instead of being a reader style or a sticker book, it is an oversized This book is very different from the rest of the books in the Lego city series. Instead of being a reader style or a sticker book, it is an oversized board book. It has over 40 flip and reveal flaps. The fantastic thing about the way this book was created is that when the flaps are flipped the pictures are still complete. In many flap books the flaps when turned, break up the picture. In this one they are designed so that as each one is flipped it continues the background picture. The illustrations are seamless and you can flip one, some or all of the flaps and have a series of different pictures to look at on the same page. The pages are the bus depot and downtown, police station, fire station and hospital. Even though the author and illustrator are different from any of the other books in the series, there is still a continuity of look and feel that fit them all together nicely. Children of all ages will love exploring this book and seeing the different combinations they can come up with on each page.
Harry and Horsie ride again. This second story book in the Harry and Horsie adventure series is great. Harry decides to build a robot to get the cookiHarry and Horsie ride again. This second story book in the Harry and Horsie adventure series is great. Harry decides to build a robot to get the cookies from the top of the fridge. But soon the robot is out of control. Harry is trapped inside and rampaging. The illustrations are similar to the first book but with a different pallet. Drawn like classic newspaper cartoons, there is a sense of nostalgia reading the book. Children love the story and ask for it to be read frequently.
The Lego City Fire Department has a new recruit, and this rookie seems to miss the mark. First he soaks the whole crew during a hose drill, then he knThe Lego City Fire Department has a new recruit, and this rookie seems to miss the mark. First he soaks the whole crew during a hose drill, then he knocks the captain and another fire fighter in the ocean while training on the water cannon, then he dumps the helo drop all over the captain. The Captain still wants to find something he is good at but is not sure what. Then, when they have a real emergency, the rookie has a chance to shine and boy does he. This 9th book in the Lego City series is another great addition. The second book by Steele and Primeau continues with their style of illustrating actual Lego vehicles and they use a great palette for the illustrations. Also instead of just straight pictures with text boxes, they use a few different layouts and designs in this book. It is another great book in an awesome series for young readers.
Tia Isa wants a new car, but with sending money home to her family each month it seems like just a dream. Her brother tells her it is ridiculous but hTia Isa wants a new car, but with sending money home to her family each month it seems like just a dream. Her brother tells her it is ridiculous but her younger sister wants to help - sometimes dreams come true. The story is wonderful and the illustrations charming. It is a story of hopes, dreams and hard work. The story written from family history is a wonderful tale. Great fun for readers of all ages.
This book was amazing. It is a schematic breakdown of the Falcon's systems and features, some in a sturdy board book style, cut out - each level of thThis book was amazing. It is a schematic breakdown of the Falcon's systems and features, some in a sturdy board book style, cut out - each level of the ship is revealed as you flip the pages, and as you traverse the 21 pages of the books you find out about the features of this ship, and the upgrades Han and Chewy have done. Each page has technical specifications, facts and information, as well as operation tips and tricks, and Han Solo's personal notes. The book is fun just to flip through for the casual fan, and will be great for true fans, both boys and girls, to share with their children. Incredible details in the illustrations make this an excellent coffee table book, or for your children's bookshelf if you are willing to share.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More. And with links to reviews of other Star Wars and Lego Star Wars books....more
This book grew out of the exhibit that ran at the Museum of the History of Science at the University of Oxford, UK. It features the art and creations This book grew out of the exhibit that ran at the Museum of the History of Science at the University of Oxford, UK. It features the art and creations from 17 different artists. This book celebrates the variety, creativity and uniqueness of Steampunk. It brings to life creations from moves like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and from books by authors like Cassandra Clare, Arthur Slade and many more.
Artists Featured: Tom Banwell Art Donovan Molly "Prokshanks" Friedrich Kris Kuksi Rich Nagy "Datamancer" Jessee Newhouse Thomas Willeford Joey Marsocci "Dr. Grymm" Eric Freitas Stephan Halleux Daniel Proulx Haruo Suekichi James Richardson Brown Jos De Vink Mad Uncle Cliff Vianney Halter Herr Doktor
This book will be a great hit with fans of the Steampunk movies or books. It will also be a fun coffee table book and conversation starter. Full of original and unique art work, it brings science fiction to life with a Victorian twist.
Every time I think they cannot come up with something new, the Scholastic Lego City books do. This book has 7 double page spreads, each with a pull-ouEvery time I think they cannot come up with something new, the Scholastic Lego City books do. This book has 7 double page spreads, each with a pull-out page flap. The vehicles are photos of actual Lego vehicles and everything but the ground and background can be constructed from Lego kits. They are: Tractor Trailer Roller Dump Truck Cement Mixer Garbage Truck Tanker Tow Truck Fire Truck It is another great book in a great series. It will inspire the imagination in many new ways.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More. And with links to other reviews of other Lego City books....more
This 3D book is amazing. I could not believe the clarity of the 3D images. It is an overview of the whole Anakin story arch in less than 20 pages. ThiThis 3D book is amazing. I could not believe the clarity of the 3D images. It is an overview of the whole Anakin story arch in less than 20 pages. This book has amazing graphics and a good overview of the story, from Anakin as a young pod racer to Luke and Darth's fight on the death star. This book will introduce young readers to the Star Wars story and begin the love of a legend.
This was an amazing little book. The physical book is almost 120 pages. The eBook comes in around 40 pages. But while reading the book, I went back anThis was an amazing little book. The physical book is almost 120 pages. The eBook comes in around 40 pages. But while reading the book, I went back and forth and reread many sections. I probably read the book about 4 times through. I read this as an eBook. The nice thing about it was having it with me all the time, on my iPhone, on my iPad, on my MacBook Pro, on my Desktop or on my Kobo eReader. What made it nice to always have it with me was that often I went back and reread sections a few times over, pondering them, meditating on them and absorbing them before moving on to the next point. The book is written as a series of pensees, reflections or meditations called life lessons. Each chapter is a different Life Lesson, which are alternately written by Karina and Steven, daughter and father. These lessons are:
The Reluctant Convert Love in a Pot of Rice So Help Me, God, I Didn't Do It Martyr for the Trivial Out of the Depths of Despair Does God Send Flowers? The Close Call Bare Feet Who, Me? Small Steps, Steady Progress Cough Up My Non-Personal Relationship with God The Patient Friend Influence
Each chapter begins with a personal story and then the Life Lesson learned from the experience. Each life lesson is supported with a biblical verse and with a quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This book is a little treasure that I know I will go back and reread again to inspire and encourage me in my faith. It is a great book that was very well written. The book also includes a list of books for further reading and a few prayers at the end of the book to help start us along the path of deeper devotion. So give it a try; it will challenge you in your faith and motivate you to go deeper in your spiritual journey!
... Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Karina Fabian....more
There are certain "Self Help" books that I have read that have been favorites - sometimes for years, sometimes just for a season. Some of these were aThere are certain "Self Help" books that I have read that have been favorites - sometimes for years, sometimes just for a season. Some of these were amazing. Paolo Coelho's The Alchemist, Dan Millman's The Way of the Peaceful Warrior; Noah ben Shea's Jacob the Baker, or Robin S. Sharma's The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari each had a lasting impact on me and was read a few times. So when someone approaches me with a book they think is in the same class, I am always a little leery, and when the author approaches me, even more so. Unfortunately that was the case with this book.
The author set it up as containing the wisdom of the ages and being very enlightening. I cannot say for certain it is the worst book I have ever read but it is definitely close. It follows a character through different periods of history, supposedly reincarnated or continually living and learning new lessons in each epoch of history. The story rambles, the character is weak and it was a great effort just to finish the book and not give up. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would not even rate this book. Usually I can find something good to state about a book - for this one, other than the author's enthusiasm, I can't find anything good to say.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
Few books have as immediate an impact on me as this book. As someone who grew up with a learning disability, a dual form of dyslexia, reading this booFew books have as immediate an impact on me as this book. As someone who grew up with a learning disability, a dual form of dyslexia, reading this book was much like reliving some of my own childhood. Schmatz does an amazing job of capturing the feelings, emotions and immense frustration of having a learning disability and being different from other people. She captures the sense of being an outsider at school and the embarrassment of going out to special education classes. She also captures how that frustration can lead to physical outbursts as it often seems like the only outlet available.
Our cast of characters includes Travis, a young man with anger issues, and a learning disability who is living with a recovering alcoholic grandfather; Mr. McQueen, who is more than just a teacher, but also an educator; he knows how to reach students that others give up on. He is the type of teacher we all need at one point or another in our life, who really connects with us. And the immensely enjoyable Velveeta, a young woman in the special education class also who is an outsider but one with a big heart.
As these characters and their stories start to intertwine, we have a story that unmasks us as readers. With such strong believable characters this story is driven both by the action and the silences between the characters. As Travis and Velveeta begin to trust each other, they make a connection to one another, and that connection is the beginning of their own process of growth and healing. This book was an amazing read, and I know that it is one I will read over and over again.
Schmatz has written a book that should become a classic in Children's literature. It should really be required reading for all middle school children to help them see the people and world around them differently. This book was so amazing that I bought and read two other of Pat Schmatz's books in under a week. Get it! It will not disappoint.
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Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Pat Schmatz....more
With every book I read, I become a bigger fan of Kathryn Lasky and/or Ga'Hoole. Even though the movie is so different, it was my first introduction toWith every book I read, I become a bigger fan of Kathryn Lasky and/or Ga'Hoole. Even though the movie is so different, it was my first introduction to Ga'Hoole and the Legends of the Great Tree and the Guardians who reside there. The books had been on my to-read list for a long time, but because they were older, had constantly been pushed down the reading list. But now I am completely hooked and look forward to each new adventure as I finish the previous book.
In this third installment we return to Soren, a Tyto, barn own, and his band of friends who go on a rescue mission searching out their beloved teacher Ezylryb. Ezylryb had gone missing while searching for information about a new villain on the horizon, Metal Beak. The history and legends of Ga'Hoole is a long and intricate tale. They are stories what will challenge your spirit and make you think you can be better than you currently are. They are stories as truth that will help you see the world in a new way. Lasky is a master story teller and these books are masterpieces each unto themselves and as a greater whole. So come join Soren, Gylfie, Digger, Twilight and Otulissa as they embark on yet another heroic adventure.
... Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Kathryn Lasky....more
Mousetraps revolves around the theme of friendship, but also someone who was harassed at school who seeks revenge. That is a controversial topic to apMousetraps revolves around the theme of friendship, but also someone who was harassed at school who seeks revenge. That is a controversial topic to approach, with all of the school attacks that have taken place. And yet Pat Schmatz not only tackles it but does so with a sensitivity and insight few would have. She examines the complex issues around harassment and bullying at school, and the aftermath of it. It follows a young man who returns to the High School where he had been attacked as a child by a group of other boys. Pat has stated; "The day Columbine happened, Rick began to talk in my head and I felt as if I knew him. The specifics of the story developed from there, but Rick was fully formed from the beginning. Knowing him the way I did, I couldn't possibly present him in any other way." And in doing so she presents a wounded young man who is working to seek his revenge but in the process starts his own true healing.
... Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Pat Schmatz....more
As each story unfolds, Gregor grows and matures as he faces each new challenge and works through each prophecy. These stories are very well written anAs each story unfolds, Gregor grows and matures as he faces each new challenge and works through each prophecy. These stories are very well written and to be honest, I am enjoying them more as each book progresses, whereas with the Hunger Games Trilogy, I enjoyed each book a little less. Suzanne Collins has crafted an amazing land under, filled with various creatures, races, alliances, wars and more. The Underland is very different from the city above that Gregor comes from. Above in the Overland, Gregor is almost 12 and goes to school, and worries about money, and food and looking after his family. Each time he finds himself in the Underland he finds that he is the warrior prophesized about long ago who must often not only save the day but learn to make the hard choices along the way. ... Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
Pat Schmatz is an author I discovered this year, and immediately she became one of my favorites. In under a week I read three of her four available boPat Schmatz is an author I discovered this year, and immediately she became one of my favorites. In under a week I read three of her four available books. She writes powerful stories that delve deeply into the questions of who we are and finding our place in the world. This book is about learning who you are. It part about learning to be, and to be good at being, no matter what life has thrown at you.
Rith is a young boy coming of age. He lives with his mother, his step father and his step sister who adores him. But strange things are happening to Rith. When he awakes one night and goes to the top of the stairs, he finds that the normal staircase has been replaced by a spiral staircase. This new staircase leads to a living room that is not his own. He is led to these stairs and to this room by a strange cat that again is not his own and yet seems to belong to him or at least has a plan for him. The cat leads him down the spiral stairs to a bizarre old man in an armchair sitting in front of a fire. This old man only speaks in quotes from the Bible. No matter what Rith asks or how much he persists, the Bible man only speaks in verses. Yet His words ring with truth to Rith and soon he starts looking up the verses and reading more. Rith shares this story with his new friend, Toby and soon Toby's father. As Rith circles the truth and tries to figure out what is going on he starts fighting more with his step father, causing tension with his mother. And soon even his little sister seems to be in danger. Can Rith figure out the cryptic quotes from Bible man? Can he find his place in his family and his world?
This was an amazing story. I find myself thinking about it often and know that I will reread it soon. This book will make you think. It was well worth reading and I give it the highest recommendation I can.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Pat Schmatz....more
Arthur Slade has another smash hit on his hands. In this amazing novel we are reunited with Modo, Octavia, and Mr. Socrates, and Tharpa joins the expeArthur Slade has another smash hit on his hands. In this amazing novel we are reunited with Modo, Octavia, and Mr. Socrates, and Tharpa joins the expedition this time around. And of course, it features our favorite mechanical hand villain, Miss Hakkandottir. This time the steampunk adventure takes us to the colonies once again as we immerse ourselves in the Victorian World with a technological twist.
Now the adventure heads to the Australian Outback and a rumored Egyptian pyramid in the middle of the Jungle. Filled with a mix of Victorian sense and sensibility, and the steampunk cutting-edge technology, the story takes us into an alternate past. This story is wonderfully written with greater character development and depth than the earlier two books. Slade is a master storyteller and as he draws us into this world and the complex relationship between two spies serving their country, Modo and Octavia both explore new feelings and expectations. This adventure is to see and find a legendary God Face, an ancient relic supposed to turn an enemy arm upon itself. But with poisonous mechanical falcons, an assassin, and Modo and company always seeming one step behind, can they pull it together and achieve another victory for England and the Crown? ... Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More.And also an author profile and interview with Arthur Slade....more
The back of this book begins with the statement: "There's a fine line between a friend and an enemy. One minute there's all this TRUST, and LAUGHTER, The back of this book begins with the statement: "There's a fine line between a friend and an enemy. One minute there's all this TRUST, and LAUGHTER, and LOVE. And the next minute … there's HURT. And CRUELTY. And BETRAYAL." All of us have been there. We have had friendships fail for many different reasons but this book tries to examine a group of friends as they have a falling out and with some effort maybe recovery. What happens when best friends break up?
This story is written following four friends through their junior year in high school. The four friends have a major blow up and falling out. As each goes their own way they encounter different problems and circumstances in life. And yet soon they realize that life sometimes bring us back to people who meant a lot to us. And sometimes it is the time apart that makes friendships strongest.
The story is very well written. Aimee Friedman and Christine Norrie have crafted a great graphic novel. The art work is awesome, similar in style to both Faith Erin Hicks and Hope Larson. The story is in some ways like Cecil Castellucci's and Jim Rugg's Janes series. It was a great read and a graphic novel I know I will read many times over.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More. And also an author profile and interview with Aimee Friedman....more
Libba Bray states that two different people said to her: "A plane full of beauty queens crashes on a deserted island. And … GO!" They were David LevitLibba Bray states that two different people said to her: "A plane full of beauty queens crashes on a deserted island. And … GO!" They were David Levithan and Ann Marie Anderson, both of whom we should be extremely thankful for. For this was an awesome read! The story is about the Miss Teen Dream Pageant contestants. They are on their way to an island for the rehearsals before the big show when their plane crashes on a desert island. A number of the contestants survive the crash, but none of the chaperons or adults do.
But the story is a little more complicated than just young women stuck on an island like a female version of Lord of the Flies. There are Reality TV Pirates, a crazy dictator from a country with an embargo against it, Lady Bird Hope, a former Miss Teen Dream and CEO of the Corporation who is all about the money and power, an Enviro Warrior looking to reclaim his tribal land. All these and more make the cast on this desert island very different from Gilligan's but extremely entertaining. ... Read the rest of the review and with links to other reviews of books by the authors on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
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