Advent Reads Day 10: Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree Drummond & Illustrated by Diane deGroat

 Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Synopsis: "In this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book Charlie the Ranch Dog, Ree Drummond—the Pioneer Woman herself—delivers a story about getting into the holiday spirit and finding the good in all. Even though Charlie may not have put a kitty on his Christmas list, he learns that if you keep an open heart, new friends can come in unexpected packages."

My Review: Even though my son has long since outgrown children's picture books, I still love reading them and I particularly enjoy stories with animals. I have read a few in the Charlie the Ranch Dog series but you don't need to have read the other books to enjoy this one. It is cute and silly, full of animal antics. It is also the heartwarming story that I enjoy during the holiday season. The images are bright and colorful, full of vibrant holiday colors. A great little story for the littles during the Christmas season.

My Rating: This was such a cute little book and it will be great for any young animal lovers, especially if a little furry friend might be joining the family soon.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Graphic Novel Review of Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen

 

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Graphic Novels

Synopsis: "Adjusting to life as a world-famous cartoonist isn't easy. Terrifying deadlines, piles of junk-food wrappers under a glowing computer screen, and an ever-growing horde of pets....umm, never mind--it's pretty much the same.

With characteristic wit and charm, Sarah Andersen's third collection of comics and illustrated personal essays offers a survival guide for frantic modern life: from the importance of avoiding morning people, to Internet troll defense 101, to the not-so-life-changing futility of tidying up. But when all else fails and the world around you is collapsing, make a hot chocolate, count the days until Halloween, and snuggle up next to your furry beacon of hope."

My Review: I saw this sitting at the library just begging to be read. I got some giggles out of this one. It was so relatable, I actually had to check the publishing date because it seemed to be written with the lockdowns specifically in mind but low and behold it came out 2 years before. I love Sarah's art style and the quirky personality behind the comics. I also like the bit at the end encouraging emerging artist to keep at their craft even when they get discouraged. It was a nice uplifting bit to end the book.

My Rating: Talk about a book finding you at just the right time! While it wasn't about the lockdown or the insanity it has prompted, it definitely worked to get me out of a bit of a funk.  I will forever highly recommend this book if you are ever feeling down or discouraged. I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

Mystery Monday: Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass

  Welcome to a brand new feature series here on Eastern Sunset Reads!

In the mess that was 2020, one exciting thing that came about is my discovery of Cozy Mysteries.  Yes, I knew they existed before but I never had a desire to pick one up but last year I ended up reading 17 of them! Clearly they have become a regular thing for me to pick up and it is such a vast genre that I can't wait to dive into more of them.  So Mystery Monday has become a thing and will be a (at least somewhat) regular thing here.  So stop by on Mondays to see my reviews of new books I have picked up, new releases, chat about sub-genres and lots more.

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Audio Books & Enjoying the series

Previous Books in Series:

Lending a Paw

Synopsis: "In the bookmobile, librarian Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, roll out great summer reads to folks all over the lake town of Chilson, Michigan. And when real-life drama turns deadly, Minnie makes sure justice is never overdue.

 

The bookmobile is making its usual rounds when Minnie and Eddie are flagged down by a woman in distress. The woman’s husband, a famous artist, needs emergency medical care. After getting him into the bookmobile, Minnie races the man to the hospital in time…but his bad luck has only just begun.

After disappearing from the hospital, the artist is discovered slumped over the body of a murdered woman. Minnie knows that her new friend didn’t commit the crime, but the evidence paints an unflattering picture. Now this librarian and her furry friend have to put the investigation in high gear and catch the real killer before someone else checks out."

My Review: The first book in this series was what began my interest in Cozy Mysteries but I think I took too long to get back to this book. It took me a while to place all the characters again. I also found that it took quite a while to build up to the mystery part and it didn't feel like much time was spent on it. I would possibly read this series just for the book mobile and small town personality contemporary type book but the mystery part just felt disjointed for me. As I said it may have been because I took too long between books, so I am going to give it another shot and try to get then next book from the library in the very near future.

My Rating: I really struggled with this one. It felt like the mystery part of this book was more of a side plot instead of being the main reason for reading the book. I do love the idea of the bookmobile and of course anything with a cat I am all for, so I will be giving the next book in the series another chance.  For now I give this one a rating of Two Paws.

Review of 7 x 9 = Trouble! by Claudia Mills

 

Read for: Borrowed Book/ Middle Grade March

Synopsis: "Wilson has a hard time with math, especially with Mrs. Porter's timed multiplication tests. If only he were as quick as Laura Vicks, the smartest kid in third grade, or as quick as his brother, Kipper -- a kindergartner. Wilson's mother and father try to help, but Wilson doesn't appreciate having to do practice tests on a play date. Fortunately, his friend Josh Hernandez is a comfort, as is Squiggles, the class hamster. Wilson is sure that with his own little animal squeaking and cuddling beside him, he could learn anything. But his mom doesn't like pets. So Wilson bravely struggles on, hoping that one day in the not-too-distant future he'll pass all his times-table tests. Then, surprisingly, Kipper comes to the rescue.

With sensitivity and gentle humor, Claudia Mills examines a common childhood fear and a common family experience. G. Brian Karas provides tender, funny pictures."

My Review: I happened to stumble across this book at the library while searching for books for Middle Grade March. I decided it would be a fun book to read with Munchkin since he is currently learning his times tables. He opted not to listen to it but I still listened. This would be a great book for a kid with might be intimidated by the times tables or be struggling a bit. It was a great confidence booster, the way the difficulty was handled by various characters, no one teased, no one yelled, just supported and gave tips and helped the best they could. This was such a great book and I hope many young readers discover it.

My Rating: This is a book that a lot of young readers will be able to relate to, both with family situations (siblings), class pets and the dreaded times tables tests.  I really love the themes in this book and will be recommending it to so many parents and kids.  I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Bedtime Story: See You Later, Alligator by Sally Hopgood & Illustrated by Emma Levey

 

Read for: Children's Books & Borrowed Book

Synopsis: "When a friendly tortoise decides to set off on an adventure, he must first say goodbye to all of his friends. Affectionate farewells, of the sort that parents and their children share, are uttered to each animal as he slowly progresses through the zoo. Unfortunately, Tortoise spends so long with his heart-warming goodbyes that it is too dark for an adventure by the time he reaches the exit to the zoo."

My Review: This was a very cute story, little ones will get such a kick out of all the saying Tortoise comes up with to say goodbye to all of his animal friends. It would be a fun book to read before or shortly after going to the zoo to spark conversations about the various animals there. It is a short story and is great for a quick bedtime read and would be a good reminder for those reluctant sleepers that goodbye and goodnight are only for a short time and it will all begin again in the morning.

My Rating: This was such a cute book and young kids will get a kick out of all the phrases Tortoise comes up with to say goodbye.  I give this one a rating of Four Paws!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Mystery Monday: The Whole Cat and Caboodle by Sofie Ryan

 Welcome to a brand new feature series here on Eastern Sunset Reads!

In the mess that was 2020, one exciting thing that came about is my discovery of Cozy Mysteries.  Yes, I knew they existed before but I never had a desire to pick one up but last year I ended up reading 17 of them! Clearly they have become a regular thing for me to pick up and it is such a vast genre that I can't wait to dive into more of them.  So Mystery Monday has become a thing and will be a (at least somewhat) regular thing here.  So stop by on Mondays to see my reviews of new books I have picked up, new releases, chat about sub-genres and lots more.

For today my first Mystery Monday I have a review of the first book in a series that has piqued my interest.

Read for: Borrowed Book/ Audio Book

Synopsis: "Sarah Grayson is the happy proprietor of Second Chance, a charming shop in the oceanfront town of North Harbor, Maine. At the shop, she sells used items that she has lovingly refurbished and repurposed. But her favorite pet project so far has been adopting a stray cat she names Elvis.

Elvis has seen nine lives—and then some. The big black cat with a scar across his nose turned up at a local bar when the band was playing the King of Rock and Roll’s music and hopped in Sarah’s truck. Since then, he’s been her constant companion and the furry favorite of everyone who comes into the store.

But when Sarah’s elderly friend Maddie is found with the body of a dead man in her garden, the kindly old lady becomes the prime suspect in the murder. Even Sarah’s old high school flame, investigator Nick Elliot, seems convinced that Maddie was up to no good. So it’s up to Sarah and Elvis to clear her friend’s name and make sure the real murderer doesn’t get a second chance."

My Review: I have been wanting to try a new cozy mystery series and I had to pick this series up because of the cat, Elvis. I was kind of thinking Second Chance Cat meant it revolved around an animal rescue or something, but it ended up revolving around second hand/upcycle store. That was a bit of a surprise but at least we still get Elvis, the rough and tumble cat who has claimed his people and smarter than the average cat. I like how in this book, it isn't the main character who is spearheading the amateur investigation but is dragged into it reluctantly. This mystery had quite the interesting cast of characters, the elderly crowd was so entertaining and quirky, the side story of the younger generation trying to keep the older generation out of trouble was so entertaining. With the mystery itself, there were some pretty good twists throughout, we are definitely guided down a specific path to a suspect but as always small details throughout the story add up to the conclusion. I will definitely be trying more books in this series and hopefully more time in this small town will draw me in more.

My Rating: There were certainly some interesting characters, a great cozy companion and a nice small town atmosphere, all things I love in a book. So while it wasn't quite as I expected, that is my own fault for not reading the synopsis and just jumping to a conclusion. While I am not 100% hooked on this one, I am definitely willing to give the next book a shot, the good thing is if I do get hooked, there are only 7 books in the series so far, not too daunting of a backlist but also enough to keep me occupied for a while.  I give this one a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag.

Review of Recipe for a Perfect Wife by Karma Brown

 

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Medievalathon Challenge

Synopsis: "In this captivating dual narrative novel, a modern-day woman finds inspiration in hidden notes left by her home’s previous owner, a quintessential 1950s housewife. As she discovers remarkable parallels between this woman’s life and her own, it causes her to question the foundation of her own relationship with her husband–and what it means to be a wife fighting for her place in a patriarchal society.

When Alice Hale leaves a career in publicity to become a writer and follows her husband to the New York suburbs, she is unaccustomed to filling her days alone in a big, empty house. But when she finds a vintage cookbook buried in a box in the old home’s basement, she becomes captivated by the cookbook’s previous owner–1950s housewife Nellie Murdoch. As Alice cooks her way through the past, she realizes that within the cookbook’s pages Nellie left clues about her life–including a mysterious series of unsent letters penned to her mother.

Soon Alice learns that while baked Alaska and meatloaf five ways may seem harmless, Nellie’s secrets may have been anything but. When Alice uncovers a more sinister–even dangerous–side to Nellie’s marriage, and has become increasingly dissatisfied with the mounting pressures in her own relationship, she begins to take control of her life and protect herself with a few secrets of her own."

My Review: This book kept catching my eye for some reason, even though it is so outside my normal reading genres, luckily the library had a copy for me to try. This was a interesting read, following women in two very different time periods but finding themselves in some similar situations. I enjoyed both perspectives, but really liked Nellie as a character. I kind of figured out where her story arc was leading but it was still quite a dark and twisty path to get there. Alice also has quite a character arc with a lot of changes and growth as she finds her way in an old suburban home and getting to know Nellie through her letters and history. It was a much darker story than I was expecting but still a really interesting read. I do like to point out that though most of the book makes men out to be horrible and abusive both now and the 50s, there are still many, many good, kind, respectful and supportive men out there who aren't only looking for babies to carry on their lines or pass down successes.

My Rating: I found this to be a pretty dark story but very much so a 'girl power'/ woman's rights type of book. I just wish that we could have a book with strong women taking control of there own lives without making men into such villains.  It was still a very good book and I give it a rating of Three Paws.

Advent Reads Day 13: Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

 Welcome to Advent Reads!

This is an event I have had on my blog for several years running now.  Each evening I feature a different holiday themed book. Think of it as your Book Advent Calendar! I post a variety of holiday books including romance, children's, middle-grade, mystery, paranormal, and I try to find some that are other holiday celebrations than Christmas too. I hope you will stop by each evening to see what new book I have for you!

Read for: Audio Book/ Borrowed Book

Synopsis: "Generations of believers in hope and goodwill have made Valentine Davies’ Miracle on 34th Street a treasured part of their holiday traditions. Millions of copies of this award-winning story have sold since its first publication in 1947, delighting readers of all ages. A facsimile edition of the book is now faithfully re-created, offering a new generation--and fans of the original--the beauty of the classic 1940s design. Details of how the book came to be written, and made into a beloved film, are included in a brief historical note."

My Review: I don't think I have ever watch this movie in its entirety, even though it is such a classic. So I thought I would give the audio book a try. I have to say, I can see why it is a much loved Christmas classic! It has the magic, the feels, the family, everything you could want in a holiday story. I loved the audio edition I listened to, it had a full cast of narrators and definitely added something special to the story. I definitely think I need to watch the movie now!

My Rating: I am surprised how much I enjoyed this story, and a little disappointed it took me so long to try it. This is definitely a classic that needs to be re-read every year. I give it a rating of Four Paws!

 

 

 

 

Bedtime Story: Nate the Great Talks Turkey by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Mitchell Sharmatm and Marc Simont & Illustrated by Jody Wheeler

 

Read for: Borrowed Books & Read with Munchkin

Synopsis: "A giant turkey is on the loose! And everyone is on the case—Nate, his cousin Olivia, his dog, Sludge, and even his friend Claude. But from talking turkey to stalking turkey, will every detective come out a winner?"

My Review: Munchkin loves the Nate the Great books so we thought this would be a fun book to read for Thanksgiving. Turns out it isn't set during the fall, but it is about turkeys. This was a bit of a different book because Nate the Great is not on the case. We also get a bit of a peek into another series about a young girl detective Olivia Sharp which might interest other readers. I like how the clues are dropped in this book, you have to pay attention to not only the words but the illustrations as well to figure it out. There are also some great extras included in the end of the book, some turkey facts, turkey jokes and an article on turkey calling. While it wasn't about Thanksgiving, this still turned out to be a great book to read over the holiday break!

My Rating: We have read many of the Nate the Great books (not really in order) and they never seem to be quite the same, they always seem to have something new going on so they don't get to repetitive. We give this one a rating of Four Paws!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Bedtime Story: Three Cheers for Kid McGear! by Sherri Duskey Rinker & Illustrated by A.G. Ford

 

Read for: Children's Books/ Borrowed books

Synopsis: "From the New York Times bestselling author that brought you Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Mighty, Mighty Construction Site comes a heartwarming and inspiring tale featuring the first female character to join the core construction crew!

She might be small, but she's got it all—she's Kid McGear, Skid Steer! Kid McGear is the newest truck to join the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site crew and she's eager to help with even the roughest and toughest construction work. But when a steep cliff puts the other trucks in danger, can the new Kid on the site prove she's big enough for even this big, big job?"

My Review: We have loved the Construction Site series in our house. Even though Munchkin has outgrown picture books, these still remain on our shelf and each time a new one comes out it is added to the list. This one is a great addition to the shelf, we get to add a new truck and it is little and a girl! I love the way Rinker uses all the attachments for the skid steer to show the variety of jobs it can do. Of course also having a little truck on a job can be a benefit. Little construction fans will love this story and be able to relate to it as they start to try to take on tasks themselves like setting tables and putting their own laundry away. They may be small but they can get the job done!

My Rating: We love these books, they are great for readers of all ages. The fun rhyme and repetition will keep the youngest readers engaged and  it also helps with the older readers reading out loud. It had a great story about even the littlest worker can help. I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Review of Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

 

Read for: Recommended/Borrowed Books/Audio Book

Synopsis: "R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.

And then he meets a girl.

First as his captive, then his reluctant guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn't want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight."

My Review: There is nothing quite like zombies around Halloween (especially in 2020) and this book is one of my friend's favorites, so it was about time I give it a try. It definitely wasn't quite what I was expecting but it was really enjoyable. The unique perspective of R was intriguing and kept me reading. It definitely wasn't a scary or spooky book by any means, it did have some rather gross, decomposing bodies and zombies eating, moments but really nothing too disturbing. Julie was a fun character, full of spitfire and courage. I really enjoyed the way the story developed, the story arc and twists kept the pages turning and me interested in where the story was going. I don't know if I would be interested in continuing the series because it was a rather satisfying ending with an note of hope at the end, and I rather liked where it left off.

My Rating: This book was just unusual and unique enough for me to really enjoy it. It was not at all what I expected and it was definitely worth the read.  I give it a rating of Three Paws and a Stump Wag!

Early Reader Bedtime Story: The Bookstore Ghost by Barbara Maitland and Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

Read for Children's Books/ Bedtime Story/ Borrowed Books

Synopsis: "Mr. Brown sells ghost books in his bookstore. But mice are scaring away the customers! Mr. Brown tells his cat to catch the mice, but she has other plans. After all, a ghost bookstore should be scary. Of course, it will be even more scary when it has its own ghost . . ."

My Review: This is a cute little book, perfect for Halloween but not too spooky for young readers. It is a simple story with lots of repetition and easy words for those young readers just starting to read on their own. I like the way the characters all find a way to work together so everyone is happy. It was fun, it was silly and it was a great book for October reading.

My Rating: This was a great book, not too scary but just a touch of spooky for the season.  I give it a rating of Three Paws!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

 

Review of Blood Countess by Lana Popović

 

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Audio Book/ Anticipated Release

Synopsis: "A historical YA horror novel based on the infamous real-life inspiration for Countess Dracula

In 16th century Hungary, Anna Darvulia has just begun working as a scullery maid for the young and glamorous Countess Elizabeth Báthory. When Elizabeth takes a liking to Anna, she’s vaulted to the dream role of chambermaid, a far cry from the filthy servants’ quarters below. She receives wages generous enough to provide for her family, and the Countess begins to groom Anna as her friend and confidante. It’s not long before Anna falls completely under the Countess’s spell—and the Countess takes full advantage. Isolated from her former friends, family, and fiancé, Anna realizes she’s not a friend but a prisoner of the increasingly cruel Elizabeth. Then come the murders, and Anna knows it’s only a matter of time before the Blood Countess turns on her, too."

My Review: This book instantly caught my attention when it came out earlier this year, but it was definitely a book that needed to be read in October. I listened to the audio book from the library and did enjoy the narration. It has been years since I last read Dracula but I was expecting something a little more closely related but this isn't really a retelling, more of inspired by Dracula. With that said, I really enjoyed the path this book took, it started off fine enough but you get this little warning bell going off in the background. Things progressively darker and more twisted. For how gruesome and dark this book got, I was a little disappointed in the conclusion, it felt like the final punch was pulled. I am curious as to what the series will hold though and will probably pick up the next book from the library once it comes out.

My Rating: This was definitely the dark and twisted book I was looking for in October.  I did feel a little cheated with the conclusion but since I believe it is based on a real person, maybe it was done for historical reasons.  I am not 100% sure on that but it didn't quite go all the way  for me.  I still really enjoyed it and give it a rating of Four Paws!

Bedtime Story: Penguin Problems by Jory John and Illustrated by Lane Smith

Read for: Children's Books/ Borrowed Books

Synopsis: "What?!

Oh, you're going to read this book? Somehow I seriously doubt that. I bet you won't even finish reading this flap.

Don't worry about it. Why would you want to learn about some penguin's problems when you have plenty of problems of your own? Just look around. The world's a mess!

Besides, you probably don't even like penguins. Heck, I barely like penguins and I am a penguin.

Seriously, I'll understand if you put the book back on the shelf. Go ahead. It's for the best.

I'm sure you'd just get a bunch of paper cuts, anyway. And you'd probably bend the pages. And you'd get your little fingerprints everywhere.

When was the last time you washed those grubby hands of yours? No offense.

Sigh.

Listen: I'm going back to bed. Read, don't read. Buy, don't buy. Whatever.

Just try not to wake me up.

I'm a light sleeper.

And I have a lot on my mind."

My Review: This is such a great book, for children and adults alike. It is a simple story but with a great message about how we look at the things around us. Our perspective on things can impact our moods. Penguin and Walrus do a great job of reminding the reader of simply changing the way you are looking at things can improve your day. The illustration style is also great, a bit like watercolor with softer edges. This makes a great bedtime story, soothing but it can also be a conversation starter and give something to think about.

My Rating: This was such a great book to read, even as an adult.  Even though Munchkin has outgrown picture books, I think this is still one I need for my shelves.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and Stump Wag.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

 

Review of The Mortal Immortal by Mary Shelley

 

Read for: Borrowed Book/ Audio/ Mary Shelley Week

Synopsis: "JULY 16, 1833. --This is a memorable anniversary for me; on it I complete my three hundred and twenty-third year!

The Wandering Jew?--certainly not. More than eighteen centuries have passed over his head. In comparison with him, I am a very young Immortal.

Am I, then, immortal? This is a question which I have asked myself, by day and night, for now three hundred and three years, and yet cannot answer it.

I detected a gray hair amidst my brown locks this very day-- that surely signifies decay. Yet it may have remained concealed there for three hundred years--for some persons have become entirely white headed before twenty years of age.

I will tell my story, and my reader shall judge for me. I will tell my story, and so contrive to pass some few hours of a long eternity, become so wearisome to me. For ever! Can it be? to live for ever!"

My Review: I have been trying to read more of Mary Shelley's work this year, this is my first of her short works. Clearly she had a theme to her writing, with supernatural, science and a touch of alchemy. I found this to be an intriguing story but so short that you really couldn't sink your teeth into it. The open ending was a good fit for this story and I like the though provoking way it ends. It isn't really my favorite of hers so far, I wish it had been a bit longer, but it definitely has me wanting to try more of her short fiction.

My Rating: This book definitely fit into the realm of gothic and atmospheric books that I have read of hers so far. I really wish I had more to sink into but at the same time it was a very satisfying read.  I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.

Early Reader Bedtime Story: Pete the Cat's Family Road Trip by James Dean & Kimberly Dean

 

Read for: Borrowed Books

Synopsis: "Pete the Cat and his family go on a cross-country adventure in this Level 1 I Can Read tale from New York Times bestselling creators Kimberly and James Dean!

Pete the Cat and his family are ready explore all the many wonderful American landmarks on their fun family road trip! They visit many famous sights, including Niagara Falls, New Orleans, Savannah, and more.

Of course, no true road trip is complete without a flat tire! But the Cat family isn't going to let a small setback get in the way of fun...

Pete the Cat's Family Road Trip is a Level I Can Read book, complete with original illustrations from the creators of Pete the Cat, Kimberly and James Dean, and is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences."

My Review: Nothing like a road trip book for the summer. We aren't going on any vacations this year, like pretty much everyone else. So why not go on a virtual road trip with Pete the Cat and his family. I like how they visited a lot of different famous sites to see throughout the country. Even though the illustration style is a little funky, it was still very easy to identify the various locations. The sentences were easy to read with lots of sight words and repetition for those young readers. The print is also large and bold but not overwhelming with the amount of text. This is a great book to share with young ones this summer.

My Rating: You can never go wrong with Pete the Cat books, they are always engaging and fun, yet easy to read.  This was a great cross country adventure full of famous sites to see and some not so famous. I give this one a rating of Four Paws!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Bedtime Story: Sorry (Really Sorry) by Joanna Cotler & Illustrated by Harry Bliss

Read for: Children's Books/ Borrowed Books

Synopsis: "Cow was in a nasty mood. When Duck came along Cow kicked mud in her face.

“Why’d you do that?” asked Duck.

“I felt like it,” said Cow. “And I’m not sorry.”

Little did Cow know that her bad mood would spread to the whole farm. But it does when Cow passes her anger along to Duck who takes it out on Frog who is mean to Bird who upsets Goat who bothers Pig. Until good-hearted Dog turns things around by showing kindness to Pig, turning not sorry into sorry (really sorry). But will that be enough to mend all of the hurt feelings on the farm?"

My Review: This was a really great book to help kids understand grumpy emotions. I love how it shows that one grumpy person (animal) being mean or cruel can start a whole chain of upset and grumpy people. It also shows how just one understanding and kind person can change and stop the chain. It was a simple story for little ones and had such a great message. The illustrations were cute and the use of animals will really capture kids attention.

My Rating: This is such a great book for kids learning about emotions and honest apologies.  I loved the illustrations style and the use of animals to convey the story.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and Stump Wag.

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!

Review of Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass

Read for: Borrowed Books/ Audio book/ Trying new Genre

Synopsis: "With the help of her rescue cat, Eddie, librarian Minnie Hamilton is driving a bookmobile based in the resort town of Chilson, Michigan. But she’d better keep both hands on the wheel, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride…

Eddie followed Minnie home one day, and now she can’t seem to shake the furry little shadow. But in spite of her efforts to contain her new pal, the tabby sneaks out and trails her all the way to the bookmobile on its maiden voyage. Before she knows it, her slinky stowaway becomes her cat co-pilot!

Minnie and Eddie’s first day visiting readers around the county seems to pass without trouble—until Eddie darts outside at the last stop and leads her to the body of a local man who’s reached his final chapter.

Initially, Minnie is ready to let the police handle this case, but Eddie seems to smell a rat. Together, they’ll work to find the killer—because a good librarian always knows when justice is overdue."

My Review: I have had the urge to dip my toes into new genres and decided to start with Cozy Mysteries. This one immediately attracted my attention with revolving around books and a cat! I did really adore Eddy's involvement, while clearly more intelligent than the average cat, he is still clearly a cat, with cat behaviors and attitude. I wasn't a huge fan of Minnie, she was a bit of a bumbling fool, sticking her nose where it didn't belong, but I understand that is kind of the point of these books. While we did get clues throughout the book, we weren't really given enough information to figure out the mystery, which is a bit of a bummer. All in all it was an okay book, I liked the atmosphere and the side characters were all interesting. It wasn't bad for my first Cozy Mystery and I will be trying more in the genre and will pick up more in this series from the library.

My Rating: While I know this is outside my normal reading comfort zone, and maybe I need to get more into the genre to really start to enjoy it. I like to be able to put the pieces together throughout the mystery and I just didn't really get to do that here.  I also prefer when people let the police and detectives do their jobs, so it was a bit of a struggle. I still give it an overall rating of Three Paws.

Graphic Novel; Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman & Illustrated by Colleen Doran

Read for: Graphic Novel & Borrowed Books

Synopsis: "A chilling fantasy retelling of the Snow White fairy tale by bestselling creators Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran.

A not-so-evil queen is terrified of her monstrous stepdaughter and determined to repel this creature and save her kingdom from a world where happy endings aren't so happily ever after.

From the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, Nebula Award-winning and Sunday Times-bestselling writer Neil Gaiman (American Gods) comes this graphic novel adaptation by Colleen Doran (Troll Bridge)."

My Review: I have had my eye on this one for a while and finally found it at my local library. It is definitely a much darker retelling of Snow white than Disney watching folks are used to and is clearly meant for an adult audience. I like the perspective of the step-mother/queen and the different take on Snow White. The illustration style is bright and detailed and so stunning! This was a very different and unique take on the story of Snow White and I so enjoyed it!

My Rating: While this one may not be for every reader, because it is very dark and twisted, I really liked the different take on the classic fairy tale. I give it a rating of Four Paws!

Children's Book Week: Mother's Day Bedtime Story: Love is by Diane Adams & Illustrated by Claire Keane

Children's Book Week

Read for: Children's Books

Synopsis: "Perfect for Valentine's Day—or any tender moment—this story of a girl and a duckling who share a touching year together will melt hearts old and young. In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned."

My Review: This story was meant for Valentine's Day but I was struck more by the maternal love and felt it was much better suited for Mother's Day. We love our little ones and will do anything for them but know deep down at some point we will need to let them fall so they can learn to fly on their own, and this book perfectly embodies that love. The illustrations are beautifully done and the story reads so smoothly. It is a great soothing read for the end of the day when you are cuddled up together.

My Rating: I know I read this for Valentine's Day but it gave me all the mommy sentimental feelings and I think all you moms will really enjoy reading it with your little ones too.  I give it a rating of Four Paws and a Stump Wag!

Good Night! Sweet Dreams!