4 Children's Book Reviews

4 Recent Children's Book Reviews

I received all of the following books in exchange for an honest review from netgalley.com and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Title: Too Many Carrots
Author: Katy Hudson
Publisher: Capstone
Publication Date: Feb 1, 2016

Description:

Rabbit loves carrots. Maybe a little too much. In fact, his carrots are crowding him out of his cozy burrow. When his friends offer to help — that’s just asking for trouble. TOO much trouble! This charming and lovingly illustrated picture book shows how friendships get us over the rough spots in life, even if the going gets a little bumpy!
For ages 3-5. 
*Beautiful picture book showcasing the value of friendship over material items *Adorable animal characters with tons of appeal including a rabbit, tortoise, bird, squirrel, and beaver *Perfect for Easter and Spring promotions

Review:

This was such a fun children's book. It is suggested for kids between the ages of 3-5 and I think that is perfect. This would be a perfect precursor for spring and maybe even the perfect inclusion in an Easter basket.

That age is when children really start to meet friends outside of their family and this is an excellent way to talk to them about the importance of friendships.

The illustrations are awesome and it has a great flow and it will definitely win over the hearts of children in the 3-5 age range. Definitely a great new release.


My Star Rating:

5 out of 5




Title: Squirrel Me Timbers
Author: Louise Pigott
Publisher: Capstone
Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Description:

Ahoy mateys! A young squirrel has always dreamed of sailing the seas as a pirate. So when he finds a treasure map, he can’t believe his luck! X marks the spot of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND NUTS! Set sail for adventure with vibrant illustrations and imaginative rhyming text to discover how exciting a pirate’s life can be!
For ages 3-6. 
*A spirited picture book full of adventure, mishaps, narrow escapes and a humorous plot twist *Pirates and squirrels are popular and on trend *Rhyming text is fun for read aloud, encouraging participation and engagement *Story teaches children the importance of not giving up hope.

Review:

I loved this selection. Children's books have really been great this year and seem to be headed in an awesome direction in 2016! I love the squirrels and the pirates and all the mishaps and adventures that took place.

It was fun and I could see this being read in a kindergarten classroom and kids participating and enjoying the rhyming rhythm of  the text. So awesome.

Overall, this is a story of a lot of obstacles trying to keep you from completing your goals but keeping hope and faith and completing them despite the difficulties. What a strong image to send young children. I loved it.

The illustrations we also a ton of fun and I think little boys especially will gravitate toward this book.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5



Title: Why Horses Are...
Author: Tana Thompson
Publisher: Carpenter's Son Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 13, 2015

Description:

It’s not easy to give up something you love, but if you do, for the benefit of a complete stranger, it just might change your life as well. The child in this story has a painful choice to make, and in the process, learns how helping someone else can be more important than keeping the thing you love. In sharing, she receives the gift of joy—and witnesses miracles and magic in others. The story speaks to horse lovers of all ages. Why Horses Are is the second book in the award-winning “Love Unleashed” series. The first book, Why Dogs Are, won the 2014 Silver Medal from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards (Category: Spirituality), as well as being designated a Finalist in Spirituality for the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. “Love Unleashed” is a project of Kendall Neff Publishing, which donates 100% of net proceeds from the sale of these books to charities that reflect the focus of each book. The series aims to raise awareness of the roles animals play in our lives that enhance and improve our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Proceeds from sales of Why Horses Are will benefit charities that support rescue horses and horse-therapy programs. One such program is the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrians (MGHSE), a non-profit program of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. MGHSE’s program is a Premier Accredited Center of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship).

Review:

This was a children's book about giving up something you love for the benefit of others. It was very spiritual and emotional and I think it spread a great message to kids about miracles and faith and if you have a child in your life or you yourself have a great love of horses then I think you would enjoy this.

The illustrations aren't my favorite but I think it had a great message which often times in what you are looking for in children's books. Great lessons about people and morals to help guide them as they grow up. This definitely has that but I couldn't relate to the horse aspect of it. Overall, a pretty decent children's story.

My Star Rating:

3 out of 5


Title: Peanut's Mistake
Author: Karen Kilpatrick
Publisher: Nina Charles Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 6, 2015

Description:

Go, go, go! Peanut’s not slow! But Peanut breaks the rules by running in the house. What will happen when Carmin discovers his big mess? Join Carmin and Peanut in this heartwarming story about learning from mistakes. Part of the national award-winning Pumpkinheads series. Includes learning fun with “The Pumpkinheads Answer.”

Review:

I love Peanut. As a huge dog person I complete relate to dogs needed to grow and learn discipline and I think this is an excellent illustration for children to learn about rule breaking and pet ownership.

Absolutely adorable illustrations and the writing was fantastic. I couldn't suggest this more for young kids whose parents are teaching them about rule breaking, responsibility, or pet ownership.

Such a great read.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

Review: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Illuminae

by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

Description:

For fans of Marie Lu and James Dashner comes the first book in an epic new series.

“Brace yourself. You're about to be immersed in a mindscape that you'll never want to leave.”
—Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend trilogy

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd have to do.

This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that's little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto one of the evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.

Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Review:

Okay. I feel like an absolute idiot waiting for so long to read this book. I was actually approved by netgalley.com and the publisher some time ago to review a E-ARC of this book and had been hearing some buzz about it but wasn't convinced to read it until the hype really got real. I actually ended up purchasing a physical copy once I realized the unique publication.

I think waiting is the biggest mistake all year because I can not imagine a better written or published book that will top my list this year. That is really saying something considering I have read over 150 full length novels this year.

Although I received a copy for review I also purchased a hard copy to better get a grasp of the formatting of the book and all opinions associated with this post are my own.

First, lets talk about the actual formatting of the book. The story is told in several different ways. Some with IM conversations, government documents recounting events, diary entries, and others forms like recalling what is said in a story format over a loud speaker etc. It is also told from an unknown perspective or a perspective that switches often. Part is told by the "government official" reviewing all the events and evidence, part is told by the Artificial Intelligence system in charge of the ship, and all is told in past tense as something that has already occurred. The pages are all presented in a way the agrees with the type of conversation occurring and often looks like computer files and entries but with notes from the reviewer or points of interesting content based on the speakers mood. It is VERY difficult to describe but very intelligently done and adds such a welcome dynamic to the book that made it difficult to put down.

The book might be just short of 600 pages but it really reads more like a 300-400 page story due to the formatting. I can't say enough how brilliant the structure of the book is and how innovative the writers are for choosing to present their content in this way. 

The story, however, could easily stand on it's own no matter the formatting. It was action packed and heart felt and thought out. It is a Sci-Fi story but it also has a romantic element from one obvious love interest and one surprising one. It also contains an element of a pathogen that leads to some negative behaviors in all the people who come down with the illness. 

I don't want to give too much away but the basics include a future where two corporations fighting over resources are each trying to obtain a certain resource from a planet in the far galaxy. One company, Beitech decides to attack the planet and kill all of it's residence to set up their own illegal mining operation.

A government ship hears the distress call from the planet and goes to help which allows for the rescue of several thousand citizens but not long after Beitech has released a deadly pathogen on a section of the city. 

Our main character is a young woman named Kady Grant who has just broken up with her boyfriend Ezra that morning. The story is about the citizens trying to outrun the evil corporation who want to leave no witnesses about the deadly attack they laid on this small planet and it's people. The damage to the governmental ships will not allow a jump into hyperspace until a place 6 months away. These six months are where the story takes place. 

This story is AMAZING. If you like action and adventure, sci-fi, romance, futuristic technology, or books unlike anything you have ever read that I suggest going out and purchasing this ASAP. 

I think I am going to write a post about the most unique books I have read this year sometime soon and this will definitely be going on that list. 

My Star Rating:

5 out of 5

Read if you enjoyed:

     

4 Upcoming Children's Books: Reviews

I received all of the following titles via netgalley.com and the publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.

Title: Little One
Author: Jo Weaver
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Publication Date: March 1, 2016

Description:

Spring is here and new life is stirring. There is so much for Big Bear to teach her new cub as they step out into the forest. Together they eat, swim, fish, and play as one season becomes the next. With Big Bears help, Little One grows more and more confident, until winter comes once more and its time to head home. With gentle text and stunning black and white illustrations, Jo Weaver reveals the wonder of nature, the first steps of independence, and the strength of parental love.

My Review:

I loved the illustrations for this book. They were absolutely stunning and I would suggest giving this a look just for them alone. Of course it doesn't heart that the book also happens to be thoughtful and lovely all on its own.

The story follows a bear with its' new cub as they explore the world together in the cub's first year of life. From learning how to gather berries, to fishing, to frolicking in nature it is wonderful to watch this young cub grow throughout the story.

As winter approaches and the snow starts to fall we see a whole new cub who is brave and strong and independent but still thankful and full of love for the parent bear. They cuddle down for the long winter ahead and the story flows seamlessly with the gorgeous illustrations.


My Star Review:

4 out of 5 stars



Title: The Great Carp Escape
Author: Irish Beth Maddock
Publisher: Word Alive Press
Publication Date: January 13, 2016

Description:

Tadpoles, clams, and minnows wow! For siblings Beth and Paul, growing up on a lake is fun... until they are startled by a fishy find along the shoreline. When they discover the scaly, moustached carp, they become afraid.

Seasons pass, and Beth and Paul avoid the swampy reeds at all costs until a flood brings about a life-or-death situation for the creepy looking carp, right in their own backyard!

With guidance from their father, will Beth and Paul be able to overcome their apprehensions about the carp and help save them before it s too late? Watch the Trailer!

The Great Carp Escape "truly captures the magic between children and nature. The story paints a beautiful picture of how all creatures on earth are God-given and shows how compassion shouldn't be based on popularity or defined beauty. This delightful and touching story carries such an important message of acceptance and simply joy. A pleasure to read and surely a popular addition to any child s home library. "

Illustrator Lisa Taron

My Review:

I had the opportunity to to speak with the author about her lovely story and she kindly provided me with a physical copy of the book.

She let me know that this was based on a story from her own childhood which just made this story all the more special.

What a great story about overcoming fears and coming to terms with things that are different from you and helping and persevering. A fun fishy tale that I would recommend. The lesson was there but it was not forced on the reader and the illustrations were wonderful. I would definitely suggest this if you have a child/know a child with a fear they need help overcoming or a child who might not understand how special it is to be selfless and help someone/something else.

I adored that this book is about helping something that is different than you and learning to be a better person because of it.

My Star Review:

4 out of 5


Title: A Friend For Mole
Author: Nancy Armo
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Publication Date: March 1, 2016

Description:

An accidental encounter throws Mole and Wolf together. One is afraid of the light, the other is afraid of the dark. Together they learn that friends are all they need to conquer their fears.

My Review:

This was a simple story about a mole who is intrigued by the outside world and who decides to see what all the fuss is about on the surface. Once up there he is blinded by the sun and wonders around and gets lost.

After he gets lost he stumbles into a hole with a wolf in it.

The wolf is afraid of the dark while the mole is afraid of the light. They quickly become friends and help each other face their fears and eventually make it home safely.

I enjoyed this but didn't think it really stood out the way many of the other children's stories I have been reading lately have done.

It was a great story of friendship and overcoming fears and maybe even exploring the fact that this unlikely friendship occurred and even in the light they weren't scared of each other and wanted to remain friends. It was sweet but a bit underwhelming and the illustrations were okay but not wonderful.

My Star Review:

3 out of 5



Title: Little Red
Author: Bethan Woollvin
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Publication Date: April 1, 2016

Description:

On her way to Grandmas house, Little Red Riding Hood meets a wolf. Now, that might scare some little girlsbut not this little girl! She knows just what the wolf is up to, and shes not going to let him get away with it. In this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist, talented newcomer Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and a dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head

My Review:

I loved the illustrations for this and the the typical "Red Riding Hood" story was flipped a little to show red not being naive but being brave and independent.

The plot follows the classic tale up until Red makes it to Grandma's. The wolf is there and he has already made a snack out of Grandma waiting for Red to get there but she sees right through his disguise and ends up teaching that wolf a lesson of her own.

I really enjoyed the art style and Red's new intelligence but I was still a little disappointed that their wasn't more to the story. It was enjoyable and I would definitely suggest it to a young fairy tale fan.

My Star Review:
3.5 out of 5

Awake by Natasha Preston; Book Review

I was provided an E-ARC and a physical ARC from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Title: Awake

Author: Natasha Preston

Publisher: SourceBooks

Publication Date: 
Aug 4, 2015

Description:

Scarlett Garner doesn’t remember anything before the age of four—but a car accident changes everything. She starts to remember pieces of a past that frighten her. A past her parents hid from her…and a secret that could get her killed.

My Review:

I had originally planned to pick this up back in October and maybe have a bit of a thriller/mystery for the spooky month but I ran out of time. I am happy I finally got around to reading this. It was very entertaining.

I will say however that it is not the best book I have read this year by a long shot, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't pick it up. It was definitely something fast paced and entertaining. 

This is the story of a young girl who can't remember what happened to her before she turned 4 years old. She is finally feeling like her life is coming together. She has met a cute boy who has wonderful parents, her overprotective parents are actually letting her seem him and things are going well.

But soon twisted memories of her past start to emerge which thrust her into a world she never knew existed. A world where cults are after her and her blood and where a wicked cult leader has everyone under his spell.

I have never really read anything about cults or cult activity before other than a few news stories here or there and I found this very interesting. The author doesn't make this into something to horrible or graphic but just plays on cult stereotypes and makes you feel uncomfortable and worried for the lives of the cult members and of course their sanity.

I thought this was a lot of fun. It definitely served as a creepy mystery and I would suggest it to anyone who likes mysteries or stories about cults as the more research I did the more books I realized were out there on the topic. 

I gave this a middle of the range rating because the writing just wasn't there for me and I had a difficult time connecting to the characters but I could see someone else just being enthralled by this story so I would definitely recommend it. 

My Star Rating:

3 out of 5


Read this if you enjoyed:

   

Links:

http://www.sourcebooks.com/store/awake.html

http://www.amazon.com/Awake-Natasha-Preston/dp/1492618527/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447856142&sr=1-1&keywords=awake+natasha+preston

Good Reads Review:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1310292266

Andre The Giant: Closer to Heaven; a Graphic Memoir Review

Title: Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven

Author: Brandon Easton

Illustrator: Denis Medri

Publisher: Lion Forge

Publication Date:

Description:

He was one of the greatest performers in sports entertainment history, but his legions of fans around the globe barely know the man behind the legend of Andre the Giant -- until now! 

Jean Ferre. Monster Eiffel Tower. Fezzik. These were alter egos for the internationally acclaimed pro wrestling superstar known as Andre the Giant, who thrilled audiences worldwide with his unmatched charisma and remarkable athleticism. Despite his astonishing popularity, few really knew the man behind the curtain -- the man born in the French countryside named Andre Roussimoff. Showing signs of gigantism at an early age, Andre decided to use his size to his advantage and entered the wild world of professional wrestling. From his first day in the squared circle, those close to him knew that a legend was born.
This lavishly illustrated authorized biography of Andre the Giant charts his entire life from the earliest days on his family's farm to his blockbuster feuds with the biggest wrestling stars of all time, exploring the dark side of fame and fortune along the way.

My Review:

"I've heard that a pessimist believes that memories are only regrets organized in chronological order...the optimist says that you should be lucky to live long enough to have regrets. Neither is correct. We live on the border between optimism and pessimism. The darkness and the light." 

" I began to wonder if I was going to outgrow the world itself."

I want to mention that this is only my second encounter with the graphic memoir and I really think I need to explore this medium in more depth because it is absolutely compelling. 

This covered every aspect of Andre's life but mostly focused on his career and public image. It has everything from growing up and towering over his peers to having to leave school to help support his parents farm. It showcased his love of wrestling but also the struggles with addiction and fame that he faced. 

Personally being a fan of early 90s wrestling and the Princess Bride film I was happy to see the impact these things made on his life so I understood him better at the times I was most familiar with his career.

The fact that his estranged daughter prefaced this and that he believed she wasn't his due to medical issues was a great way to see behind his mask and his public image.

The art style in this is simple but detailed. The coloration is plain but I don't think that really takes away from the design in any way. I liked it and felt like it was a good companion to the plot and didn't distract from the overall story. I enjoyed that aspect as well.

I really liked this and would recommend it to fans of graphic memoirs, professional wrestling, and sports stories in general. I thought that they did a fantastic job.

My Star Rating: 

4 out of 5 Stars

I received this as an e-advanced readers copy from netgalley.com and the publisher. All opinions are my own but I appreciate them letting me review this graphic memoir in advance.

Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26486370-andre-the-giant

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1439810440

http://www.amazon.com/Andre-Giant-Brandon-M-Easton/dp/1631404008/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447428480&sr=1-1&keywords=andre+the+giant+closer+to+heaven&pebp=1447428508889&perid=0GDYF874D8QWK6RS0S6A

New Adult Round Up: 2 Reviews

I recently had a week where I just could NOT get into reading and couldn't really enjoy anything I was trying to pick up. Sometimes when that happens I gravitate to a contemporary or a romance and it usually goes by so quickly that by the end I am left wanting to pick up more romance and then eventually get back to my normal routine.

That was the case with the two following New Adult Romances I read last week. I needed something light and fun and these two reads have definitely got me back on track. Although they are both considered New Adult or romance they were definitely very different from each other. Keep reading if you are interested in New Adult or if you just want to know more about my thoughts and opinions. 

Title: On Dublin Street

Author: Samantha Young

Publisher: NAL

Publication Date: December 2012

Description: 

Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul. 

My Review:

I was introduced to this after watching a "Book Tube" review of it and was immediately intrigued by the premise. I have read some books from the Outlander series and was excited about another story taking place in Scotland, although this time in modern time.

First let me say that I didn't really love the main character, Jocelyn. She was a bit to in her own head for me reading from her perspective. I will say that her love interest on the other hand was very dreamy and perfect for the genre of the book. Seriously, rich and sexy Scottish man in a romance? Count me in!

I will also say that I was impressed with the development of their relationship and the character development of both Jocelyn and Braden. Jocelyn really matured and dealt with her issues although there were a few slip ups I think for the most part she really grew into someone who could face the world.

Braden was able to love again and not just base all of his relationships off sex which was also really great although even though they were sex friends he still was not too controlling or domineering. A lot of times in this genre there is an overwhelming boyfriend figure who controls the female character and although he was a little overbearing and jealous I don't think it was something that would upset the reader.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was fun, steamy, and had some deeper themes for a new adult which I appreciate and would recommend this.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5

Title: On the Island

Author: Tracy Garvis Graves

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: August 2012

Description:

When thirty-year-old English teacher Anna Emerson is offered a job tutoring T.J. Callahan at his family's summer rental in the Maldives, she accepts without hesitation; a working vacation on a tropical island trumps the library any day.

T.J. Callahan has no desire to leave town, not that anyone asked him. He's almost seventeen and if having cancer wasn't bad enough, now he has to spend his first summer in remission with his family - and a stack of overdue assignments -- instead of his friends. 

Anna and T.J. are en route to join T.J.'s family in the Maldives when the pilot of their seaplane suffers a fatal heart attack and crash-lands in the Indian Ocean. Adrift in shark-infested waters, their life jackets keep them afloat until they make it to the shore of an uninhabited island. Now Anna and T.J. just want to survive and they must work together to obtain water, food, fire, and shelter.

Their basic needs might be met but as the days turn to weeks, and then months, the castaways encounter plenty of other obstacles, including violent tropical storms, the many dangers lurking in the sea, and the possibility that T.J.'s cancer could return. As T.J. celebrates yet another birthday on the island, Anna begins to wonder if the biggest challenge of all might be living with a boy who is gradually becoming a man.

My Review:

What a wild and crazy romantic ride this was.

We start the story with a long journey overseas to reach a small island where our two main characters will spend a summer vacation. The twist is these two aren't together, in fact on is a young boy who recently went into remission for cancer and the other is a teacher hired to help tutor him and get him caught up from what he missed being sick.

From the start the trip takes a rocky journey and when they are finally on the last leg of their trip and are headed out on a small chartered sea plane they are stuck with an overweight pilot who actually suffers from a heart-attack mid-flight, dies, and causes the two remaining survivors to spend the next section of the story stuck on a deserted island. 

There is a lot going on in this novel that I loved. The relationships formed, the slow build, the actual sex and romance part but there was a lot I just couldn't get behind! It took them almost a year to decide to build a shelter. The characters were naive even the woman of 30 who should know better.

She was also overly concerned with what people would think if and when she got rescued about the relationship she formed with what would have been her pupil. 

First, he was never actually her student and they had no previous relationship so I don't think it was that weird. The age difference can seem a bit strange but under the circumstances it should have just been a fleeting thought.

I did however love the direction it took and the ending and did find the romance both believable and steamy. I would suggest this to fans of the romance genre.

My Star Rating:

4 out of 5