Book: Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale
Age-range: 0 and up
This is the sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge and it's a good one. We return back to the big city with Jack and Rapunzel. The first book was a western, this one is more steam-punk.
Jack and Rapunzel, with the help of Freddie, have to defeat the army of giant ants, rescue Jack's mother, and help get the city out of the giant's control. And there's a little bit of romance on the way.
It's funny to me because this one, though I thought it would be more of a "boy" book, is actually a little more girly than the first one. Once again, this is a graphic novel/comic book. I definitely recommend it. Happy reading!
Friday, September 30, 2011
September Book #7
Book: Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale
Age-range: 0 and up
This is a book I've bought for, and recommended to, countless people, but I have to confess something: I'd never actually read it. I know, I know, that's horrible! So when we were at the library the other day I made sure to check this one out. And I loved it! (As I knew I would.)
It's the story of Rapunzel, with a Western twist. She uses her long hair as lassos to whip bad guys into shape. With the help of Jack (of Beanstalk fame), she's able to defeat Mother Gothel and rescue her mother and the kingdom.
This is a graphic novel, which is like a comic book except... okay I don't know the difference. One sounds fancier, that's all I know! This is a great book for boys or girls; reluctant readers, or voracious ones. It's a great story and I highly recommend it. Happy reading!
Age-range: 0 and up
This is a book I've bought for, and recommended to, countless people, but I have to confess something: I'd never actually read it. I know, I know, that's horrible! So when we were at the library the other day I made sure to check this one out. And I loved it! (As I knew I would.)
It's the story of Rapunzel, with a Western twist. She uses her long hair as lassos to whip bad guys into shape. With the help of Jack (of Beanstalk fame), she's able to defeat Mother Gothel and rescue her mother and the kingdom.
This is a graphic novel, which is like a comic book except... okay I don't know the difference. One sounds fancier, that's all I know! This is a great book for boys or girls; reluctant readers, or voracious ones. It's a great story and I highly recommend it. Happy reading!
Monday, September 26, 2011
September Book #6
Book: The Secret Lives of Princesses by Philippe Lechermeier, illustrated by Rebecca Dautremer
Age-range: 0 and up
This book has been on my radar since it was released in the US last year. I have a hard time justifying buying picture books that I know my sons will have little or no interest in, however, so I just now got around to checking it out from the library.
It's amazing!
So whimsical and beautifully illustrated. I would recommend it to any princess (young or old). My favorite was Princess Paige. Happy reading!
Age-range: 0 and up
This book has been on my radar since it was released in the US last year. I have a hard time justifying buying picture books that I know my sons will have little or no interest in, however, so I just now got around to checking it out from the library.
It's amazing!
So whimsical and beautifully illustrated. I would recommend it to any princess (young or old). My favorite was Princess Paige. Happy reading!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
And I'm Done
Okay, I've finally finished back-blogging all of my pre-blog book reviews. You will no longer be receiving dozens of posts from me a day.
I promise.
Thanks for your patience!
I promise.
Thanks for your patience!
September Book #5
Book: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Age-range: 16 and up
Lesson learned: don't pick a book because you think the title sounds whimsical and fun.
This book made me cry like a freaking baby!
Age-range: 16 and up
Lesson learned: don't pick a book because you think the title sounds whimsical and fun.
This book made me cry like a freaking baby!
Monday, September 19, 2011
September Book #4
Book: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
Age-range: 6 and up
Okay, first of all this book gets an award for best freaking title ever! I have to be totally honest when I say the title and cover art were my sole reasons for buying this book. I was not disappointed in the least. This has been one of the most creative books I've read in a long time. There were so many great lines that I need to read it again just to make sure I saw all of them.
If you have even a passing desire to visit Fairyland then you should definitely read this book. The lead girl, September, is a wonderful protagonist and the narrator, as s/he openly admits, is only there to please. Full of whimsy and quirky characters, but with just enough serious to make you think, this is one of the best books I've read all year.
So why are you still sitting there? Go get it and read it! Happy reading!
Age-range: 6 and up
Okay, first of all this book gets an award for best freaking title ever! I have to be totally honest when I say the title and cover art were my sole reasons for buying this book. I was not disappointed in the least. This has been one of the most creative books I've read in a long time. There were so many great lines that I need to read it again just to make sure I saw all of them.
If you have even a passing desire to visit Fairyland then you should definitely read this book. The lead girl, September, is a wonderful protagonist and the narrator, as s/he openly admits, is only there to please. Full of whimsy and quirky characters, but with just enough serious to make you think, this is one of the best books I've read all year.
So why are you still sitting there? Go get it and read it! Happy reading!
Friday, September 16, 2011
September Book #3
Book: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Age-range: 13 and up
First of all I would like to point out that NO ONE told me this book was historical fiction set just after World War II. Had I known that fact I wouldn't have put off reading it for so long because I thought the title was stupid (I still do) and I hate books written in letters (this one is an exception).
I really loved this book. It was so very creatively done and so very beautifully written. There have been several times when I've gone through WWII phases and read every book I could on the subject. This is a lovely addition to that and has something that most others don't have: a British protagonist. I would absolutely recommend it.
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
First of all I would like to point out that NO ONE told me this book was historical fiction set just after World War II. Had I known that fact I wouldn't have put off reading it for so long because I thought the title was stupid (I still do) and I hate books written in letters (this one is an exception).
I really loved this book. It was so very creatively done and so very beautifully written. There have been several times when I've gone through WWII phases and read every book I could on the subject. This is a lovely addition to that and has something that most others don't have: a British protagonist. I would absolutely recommend it.
Happy reading!
September Book #2
Book: The Girl Who Married a Lion and Other Tales From Africa by Alexander McCall Smith
Age-range: 0 and up
As with any book of short stories there are hits and misses. Some of these were really interesting and others seemed like huge chunks were missing. It's by no means a must-read, but if you're interested in Africa, folklore, or both then this is a book you might want to check out!
Age-range: 0 and up
As with any book of short stories there are hits and misses. Some of these were really interesting and others seemed like huge chunks were missing. It's by no means a must-read, but if you're interested in Africa, folklore, or both then this is a book you might want to check out!
A Little FYI
Okay, so I have come across some reviews I wrote from the past. That's right, before I had this blog I still wrote myself reviews so I would remember why I liked a book (or didn't). I've decided to add those to the blog, but to put them under their original dates, just for my own sake. That way all my "reviews" are in one place! This is a little FYI in case you were wondering what the heck is going on.
Friday, September 2, 2011
September Book #1
Book: A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
Age-range: 13 and up
This book is bloody and gory and grim (get it?). Okay, so it's not THAT gory, but it definitely keeps all the bits and pieces about severed limbs, etc. in the story that were in the original tales. What I really loved about this book is the fact that Mr. Gidwitz took several obscure tales and wove them all into the story of Hansel and Gretel. Genius!
There are author asides throughout the book just like in The Princess Bride. They definitely add to the charm of the book. It's nice to know that he doesn't take his interpretation of the tales (or himself) too seriously. If you have young ones who are interested in fairy tales this is a great one for boys or girls. I would suggest, however, that you read it first and see if it's too much. If you're an adult then there's nothing that should stop you!
Happy reading!
Age-range: 13 and up
This book is bloody and gory and grim (get it?). Okay, so it's not THAT gory, but it definitely keeps all the bits and pieces about severed limbs, etc. in the story that were in the original tales. What I really loved about this book is the fact that Mr. Gidwitz took several obscure tales and wove them all into the story of Hansel and Gretel. Genius!
There are author asides throughout the book just like in The Princess Bride. They definitely add to the charm of the book. It's nice to know that he doesn't take his interpretation of the tales (or himself) too seriously. If you have young ones who are interested in fairy tales this is a great one for boys or girls. I would suggest, however, that you read it first and see if it's too much. If you're an adult then there's nothing that should stop you!
Happy reading!
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