My Reading Week #IMWAYR- January 15, 2017

I changed the name for my “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” posts to “My Reading Week.”

This week, I posted:

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my reviews for:

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.

Egg by Kevin Henkes
The pastel color pallet scream springtime in this adorable picture book about four eggs that hatch into 3 birds and a… Well, that’s a surprise. Great for beginning readers. I don’t know why they don’t release this as a board book simultaneously with the hardcover format.
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XO, OX: A Love Story by Adam Rex
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m quite smitten with this picture book. I loved how Ox is so undeterred by Gazelle’s lack of interest in him.
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Have You Seen My Trumpet? by Michaël Escoffier
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I didn’t realize this was part of their Word-Play trilogy. I wish I could have enjoyed this one more.
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This is My Book! by Mark Pett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’ve been hesitant about picking this up for some reason. And I just realized why I’ve been so drawn to it- I love Mark Pett’s other books. In this one, his storytelling is interrupted by a panda. A playful look at the creative process and different kinds of books. The feature that really got to me was the blank book included to encourage readers to write and/or draw their own book!
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When an Elephant Falls in Love by Davide Cali
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m a fan of Davide Cali’s “excuses” books illustrated by Benjamin Chaud (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School…, I Didn’t Do My Homework Because…). With this picture book, he explains what a love struck elephant does in his smitten state of mind. Perceptive readers will enjoy finding the yellow bird on every page. A cute “hidden” illustration can be found under the dustjacket which should be checked out after finishing the story!
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My Kite is Stuck! and Other Stories by Salina Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Duck, Duck Porcupine gang’s back with three more stories sure to entertain fans of Elephant & Piggie. I appreciated the fact that Salina Yoon was able to put fresh spins in what could have been dangerously predictable plots.
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Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
At first I thought this was a picture book so I was surprised when I downloaded the e-book and it was a beginning chapter book. But by then I was already hooked by the premise of a voracious reader who’s trying to save a lending library run by Book Uncle. Set in India during election year, this proved to be a fun read great for relatable situations of having problems with friends and trying to figure out what one child can do to make a difference.

Thanks to Randomly Reading blog for sharing their review of this book. I wouldn’t have heard about it if not for that!
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The Red Shoes and Other Tales by Metaphrog
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Absolutely delightfully gruesome as the Grimm fairy tales should be. Includes and equally creepy original story.
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And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you want brilliance in whodunit- or in storytelling in general- look no further than the Queen of Mystery’s classic caper!
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The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’ve said it before but I’m not really a fan of Agatha Christie’s short stories- unless they feature Hercule Poirot, which makes them slightly tolerable- especially if they feature the other detectives I don’t care of like Parker Pyne (which there are two) and Miss Marple (which thankfully there’s only one).
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One Trick Pony by Nathan Hale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
In a future where digital devices and electrical machines (including robots) are confiscated by insect-like creatures called Pipers (associated somehow to the Pied Piper of Hamelin fairy tale), a group of kids are separated from their caravan when they uncover a treasure trove of circuitry currency (including a robot pony) and starts a life and death chase that will lead these adventurers into unexpected places.

I read an ARC of this upcoming graphic novel. I think the fact I was reading an unfinished version actually added to the excitement for me. I can’t wait to check out the finished product.
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Masterminds: Payback by Gordon Korman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One of my favorite current series for middle grade, Gordon Korman offers the conclusion to Masterminds. With a few more surprises up his sleeves, he manages to wrap things up in a way that, while it may not be perfect, will satisfy its fans.
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Review Notes
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

You can view all the books I’ve read at my Goodreads page.

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

Have a great reading week!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- January 8, 2017

I changed the name for my “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” posts to “My Reading Week.”

This week, I posted:
–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– I invite any of you who already read nonfiction picture books- or want to challenge themselves to read more- to participate in this community! Encourage yourself- and others, especially kids- to read more biographies in 2017! Get inspired with their stories. Think about your own narrative and the impact you can have on people and the world.
–Must Read in 2017– Which books by Michael Chabon and Ann Patchett should I read? What #mglit sequels should I add?
-Celebrate This Week- This week, I’m celebrating celebrations.

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A warm comforting read perfect for a snuggly story time these cold winter nights!

In two parallel stories involving a girl and wolf cub, they get separated from their tribes and find one another during a snow storm. A friendship is formed and acts of kindness are received and given in this sweet picture book.
View all my reviews

Be Boy Buzz by bell hooks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
With bell hook’s lyrical text and Chris Raschka’s fluid illustrations, boyhood is celebrated from the loud and active moments to the quiet and still times and everything in between
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Happy to Be Nappy (Board Book) Happy to Be Nappy by bell hooks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
With bell hook’s lyrical text and Chris Raschka’s fluid illustrations, an exuberant African American girl celebrates her hair.
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Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sweet book for Eric Carle and the Very Hungry Caterpillar fans.
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A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Cute illustrations. Maybe I actually need to hear this being read aloud and to see people’s reactions to it for me to have any kind of reaction to it.
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All Creatures Great and Small by Naoko Stoop
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoy Naoko Stoop’s illustrations. This makes for a great gift for people who love this religious hymn.
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Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind by Naoko Stoop
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoy Naoko Stoop’s illustrations. And this is one of my favorite quotes. Usually recited during weddings, this version makes it focus on friendship.
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Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind by Naoko Stoop
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I enjoy Naoko Stoop’s illustrations. And this is one of my favorite quotes. Usually recited during weddings, this version makes it focus on friendship.
View all my reviews

The Owl and the Pussy-cat by Edward Lear
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I guess I was going to end up reading this beloved poem eventually. My only other exposure to it besides seeing the different versions at bookstores and libraries was that there seems to be lots of YouTube videos of young kids reciting it from memory. I can’t say I was particularly fond of this.
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The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat by Julia Donaldson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I thought this was a new release which made me read it and the original in the first place. But because I didn’t like the original, I also didn’t like this one. Unnecessary sequels always make me sad.
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The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book lover Cadence Jolly has the gift of song but doesn’t let anyone hear her because she has a fear of speaking (or singing) in front of people. But an internet video of her singing has gone viral and makes her question whether she’s ready to step into the spotlight or not.

I happened upon this book by chance and immediately felt like a book I should be reading because the character’s middle name is Mariah, after the best singer in the world, and who’s the inspiration not only to the main character and the author but as well as this reader!

Each chapter is named after a Mariah Carey song so it would be a great playlist to listen to while reading the book.

An interesting depiction of a small town and a church community and complicated family dynamics.
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The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later by Moisés Kaufman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this epilogue to the original play because it felt more like a psychological study of a town. It felt timely how people want to move on from a horrific situation (which is understandable, of course, but it also tends to make them forget and repeat their mistakes) or how certain people will try to rationalize or normalize their horrific actions.
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Murder is Easy by Agatha Christie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was more 2.5 stars.

Even though I was wrong about who the murderer was, I still felt it was predictable. The red herrings were obviously red herrings. The main character wasn’t likable and not very smart- and not in an endearing way.

And, I can’t stand anything were relationships are so fragile that people are willing to cheat all for the name of “love.”
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Review Notes
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

You can view all the books I’ve read at my Goodreads page.

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

Have a great reading week!

My Reading Week #IMWAYR- January 1, 2017

First of all, Happy New Year!

I changed the name for my “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” posts to “My Reading Week.”

This week, I posted:
–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday
–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating my favorite books of 2016!
–Looking Back
–#MustReadin2016: Final Update
–Looking Forward

Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m always in search of Filipino voices, Filipino stories so I’m glad I found Blackbird Fly. I definitely could relate to Apple’s situation since I moved from the Philippines to the United States when I was young. I had the same problem of trying to fit in but not quite managing to.

Bullying is always difficult for me to read because it’s so common. And, while I wish that there were open communications between children and adults (whether parents or teachers) I know that’s not always the case.

I think kids will be able to sympathize and empathize as she deals with home and school problems. Readers will keep turning pages trying to see whether her situation improves.
View all my reviews

Refuge by Anne Booth
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I felt compelled to read Anne Booth’s picture book after attending Christmas Eve mass. I had gone to a new church. It was so welcoming and inclusive. The pastor managed to talk about current topics like LGBTQ issues, Black Lives Matter, Aleppo, Medicare, living wages, sanctuary places, and immigration while bringing it full circle to the birth of Christ and what Christmas is all about. He even quoted Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony speech and went on to say, “Love coupled with Action can bring about Change.” I was moved because I hadn’t really felt myself as part of the story- everything was all historical and lessons were all from past experiences.

Refuge likened the Christmas story to that of modern day refuge experiences. Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to flee their country and sought safety and sanctuary elsewhere- relying on the kindness of strangers to get by and survive. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and I hope we can all create safe spaces to those in need.
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Further Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Apparently I’ve been reading one Armistead Maupin Tales of the City novel a year. I find myself completely engrossed in them every time I pick one up but I haven’t had a desire to binge read them. Book three in the series brings back the characters readers have grown to love and putting them into even more ridiculously good situations. (Depending on which edition you read, the publisher-provided summary is too spoilery considering some of the thing it mentions doesn’t happen until much later in the book.) There was hardly a chapter I didn’t at least laugh out loud or shake my head in disbelief at what was happening.
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The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had heard about this play while reading LGBT History for Kids. Very moving. And, artistically, such an ingenious way to tell a story.
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Review Notes
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

You can view all the books I’ve read at my Goodreads page.

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (137) #IMWAYR – March 8, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

I’m having an LGBT Book Drive to benefit Basic Rights Oregon. Being LGBT can be isolating. Whenever we see ourselves in others, even in the pages of a book, there’s hope that we aren’t alone.

This week, I posted:

–New Releases– Read my reviews for:

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School… by Davide Cali, Illustrated by Benjamin Chaud

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my review for:

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel by Kathryn Gibbs Davis, Illustrated by Gilbert Ford

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating

Wish by Matthew Cordell

Counting Crows by Kathi Appelt, Illustrated by Rob Dunlavey

Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera

In by Nikki McClure

Special Delivery by Philip C. Stead, Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Farewell Floppy by Benjamin Chaud

Captain Awesome to the Rescue! by Stan Kirby
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Um, yeah, I’m definitely not the target audience for this one. The writing was not that strong. Some of the chapters seemed to end in media res with no follow up. I guess kids might enjoy the humor and the premise.

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Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle by George Hagen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fans of fantasy (Which at this day and age means if you like Harry Potter) will find this an enjoyable read- especially if readers like riddles. The world and characters are not as complex but I like the take on Norse mythology featuring Huginn and Muninn.

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Kingsman: The Secret Service by Mark Millar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This adult graphic novel is what the current movie starring Colin Firth is based on. It’s about a troubled teen taken in by his uncle to learn super agent spy skills. Meanwhile, celebrities are being kidnapped and it’s up to them to uncover and stop a very diabolical plot. Flashy and funny at the same time.

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Slumber Party by Christopher Pike
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Good old Pike. Slumber Party is your standard YA thriller genre that I still say was in its peak in the late 80’s through mid 90’s. A group of friends have a ski weekend but mysterious fire-related incidents keep happening that recalls an accident from their past. What I love(d) about Pike’s books were that they seemed edgy at the time.

There’s something about rereading books. You pick up the clues that the writer has planted. You also appreciate the structure of the story more.

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Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If not completely new in terms of its lessons in being kind to oneself and others, I do feel this is an important book one should read. And to get the most of it, one should reread and apply the steps to one’s own life.

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Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (136) #IMWAYR – March 1, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

This week, I posted:

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my review for:

Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russell-Brown, Illustrated by Frank Morrison

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating bookish moments in my life. Read my reviews for:

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint, Illustrated by Charles Vess

A Circle of Cats by Charles de Lint, Illustrated by Charles Vess

–Reading Resolutions: February Update

I’m holding a Book Drive through this site if anyone is interested. Click here for more information.

Home by Carson Ellis

[***] Beautiful illustrations of what a home is and means to everyone. I enjoyed the touch of whimsy in this picture book.

Otto the Owl Who Loved Poetry by Vern Kousky

[***] A super cute book about an owl who is ostracized for being different, namely for loving poetry. Great for compassion and poetry units. I appreciated that the verses recited in the picture book were identified at the end.

Cat & Bunny by Mary Lundquist

[**] Cute story about friendship. If the actual story is not as strong, the illustrations are too adorable to pass up.

Galaxy Zack: Hello, Nebulon by Ray O’Ryan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a fun beginning chapter book with easy-to-read text and illustrations on every page. Even though Zack if from the future, travels in outer space, and interacts with aliens, his situations are very relatable which is another one of its appealing factors.

View all my reviews

The Way to Stay in Destiny by Augusta Scattergood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Theo and his uncle, whom he barely knows, move to Destiny, Florida at the tail end of the school year in 1974. It’s not easy for either of them but a surprise friendship with a girl who loves baseball as much as he does and clandestine opportunities to play piano makes Theo thinks this could be home. Conflict arises when the uncle thinks they should move elsewhere. Atypical characters with plenty of heart and humor make this a delightful read.

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The Residue Years by Mitchell S. Jackson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I wanted to like this book. I wanted to like the characters.

I just couldn’t.

I read this as part of my (Multnomah County Library) Everybody Reads challenge. I’ve never disliked a title they had chosen before until now. What makes me sad is how disappointing this book was! The only part I liked was all the Portland references.

I have nothing against books that depict life for what it is (both good and bad, wonderful and horrible) but books need to do more than that- provide some new insight or something.

But, because of my surprisingly strong dislike of it, I can’t wait to hear what others think!

View all my reviews

Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

I have an audio book I want to finish this week. Plus, I want to start Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan and The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds.

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (135) #IMWAYR – February 22, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

This week, I posted:

-Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday- Read my reviews for:

Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

-Celebrate This Week- This week, I’m celebrating teachers. Read my review for:

Fish In A Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The Fire Cat by Esther Averill

I got a kick seeing Pickles the fire cat as a friend of Jenny’s so I ended up reading this picture book in addition to Jenny and the Cat Club. Also divided into shorter stories but for the “I Can Read” audience, it’s amusing to see the animals interacting with their human friends- they don’t talk to one another in the same language but understand what the other is saying regardless.

A Surprise for Giraffe and Elephant by Paul Gude

Fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie looking for longer tales will delight in the antics of these two friends who despite their differences are there for one another.

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman, Illustrated by Zachariah OHara

A hilarious book about siblings! A wolf cub is adopted into a bunny family. While Dot’s parents find him oh-so-adorable, she’s sure he’s going to eat them all once he gets bigger!

I Am the Wolf…and Here I Come! by Bénédicte Guettier

This board book is rather dark but super funny. A wolf gets himself ready to eat the reader!

Mr. Squirrel & the Moon by Sebastian Meschenmoser

A cheese wheel is mistaken for the moon in this hilarious tale about a squirrel and his friends trying to get it back up where it belongs. The illustrations are superb!

Yeti and the Bird by Nadia Shireen

A cute story about an unlikely friendship. I’m glad it wasn’t another one of those books where a creature befriends a bird only to mysteriously lose him or her during wintertime and then is surprised when it comes back in the spring.

Jenny and the Cat Club: A Collection of Favorite Stories about Jenny Linsky by Esther Averill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a book I’d only heard about since working at the bookstore. It’s been super popular which is surprising considering it is a much older title. This collection of stories features mild-mannered feline Jenny Linsky and her friends. Perfect for young readers and read-alouds.

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Masterminds by Gordon Korman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There’s something screwy in Serenity, New Mexico.

Everything should be perfect. In fact, it is. There’s no crime, no poverty, nothing bad to speak of at all in this small town.

But five kids will learn a devastating secret that will change their lives forever in this fast-paced, exhilarating first book in a new trilogy.

Offering various points of views, the picture is completed piece by piece. Boys and girls will find something to enjoy in this adventure story.

It’ll be criminal to miss out on such an exciting read!

(Aside from some questionable vocal choices, the audio book was very good.)

View all my reviews

The Cats of Tanglewood Forest by Charles de Lint, Illustrated by Charles Vess

Expect reviews for this book later this week.

Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (134) #IMWAYR – February 15, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

This week, I posted:

–New Releases– Read my reviews for:

I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty, Illustrated by Mike Boldt

Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise by Sean Taylor, Illustrated by Jean Jullien

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my reviews for:

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, Illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan

Head Lice by Elise Gravel

The Spider by Elise Gravel

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating happy days.

Book Fiesta!: Celebrate Children’s Day/Book Day by Pat Mora, Illustrated by Rafael López

[***] This bilingual book makes a celebration of books. A nice book to have if celebrating (or planning to celebrate) Children’s Day/Book Day. Includes tips.
[We Need Diverse Books]

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach

[***] A cute book which explains the disappearance of a certain sandwich. The surprising reveal will make readers laugh.

The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur: USA by Elizabeth Singer Hunt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This has been a breakout hit at our store. A grandmother and her grandson highly recommended it to me.

This is a great choice for reluctant readers. It has adventure and a good mix of text and illustrations. I love telling the parents that there are educational factors as well since each book takes place in a different country. In the beginning of each book, there are mission files- information about the countries and the spy gadgets being used. Also fun is when you flip the pages, there’s a running Jack Stalwart on the bottom right corner!

I can’t wait to read more of this series!

View all my reviews

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This will definitely be a book people will be talking about this year.

It’s an adventure story between a boy and his dog.

It’s a friendship story between the boy and a girl and deciding how far one should keep a secret.

It’s a story about a boy with cancer who runs away from home and decides to climb Mount Rainier. While death casts its shadow over the entire narrative, this is ultimately a life-affirming story.

Maybe if I were an animal lover, I would have had a stronger emotional connection. I did appreciate the use of haikus throughout.

View all my reviews

The Financial Lives of the Poets by Jess Walter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had been meaning to read The Financial Lives of the Poets ever since I’d seen Jess Walter read from it a few years ago. In fact, even back then, I wanted to listen to the audio book since he’d be narrating it.

I just love the plot: A middle-aged man starts a poetry financial website after losing his job and ends up hanging out with trouble-making teenaged drug users. Walter’s writing style reminds me of Sherman Alexie’s- deftly mixing the drama and the humor.

Aside from not like the main character all that much because of his poor choices, I guess I could see how he’d find himself in the predicaments he’s created for himself.

A solidly entertaining read.

View all my reviews

The Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As I always say with the books in this series, reading them is like meeting friends over tea. It’s a guaranteed cozy time.

I’ve got to say though, everything’s been wrapping up a little bit too nicely and they are being too lenient on Charlie.

View all my reviews

Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (133) #IMWAYR – February 8, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

This week, I posted:

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my reviews for:

A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat by Emily Jenkins, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Something About a Bear by Jackie Morris

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating what a great reading year I’ve already been having! Read my review of:

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal

Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall

[***]- I was worried this was going to be similar to The Day the Crayons Quit but it wasn’t at all. A blue crayon is accidentally labeled as red which causes the other crayons (and other desk supplies) to worry and exclude him. But once they realize what he can do (Despite what his label reads) they learn to accept him and embrace his difference. A fun picture book with a positive message!

Ready Rabbit Gets Ready! by Brenna Maloney

[**]- This was a cute picture book with the titular character needing to get ready for school but getting sidetracked by his overactive imagination. I wasn’t too crazy about how the sock puppet looked or how some of the miniatures were set up.

Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola Loves Stories by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

[***]- I love how playful and imaginative Lola is! Plus she loves books as much as I do! A new favorite series to recommend!
[We Need Diverse Books]

You Are Not Small by Anna Kang, Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

[**] The Geisel Award winner about perspective accompanied by cute illustrations.

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

[***]- An interesting and introspective look about how actions and inactions affect others. Will resonate with many readers.

Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sweet story about a girl who lives in Africa with her very large family.
Told in four parts with plenty of illustrations, I love that readers can get a glimpse a way of life in a different country and see the differences and the similarities. This is a kind of book where it doesn’t feel like anything happens but you still enjoy turning the pages. There’s a sense of peace and relaxation with it.

View all my reviews
[We Need Diverse Books]

Princess Pistachio by Marie-Louise Gay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I always look forward to a new Marie-Louise Gay book being a fan of her Stella and Sam series. A girl receives a crown as a gift and thinks- and acts!- like she’s royalty to the dismay of her family and friends. A sweet first entry into a new early chapter book series.

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This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I had originally passed on reading this when it first came out due to the rather lackluster reviews it received but I decided to give it another chance after it won a Caldecott honor! A YA graphic novel, no less. There were definitely parts where the illustrations stood out but the actual story left me wanting- not exactly more but something.

With the changing landscape of children’s literature, I feel the Caldecott can do a little revamping.

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The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fforde
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Once again, we enter the world of Jennifer Strange and her rather odd group of friends as they fight for their lives in a new land that is less vacation destination than it is a battleground. During their not-a-quest adventure, they uncover a sinister plot that lays the ground for the next and final book in this series.

There’s always lots of humor and clever wordplay to keep the reader amused.

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Puzzled Indemnity by Parnell Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had the hardest time figuring out if this was indeed the 16th entry in the series. In the book, they had forgotten to list The Sudoku Puzzle Murders, which may have just been a typo but could also be a sign that the series needs to end soon.

Don’t get me wrong, I always make sure to read the next Puzzle Lady book. I enjoy the characters, their interactions, the wordplay, and, of course, the puzzles. But, the mysteries are becoming unnecessarily convoluted. And, having to incorporate a sudoku as well as a crossword in each book is becoming too forced.

I’m worried if the series continues any longer I won’t like Cora Felton any longer because of the extremely questionable things she does.

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I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can understand all the buzz about this book.

I’ll Give You the Sun tell the story of twins Jude and Noah in a “two sides of the same coin” kind of way. We alternate between Noah as the central figure in their first teenage years and Jude a few years later.

This is about their relationship, how it gets tested over the years over family secrets and first loves. In fact, with the incredible prose, I found this to be incredibly romantic- exhilarating, even.

The characters were exciting to get to know- Noah who mentally paints the world in his head, Jude who talks to her dead grandmother. Every time their world broke, through circumstance or self-imposed destruction, I felt their unsteadiness. This is a constant rebuilding and remaking of a world that’s never the same for anyone.

There were a couple of things that bothered me: sometimes the teenagers seemed to act way older than they were. And the ending… well, I don’t want to give anything away.

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Expect reviews for these books during Wednesday’s Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge post:

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, Illustrated by Kristyna Litten

Mahalia Jackson: Walking with Kings and Queens by Nina Nolan

Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

I’m hoping to read at least 2 more titles off my TBR list!

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (132) #IMWAYR – February 1, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

This week, I posted:

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my reviews for:

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt, Illustrated by R.G. Roth

–National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature: Part 2: Kate DiCamillo– Read my review for:

Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo

–Reading Resolutions: January Update

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating poetry- inaugural poetry, specifically.

I updated My Most Favorite Favorites to include all 47 titles.

I read Raina Telgemeier’s two-issue “Outreach” about zines- from the process of making one to promoting it.

Fetch by Jorey Hurley [**]

A simple story similar to Nest. I appreciated the author’s note providing additional information on the background illustrations.

Virgil & Owen by Paulette Bogan [***]

A fun story about a friendship that didn’t start out so amicable. Cute!

A Violin for Elva by Mary Lyn Ray, Illustrated by Tricia Tusa [***]

This picture book reminded me of The Library by Sarah Stewart. A beautiful story about not giving up on your dreams following the life of a girl into womanhood and the music that changed her world.

Animal Masquerade by Marianne Dubuc, Translated by Yvette Ghione [***]

Playful and imaginative. Animals dress up in clever costumes that are sure to delight readers. I enjoyed how even the text was manipulated to join in on the fun. Clever!

The Young World by Chris Weitz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

All the adults and children have died leaving teenagers to fend for themselves and create a new world. Alternating between the two male and female protagonists, we follow their adventures to find a possible cure. It is practically one action-filled scene after the other with the occasional teenage romance nonsense. It kind of falls apart when the how’s and why’s are answered. I can’t see myself investing more time with this series but I did like it enough to finish the first book which counts for something!

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The Case of the Missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There are a lot of things going right for this book.

Fans of mystery, especially the likes of The Mysterious Benedict Society, will enjoy this. Ada’s character reminds me of Constance.

Fans of historical fiction will get a kick out of this book. There’s even some background information on the time, people and places mentioned.

Fans of strong, smart, and adventurous girls working together will find Mary and Ada’s stories fascinating.

Apparently, this is just the first of four books, originally funded through Kickstarter, so there are more mysteries to come!

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Falling into Place by Amy Zhang
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It seems most YA novels are either dystopian or about suicide/illness/death which makes me not want to read any. Falling into Place is about suicide, although no one will know besides the main character. Others will think it was an accident.

Focusing on different people and different moments in time, each chapter is like a puzzle piece that by the end you hope will all fall into place and form a complete picture.

I’m not quite sure it succeeded in doing that. I mean, I was hooked. Not because I sympathized with the characters (I didn’t) but because I wanted to like them.

It’ll be interesting to hear what other people think about this.

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Expect a review for this book during Wednesday’s Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge post:

A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries, Four Families, One Delicious Treat by Emily Jenkins, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

Have a great reading week!

What Are You Reading? (131) #IMWAYR – January 25, 2015

Thanks to Book Journey for starting this whole thing!

Thanks also to Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers for their focus on Children’s Literature of this meme!

Please like The Chronicles Of A Children’s Book Writer Facebook page!

If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!

I didn’t know who Miranda July was but felt compelled to go to her reading at Powell’s for her debut novel, The First Bad Man. I’m so glad I went because she was witty, insightful and very genuine.

This week, I posted:

–Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day– Read my reviews for:

Love Will See You Through by Angela Farris Watkins

Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf

–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday– Read my reviews for:

Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins, Illustrated by Vicky White

Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs by Meghan Mccarthy

I am Albert Einstein by Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

–Celebrate This Week– This week, I’m celebrating Richard Blanco’s For All of Us, One Today. Read my review of my latest favorite book.

For All of Us, One Today by Richard Blanco

Blown Away by Rob Biddulph [***]

A kite takes a penguin on an unexpected journey far from home bringing with them some surprise visitors. Fun illustrations.

The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon, Illustrated by Jake Parker [***]

I love the surprise reveal of Awesome Man’s secret identity. Michael Chabon offers a unique take on the superhero story.

Mr. Tweed’s Good Deeds by Jim Stoten [***]

Part counting book and part find-it book, readers will also take away how acts of kindness can lead to all sorts of good things.

Snoozefest by Samantha Berger [**]

Cute story. Cute illustrations.

Life Is Like the Wind by Shona Innes, Illustrated by Írisz Agócs [***]

Young readers are introduced to the concept of death by comparing to wind. The breezy text with the warm and inviting illustrations encourage discussions. I appreciate that this picture book didn’t focus on one particular belief.

Letters to Anyone and Everyone by Toon Tellegen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I like recommending Toon Tellegen’s books to fans of Winnie-the-Pooh and The Wind in the Willows. Charming stories featuring animals with a sensibility that only children’s books tend to have. I love how the nonsensical don’t need to be explained. They can just be taken as they are and appreciated that way!

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Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week by Caroline Adderson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A sweet story about a boy who’s excited to be the Star of the Week at School. He can’t wait to show off his lint collection! But things don’t go exactly as planned. A sleep-deprived best friend and a make-believe sibling are just some things to expect in this funny early chapter book that’s wholesome but still interesting.

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Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rev your engines for this out of this world trippy adventure about three friends who enter a car contest. A diverse cast of characters, a rare look into Mexican American car culture, and Spanish words incorporated into the text make for a unique reading experience.

View all my reviews
[We Need Diverse Books]

Expect reviews for these books during Wednesday’s Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge post:

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

This Jazz Man by Karen Ehrhardt, Illustrated by R.G. Roth

Rating Scale
*= It was OK
**= Liked it
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite

I’m reading
-Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong
-The Young World by Chris Weitz
-The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fforde
-The Case of the Missing Moonstone by Jordan Stratford

I need to start Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo for our Family Book Club at work.

Have a great reading week!