Doll Bones

Title:  Doll Bones

Author:  Holly Black

Published:  2013

Pages:  244

As a parent of little ones I was a little unsettled when reading about kids sneaking out at night, but this book turned out to be so delightful.

When Poppy, Zach, and Alice attempt to bring justice to one of their dolls they refer to as the Queen, things start getting a little creepy.  A journey to another city will test their loyalty and each others friendship. 

My favorite line from the book...

"Everyone has a story," Alice murmured.  "Everyone's the hero of their story.  That's what Ms. Evans said in English."

Games, pretending, creativity, sneaking out, boats, bikes, libraries, and deception....if these are on your list for a good weekend read then make sure you check out Doll Bones by Holly Black. 

The Cricket in Times Square

Title:  The Cricket in Times Square

Author:  George Selden, Drawings by Garth Williams

Published:  1960

Pages:  134

Description
There are many interesting things in the Times Square Subway Station, not the least of which are a mouse named Tucker, a cat named Harry, and now a cricket named Chester.  While the young boy Mario Bellini runs the family news stand, he doesn't even know he is being watched. 

A mouse was looking at Mario.

The mouse's name was Tucker, and he was sitting in the opening of an abandoned drain pipe in the subway station at Times Square.

Mario soon finds out about Chester Cricket though, and he goes to Chinatown to buy him a new little cricket home that even has a bell.  That night while Tucker, Harry, and Chester are playing around they soon get themselves into a bit of trouble.  Will they be clever enough to get out of this one?  

My thoughts 
When I was growing up, I don't think I read this one but I certainly heard of it.  I even remember eating chocolate and mint grasshopper cookies around that time too.  Maybe one of my teachers read this book to us.  It is hard to remember that far back.  I certainly enjoyed it now though.  Getting to know Harry Cat, Tucker Mouse, and Chester Cricket was such a delight.  I enjoyed the author's occasional stab of humor too.

Harry had been down to Washington Square to hear an open-air concert of chamber music.  How you could play chamber music outdoors Chester didn't understand-but it was New York and anything could happen.

I didn't want this book to end.  The characters were so endearing, they will live on in my memory for a long time.






  

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Title:  Nevermoor:  The Trials of Morrigan Crow

Author:  Jessica Townsend

Published:  2017

Pages:  480

 www.amazon.com

I've started following BookTuber Zoe in ReadbyZoe.  This was one she recommended from last year.  I ordered the large print edition from my library and it was 617 pages long!  

As Morrigan Crow, a cursed child living in Jackalfax, nears her eleventh birthday she knows that she is going to die.  She is enjoying her favorite dinner of lamb chops, roast parsnips, and minted peas when a knock comes at the front door.  Hearing footsteps coming down the hallway Morrigan thought..."Is this it?  Is this Death, come to take me?  Does Death wear boots?"

Death may or may  not wear boots, but Jupiter North does as he whisks her away to a magical city called Nevermoor.  Morrigan gets to ride on a giant spider, is housed in a shape shifting room, and befriends a gigantic cat.  But the real adventures begin with the four trials she has to go through.  

Even though Nevermoor was listed as Fiction, I would really say it borders on Fantasy.  Either way, I know you'll enjoy the humor, adventure, and mystery of this WUNDERFUL book!  (just read the book and you'll know why I spelled it that way)   

xoxo,

Kelly

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Title: The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Author: Karina Yan Glaser

Published: 2017

Pages: 293

I recently came across a book review on this one, and I couldn't wait to pick it up.  Apparently a lot of other people were thinking the same because I had to wait for it on hold at the library for about a month.  

When the Vanderbeeker family is faced with having to move out of their beautiful brownstone apartment in Harlem, the kids put their brains (and their hearts) together to come up with a plan.  

The Vanderbeeker's home - a humble red brownstone with a weathervane that spun on windy days - sat in the exact middle of the street.  Among the many people who had visited it, there was quite a bit of debate about what it was like, but general agreement about what it was NOT:  Calm, Tidy, Boring, Predictable. 

Join Isa, Laney, Jessie, Oliver, and Hyacinth along with their pets Franz, George Washington, and Paganini as they come up with bad idea after bad idea to try to win the affection of their landlord Mr. Beiderman.  Will they be able to save their beloved apartment?  With a grouchy landlord and clumsy kids, what could possibly go wrong?

 xoxo,
Kelly

Great, Now We've Got Barbarians!

Title: Great, Now We've Got Barbarians!

Author: Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by Mark Fearing

Published: 2016

Pages: 32

This book was one that my husband picked up at the library, and it has been so much fun!  Even though Clarice likes for me to read it to her over and over and over, I don't mind at all. 

Mom was mad because I left cupcake crumbs in my bed again.  "If you don't clean up after yourself, we're going to get pests!"

But a little mess can get the family into big trouble...first a few ants, then a mouse or two, then....Great, now we've got Barbarians!

Put on your favorite horned helmet and cuddle up to this gargantuan adventure....Hey!  Someone pass the cheese curls!


xoxo,
Kelly

    

Absolutely Truly

Title: Absolutely Truly

Author: Heather Vogel Frederick

Published: 2014

Pages: 355

 www.amazon.com

Maybe it was because I read most of this one while on vacation this past June, but this sweet book really made it's way into my heart.  It was so much fun traveling along with twelve year old Truly Lovejoy as she moved to a new town, towered above her new friends, and turned the page on an unexpected mystery.

The almost six feet tall Truly isn't going to be able to just blend in at her new school in Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire.  When she stumbles upon a hidden letter in the book Charlotte's Web, an unsolved puzzle must be found!  

Join Truly Lovejoy as she finds the courage to trust new friends, dances the Cha Cha, learns interesting facts about William Shakespeare, and has an absolutely truly great adventure!


xoxo,
Kelly      

  

 

The Astounding Broccoli Boy

Title: The Astounding Broccoli Boy

Author: Frank Cottrell Boyce

Published: 2015

Pages: 370

www.amazon.com

To write that Frank Cottrell Boyce is one of my favorite authors would be quite the understatement.  He has that amazing ability to keep his readers hooked with humor and excitement.  You can check out my inept review of his best-selling book Cosmic by clicking here.  

Well when Rory Rooney ends up turning green and finds himself tucked away in isolation with his arch nemesis, you'll hardly be able to believe what you're reading.   And...with the Killer Kittens on the loose, all of London is in paranoia!

"The cats had got together and were roaming around the city in big virusy gangs...I put my foot down harder on the milk float's accelerator, but it didn't make a lot of difference.  It certainly didn't go faster than cats." 

"Welcome to our secret headquarters...This is a hospital ward.  In fact, it's an isolation unit....Our headquarters is disguised as an isolation unit."

"They put us in the isolation ward here at Woolpit Royal Teaching Hospital because they think we're sick.  What if we're not sick?  What is what we are is...superheroes?"

Join Rory Rooney and his two friends...and a few penguins in this super adventure.  You won't want to miss it!


xoxo,
Kelly  



  

 

Owl at Home

Title: Owl at Home

Author: Arnold Lobel

Published: 1975

Pages: 64

I really enjoyed reading Owl at Home to the kids this week.  They loved to each shout out "owl!" while I was reading it.  The book is made up of five delightful and well illustrated stories that will make you feel right at home. 

Join Owl as he invites in Winter but gets a chilly, unexpected surprise in The Guest.  If it's time for bed, make sure you examine the bed covers for any possible Strange Bumps.  Pour yourself a cup of Tear-Water Tea if you want to ponder the misfortunes of life.  If it's a little exercise you need, be sure to run with Owl Upstairs and Downstairs.  And lastly, making new friends is easier than you think in Owl and the Moon.

Hope you are able to check it out!


xoxo,
Kelly



       

On the Road with Mallory

Title: On the Road with Mallory

Author: Laurie Friedman, Illustrations by Jennifer Kalis

Published: 2016

Pages: 159

I think I'm going to name this The Year of Mallory.  I've really enjoyed reading the Mallory books to the kids (and Matt) this year.  The review for Mallory's Super Sleepover can be found here.  On the Road with Mallory is the most recent book, and I was glad to pick it up at the library the other day.

When Mallory's best friends Mary Ann and Joey move to the other side of town, the long summer ahead seems bleak.  But sweet, cheerful Mallory has a way of turning things around.  She is taking an art class, and is even helping out a neighbor with their garden.  

A road trip to the Grand Canyon also awaits...but unfortunately so does their cousin Kate.  Will their awkward long distance relationship be brought to light? Will being locked in a car together for hours and hours even be possible?  Put on your seat belt and ride along on this bumpy adventure!


xoxo,
Kelly

   



  

Fandango Stew

Title: Fandango Stew

Author: David Davis, illustrated by Ben Galbraith

Published: 2011

Pages: 31

 www.barnesandnoble.com

I'm guessing this book was inspired by Marcia Brown's Stone Soup published in 1947.  And speaking of inspiration, one of the opening lines is, "I'm so hungry I could eat a boiled leather boot," which is perhaps a nod to Charlie Chaplin's movie Gold Rush.

So obviously this David Davis has good taste...so to speak.

When Slim and Luis ride into the town of Skinflint suffering from the above mentioned hunger, there is only one thing to do...."Looks like fandango stew for supper again."

With only a fandango bean to start things off, will the people of Skinflint help them out with the stew?  Grab a big spoon and a hearty appetite and find out in this tasty adventure!


xoxo,
Kelly


       

Beyond the Pond

Title: Beyond the Pond

Author: Joseph Kuefler

Published: 2015

Pages: 32

 www.amazon.com

One of my all time favorite quotes from Dorothy Parker is, "The cure for boredom is curiosity.  There is no cure for curiosity."  Well, I think Kuefler would certainly agree!

When Ernest D. finds himself a little bored with the ordinary, he wants to find out what lies beyond the pond...

"And with that, Ernest D. dove...down between the fishes and the frogs, past the squid and the sharks and shapeless things, into his pond forever deep."

You can dive in also and explore with Ernest D. and his dog as they brave the expedition and leave the ordinary behind!  



xoxo,
Kelly



   

Gone Fishing

Title: Gone Fishing

Author: Earlene Long, Illustrated by Richard Brown

Published: 1984

Pages: 29

This is another book that Lance checked out from his library at school.  I may or may not always be a little too excited when Lance comes home from school on Fridays so I can inspect our latest treasure. 
 
When I see some of the older picture books like this one, I sometimes wonder how much longer they will be in circulation.  When it isn't a classic or an extremely popular one there is always that chance that if it is torn or damaged, it might not be replaced.  I'm sure glad we came across this one!

When father and son duo set off on a day of fishing, they are sure to leave a note for mommy..."Gone fishing."  Daddy has a big fishing rod, and the son has a little fishing rod.  Daddy catches a big fish, and the son catches a little fish.  But then there are smiles all around when Daddy catches a little fish, and the son catches a big fish!

Be sure to get your hooks in this endearing tale before it gets away!


xoxo,
Kelly



  

  

 

Around the World

Title: Around the World, A Follow-The-Trail Book

Author: Craig Shuttlewood

Published: 2015

Pages: 10

Well this is our first follow-the-trail book that we have checked out.  Lance had a lot of fun tracing his finger all along the inside pages.  This is a board book, so it was a win for Clarice too.  She also enjoyed spotting a few owls throughout the book.  

Travel though mountains, oceans, deserts and much more when you check out Shuttlewood's Around the World.  Hope you enjoy!



xoxo,
Kelly


  

The Christmas Giant

Title: The Christmas Giant

Author: Steve Light

Published: 2010

Pages: 29

"Humphrey and Leetree are great friends.  Humphrey is a giant.  Leetree is and elf."

Humphrey and Leetree love to make wrapping paper for Santa's workshop.  One year Santa gives them another assignment though...to grow a special holiday tree.  Join them as they set off on this exciting new adventure!

I loved reading this story to the kids before leaving for school in the mornings.  The Christmas Giant has whimsical, exaggerated illustrations that we all really enjoyed looking at.  This endearingly sweet [library] book is one I'm adding to my Christmas wish list.  Hope you do too! 

xoxo,
Kelly

Mallory's Super Sleepover

Title: Mallory's Super Sleepover

Author: Laurie Friedman, illustrations by Jennifer Kalis

Published: 2011

Pages: 159

 amazon.com

This was a fun and easy to read aloud story that our entire family enjoyed.  At one point in our evening routine when one of the kids was acting up during story time, Matt didn't want to leave the room with them because he said he, "wanted to find out what happens."  Ha!  :)

Mallory's tenth birthday is coming up and she wants to have a super sleepover.  But things start quickly getting out of hand.  And, her best friend Mary Ann seems to be adding to the drama..."There's a difference between a sleepover and a super sleepover" she enthusiastically explains. 

Things turn out to be more than what Mallory planned and certainly more than what her parents agreed to.  Will the night be a total disaster?  Will Mallory just end up being in super trouble?  Grab a cupcake and your favorite PJs, and find out in Mallory's Super Sleepover.

xoxo,

Kelly

 

Mothman's Curse

Title: Mothman's Curse

Author: Christine Hayes, pictures by James K. Hindle

Published: 2015

Pages: 310

This is a book that I bought a few months ago so I wasn't in too big of a hurry to read it.  I'm glad I finally got around to it though!  I'm also glad this little treasure will remain on my bookshelf at home instead of being returned to the library.

I enjoyed getting to know Josie along with her little brothers Fox and Mason as they unknowingly set out on a big adventure of....buying an old camera that doesn't work.   

Yep, you read that correctly.  

When they snag the old relic at their father's auction house, Josie and her brothers really don't know what awaits them!  Unexplainable things happen like the camera itself, which has no film in it, starts to print out pictures.  Is the camera cursed?  Did the kids just reawaken an old curse?   

Grab a flashlight and find out in Mothman's Curse!  And if you want to be even more scared, read the Author's Note section at the very end...maybe this isn't fiction after all. 



xoxo,
Kelly    



   

Over and Under the Snow

Title: Over and Under the Snow

Author: Kate Messner, art by Christopher Silas Neal

Published: 2011

Pages: 36

Wow, who knew there was so much going on under the snow?  Over and Under the Snow was very informative for this Georgia girl!  

Under the snow is a whole secret kingdom, where the smallest forest animals stay safe and warm. 

Warm?  That's right.  When small pockets of air form under the fallen leaves, they become little tunnels called the Subnivean Zone.  This is where many animals like squirrels, mice, and voles live.  

Wrap yourself in an extra blanket and follow along on this beautifully illustrated and sweet tale.  Be sure to also check out the animal descriptions at the back of the book. 

xoxo,

Kelly

xoxo,

Kelly      

Library Mouse, Home Sweet Home

Title: Library Mouse, Home Sweet Home

Author: Daniel Kirk

Published: 2013

Pages: 35

Since picking up Library Mouse, Home Sweet Home at the library a few weeks ago (thank you for auto-renewal!), I have really enjoyed reading it to the kids.  Even though our morning routine is a little hectic, I always have a short story time with the kids right before we head out the door.  Clarice is shouting "mou!" and looking at the book even as I type this.  :)

When Sam the bookworm and Sarah the adventurer discover that there are repairs being made at their library, they have to find a new home.  Of course Sam goes running for the first book on architecture that he can find while Sarah thinks the library attic would be a great new home.  What sort of new home will they end up building?  Find out in this always endearing Library Mouse book.  Also, be sure to check out the different home descriptions at the back of the book!



xoxo,
Kelly   
 

     

Otto The Owl Who Loved Poetry

Title: Otto The Owl Who Loved Poetry

Author: Vern Kousky

Published: 2015

Pages:29

 www.goodreads.com

This endearing book is a good reminder why I write this book review blog because I certainly don't want to ever forget this one!  A gem of a book and a great introduction into the world of poetry for children, you'll certainly want to check this one out!

Although teased by some other owls, Otto loves poetry and spends most of his time reading and reciting it.  When he one day runs away from the forest and into the bright night, the full moon is his lone audience.  

Dear Moon, you must be lonely

so high up in the sky. 

I'm sure your heart's so heavy,

sometimes you want to cry.

But what will happen when some other night dwellers overhear his ballad?  Will Otto be the hero of the forest after all?  Find out in this sweet book and learn that poetry can be shared with everyone. 

xoxo,

Kelly   

Extra Yarn

Title: Extra Yarn

Author: Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Jon Klassen

Published: 2012

Pages: 36

www.goodreads.com 

This is a book that we check out from our local library time and time again.  The story is light and humorous, and the artwork is intricate and enjoyable.  Does Jon Klassen's name sound familiar?  He also did the artwork for The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place which I reviewed here. 

On a cold afternoon, in a cold little town, where everywhere you looked was either the white of snow or the black of soot from chimneys, Annabelle found a box filled with yarn of every color.

As Annabelle knits a sweater for herself along with a sweater for her dog Mars, she finds that she still has extra yarn.  She continues to knit for others who she comes across.  Will she ever run out of yarn?  When the archduke from across the sea comes to investigate, Annabelle's new gift it turns out cannot be bought.  Sit back and be knitted into this sweet and colorful tale. 

xoxo,

Kelly