Book Review: Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Publication date : October  2012
Source : library, but I would purchase this

I'm having a hard time figuring out why this book isn't more popular, and why I'm not hearing about it all over the place. I mean, obviously I heard about it at one point, or I wouldn't have added it to my tbr list, but I think it should definitely be more well known. It's really good.

I have read a few reviews that call it a copy of Harry Potter. While I honestly think it's just about as good as Harry Potter, I wouldn't call it a copy at all. Yes, there are some similarities. But that's true of just about all books nowadays. There really is nothing new under the sun. There are bound to be similar elements in books, especially if you read a lot, and more especially if you're looking for them.

I think this book stands on its own, and is a fantastic addition to its genre. The setting was really fun and memorable. I loved the main character, and there were a lot of side characters to like as well. The plot moves at a great pace, and was never slow or boring. I would definitely recommend this book.

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Book Review: How Lunchbox Jones Saved Me From Robots, Traitors, and Missy the Cruel

How Lunchbox Jones Saved Me from Robots, Traitors, and Missy the Cruel by Jennifer Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Publication Date: August 11, 2015 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Source: Netgalley review copy

Luke Abbott's school is the losing-est school in the history of losing. And that's just fine for him. He'd rather be at home playing video games and avoiding his older brother Rob and the Greatest Betrayal of All Time.

But now he's being forced to join the robotics team, where surely he'll help uphold the school's losing streak. He'll also meet a colorful cast of characters, including: Mikayla, the girl who does everything with her toes; Jacob and Jacob, who aren't twins but might as well be; the sunflower seed-obsessed Stuart; and Missy the Cruel, Luke's innocent-looking bully since they were six-years-old. But it's an unlikely connection with a mysterious boy known only as "Lunchbox Jones" that will change Luke's life. Turns out, Luke and Lunchbox Jones have a lot more in common than just robots . . . .

This was a lot of fun to read, and even made me laugh out loud a couple of times. I think it's a great book for middle grade readers, and I think my sons (ages 12 and 9) would really like it. I think the main character would be very relatable for young boys, but girls should enjoy the story as well. I would recommend this one.

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Book Review: The Silver Rings

The Silver Rings by Samuel Valentino
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Publication Date: July 1, 2014
Source: Netgalley review copy

Meet twin sisters, Celia and Alice, whose bid for freedom from their evil stepmother leads them on a hilarious journey through a world of fantasy and imagination. Join the sisters as they encounter a sarcastic fairy godmother, giants, charming princes, an overly dramatic fox, and more! Readers will recognize familiar themes from their favorite tales and read new ones taken from cultures around the world. Author and illustrator Samuel Valentino has cleverly woven together a delightful fairy tale that teaches us resilience and creative thinking pay off in the end.

This was fun in a fairy-tale like way. I started off reading it to my husband and sons while we sat around the campfire on a camping trip. Even though the main characters were girls, and my boys usually want nothing to do with that, they were quite interested in the story. My husband even enjoyed listening to it, and he's not a reader.

But then we had no more campfire time, and I finished it off myself. I will probably finish reading it to them in the future, though. I think this book is definitely aimed more at children with a short attention span, because there really just wasn't a whole lot to it. It moved very quickly, with no real danger to it. Which is perfectly fine for a children's book.

The main characters (twin girls) were fine, but I honestly had no idea who was who. There just wasn't a whole lot of character building, or character distinction between the sisters.

The illustrations looked like they would be a lot of fun and add to the story, but they didn't work well with my Kindle.  They were spread out over three or four kindle pages, which made them not at all as fun to look at.

This had a very Disney movie type feel to it, for me. I could see it playing out as a fun children's movie, and it's a fun read aloud book for the family, but don't go into it expecting great literature.

Book Review: Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A few days ago I read the third book in the Fairyland series (one of my all-time favorites) by Catherynne Valente. With that so fresh in my mind, this felt like Fairyland lite. The writing just wasn't anywhere near as good.

I wanted to like it more than I did. I know this is a children's book. They are not always as fleshed out as adult fantasy. But I just felt like it had potential to be more than it was. I wanted to care a little more than I did.

It was still a pretty fun read. Young girls will probably like finding a heroine like Ophelia they can look up to. She did the hard things that needed to be done, even when she was scared. And she helped the Marvelous Boy, even though she didn't have to.

*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley

Reading With Kids - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

My nine year old son and I have been working our way through the Harry Potter series.  It's been a long time since I've read these books on my own, and I have truly loved re-discovering them with my son.  There are days when we only read one chapter, and days like last Monday (Memorial Day here in the U.S.) where we read for three hours.

So, I thought as a new feature on my blog, I would (try to remember to) post when we finished a book, and my son, Kevin, and I would do a little interview type review for each one.  I thought it would be fun to look at books through the eyes of a nine year old.  WARNING:  May contain spoilers.

If you were telling a friend about Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, what would you tell them it's about?

A person got out of Azkaban because he turned into a dog.

What was your favorite part?

 When he was saved from the people who were going to give him the kiss thingy.

Who is your favorite character?

Harry Potter.

Least favorite?

The guys that were trying to take him away.

If you could change something about the book, what would you change?

Black running away.  I would have him not run and join Harry and help him.

Were there any scary parts?

Nope.

Funny parts?

No.

Who would you recommend this book to?

My friends and family.
-------------------------------------------------

Do you ever read with your kids?  If so, what have been some of your favorites to read together?

Review: The Legend of Vysallimore

Book Details

Title: The Legend of Vysallimore 
Author: Mike Hemingway
Genre: children's
Page Count: 72
Publishing Info: Authorhouse, August 6, 2010

My Review
Why I read it: received review copy
Review: This book is a little different than most of the books I review.  I don't usually do children's books, especially picture books.  I sat down with my boys to read this one, and I really think it needs to be read aloud.  It's basically in poetry form, and I'm not usually a fan of poetry, but the writing here was beautiful.  I have to admit, my boys wandered off to play about halfway through, but I still sat there, reading it aloud to myself.  There was something magical about this tale, and I read to the end with a lump in my throat.  I've never found myself emotionally invested in a children's book.
There are illustrations, and that helped for awhile to keep my kids interested, but it's really not a picture book--it's more of an epic tale.  It's a tale about family love, honor, and doing what must be done, even when it's hard.
Here's a small taste of the book:

Now Elgrid, please embrace your kin,

Yes, hold your children close,

And open up your heart to them.

And say what means the most.

And ask them of their hopes and dreams,

And ask what makes them cry.

And say how much you love them,

And why that love won't die.

And listen to the little things,

Hear what they want to say.

To take this time is how to find

The power you seek today. 

I really loved this one, and it'll be one that I read again and again when I'm in the mood for a beautiful, poetic tale.  You can find this book at Amazon and Authorhouse.

Grade: A
Cover Thoughts: This cover is by the same artist as the pictures inside.  It's not the best artwork I've ever seen, but it works for this story.  

This Little Prayer of Mine (+giveaway)

Title: This Little Prayer of Mine
Author: Anthony DeStefano
Genre: Children's picture book
Why I read it: blog tour for publisher
Grade: B

Synopsis:
I know you're up in heaven, God,
and can hear my voice from there.
I'm just a little child.
Will you answer my short prayer?
So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age.
With engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine assures children that God is always near--watching, listening, caring, and eager to respond to their requests. They'll also learn that prayer isn't just about asking for things, but about sharing their feelings of sadness and uncertainty as well as of thanksgiving and joy.
Most importanly, This Little Prayer of Mine reminds children—and those who love them—that they can trust God to tenderly care for them, no matter what the future holds. 

My review:
This is a really cute book.  I loved the illustrations; very sweet, and my kids liked them too.  What I really like about this book is that it can help kids learn how to pray.  It can help them learn that prayer isn't just a rehearsed repetition of the same things over and over.  They learn that we can talk to God as we would talk to anyone.

Usually when my kids want a more involved story, we reach for their children's Bibles, but sometimes it's already bedtime, and the kids are asking for a story, and we need something shorter.  I would recommend this one to Christian parents, if you're looking for a quick picture book to read with your kids before bed.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  To find out more information about this book, click here. 

I have a copy of this book to give away to one lucky reader.  To enter, just leave a comment here.  You must be a follower of this blog to enter (that way I can easily find you if you win).  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and will end on April 16th.

The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2

Title: The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2
Author: Carla Barnhill
Genre: Juvenile Christian Non-fiction
Page Count: 384
Why I read it: Received from Tyndale Publisher for review
Grade: A

Synopsis:
The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 uses the Little Blessings characters to help children through easy-to-understand devotions. Each reading pairs a Little Blessings illustration with a short Bible verse and devotional thought that gets you and your child talking about the simple truths of Scripture. A fun, rhyming prayer completes each devotional. This book is a great way to get young children interacting with Scripture daily to learn of God’s wonderful promises and timeless truths. Previously published as Blessings Every Day.

My review:
When I received this in the mail, and let my three-year-old open it, he was so excited to be getting his very own book in the mail.  We started reading it right away, and although it's a devotional, meant to be read one page (or devotion) each day, he wanted me to just keep on going.  We've read through this whole book a couple of times already.

He absolutely loves it, and I think it's quite cute, with good Biblical truths.  The illustrations are adorable as well.  I'm not sure how you could get by with just reading one page at a time with your preschooler.  I guarantee once you start reading, they'll want more.  So, in this way, it doesn't really work as a devotional book.  But that's not a bad thing, I don't think.  I would recommend this to Christian parents looking for a good book to read with their young child.