This Little Piggie

I was at the book store a couple months ago and stumbled across "Bumble-Ardy." I immediately picked it up to review for my monthly book review column in Palmetto Parent, Lowcountry Parent, and Upstate Parent magazines, as well as, The Post and Courier newspaper. Now I can put it online for everyone else. Enjoy.

“Bumble-Ardy”

By Maurice Sendak

For Ages 4 – 8

Maurice Sendak, pigs, birthday parties and morals. It's Sendak – need I say more? Rated 4.75 (Humor, Morals, Sesame Street)

     

      For the first time in 30 years, a new Maurice Sendak picture book, which he has both written and illustrated, is on bookstore shelves. At 83 years old, the illustrations and text of his newest work are as vibrant, fanciful and detailed as “Where the Wild things Are.” Based on a 1970’s animated segment for Sesame Street, “Bumble-Ardy” is the story of a mischievous pig that has never had a birthday party. On his tenth birthday he decides to invite all of his friends and throw himself a party. But the wild masquerade soon gets out of hand.

      As in many of Sendak’s books the tales are as much for adults as they are for children. The stories can be harsh and even offensive by some standards, but that is also what makes them touching and authentic. Children tend to see past the challenges and revel in the fantasy. “Bumble-Ardy” is no exception. Like his classic, “Where the Wild Things Are,” Sendak explores childhood exuberance and energy, as well as familial bonds that cannot be broken.

      It took 30 years to get a new work of art from this master of children’s picture books and it is excellent. Let’s hope it is not his last.

To Nook Or Not To Nook

I decided to Nook. That's right I received a Nook Tablet for Christmas. Actually, my wife and I got it as a joint gift so we are sharing. That's fine, we're good at sharing. After setting up the Nook, I immediately went to the library and began checking out books to read on the Nook. That is where I got this first book to review. Enjoy.

“City of Lies”

By Lian Tanner
For Ages 9 –15
      Goldie and Toadspit are back in this follow up to "Museum of Thieves." The mystery, magic and fantasy have returned with a touch of the creeps, kidnapping and adventure. Rated 3.5 (fiction, danger, magic)
      The children of Jewel are no longer kept under lock and key until their 16th birthdays. But now they have to face the dangers of the world. Although he is gone, the Fugleman is still working behind the scenes to take over Jewel. When Toadspit's sister Bonnie is kidnapped, the adventure heads to the town of Spoke full of strangers, dangers, creeps and lies. Surrounded by new friends, Goldie finds a way to expose the Fugleman's plot, save Bonnie and keep the museum quiet. That's right, the museum is acting up again.
      It's a dark tale with a fantastic landscape, interesting festivals and a lot of fun with language. I look forward to the final installment of the trilogy. In the meantime I am going to spend some time on the Museum of Thieves app.    

For Twelve Days of Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But don't forget Christmas is twelve days so don't turn off the Christmas carols or put away your children's Christmas books quite yet. You still have time to pick up a new book or read a classic as a family.

"A Christmas Carol in Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas"

By Charles Dickens

For Ages 16 and older

Cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge has an ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after he is visited by the ghosts of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Rated 5 (Christmas, Ghosts, scary)

We've all seen the movie. For that matter we have seen several incarnations of the movie from the classic-styled showings to the modern retelling, Scrooged. But how many of us have actually read the original unabridged text? We recently read it as a family, my wife, myself and our 11 and 7-year-old boys. I was a wonderful experience for all involved.

With the best opening line on literature, "A Christmas Carol" pulls the reader right into the story. "Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that... This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate." A creepy beginning for a story that has become synonymous with Christmas spirit. But to be honest most of the tale is dark, dreary and quite frightening.

Poetic and flowery, Dickens' use of language is incredibly descriptive, although often over the heads of modern readers. Yes, even adults will have a difficult time understanding some of what is written so its good that we have been so exposed to the story already. The language and imagery will lead to several intersting conversations with your family about the interpretation of events in Scrooge's life. You'll find passages in the story you never knew existed and develop an entirely new appreciation for the movies and plays you see every Christmas season.

I was sure my children would be bored by the book, but to my surprise they were the ones that kept asking for "just one more page" to be read before lights out or "another chapter after dinner." They laughed, were scared, angered, and felt empathy at all the appropriate times. I was very happy they enjoyed it and amazed at how well the writing held up after all it was written in 1843. "A Christmas Carol" is generally credited with restoring the holiday to one of festivities and joy. It has never been out of print and is one of the most adapted and retold stories in history.

We may decide to read "A Christmas Carol in Prose: Being a Ghost Story of Christmas" every year -- a new family tradition.

Two on the lighter side:

"Ready, Freddy! A Very Crazy Christmas"

By Abby Klein

Illustrated by John McKinley

For Ages 4 - 8

Freddy’s twin cousins, Kasey and Kelly are visiting for the holidays. Freddy fans know that something always goes a little haywire in his stories, but the more kids you add the crazier things get. Rated 4 (Christmas, family, mischievous fun)

This tale will hit close to home for anyone who has spent Christmas with extended family, had several children running around at one time or hosted a sleepover for your child at your house. Whether hunting for the perfect tree or making beards with whipped cream, Freddy and his cousins know how to have fun. Klein keeps the story entertaining and easily digestible for young readers. They can relate to the characters and understand their motivations. McKinley adds lighthearted illustrations to help readers fill in the visual blanks. "A Very Crazy Christmas" does a good job capturing family fun.

What’s good: Young readers will enjoy the silliness and fun.

What’s bad: Unlike "Ready, Freddy! The Perfect Present," there is no thoughtful message.

"Oh, What A Christmas!"

By Michael Garland

For Ages 4 - 8

What would happen if the harnesses on Santa’s sleigh malfunctioned on Christmas Eve and Santa was left without his reindeer? That is the question at the heart of this fun Christmas tale. Rated 3.75 (Santa, humor, fiction)

When Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of the reindeer fly off leaving Santa stranded in a field, it looks as though Santa may have a serious problem. How will he deliver his sleigh full of presents to boys and girls around the world on foot? Then Santa sees a barn full of sleeping animals and gets an idea. Maybe pigs can fly. He puts a makeshift team of animals together from the barn and takes off into the night sky. After an eventful night delivering presents, Santa returns to the barn and is reunited with his reindeer. Before he leaves the barnyard animals he leaves a decorated tree and plenty of presents. It's a fun new look at Santa's Christmas night.

What’s good: Bouncy text and bug-eyed animals pop with excitement and humor.

What’s bad: Garland does not break new ground with this story.

Pets for the Holidays

As you may have noticed, I took a short break from posting reviews. I needed to catch up on my day job and enjoy the holidays a little. Now I am back with a new review and more to come.

"Double Trouble #1: Show & Tell"

By Abby Klein

Illustrated by John McKinley

For Ages 5 – 10

Abby Klein is at it again with "Double Trouble." Think "Ready, Freddy!" with twins. Rated 3.75 (mishchief, humor, pets)

Fans of "Ready, Freddy!" will be happy to know Abby Klein has a new series of adventures coming out in 2012. Freddy’s twin cousins, Kasey and Kelly, offer double the excitement in this new paperback series. Second grade will never be the same. When their class studies pets, everyone is allowed to bring one pet to school for Pet Day. Kasey and Kelly can’t wait, but they have a problem. Too many pets and no idea which one to take. How about Harry the tarantula or Zippy the turtle? Maybe their rabbit or hamster or gecko would be a good choice? Whether setting up an all-out pet race to decide which pet goes to school, teaching dogs new tricks or enjoying mayhem at Pet Day there is plenty of fun for young readers to enjoy in Double Trouble.

As a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, Klein does a good job keeping young readers interested with relatable characters and situations while offering solid behavioral messages with which parents can agree. McKinley brings his energetic illustrative style, that readers have come to know in the "Ready, Freddy!" books, to "Double Trouble." So it will seem very comfortable for kids to begin this new series. Although the books may slightly skew to young girls, boys will find many of the stories just as entertaining as their favorite "Ready, Freddy!" books.

Scream Like You Mean It

Halloween is over. For all of you vampires and werewolves inspired by the season and just now coming off your sugar high, I have a couple reviews just for you.

"Killer Pizza: The Slice"

By Greg Taylor
For Ages 10 – 14
 Four months after the first "Killer Pizza" tale ends, "The Slice" begins. Toby, Annabel, and Strobe are back in action in a new fast-paced adventure with new monsters, perilous fights and interesting locations. Rated 4.5 (violence, peril, monsters)

Our "Scooby Gang" begins their adventure in New York City, where they are scheduled to take part in a training program for promising Killer Pizza employees. This trip is not about pizza though. It is about monsters. Note: If you missed the first book you need to understand that Killer Pizza is a successful pizza chain that acts as a front for monster hunting and relocation.

In New York the team is sent to meet a Dekayi girl at Central Park and bring her into headquarters so that she can be protected from her own kind. Very little is known about the Dekayi, beyond their existence. Things take a predictable but thrilling turn. Soon the Dekayi monster-girl, who we come to know as Calanthe, is living with Annabel in Hidden Hills. The gang protects her, learns about her people, and tries to help her assimilate into normal everyday teen life. It’s easier said than done.

True to the first book, “The Slice” stays solidly in the B-movie fun zone and mixes in a little “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” with “Men in Black.” It delivers a zesty entrée of action, monsters, and humor that will have preteen and teen readers turning the pages. Hopefully Greg Taylor won’t make us wait too long for the next sequel. There is plenty of peril, frights and gross out moments. If your preteen or teen is prone to nightmares, be cautious with this take out. Otherwise, order up and enjoy this tasty treat.

"Wolven: The Twilight Circus"

By Di Toft

For Ages 9 – 12

What do you get when you combine werewolves, cryptids, the military and your average teenage boy? An action-filled adventure called, "Wolven: The Twilight Circus." Rated 4.25 (monsters, violence, peril) 

In this follow-up to "Wolven," Nat Carver, the average teenage boy and a royal wolven named Woody run away and join the circus. The first tale left Nat, his family and Woody on the run from the British government and on the world’s "most wanted" list.

Now, traveling with a special circus of mythical and magical creatures Nat is becoming more aware of special skills such as telepathy, hyper-sensitive smell and even a shape shifting. His new skills will be tested as they face evil vampires (not all vampires are evil) and their arch nemesis Lucas Scale, a twisted werewolf who made a deal with a demon for greater power.

Reading the first book helps, but it’s not necessary. Toft does a great job adding humor and gross-out moments for preteen readers. The action is plentiful and the characters are well-developed. Readers become emotionally attached to Nat, Woody and the other strange creatures of the circus and will enjoy the supernatural lore and magical moments of illusion without much of the gore that can be found in edgier young adult materials. It is a very solid addition to the "Wolven" series.

What's So Punny?

Ready for a new review? Of course you are. Why else would you be here? Before I get to the next book, I want to announce that my reviews have been picked up by The Post and Courier newspaper in Charleston, South Carolina. Yay! Now for a new review.

"Seriously, Norman!"

By Chris Raschka
For Ages 10 - 14
It's "39 Clues" without the deadly enemies and family fortune and... well, the 39 clues. This meandering journey of observation and imagination is filled with big ideas, adventurous travel, quirky characters and humor. Rated 4 (bad language, perceived peril, adventure)

Best know as an illustrator on books such as, "Sourpuss and Sweetiepie," "I Pledge Allegiance" and "A Ball for Daisy," Chris Raschka makes his fiction debut with this adventure that seems to be more about enjoying the journey than reaching any destination. Everything begins when Norman Normann miserably fails his high school entrance exam. A good score would have gotten him into an exclusive high school. His well-meaning but oblivious parents hire Balthazar Birdsong, a highly-unorthodox personal tutor to prepare him for next year's exam. Balthazar gives Norman a dictionary and the directive to read it from cover to cover. Balthazar also encourages him to observe the clouds, and use his imagination.

When the dictionary entries seem to for tell the future Norman learns that his father sell bombers for a living and is mixed up with some strange and shady characters. Before long Balthazar is teaching Norman and his friends Leonard, Anna and Emma. They decide to rescue Norman's father, Orman, from the bomber business and track him halfway around the world. Good thing the tutoring seems to have prepared Norman for anything that he may face.

"Seriously, Norman!" is filled with unique perspectives, definitions, absurdity, puns and wordplay. There is plenty to like and plenty to dislike. The ideas seem to ramble as the story meanders from one event to another. Parents who are concerned about their children learning and using bad language should be aware of pages 220-221, which cover a four-letter word beginning with the letter S. It does nothing to propel the story, so if you are reading the book as a family feel free to skip those two pages.

Although "Seriously, Norman!" is entertaining, I think I prefer Raschka's picture books.

Gone to the Dogs

I took my family to the state fair last weekend. We had a great time walking through the animal paddocks looking at cows, sheep, chickens and so much more. So I am going to stay with animal inspired reviews for a little longer.

“LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation”

By Mark Teague

For Ages 4 – 8
Ike LaRue fans cheer! He's back on an eventful trip across the country with none other than Mrs. Hibbins' cats. Rated 4 (pets, travel, imagination)

We catch up with Ike as he and his owner, Gertrude, are preparing for a vacation cruise. All goes awry when their neighbor Mrs. Hibbins is hospitalized. Gertrude volunteers to watch her cats, cancels the cruise and begins a cross-country road trip instead. Sounds like a good idea with two cats and a dog, right?

Ike sends postcards from the road, that tell his melodramatic version of events. At each stop he implores Mrs. Hibbins to allow him to send the feisty kittens’ home. But it is not meant to be. His exaggerated memories are brought to life in black and white and contrasted against the colorful realities of roadside America. As fate would have it the family roadster breaks down in Death Valley, CA where they meet a cruise captain. They end up cruising back home. Teague creates a fantastic romp across America in this fourth adventure with Ike LaRue.

What’s good: Masterful illustration style, sense of humor and smart story.
What’s bad: Slightly choppy pacing.

“Floors”

By Patrick Carman

For Ages 9 - 14

Think "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" set in a hotel and throw in some ducks. Rated 4 (mystery, preteen, mild peril)

Eccentricities, mystery and zaniness abound in this creative adventure that longs to be placed on the shelf next to “James and the Giant Peach,” "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or just about any other book by Dahl. Leo is a 10-year-old boy who works with his father as the maintenance crew of the Whippet Hotel in New York City. The Whippet is no ordinary hotel. Owned by the highly eccentric Merganzer D. Whippet, it is filled with strange rooms, creatures, flaky staff, odd guest, and ducks of course. According to Merganzer, they are very useful creatures. Unfortunately Merganzer is gone and nothing is as it should be.

When a mysterious box and message show up, Leo learns that he has four days to discover four hidden boxes and save the hotel. From what, he does not know. That’s when the really odd stuff begins. Leo’s adventures take him to hidden floors, hidden rooms, hidden elevators and much more. Ghosts, fire-breathing dragons and flying goats make appearances during the search for boxes. There is a sense of danger but no real threat. A disgustingly mean hotel manager, an incredibly bratty hotel guest and a true friendship round out the tale. This book has everything, including depth to the characters. My kids had me read it with them twice during the first week we had it. And we enjoyed it both times.
What’s good: Extreme imagination and pure fun.
What’s bad: Old plot presented in a new fashion.