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.

Animal House!

The last few posts have been inspired by storms. Although there are still plenty of storms brewing in the world today, I am going to switch gears and focus on animals for a bit. Here are two quick ones:

“Colonel Purple Turtle's Purple Turtle Journal”

By Rocknoceros

Illustrated by Missy Sheldrake

For Ages 3 – 6

Colonel Purple Turtle keeps a journal where he shares stories about all his friends and neighbors in Soggy Bog. Rated 2.5, because the CD is enjoyable (animals, journal, CD)

Rocknoceros is a band from Virginia that makes original music for children. This is their first book. Inspired by songs from the CD, Colonel Purple Turtle, the book is an effort to catch the same spirit and humor that is captured in their music. While I enjoyed the songs on the CD, I was left a little flat by the book. The journal entries didn't really tell a story. The writing became captions for the illustrations.

The illustrations were a mixed bag as well. If the entire book had been illustrated in the line drawings that were sprinkled throughout it would have been very nice, with a touch of whimsy and character reminiscent of A.A. Milne. However, most of the full-color art appears overworked. That said, the Truman Coyote illustration did intrigue me. Rocknoceros could easily create more books, but they may want to consider hiring a writer to adapt their songs in the future.

What’s good: The songs are the CD are fun and entertaining for young kids.
What’s bad: A serious lack of story.

“Not Inside This House”

By Kevin Lewis

Illustrated by David Ercolini

For Ages 3 – 8
When Livingstone Columbus Magellan Crouse goes exploring he always brings home a treasure. Rated 4 (pet care, parental relationship, humor)

It begins with a bug, but his mother will have none of it. Not in her house. He doesn’t fuss or complain he just goes exploring. Each time he returns with a bigger potential pet – a mouse, a moose, even a whale. When all was said and done, and all the animals were back in the wild, Livingstone returned home with a little bug. His mother shrugged and hugged her son.

Lewis rants and rolls through the progressively more outrageous situations in this mild-mannered suburban household. Ercolini captures the ridiculousness with a flair that will have children giggling at each spread. It is a delight for story time and could start some interesting conversations about pets.
What’s good: Pets, adventure and charm.
What’s bad: Although the rhyme is not perfect it is fun.

It's the End of the World As We Know It

I am going to continue the storm theme for a couple more reviews. This one however throws a great deal more destruction and disaster into the mix beyond just a storm.

“Ashes, Ashes”

By Jo Treggiari
For Ages 12 - 16
What happens if the storms really are the beginning of the end? Are disease and war next to come? "Ashes, Ashes" picks up the story with the survivors and the relationships they build as they try to withstand the harsh conditions and the mysterious bad guys. Rated 3.75 (danger, suspense, teen)

After the floods, earthquakes, and plague there isn’t much left of New York City. There are survivors. Sixteen-year-old Lucy lives by herself in an area near the marshes. It used to be part of Central Park. Now, it's just part of the devastated landscape. Most of the survivors band together and live in a commune in the crumbling city. They survive, but just. They hide from the doctors who kidnap and run tests on any people they can grab - looking for a cure to the plague.

Lucy is different than the rest of the survivors. She never had vaccinations. Her blood may carry a cure. When she joins the survivors in the commune, the doctors discover who she is and will do just about anything to get her blood. Even capture her friends and infect them with the plague. “Ashes, Ashes” is a fast-paced, action-paced tale of friendship.

Teen readers interested in tales of post-apocalyptic life and dystopian societies will enjoy "Ashes, Ashes," at least until they get to the end. It falls a little short and seems a little weak.

Crazy Weather, Anyone?

We had a few tornado warnings this week The kids had to run their drills during the school day. It must have made a big impact because that was the entirety of our dinner conversation that day. All of the storms got me to thinking about books where weather is a character in the story. I've read several over the last few months. Here's one your preteen readers may enjoy.

“Troubletwisters”

By Garth Nix and Sean Williams
For Ages 9 - 14

Storms and special powers deliver an exciting tale as siblings battle evil in a small ocean-side town. Rated 3.75 (peril, creep-factor, mystery/action)

Shortly after their father arrives home from a long trip, Jack and Jaide are caught in a very strange storm. why is it strange? First, it is in their house. Second, strange voices emanate from the storm. Thirdly... aren't the first two enough? Jack's and Jaide's father manages to get the siblings out of the house just before the entire thing is destroyed. They have no idea what is going on, but their father seems to know something. Unfortunately for Jack and Jaide, they are shipped off to live with their Grandma X and her two unique cats in a small Portland town before their father explains anything. You'd think with a start like that this story would be off and running from page one. Unfortunately it takes a while for the to get moving. However, when it does get moving “Troubletwisters” is non-stop action. As the story progresses Jack and Jaide discover they have special powers and they must learn to wield quickly. Evil is coming and it wants to claim the preteen siblings, just as it does rats, insects and even some people. Jack and Jaide are in a great deal of peril thought the story and the creepiness factor is high. Younger or immature readers may want to steer clear of this series. But fans of Garth Nix’s and Sean William’s other works should enjoy “Troubletwisters” as well.

Endless Summer Fun

My boys and I were recently watching "The Endless Summer," a pretty interesting surfing documentary from 1966. Surprisingly they really got into it. The movie got me to thinking about Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end to summer, and spending time on the beach. It all reminded me of a very nice picture book I read this summer.

"Wave"

By Suzy Lee
For Ages 4 – 8
If you have spent any time on the beach during the summer, you have surely witnessed this book in real life. "Wave" follows a small girl discovering the joys of ocean waves. Rated 4 (fiction, summer, no words)

Without a single word, Lee, brings the tale of a young girl discovering the beach and ocean waves to life with charcoal, acrylics and a touch of digital manipulation. The illustrations focus the reader on the simple give and take between the waves and the little girl. First, she chases. Then, she is chased. The waves crash forward and then recede. It’s a simple ballet that ends as a wave finally splashes down upon the girl leaving her wet from head to toe -- and smiling from ear to ear. That is when the little girl discovers other wonders of the sea, such as starfish and shells.

This delightful tale of childhood exuberance and curiosity is wonderfully illustrated with a elegant palette of blue and grey. The simplicity of style and illustration make this a wonderful book for bed or nap time with your children.

The Adventures Continue

Now that my kids are going back to school I am thinking about adventure. We've had adventures and travel all summer and now we begin the adventure that is the school year. Here are two quick reviews for middle grade readers.

"The Loser List"

By H. N. Kowitt
For Ages 9 - 12
It’s not "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," but kids who like that series will like this book too. Rated 3.75 (school story and bullying)
This diary style story follows comic book lover Danny Shine through the school year at Thorn Underwood Middle School. Bullies, graffiti, sharpie tattoos and stolen comics keep this enjoyable story moving at a fast pace. Sure "The Loser List" is similar in style and content to the Wimpy Kid books, but the message is very strong and enjoyable. Be who you are and be proud of it.

"The 39 Clues: Vespers Rising"
By Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordan Korman, Jude Watson
For Ages 9 - 12
The hunt for the 39 clues may be over but, the Cahill’s story is far from finished in "Vespers Rising." Rated 4 (mystery, historical adventure, peril)
The newest edition in the 39 Clues series introduces us to a new family – the Vespers. With a history lesson on the creation of the secret formula, Gideon Cahill, Madeleine Cahill and Grace Cahill we learn about the newest threat to Amy, Dan and the rest of the Cahill family. Action, adventure and historical facts are blended into fast fiction and an enjoyable read. As in all the other books in the series there is a great deal of peril and even some deaths. So it can get pretty intense for some readers. Fans of the series will enjoy the family background and the adventure.

Not Your Parent's Pixies

My last review was of a picture book about girls being proud of who they are. It showed how girls needed to embrace their inner strength. This time I am sticking to that theme but raising the minimum age limit to 13.

"Entice"
By Carrie Jones
For Ages 13 and up
Looking for a coming-of-age novel with a good, strong, female character who is just trying to find herself? How about one with supernatural monsters, vampire-like pixies and a little Norse mythology? I know it sounds like a stretch but, "Entice" actually pulls it off rather successfully. Rated 4 (supernatural, violence, romance)

The third book in this entertaining pixie series by Carrie Jones begins where the second left off. Our heroine, Zara, has just become the one thing she has always seen as evil. She has become a pixie. More precisely, a pixie queen. Don't fret if you have not read the previous novels. This one can be read by itself, although knowledge of "Captivate" would help.

Zara is a normal teen with normal teen problems. She also has this whole evil pixie war thing happening in her town and teens keep going missing. That said Zara is strong and strong-minded. She wears her heart on her sleeve, is loyal to a fault, impulsive and a pacifist that truly sees the dangers in the world. She is a leader without even knowing her own strength. Now back to the pixie queen bit.

In order to save her boyfriend, who happens to be a werewolf, Zara must travel to Valhalla. Obviously mere mortals cannot make the trip, so she relies on her inner strength to become the thing she fears and hates most -- a pixie. The pacing is quick, but much of the action seems a little hackneyed but Zara's character development is engrossing enough to make you overlook the shortcomings. As Zara, her friends and family try to find the entrance to Valhalla, she struggles with who she is. She struggles with mixed emotions about her lost boyfriend and the other male in her life, her pixie king. This is a struggle to which every teen will relate.

"Entice" is well-written, with quick banter and humor laced throughout the action. There is mystery, horror. tragedy and romance all entwined in this haunting tale. Jones creates imagery that lingers with you long after you close the book. The romance is always just under the surface and never overly sexual.
This is a good book for girls into the fantasy genre with supernatural elements. I said of "Captivate" that, "the quality writing and imagery keep it from being another Twilight or Vampire Diaries. The character development and toned-down sexuality keep it form being gossip girl with monsters." I'd say this holds true for "Entice" as well. So you can follow the real story of friendship, love, family and finding your inner strength.