Showing posts with label chapters book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chapters book. Show all posts

Friday, January 6, 2017

Wolfie & Fly

by Cary Fagan
illustrations by Zoe Si
age range: 7 to 10 years old
Tundra Books

Renata Wolfman likes only facts, to wear every day the same kind of clothes, and above all to spend time by herself. This is why she is called Wolfie at school. She doesn't have friends, and she does not understand why she would want to have one. Having friends requires "cooperation", "compromise", and "respecting other people's opinions", and Renata is perfectly fine with her own opinions. One afternoon, while building a huge submarine with a fridge box, Renata hears a desperate knock in the door, and when she opens it Livingston Flott is there, asking to go inside right away, since he is running away from his brother. Livingston is not only her neighbor. He also attends the same school as Renata, where he is called Fly for annoying people buzzing.  Renata expects Livinsgton to leave quickly, but when he sees her submarine, there is no way to make him go. Renata is not sure how but a few moments later they are both inside the submarine, packed with food supplies, traveling underwater. And to Renata's surprise... she is actually enjoying it!

Splendid beginning for a series! Renata is so lovable in her own way, and Livingston is such a cute character. The text is uncomplicated and full of humor. I loved all the imaginations involved in their adventure. The illustrations are a great complement to the story. I am already looking forward to more Wolfie and Fly's adventures.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

The year of the garden

by Andrea Cheng
illustrated by Patrice Barton
age range: 6 to 9 years old
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt


The year of the garden is a prequel to The year of the book and the Anna Wang Series. In this novel Anna meets Laura who, like her, has just moved into the neighborhood. They like each other right away, but sometimes it is not that easy to be friends. Even being the same age and prospect of attending the same school at the end of the summer is not always enough. They like to do different things, and have different personalities. Sometimes the different cultural background plays its part too. But they learn to focus in what they have in common, and the importance to know more about each other to better understand their interests, fears and dreams. Making a garden and saving a little bunny prove to be amazing plans to do together. 

This short novel was a pleasure to read. The story is sweet, with lovely characters. It not only is funny, but it has simple facts about seeds, flowers, soil, bunnies, Chinese food and festivities, soccer, and specially friendship, and how some difficulties don't mean it is impossible. Friendship is something we build while growing in the process. And it's worth it. There are many cute illustrations along the pages, which make the layout of the book beautiful. Looking forward to read the rest of the series!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.





Friday, December 2, 2016

The art of the possible

An everyday guide to politics.
by Edward Keenan
art by Julie McLaughlin
age range: 10 to 14 years old
Owlkids 

You are a politician. This is the approach and reason for this book. Even if you are not old enough to vote, or think you don't need politics, or you choose not to pay attention to politics. Politics is the way we decide as a group how we do things. As a part of a community the decisions your make, or do not make, have an influence in the group. We need politics, and politics needs us. This is why is important to be a good politician, and that means being an informed and active member of the group.

This idea is repeated and explained along the different chapters of the book, and always in a positive way. The point is not to make the reader feel the burden of this responsibility, but understand how politics are the art of the possible. What is politics; how we decide things as a group, how do you make a good argument, and on the other hand how do you listen at other people's arguments, why conflict is good, and when it starts to be bad, how to keep all of this process honest, are some of the questions addressed by the book. The text is very accessible, and the author manages to avoid difficult or "big" words. The only few that are used are very well explained. The chapters include case studies to better illustrate how things work in real life, and at the end of the book there is also a glossary, index, and list of sources. I was surprised by the fresh and hopeful approach of this book. I am glad I crossed paths with it, and plan to buy a copy for my kids soon. Indisputable 5 stars to me.

Take a look at the author's introduction to the book in this short video.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Animal planet strange, unusual, gross and cool animals


by Charles Ghigna
age range: 7 years old and up
Animal Planet
Time Inc. Books

Have you ever seen a vampire squid? Did you know that the proboscis monkeys are born with blue faces? Would you like to take a close look at a water dragon's eye? This book contains a huge amount of interesting things to read and learn about a wide range of animals. It is diveded in four parts, Strange, Unusual, Gross and Cool, although many animals are all these things at the same time! And the pictures are wonderful and abundant.

I found this book surprisingly absorbing. It is all a curious kid would enjoy. The facts are punctual and concrete. The text accessible for the age range. To make the content more clear some animals are joined according to one feature, like "Venomous Creatures" or "Newly Discovered Cratures", while some other are portrayed individually for a deeper view, as in chapter such as "Thorny Dragon" or "Blue-footed booby". And again, the photography is amazing. A strange, unusual, gross and cool addition for the non fiction shelf!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.





Thursday, October 13, 2016

The case of maker mischief

#2 in the West Meadows Detectives
by Liam O'Donnell
illustrated by AurĂ©lie Grand
age range: 7 to 10 years old
Owlkids Books

Myron is a detective third grader, and Hajrah is his partner. In this second book in the series they are trying to find out who stole Robson, a robot built by their classmates, Jordan and "Glitch", for the Maker Faire Robot Maze Challenge. So far this sounds like an good mystery like many other mysteries for this age range. So, what makes this book different? 

The West Meadows Detectives series is told in first person by Myron, who happens to be in the autistic spectrum. The reader will notice from the very first pages how this is mirrored in the writing style, which is focused in the facts, without unnecessary descriptions, or needless extra words. Myron also express in many opportunities along the story how he feels about the situations in his everyday life, like noisy places, unexpected changes in the routine, or how sometimes his brain feels overloaded by the world around him. And at the same time how much he loves logic facts, and his ability to find and process clues. At the same time Hajrah happens to be hyper-energetic, with difficulties to sit or stay still, but also a great sense of how to help Myron when he feels overwhelmed by a situation. And Myron and Hajrah are not the only ones, since they are part of a neuro diverse group at the West Meadows School. The readers will also meet Sarah "Smasher" McGintley, who is a female bully bulling boys, something also uncommon to find in children's novels.

These nontraditional characters already make the story more than worthy. Now add a pinch of science, robots, coding, and challenges. Serve with black & white enjoyable pictures, that also complement the story showing the characters' body language and actions. And there you are.  A wonderful book I recommend you to try. I will keep a close eye on this series myself.


I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Friday, October 7, 2016

Everton Miles is stranger than me

sequel to The strange gift of Gwendolyn Golden
by Philippa Dowding
age range: 9 to 12 years old
Dundurn

Gwendolyn is a fourteen years old girl who also happens to be a Night Flyer, which means she has the ability to fly without mechanical assistance. As every Night Flyer she has a Mentor and a Watcher, and she also has all the problems a "normal" teenager has. Everything gets even more complicated when Everton Miles, another Night Flyer, moves to town. Everton is strange, it's true, but not as strange as the black feathered creature who follows Gwendolyn calling her when she flies at night. What it is happening here?

This middle grade novel was very enjoyable to read. The plot is absolutely engaging from the very first pages. Although it clearly has fantastic components, the story is set in a pretty normal small town. There are many funny moments, and some scary ones. Some of the issues of being a teenager are addressed along the way: gifts and responsibility, grief and expectations, dreams and reality. Friendship, in its different forms, is probably the main theme. I didn't read the first book in the series, but I will do it soon. And I really would love to see more books in this series. I think Gwendolyn, Everton, Martin and Jez has still much more to give us.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, October 3, 2016

In the land of broken time

by Max Evan
illustrations by Maria Evan
translation by Helen Hagon
age range: 8 to 12 years old


Everything stars when a circus arrives to town and Christopher decides to sneak away at night to see it. There he meets Sophie, they are chased by a guard, and decided to hide in the basket of a hot air balloon. Afraid of being caught they undo the knot, and the balloon flies free caught in the wind. That's when Duke, a talking golden retriever who was sleeping in the basket, appears. All of this is exciting enough. Now imagine when they land in a strange place where time is broken...

In the land of broken time is a short fantastic novel in seven chapters full of action, and adorable characters. The themes are time and friendship. Information about how to measure time and how it affect us is exposed as part of the plot, and the way the characters love and take care of each other is beautifully touching. The illustrations are lovely, colorful, and add to the dreamy feeling of the story. I think this book is an interesting option for kids who love fantastic plots, time travel, and action. It is also a quick read. 

I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.




Thursday, July 28, 2016

Braxton Woods Mystique

by Adam Furgang
age range: middle graders
Howling Wolf

Leo and his mom has just moved to their new house, after loosing their old one and everything else in a fire. This new house is one of five houses in an isolated cul de sac that were part of an unfinished development. Summer is just starting and Leo hopes to have some fun with his new neighbor friends Nora, and the twins Albert and Oliver. Maybe even explore the extensive woods behind their houses. What looks like a boring vacation turns out to be the most exciting summer ever when the gang finds sinkholes, fantastic creatures, and even a buried one hundred year old carnival.

This middle grade novel was an enjoyable read. The plot is consistent and intriguing. the characters are funny and I got engage to them quickly. Even Colin, a friend from Leo's old neighborhood who you only get to know through his texts adds to the cast. Creepy at some moments, the story has lots of action and a very satisfying ending.

I received this book from the author via LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.




Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Click here to start

by Denise Markell
Age range: 8 to 12 years old
Delacorte Books

Ted is a twelve years old boy who loves to play escape-the-room games in his computer. And he is really good at them. When his great uncle dies leaving a treasure for him to find, Ted will need all his skills to solve this real life challenge.

This book was such an enjoyable reading! It has lots of action, a trio of adorable friends, mysterious characters, treasure hunting, computer games, and literary quotes. It also approaches the topic of American soldiers of Japanese ancestry who fought during WWII in the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Infantry Regiment, as well as the internment of Japanese American in camps during that period. The plot is dynamic and consistent. The writing is very engaging, and I found myself widely smiling in many occasions. It also made me want to read some classic literary works mentioned in it, to learn more about this specific historic events, and, why no, try some escape-the-room computer games. (No. I have never played them).

The cover art by Octavi Navarro is wonderful, and I also liked the pages layout, which mirrors a computer game. If it looks so good in an e-book I guess the printed edition has to be just awesome.
There is a hint at the end of the book that suggest this might be the first one in a series. Am I right? I hope so!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Thursday, June 23, 2016

The seventh wish

by Kate Messner
age range: 8 to 12 years old
Bloomsbury Children's Books

Charlie feels like she's always coming in last. From her Mom's new job to her sister's life at college, everything seems more important than Charlie. Then one day while ice fishing, Charlie makes a discovery that will change everything . . . in the form of a floppy fish offering to grant a wish in exchange for freedom. Charlie can't believe her luck but soon realizes that this fish has a very odd way of granting wishes as even her best intentions go awry. But when her family faces a challenge bigger than any they've ever experienced, Charlie wonders if some things might be too important to risk on a wish fish. 

The description above is taken from the blurb of the book, and to be honest it doesn't make justice to this marvelous book. I tried to write my own description, as usual, but there are so many things I want to say about this book that I felt overwhelmed, and decided to put this task aside, at least for now.

The seventh wish took me by surprise. I liked Charlie from the very beginning. She is sweet, smart, loves Irish dance, and deeply misses her sister who is a freshman in college. She is doing ice fishing with her friend Drew and his grandma, to save money for a sparkling solo dress for her next Irish dance feis, when a green eyed fish grants her a wish in exchange for its freedom. This is the little pinch of fantasy in the book, and although the wish fish will do a few more appearances in the story, this book can't be labeled as a fantasy. It is pure realistic fiction.

The beginning of the book is light and amusing. Charlie has a beautiful family, and adorable friends. And funny things happen, such as although Charlie wishes for Roberto Sullivan to fall in love with her, Robert O'Sullivan is actually the one "affected". Or Charlie's friend Catherine taking care of a flour-bag-baby for a project, and forgetting it (actually her, she named the bag Meredith) everywhere. I remember thinking this was the kind of book that makes you want to be a kid again. But at some point Charlie's family discovers Abby, her older sister, has an addiction to heroin, and their world totally changes. She can't understand how her smart sister, always academically outstanding, skillful at sports, and socially successful is now in this situation. The story goes on as Abby is put under a drug addict program, but after a short time "clean" she relapses, and this time suffering an overdose.

Messner chose on a tough topic, and developed it in the best way possible. The explanation of what is happening is age appropriate and respectful. The way the family including Abby, but specially Charlie, suffers because of this addiction is displayed without lies, but full of hope too.

All this things Charlie has to go through makes her grow in some way, but at the same time she is a girl who would like to just make things right again by wishing it to a green eyed fish. I would give ten stars to this book if it were possible.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, June 20, 2016

Soar

by Tracy Edward Wymer
age range: 8 to 12 years old
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Eddie inherited his dad's passion for birds, and he also learned from him all there is to know about that feathered creatures. His dad was so lucky he once got to see the Golden Eagle, although the location and the time of the year were very unlikely for the eagle to appear. That's why nobody but Eddie ever believed him. Dad never gave up trying to see such magnificent bird again, and that's why now that he has "flew away", it's up to Eddie to see it again. Eddie is planning to win the blue ribbon in the Science Symposium doing a project about the Golden Eagle, and this despite the fact Mouton, the school bully, is his partner in the project, and Mr. Dover, his Science teacher, was Dad's birding rival.

There are many interesting things is the story I would like to mention: the hard time Lisa, Eddie's mom, is having to keep things going as normal as possible after become a widower; the changes happening in Eddie because of his age, how at some moments he is a defiant teenager with a crush on a girl new in town, while in others he is still a boy wearing a ninja costume; Gabriella's efforts for making this new place her home; Mouton's struggles, and the amazing things he is able to do but hides from everyone, showing himself only as a bully; how we get to know Dad through the rest of the character's voices; how even we as readers doubt about the Golden Eagle's existence, but Eddie never doubts. He is a sweet character feeling lonely after his dad passed away, and trying to keep him close waiting for the Golden Eagle to appear again.The text is engaging, funny, and a little emotional at some points. Besides a great story, I can envision this book awaking kids' interest in knowing more about birds, what is a great plus. I'm glad I crossed paths with this author.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, June 6, 2016

Thorfinn and the Gruesome Games

Thorfinn the nicest viking Series
by Davidd MacPhail
illustrated by Richard Morgan
age range: 8 to 12 years old
Floris Books

Thornfinn is a viking in the viking village of Indgar. Although he is the chief's son, everybody thinks there is something wrong with Thorfinn. He is nice, polite, and well mannered. He have earned himself the name of "Thorfinn the Very-very-nice-indeed". His behavior is absolutely unacceptable for a viking.
When the time for the International Gruesome Games comes, and all the competitors from Indgar happen to be incapable for the competition, it is up to Thorfinn to win and bring Sword-Blunter, the ceremonial shield, back to the village. The shield is meant to be with Whirlwind, the ceremonial sword, which was lost in previous games  to Magnus, chief of a neighboring village.  But would be Thorfinn able to fight all these ruthless barbarians?

Thorfinn and the Gruesome Game is an amusing middle grade novel about how being nice and amicable is always a win. The characters are enjoyable. Velda, the energetic girl who wants to help bring Thorfinn's inner fury out, is just unforgettable. The illustrations are funny, and a great complement to the story. I see great potential in this series. 

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, April 18, 2016

The frog in the sky scraper

by Faiz Kermani
illustrated by Korey Scott
age range: 7 to 10 years old

Frijibold is one of the many frogs who live in the park's pond in the heart of New York City. But Frijibold is different. He considers himself an expert on humans. He has spent so much time listening to humans' conversations he can speak their language. The other frogs can't understand why he finds humans so interesting. And Frijibold can't understand why frogs waste their time croaking and lily pad jumping. Right now all the frogs are happily listening to Uncle Krustnut singing and playing his out-of-tune guitar. Uncle Krustnut emigrated long ago from the swamp, and all he can sing about is his childhood in there. Why would Frijibold care about the swamp? He haven't even seen it!
That's why when he hears about the Shark Fin Towers, a beautiful skyscraper opposite to the park, he can't think of anything else but moving there. He finally succeeds and moves to the apartment in the highest floor with a incredibly beautiful panoramic view of the city, but after a while things prove to be different from what he thought they would be.

I find this story original and very humorous. At the same time important topics as identity, expectations, disappointments, ethics, and environmental issues, are addressed.
I think it would work perfectly for independent readers, but might also work for a read aloud with younger/new readers. Some of the vocabulary might be challenging, but not enough as to give up on the book. The pictures are simple but cute, and I wish there were a few more.
The story includes the menu of the Mrs. Boggel's Pond Paradise Cafe and it's just hilarious. Spicy fried fly pizza, dragonfly fries, mashed moths, sugared spiderwebs, apple maggot pie, and chocolate chip crickets are only some of the many delicious options you will find!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, April 4, 2016

Once was a time



by Leila Sales
age range: middle grade novel

Lottie Bromley and Kitty McLaughlinare are 10 years old, live in Bristol in 1940, and are best friends for ever. Lottie's father is a promising scientist working very hard to understand how time travel works. His research is specially important at this moment, since time travel could be such an important weapon during the war. And of course it can be dangerous too. Kitty, Lottie and her father confirm this when they are kidnapped by Nazi officers who are sure Mr. Bromley has revealed time travel's secret. Just when Lottie and Kitty are going to be shot by the Nazi officers, something absolutely incredible happens, Lottie sees a portal. She knows she is the only one who noticed it, and she has to decide what to do. There's not enough time to take Kitty with her. Lottie decides to go trough the portal, and ends in Sutton, Wisconsin, 2013.
A new huge challenge begins for her. She has to adapt to a new life, accept the idea she has lost her family and friends for ever, and live with the guilt of have left her best friend behind. She knows all of these are the consequences of her decision of going through the portal, but there's only one thing she is not going to give up. She will find Kitty. This plan is brought to a completely new level when a card from Kitty reaches Lottie's hands. She will find her friend even if that means travel to a different time and place.

This story has action and heart warming moments. Although time travel is a component, it is not the most important of them. That's the reason I'm not labeling it as science fiction. I think the author uses time travel as an excuse to tell a beautiful story about friendship, perseverance and the difficulties of adapting to a new situation after a life changing event.
The characters are well traced, and both, Lottie and Kitty, are really easy to relate with. The plot is smartly weaved. Along the book I found many thing that looked like inconsistencies, but everything comes to place at the end.

And talking about the end, it deserves its own paragraph. I would say it is a happy ending, but the bittersweet-happy ending type. They exist. Believe me. :) It's a hard task to explain this without giving away spoilers. Let's say it is not the "everything-is-perfect-now" type of ending, but it's a consistent and surprising one, and it makes perfect sense with the whole story.

In the overall a great middle grade novel. It's my first book by this author. I know her previous novels are YA, so probably I won't read them (I'm a bad YA reader, sorry), but I'd be interested in future middle grade novels by Sales. And again, don't let the time travel stuff prevent you form picking this story. It's not a science fiction book.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Thursday, February 25, 2016

The last great adventure of the PB & J society.

The Last Great Adventure of the PB & J Society - Janet Sumner Johnson
by Janet Sumner Johnson
age range: middle grade


Annie and Jason are best friends:

"He and I had been best friends, since birth (well, at least his birth - those two hours in the hospital nursery before Jason arrived were the loneliest two hours of my life)".

They are spies:

"For a lesser spy, the pressure might have been too much, but Jason and I had been working on our technique for three years now. Ever since he got that spy kit for his seventh birthday".

And they are the only two members of the PB & J Society, which serves the important mission of burying smashed PB & J sandwiches in a solemn ceremony:

"We are saddened by the loss of our favorite food and think on happier times before it was smushed and became gross. We are grateful for the many times it saved us from the evils of broccoli casserole and bid it farewell on its new journey to feed the worms. May it rest in peace".

But one day they found out Jason's family needs to sell their house and move to California due to foreclosure. Annie would do anything to keep her friend from moving away: sell her appendix on eBay, win the lottery, sell cookies, ask the bank for more time, beg in a street corner, get a job, and even find a pirate treasure!

I just loved this book. The characters are absolutely lovely, and the plot is funny at the same time it touches some hard topics. A beautiful story about friendship, persistence and the changes that are always waiting for us.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.





Monday, December 21, 2015

Sam's Top Secret Journal: Memorial Day

Sam's Top Secret Journal: Book 3- Memorial Day: Memorial Day - Sean Adelman, Siri Bardarson, Dianna Bonder, Andrea Hurst
Sam's Top Secret Journal #3
by Dr. Sean Adelman
Age range: 10 to 12 years old

Sam is in ninth grade and has Down Syndrome. Writing and drawing in her journal helps her think and make sense of what looks messy at the beginning.
In this third book in the series Sam's family is having a short vacation during the Memorial Day long weekend in a rented house near a retired military base. There they gather with other relatives, including Madison, Sam's teenage cousin whose father was injured while serving in Afghanistan and is still being treated in a hospital. It's a difficult time for Madison and she is not coping really well. It's really hard to get along with her. At some point Sam sees Madison doing something really bad, and she struggles about the best way of handle the situation to make things right without hurting anybody's feelings.
Sam is a sweet girl, and the story is focused in her strength and skills, and not in her differences. I think the approach is fantastic. Any kid of her age can relate with her.
I suggest you take a minute to stop by at Sam's top secret journal and Raise expectations facebook pages.

I received this copy from the author via Bostick Communications in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Detective Gordon: The first case.

Detective Gordon: The First Case - Ulf Nilsson, Gitte Spee
by Ulf Nilsson
illustrated by: Gitte Spee
Age range: 8 to 11 years old

Many nuts have been stolen from Vladimir, the squirrel, and Detective and Police Chief Gordon has to solve the case.  In the process, which includes a lot of thinking, stamping and cake eating, he meets Buffy, a young mouse who becomes his assistant and friend. While Buffy wishes for many exciting cases to solve, Gordon, as the old and wise toad he is, wishes for a quite district with no crime at all. No crime. No punishment.
The first case is a cozy mystery for kids, with adorable characters and many beautiful teachings in it. The illustrations are absolutely cute. I would love to read more Detective Gordon adventures.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.





Friday, December 4, 2015

The children of When: Florisia

Children of When: Book 1:  Florissa (Volume 1) - Jennifer Redmile
by Jennifer Redmile
Age range: 10 to 14 years old

Leah, Belle and Raff know when they turn 14 years old they must leave the foster homes were they have been raised, and go through the magic portals that will transport them to a new and unknown world, as the law stipulates. In this new place they meet each other building a strong friendship. While exploring the gifts the new life brought to them, these three friends will discover they are part of an ancient prophecy, and for that reason they are in great danger. The only way of fight those conspiring against them is to finally put together the parts of the Amulet, parts that have been looking for them even before crossing the portals.

The characters are lovable, and the plot, full of adventure and emotions, engaged me from the beginning. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.




Friday, November 27, 2015

The rabbit ate my flip flops.

The Rabbit Ate My Flip-Flops (The Rabbit Ate My... Book 2) - Rachel Elizabeth Cole
by Rachel Elizabeth Cole
Age range: 8 to 12 years old

In The rabbit ate my homework, we met Drew and Libby, and knew how they ended having Tiny, a not so tiny overactive rabbit, as a pet.
In this second book in the series Drew and Libby go to camp with Nana and Papa while their parents are out of town. This is not Drew's best plan for this week, since Galaxy Guilds, the best computer game of the year, is being released and he will have to wait till he's back home to play it.
Things get even more complicated when Libby hides Tiny in the trailer so he is not alone at home during a week.
Everything will happen in one week! New friends, bullies, Tiny getting lost and then found, a not working trailer's toilet, a big bunnies' rescue, and even a new rabbit to bring home.
The series are really entertaining, and always have a good message in them. The characters are adorable, and it's very easy to relate to them.
Looking forward to the next book in the series to discover what the rabbit(s) are eating this time!

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.




Monday, November 9, 2015

The rabbit ate my Homework

The Rabbit Ate My Homework - Rachel Elizabeth Cole
By Rachel Elizabeth Cole

It all starts when Drew gets upset because his father won't keep his word and go to a bike ride in the woods with him. Drew decides then to go by himself, even he knows he is not suppose to go there alone. He jumps with his bike, even he knows he is not suppose to do so. The obvious happens: the bike's suspension fork  breaks. Ok. He still can get this better. He can tell what happened, apologize, and promise do not do it again. Well... he doesn't. Drew hides his bike in the woods instead.
When the following day they find a little bunny in a box, Libby his younger sister insists in bring it home. Drew explains that their parents would never, ever receive the pet. But Libby knows where Drew's bike is, and why is there, and she threatens him with telling their parents about it if he doesn't help her to hide the bunny. That's how Tiny ends hidden in Drew's closet, peeing everywhere and eating everything he can find. This snow ball will only get bigger until finally ends in a huge avalanche.
This story was totally engaging. The characters are so likable. I loved the author's humor. The pace of the story was perfect. I was glad when finally all this mess ended, and the way it was solved. The message was clearly delivered without being discursive at all. I'm really looking forward to read the next book in he series, The rabbit ate my flip flops.

Age range: 8 to 12 years old.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.