Very Christmas

by Simone Mets

cover illustration Jana Pivkova

age range: 5 years old and up

What a wonderful Christmas Story! 

This is the blurb from the book's webpage:

"When Santa’s workshop is destroyed by a ferocious storm, even the richest man in the world is stumped for a way to save Christmas.  Just when everyone seems to give up all hope, the unstumpable Ava Buttons, together with her friends, discover a way to make Christmas wishes come true.  Motivated by a desire to help others, Ava converts even her naughtiest friend, Rowdy Meyers, from an enthusiastic getter to a champion giver."  

It is a fact. Santa workshop is destroyed, all the presents are lost, and all the "Dear Santa" letters returned to the senders. Not even the richest man in the city with all his money can fix this. Christmas is not coming this year. 

Ava and her friends are incredibly sad. There must be something they can do to save Christmas. But what? Reading the returned letters, Ava realized that she can fulfill one of the wishes giving one of her toys. What if each of them do the same? Would they be able to fulfill all the wishes? They can at least try. The outcome is exceptional. The pile of presents is huge, but more important the good feeling of give to other is gigantic. So gigantic it also reaches Rowdy, the most self-interested kid at school. 

Focused in how it is more important and comforting to give than receive, this story is funny and heartwarming. It left you smiling and hopeful. It is also funny, with lovely characters, and an interesting layout. All of this without giving away Santa's identity secret. 

As you can see the cover is beautiful. This is not exactly a picture book, but more of a short story. Although there are some small illustration, these are particularly details, not full page pictures. I decide to label it for kids 5 years old and up thinking in the amount of text, and specially the amount of time it needs to be read, that probably it is too much for a toddler. 

Great story! Give it a try. 

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

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.

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.

The bear who wasn't there

And the fabulous forest.

by Oren Lavie

illustrated by Wolf Erlbruch

age range: 5 to 10 years old

Black Sheep/ Akashic Books

What a fantastic read! It all starts with a medium size Itch that scratches itself against a tree, and the more it scratches the more it grows, and it is covered with fur until it looks like a bear. A bear who wasn't there, but now it is. The bear was all alone and wondered if he was the first or the last one, he wanted to know if he was he. And so starts Bear's journey to discover if he is he, Some other characters will join the adventure, like Convenience Cow and Lazy Lizard, and of course Penultimate Penguin and Taxi Turtle.

The story is deep and philosophical in a disguised way. Bear looks to answer questions like who we are, how we recognize ourselves, and how happy we are with who we truly are. The dialogues, as funny as absurd, reminded me of my beloved Alice in Wonderland. Erlbruch is a talented artist, and this is so far my favorite work by him. When I knew this ARC was coming my way, for some reason I thought it was an e-copy, hence my surprise when I received this beautiful high quality hard copy, full of amazing illustrations. 5 stars.

I received this book from the publisher via LibraryThing in exchange of an honest review.

Superheroes don't wear glasses

by Jacqueline Waterhouse

illustrations by Gabi Carr

age range: 4 to 7 years old

Waterhouse Books

A few months ago we read and rated Princesses don't wear glasses. Superheroes don't wear glasses is a new book in the series, and it is also addressed to kids who are going through their usually hard first days wearing glasses. 

Alfie knows he needs to wear glasses. He has chosen a very cool pair, blue with silver sea creatures. But he still doesn't want to wear them. None of his friends wear glasses, and even most important, superheroes don't wear them. This changes when Alfie receives the visit of Jason, a pixie boy from the Land of Power, who leads him to an unforgettable adventure. Alfie not only will discover many things he was missing because of his short sight, but he will also meet Superhero Spectacus, the most coolest, strongest and powerful superhero who, of course, wears glasses. 

This book will talk to kids (not only boys) interested in superheros, and avid for look like one of them. The story will help to talk about the concerns a kid might have about wearing glasses, and ease the experience giving a different look on it. 

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

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.

Cleo

by Sassafras de Bruyn

age range: 5 years old and up

Clavis Books

Cleo feels overwhelmed because all that is expected from her. She is also sad since she doesn't seem to fit among her peers. Is in these moments that she sails to explore and conquer her imagination, bringing with her only her cat Amadeus. She visits many places, and somewhere she meets a boy who becomes her friend. He is not an imaginary friend, but another dreamy kid who found Cleo in some magical land. They fight monsters and face storms. They tell stories to the sea animals and climb to the sky. And they keep company to each other when the magic trip comes to an end.

Cleo's story is touching, and  I am sure many kids will relate with her experiences. The illustrations are incredibly beautiful. The only thing that prevents me of giving this book 5 stars is the font, which I found hard to help kids to read. I am eager to check for more of this author's work.

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

The Poo Poo Fairy

by Mary Harper Dick

illustrated by Joseph Cowman

age range: 2 to 5 years old

This is the story of how Paulina became a poo poo fairy after failing in other fairy fields such as take care of lost teeth, or help kids to fall sleep on Christmas Eve, or the challenging Godmothering. When Paulina meets a boy struggling with the use of the toilet, she discovers her skill for making things go smoothly with potty training.

The story is funny, and Paulina is a gorgeous character. I'm not sure it's accurate to call this book a "resource" to potty training, since Paulina's methods are never reveled during the story to the kids. I guess it would help to low the kid's stress to know a fairy is overseeing him/her to make sure everything goes fine, like many other fairies are used. There is a letter to the parents at the beginning of the books with ideas, suggestions, etc. to survive that stressing moment. That said, it is a amusing book, with incredible good illustrations, and it might be used as a trigger to introduce potty training to beginners. I got the box set which comes with a beautiful stuffed Paulina doll to accompany while waiting for "something to happen".

Visit Paulina: www.poopoofairy.com

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

Max & Charlie

by Zack Lieberman

illustrated by Louis Neubert

age range: 10 years old and up

Exit Strategy New Media

Max and Charlie is a graphic novel for middle graders about the adventures of Charlie, a very imaginative boy, and Max, his unconditional beagle.

Max really is very creative and dreamy boy, with a impressive inner world, and he includes Max in all his adventures, for example exploring the universe aboard the SkyFhiter 3030, and saving an important crystal to deliver it to Earth.

One afternoon they are having a pleasant time at the park when Max sees a cat. Max chasing the cat, and Charlie chasing Max, they end both in NYC. Charlie doesn't know where his dog is, and his big adventure starts when he wanders around the city trying to find him. Charlie meets many people, and visit many places in an intriguing trip where is difficult to know what is reality and what is Charlie's rich imagination.

The art is beautiful, the use of colors wonderful, and the expressiveness of the characters amazing.

I think this is a very interesting options for kids and teenagers who enjoy graphic novels and dreamy plots.

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

The night the stars went out

text and illustrations by Suz Hughes

age range: 2 to 6 years old

Capstone Young Readers

Alien has the very important job of keeping the stars shiny. It's a full time job. He doesn't even have time to make friends or have fun. Despite all his efforts, one day the stars just went out. That was catastrophic! All he tried to fix it failed, so the Star HelpLine suggested to get some magic varnish at planet Earth. His arrival was a little troubled, since aliens float on Earth, but luckily he met a boy named George who happily helped him to make his way to the hard store and buy all the magic varnish they could carry. George also invited Alien to play with him, and they had a great time together. Alien couldn't believe how much fun was to have a friend! He felt so happy! And then he saw the night full of bright stars. He realized friendship was all the varnish he needed. It was time to came back to his planet, but George and Alien promised to be friends for ever, to grant a shiny, glowing, sparkling sky in the night.

Beautiful story about the importance of friendship to keep us healthy and bright. The text is simple enough to be read to toddlers too. I also loved the illustrations, colorful, smart, and sometimes crayon-like. As far as I know this is Hughes first book as author besides illustrator, and it's wonderful.

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

Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library

 by Julie Gassman

illustrated by Andy Elkerton

age range: 2 to 5 years old

This story provides an hilarious way to learn library manners. What does happen when you bring your dragon to the library? She knocks down the bookshelves, and takes to much space during story time. She also gets excited with a story and her flame starts to ignite!

But poor dragon really loves to read. What could we do? That's when the library card comes to the rescue!

The rhymed text is funny, and the pictures are bright and gorgeous. Although I've seen some other books similar to this, like I took my frog to the library and No T. Rex in the library, I think this is a topic that doesn't get worn out. Do not bring your dragon to the library will certainly be enjoyed by dragons and libraries lovers.

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

The adventures of Lettie Peppercorn

by Sam Gayton

art by Poly Bernatene

age range: 8 to 12 years old

Lettie Peppercorn is 12 years old, and is the landlady of the White Horse Inn. It would be more appropriate to be the landlord's daughter, but Lettie's Da spends his days gambling and drinking at the pub. Of course Da didn't use to be like that. He changed the day he lost hope in Ma coming back. Lettie's Ma was an alchemist. Not the boring kind of alchemist who turns steel into gold, but the type who turns stones into pigeons. Ten years ago Ma vanished leaving a note for Lettie behind. In the note she says she is leaving to save Lettie's life, and that Lettie mustn't put a foot outside the house since it might kill her. Ma also promised to come back. Meanwhile this is Lettie's life, bounded in her house, bearing insolent guests, and taking care of Da, with Periwinkle the pigeon and the wind as her only friends. Until the Snow Merchant arrives to the White Horse Inn on a cold, dark, winter night, carrying the secret to the most amazing invention in his mahogany suitcase.

The adventures of Lettie Peppercorn is a magical story with many condiments in it: alchemy, adventure, a great friendship, a strange but loving family, and a recipe for making snow. Lettie will travel a long way to have her family together again, an every single page of this trip is pure amusement. This is my second book by Gayton. I read Lilliput a few months ago and also enjoyed it. Gayton's books makes me feel like reading an old book with modern words. The type of fantasy he writes and the way he braids it is his distinctive trait.
Bernatene's illustrations are beautiful, and they bring to life all the Victorian atmosphere of the book.

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

The storybook knight

by Helen Docherty

illustrated by Thomas Docherty

age range: up to 6 years old.

"Leo was a gentle knight in thought and word and deed.While other knights liked fighting, Leo liked to sit and read". Here is the beginning of this beautiful picture book about Leo, who couldn't understand why knights must fight.

One day his parents send him to tame a scary dragon, armed with a shield and a sword. Leo loads lots of books too. In his way he crosses paths with a Griffin and a Troll, and both surrender to the storybooks smartly chosen by Leo, that have them as main characters.

Leo finally finds the Dragon, and he is fierce and enormous! It's true that Leo needs to read the dragons' storybook six times, but the Dragon not only quits fighting, he also helps to clean up all the mess he left in the town.

Such a cute story! The text in verse is totally enjoyable and the illustrations are absolutely lovely. Leo is the kind of character you fall in love with in the first page. What could be better than switch weapons for books? Surely a 5 stars!

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

Simon in the land of chalk drawings

Four stories that inspired the TV series

by Edward McLachlan

age range: 3 to 5 years old

Every time Simon draws something with his chalks, his creation ends in the Land of Chalk Drawings. Simon discovers this fantastic land one morning on his way to school, when one stick boy he had drawn asks him to cross to the other side of the fence where his own drawings need some help. Once Simon is on the other side, the black and white picture turns colorful, and full of animals, trees, flowers, kids, a train, the sun, and even Simon's teacher.

This is the pattern in the stories. Simon draws in his board, and then he is called to fix some kind of problem or situation he has created with his new drawing. Unfinished drawings want to be completed. The drawings are being drilled non stop by Simon's soldiers. A dinosaur is terrifying everyone. Or the drawings are curious about this new object in the land, that happens to be the rocket Simon drew the night before. Simon always fixes the problem using his chalk, and resume his way to school after having some fun in the Land of Chalk Drawings.

The drawings are cute and the stories are funny. I would recommend to read the stories as four different picture books, since the repetition of the pattern could weaken the effect. But I'm sure that reading them in different moments would make a entertaining reading.

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

Princesses don't wear glasses

by Jacqueline Waterhouse

illustrations by Gabi Carr

age range: 4 to 7 years old
Waterhouse Books

Eight years old Charlie-Marie has to wear glasses, but she doesn't want to. She understands she will see better with her glasses, and that her eyes would only get worse if she doesn't use them, but she can't stop thinking nobody at school wears glasses. And even worst, princesses don't wear glasses!

Then Charlie-Marie is visited by Jamey, a little fairy from the Land of Beauty, and a fantastic trip begins. Jamey leads Charlie-Marie to the Land of Beauty so she can discover Princesses do wear glasses. She specially asks Charlie-Marie to wear her glasses during their trip, so she doesn't miss any of all the incredible things out there. At the end of this adventure, Charlie-Marie meets Princess Spectacle, the most beautiful princess, with the most beautiful sparkling dress, wearing the most beautiful pair of glasses.

This story won't work for every girl, since it is addressed to girls who are interested in princesses. But if the girl you are thinking in reading this loves princesses and would like to be like one, then she probably would feel bad about having to wear glasses, because it's true, princesses in movies don't wear glasses. I think Charlie-Marie's fantastic adventure would be helpful to ease the experience of starting wearing glasses.

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

ETA: a new book in the series, this time addressed to superheroes' fans, it's being published soon: Superheroes don't wear glasses

Kittysaurus Rex

by Judge Kludge

Age range: middle grade.

Is there a greater dream for an aspiring paleontologist than find a new dinosaur?

Clara and Seke discover the fossils of an unknown dinosaur they called Kittisaurus Rex. But of course, nobody believes them, they are only 10 years old after all. The last chance they have to prove their theory is right seems to be to travel 145 millions of years ago and take a picture of Kittisaurus. But of course, dinosaurs' bones are safer than real, giant, fierce, alive ones!

Kittysaurus Rex is a funny story that counts with lots of action. Clara and Seke will have to not only face a real dinosaur, but also endure public disbelief, escape from an unscrupulous trillionaire, deal with ghosts, fight angry dogs, overcome a unconscionable brother, drive a travel machine/merry-go-round, and more.

The characters are adorable. You'll find names like Mr. Vulture, Dr. Hyberbole, Dr. Onomatopoeia, Mrs. Techty, and have an idea what to expect from them.

The end left me wanting to read more of this series. I'm glad to know Tri-pizza-tops, the second book in the series, is on its way!

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

The Gargoyle in the Dump

by John Bellaris

Short story.

Age range: middle grade

I wasn't familiar with Mr. Bellaris's work, and I enjoyed this short story very much. It tells the story of three brothers, Michael, David and Fonsy, who one summer find an old gargoyle in a nearby dump. The gargoyle happens to be magic, and starts talking to them. The kids decide to bring it home, where a few adventures take place. The most interesting part is when the gargoyle dreams about the things it has seen, and the kids are able to see the images of when the gargoyle was ripped out from the St. Denis Basilica in Paris during the French Revolution, at the same time that the bodies of many monarchs were removed from the crypt too.
Only a few pages but totally enjoyable.


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



    

Basilica of Saint Denis gargoyles. Images source.

Labyrinth Society: the Versailles Vendetta

by Angie Kelly

Age range: middle grade

When Mia Cornell is sent to her new foster home at the Tarpley Estate, with Mrs. T. and her other three foster daughters: Tomi, Lily and Devon, she never guessed the adventures that were waiting for her. Before she could figure out what's going on in this house, where evidently everybody is keeping a big secret from her, she finds herself traveling through a labyrinth to the Versailles Palace in the hunt for a necklace which had belonged to Marie Antoniette. And this is only the beginning of a great adventure and, hopefully, a great series.

This is a fantastic story for middle grade kids, full of action, some historical info, and funny characters. Although the girls are supposed to be 12 years old, I couldn't stop thinking about them as 14 or 15 years old. But this didn't disturb the story at all. The book proved to be a page turner, and I'd be interested in know where the labyrinth takes those girls next time!

I received this book from the author via Pump up your Book in exchange for an honest review.

Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs!

by Mike Lowery

Age range: 6 and up

As soon as you open this book you'll discover you are not just a simple reader. You are actually the new recruit to go on a space mission with Carl the duck. So go grab a pencil because you'll have some doddle to do here. You'll need to do some paperwork, like fill a form and sign the Terms and Conditions of this book. This is an important mission. You are headed to the K-82 planet, the slugs planet, in order to recover a jar with a secret content that was stolen by Sleezoog, the slimy ruler of the planet. You'll need to help Carl to solve many situations along the way, so don't put your pencil down!

The idea of this book is really creative. The story is totally interactive. There are many spaces along its pages where the recruit is asked to draw and write as a way to be part of the mission. 5 stars! Looking forward to being part of more doodle adventures in the future!

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

Sam and Dave dig a hole

by Mac Barnett

illustrated by Jon Klassen

Age range: 4 to 8 years old

On a beautiful Monday morning Sam and Dave decide to go on a mission, the mission of finding something spectacular. Then they dig, and dig, and dig. The reader can see that they are close to something spectacular, but then Sam and Dave decide to stop digging straight down, since it doesn't seem to be working. And when the reader can see something even more spectacular than before is going to be discovered, Sam and Dave decide to split up! And when the most spectacular thing of all is just one scoop away, the boys decide to change their digging direction again!

The story is really funny. It's difficult not to shout to the boys to continue just a little more! The illustrations are exactly what the story needs. And the end is kind of open, so I let you figure out your own theory about it. In any case this is not usual in a picture book, so extra points for the funny, good, and thought provoking discussions it brings!