American Royals

American Royals. (American Royals #1) Katharine McGee. 2019. Random House. 448 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You already know the story of the American Revolution, and the birth of the American monarchy. You might know it from the picture books you read as a child. From your elementary school performances--when you longed to play the role of King George I or Queen Martha, and instead were cast as a cherry tree.

Premise/plot: American Royals is a contemporary what-if novel. What if George Washington had become King instead of President? More important still for the sake of this plot, what if George and Martha had had children to continue their legacy, their reign? What if the contemporary royal children were young, beautiful, and dating? What if their lives were falling into place like a parody of a soap opera during ratings? I haven't decided if this one is leaning more towards being a TV series on the WB or if it's leaning more towards a Hallmark romance movie. (It does open in December and feature holiday parties--Christmas and New Year's Eve.)

Has there ever been a more poor, unfortunate, soul than the heir-to-the-crown, Beatrice?! Beatrice is on the verge of womanhood--in all its splendors--when she's "forced" to propose to an eligible, wealthy young man whom she barely knows....all the while lusting for her bodyguard who is oh-so-dreamy. (His name is Connor.)

Actual quote (well, actual quote from an ARC that may change before publication date...)

"Is America going to love me the way Connor does? Listen to my secrets and kiss me good morning and tell me my dreams are worth chasing? All I've ever done for America is give and give and give and still America wants more! When will it ever be enough?"

Don't let Samantha hear you (the reader) pitying, Beatrice!!! Sam's the poor, unfortunate soul!!! She really is. Her sister could PICK ANY OF LIKE SIX, YOU KNOW, ELIGIBLE GUYS to court, or whatever, and Beatrice had to go and pick the ONE GUY FROM THE LIST that Samantha had made out with in the coat closet!!! (and in the hot tub!!!) (His name is Teddy.)

Perhaps if someone deserves a "Bless his heart!" it's Jeffrey, Samantha's twin brother. Simply because he hasn't an observant brain cell in his body. But he does have two women fighting over him. Daphne and Nina. Nina met Samantha and Jeff when she was six. Technically, she's probably known and loved him the longest--even if it hasn't always been like-like or love-love. Nina is sincere and spirited. She's not afraid to tell Sam or Jeff the truth as she sees it. She grounds them in a way that no one else does. Daphne is--on paper--the absolute, perfect dream girl a Prince could have. But Daphne does not have a genuine bone in her body...Perhaps you're thinking WELL, MAYBE JEFF IS ONLY STUPID WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN....well, what about Ethan?!?! Ethan has been his best friend since kindergarten...but Ethan surely has an agenda of his own....

My thoughts: It was silly. It was ridiculous. All hopes of it actually being a serious attempt at a what-if novel soon died. But would anyone actually ever in a hundred million years take seriously a what-if novel that supposes an American monarchy? (Assuming one that accounted for the fact that the actual George Washington did not have any offspring?) It strains credibility, doesn't it, that the actual George Washington would say YES to the throne. Would say YES to establishing a monarchy in America? So the further removed from reality the book takes us--the better, right? Probably.

But I was curious to see how well I could predict how all the characters get from point A to point B before the end of the novel....I think you could do just as well if you give it your time. (But should you?!?! Should I have?!?!)

This one is super-silly and incredibly predictable. But sometimes the writing can put a smile on your face. It reminds me of a creative writing assignment I had in high school to write a soap opera script.



© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

World at War: Mistress of the Ritz

Mistress of the Ritz. Melanie Benjamin. 2019. Random House. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence:  Blanche is dead.

Premise/plot: This historical novel is based on true people/events. It stars a husband and wife, Claude and Blanche Auzello, living in Paris, France, during the second world war. The novel actually includes flashbacks for earlier--1920s and 30s. Blanche arrived in Paris as an American tourist. She wanted to be a big, film star and an Egyptian prince, J'Ali,  promised her the moon and the stars--essentially. Claude was a hotel manager/director who promised to show her the town--and kept his promise. He wanted to "save" her from the empty promises of one man who wasn't worthy of her. He married her. Cue the happily ever after, right?!?! WRONG.

Much of the first two decades of their marriage is fast-forwarded. Readers really only follow their story from 1940 to 1945. There are plenty of hints that the marriage is more unhappy than happy. The drama and suspense of this one center around their activities during the war. They are living in occupied Paris. Claude has been director of the Ritz for quite a while now, the Nazi occupation has not changed that at least. During the war, the Ritz plays host to the Nazis first and foremost. But does that mean that Claude and Blanche have accepted the Nazis and welcomed them fully?

The drama and suspense of this one center on the couple's individual participation in the French resistance. The husband does not trust his wife with his secrets. The wife does not trust her husband with her secrets. They view each other essentially as enemies.

My thoughts: I have very mixed feelings on this one. On the one hand, I loved the French setting. I've read quite a few books this year about the French resistance--not all have been set in the city of Paris. I love the time period; I do. Reading books--fiction or nonfiction--about the war is something that I actively pursue. (Hence WORLD AT WAR every Wednesday). Books based on true events/people are unique in that the author can give voice to their stories but ultimately not change the fate of her characters. I'd like to hope that Melanie Benjamin would change the ending if she could. I hope.

On the other hand, I do have major issues with the marketing of this one as a "love story for the ages." Would a true love story for the ages star a man who is a cheater?! The excuse he gives and readers are perhaps asked to accept is "I'm French. I can't help it. Other women mean nothing. I married you. Don't nag me about my mistresses. I'll always be honest with you and let you know which nights I plan to spend with them." Throughout the novel, it's "I'm French; I'm French; I'm French. If only you were French too, all our problems would poof--vanish. You just don't understand me."

S
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But my REAL issue is that this "love story for the ages" ends in a murder-suicide. How can a book SELL THE IDEA of murder as ROMANTIC AND LOVING AND KIND AND PASSIONATE?!?!?! I do understand that that is the REAL story of a REAL couple. I'm not trying to change the facts, the story. But it is ABSOLUTELY NOT A LOVE STORY FOR THE AGES if the husband decides to kill his wife and then take his own life. The end of this one is not romantic, not loving, not a sign of passion....it is HORRIFIC.

So if the description of this one was actually honest, I might not have such mixed feelings about it. 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

One-Third Nerd

One-Third Nerd. Gennifer Choldenko. 2019. Random House. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Fifth grade is not for amateurs. You have to watch yourself. Kids notice stuff. What books you read. What sports you follow. What devices you own. And how nerdy you are.

Premise/plot: Liam stars in Gennifer Choldenko's newest middle grade novel. Liam has two sisters--both younger--Dakota and Izzy. Dakota especially is a handful and a half. She is one hundred percent nerd. She loves, loves, loves science and experimenting. Izzy has 47 chromosomes and has some learning difficulties. His parents are divorced but everything is mostly amicable. The big drama in this one is about the family dog, Cupcake. The landlord is threatening to kick the family out of their apartment if they don't get rid of their dog. Can these three siblings find a way to save the dog?

My thoughts: I love, loved, loved this one. Choldenko is such a great writer. Her characterization is excellent. I loved spending time with Liam at school and at home. I loved his two friends, Dodge and Moses. It was just a TREAT to read from cover to cover. 

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

World at War: How I Became A Spy

How I Became A Spy. Deborah Hopkinson. 2019. Random House. 272 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I wasn't thinking about becoming a spy that night. I was just trying to be brave, do a good job, and stay out of trouble. It wasn't going well.

Premise/plot: Bertie Bradshaw stars in this World War II adventure. It begins during an air raid. Bertie and his dog, L.R. "Little Roo," are doing their duty--their volunteer service. He sees a girl drop something--what turns out to be a journal--and later sees a woman collapsed on the sidewalk. He goes for help, but by the time he returns the woman is gone. It is only later when he begins to read the journal that he realizes what he's stumbled upon. The journal belongs to a spy. Half of the journal is written in cypher. From what he can tell, the spy is convinced that someone is passing along information to the Nazis! Can Bertie and his friends solve the mystery and warn the British government in time?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. I liked Bertie, Little Roo, Eleanor, and David. (David is one of the Jewish children sent to Britain early on in the war--circa 1938? Eleanor is the American girl who accidentally dropped the journal in the first place. Little Roo is a brave dog that won my heart early on in the novel. I was so THANKFUL that this was not a sad dog book.

The ending felt a bit rushed and slightly unfinished. I still don't know WHO the double agent was or HOW they discovered his identity. The author just jumps forward to the end where the children are meeting with the higher-ups and all is well.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Polar Bear Wish

The Polar Bear Wish. Lori Evert. Photographs by Per Breiehagen. 2018. Random House. 48 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Long, long ago, so high in the mountains and close to the stars that on clear nights you didn't need a lantern, lived an adventurous girl named Anja.

Premise/plot: A girl makes a Christmas wish. Did her wish come true? Or did she have a fantastical dream?

My thoughts: This is the fourth book in the Wish series. This is the first that I've read. Perhaps if I had a previous attachment with Anja or Erik--the (human) stars of this one--then I might have appreciated it more. I thought it was odd. Perhaps surreal is the better word choice. I think some readers will enjoy it very much. This reader didn't really "get it." But picture books are incredibly subjective.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations/photographs: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Al Capone Throws Me A Curve

Al Capone Throws Me A Curve. (Al Capone at Alcatraz #4) Gennifer Choldenko. 2018. Random House. 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Even when you live on a prison island with crafty criminals plotting ways to knock you off, summer is the best time of the year.

Premise/plot: Al Capone Throws Me a Curve is the fourth book in Gennifer Choldenko's series. The first three are  Al Capone Does My Shirts, Al Capone Shines My Shoes and Al Capone Does My Homework.

Moose Flanagan has worries--worries big and small. He's worried about having to "babysit" the warden's daughter, Piper. She's back for the summer, and, if you've read the series you know she is TROUBLE. Whether Piper ever means to get into trouble is up for debate. But Piper and Moose have history. (If you remember, Piper got into BIG, BIG trouble in the last book for circulating counterfeit money.) He's worried about not getting on a baseball team. Scout really wants to play with the older kids--high schoolers, I think?--and he's wanting MOOSE to help him--help them--get on the team. How?! Using his prison connections to celebrity criminals like Al Capone. Moose loves, loves, loves baseball. He does. But he really doesn't like how Scout is always pressuring him about one thing or another. Nothing ever seems enough for Scout. (If Moose didn't live on Alcatraz, would Scout want to be his friend?) Moose is still worried--at times--about his father. After all, it hasn't been all that long since an attempt was made on his life. Will his father be promoted to warden? What will it mean if he is?

But first and foremost Moose is worried about his sister, Natalie. She's turning SEVENTEEN. Their mom may have given up the pretense of her turning ten every year, but, she's far from at peace with Natalie's real age. How does Natalie fit in the real world? How does she fit into their family? How does she fit into their life on the island?

My thoughts: These books are so good. I'm so glad I decided to reread the whole series in preparation for this new one. I came into the book ATTACHED to the characters. For better or worse, reading all the books so close together makes them weightier somehow. I feel like I've been living in Moose's shoes and carrying his burdens.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Property of the Rebel Librarian

Property of the Rebel Librarian. Allison Varnes. 2018. Random House. 256 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You're going to read a lot about me and the things I've done. Most of it's true. I can't help that, not that I'd want to. I would do the exact same thing all over again if I had the chance.

Premise/plot: June Harper loves, loves, loves to read, but when her parents catch her reading her latest check out from the school library, The Makings of a Witch, her worst nightmare begins. What is her worst nightmare? It's not that she's grounded, though that does happen a lot in this one. No, it's the fact that her parents strip her room of every single book, and not satisfied with that proceed to strip the school library of every single book as well.
June Harper a book glutton finds herself cut off from every source. But that won't stay the case. She discovers a free little library on her walk to school. She takes books...and shares them with other students. Thus becoming the REBEL LIBRARIAN.

My thoughts: I think a perfect ending for Property of the Rebel Librarian would have been her sitting with her parents at breakfast and saying I HAD THE CRAZIEST DREAM LAST NIGHT AND YOU BOTH WERE IN IT! IT WAS THE WEIRDEST THING. ALL BOOKS BECAME BANNED OVERNIGHT AND READING BECAME A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. IT WAS SO SCARY AND I COULDN'T FORCE MYSELF TO WAKE UP! THE WORST PART OF THE DREAM IS WHEN YOU RIPPED OUT PAGES FROM MY BOOKS.

It had all the makings of a great TWILIGHT ZONE episode. It was an eery alternate reality.

Unfortunately, that's not the ending. June Harper's reality is supposed to be believable to readers. It wasn't. Not even slightly. Her parents weren't just following their own convictions and practicing their parental rights. They were EVIL. And they were good at it--surprisingly good at it. Somehow convincing the principal, the school board, the PTA, the rest of the staff, and a good percentage of the student body that BOOKS WERE BAD and that the LIBRARY needed to be closed indefinitely because it was SUPER-DANGEROUS. No one apparently argued against June's parents. They were powerfully persuasive it seems! The whole community was united in a goal to make sure that their kids never opened a book unless it was a textbook.

A more thoughtful, more complex approach to the topic would have been a welcome read. Do people find books offensive at times? Yes. From all walks of life. Liberals. Conservatives. Atheists. Christians. Every shade of person in between. Though it may be tempting to paint one stereotype of a "book banner" lunatic, it wouldn't be fair or realistic. There is also a HUGE difference in my opinion between a book being assigned reading within a classroom AND a book being available--on the shelf--in the school library. On the one hand, every student would have to read a book, and on the other hand any book read would be completely voluntary. Some books circulate a lot. Some books not at all.

June's parents are generically opposed to books; if there's an inner motivation behind their objection readers remain clueless. They seek the removal of EVERY SINGLE BOOK in the school library so that the books can be evaluated for content. No profanity, no drugs, no violence, no rock/rap music, no witchcraft, no drinking, no smoking, no rebellion of any kind. The list is generic but incomplete. Did you notice what isn't included? Sex or sexuality. It seems odd that these two would have a vendetta against rock or rap music but be okay with the other. And they're not consistently strict. They care what June READS but not what she watches on TV.

The book also fails to be believable in another way. There seems to be no standards, guidelines, rules and procedures in place to deal with conflict and challenges. I'd be surprised at a library not having a collection development policy. And the school and school board should have clear, written-down procedures in place for what happens when a parent--or concerned citizen--objects to a book either a) in the school library in general b) in the classroom as an assigned reading. It is plausible that a parent could object to ONE book being in the library collection and have it successfully removed. At least temporarily removed until the conflict can be resolved and the book reevaluated. But the idea that a parent could have every single library book removed from the library altogether and have the books boxed up and shipped out is beyond ridiculous.

A book written that thoughtfully reflects a child's struggle in a difficult position would have been a great addition. A child who loves, loves, loves to read and welcomes words like she does oxygen. A child who loves her parents BUT doesn't understand their rules. There is no genuine struggle for June. Her parents are presented as that extremely evil. You might as well hang a sign over their front door saying ABANDON ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE.



© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Vincent Can't Sleep

Vincent Can't Sleep. Barb Rosenstock. Illustrated by Mary Grandpre. 2017. Random House. 40 pages. [Source: Nonfiction]

First sentence: Vincent can't sleep....so while the sturdy Dutch village of Zundert slumbers, he lies rocking in his wooden cradle, flame-haired, a constellation of freckles sprinkling his cheeks.

Premise/plot: Vincent Can't Sleep is a picture book biography of artist Vincent Van Gogh. It is not a straightforward biography but brief narrative sketches that give readers insight into his life and work. Many--if not all--of the sketches begin with the phrase, "Vincent can't sleep...."

My thoughts: I read a biography of Vincent Van Gogh last year and found it fascinating. It was for young adults/adults. This picture book biography remains true to who he was but is age-appropriate. The narrative is great.

Vincent can't sleep...and won't stop painting! He's found his light! After scattered lessons from proper artists, he takes off, canvas and paints strapped to his back. Flashing brushstrokes capture country cottages at dusk, city cafes at midnight, canvas after canvas like radiant chapters in a book only Vincent can read. He discovers that darkness is not plain black--galaxies of color float on the night air.

I would recommend this one.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10


© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Door in the Alley (The Explorers)

The Door in the Alley. Adrienne Kress. 2017. Random House. 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: This story begins, like most stories do, with a pig wearing a teeny hat. And I'm sure right now you're thinking to yourself, I've read this story before. But please let me assure you that this isn't that pig in a teeny hat story you're reading, but the other one. The one you haven't read. Yet. Unless you've read this story before.

Premise/plot: Sebastian is NOT looking for adventure...or excitement. And he's especially not looking for DANGER and INTRIGUE. He likes things just-so; he has a precise way of living. Everything in his world belongs in a perfectly-perfect logical way. But he stumbles into an adventure, and that stumbling begins--you guessed it--with a pig wearing a teeny hat. There are other things that coax him into a BIG, DANGEROUS adventure. Including a girl named Evie.

Evie is not looking exactly for ADVENTURE. But she is tired of her incredibly boring and predictable existence. It wouldn't be so bad if she felt loved, wanted, accepted. But since her parents death, she's had no one. She lives at a boarding school, I believe. And she's not friends with the other boarders or the other students. Her teachers have tried coaxing her out of self-pity and into a friendship with her peers. But, alas, Evie sees no way out of her despair. But when her oh-so-ordinary weekly dinner ends in a FIRE and men chasing her... well...she finds herself in the middle of a huge adventure. Sebastian joins her on this adventure. She talks him into it. He is still most reluctant.

This is an action-packed adventure story with DRAMA and DANGER. It does end in a cliff hanger.

My thoughts: I liked it. I probably will read the second book in the series. Sebastian and Evie are pleasant to spend time with. And the Explorers Club sounds intriguing.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street. Jeanne Birdsall. 2008. 308 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence from the prologue: Their mother had been here in the hospital with the new baby for almost a week.

First sentence from chapter one: Four years and four months later.

Premise/plot: The Penderwicks are back home from summer vacation. School has started again. And life is settling down. Or is it?! Aunt Claire comes with presents and a surprise. The surprise? A letter to Mr. Penderwick from his dead wife; she is pleading with him to start dating again, to love again, to be happy. Aunt Claire is insistent that he goes on FOUR dates. After four dates, she'll leave him again in peace. The Penderwick sisters come up with a Save-Daddy plan: a plan that sets him up with four horrible women so that their dad can get the dating over and done with. What the Penderwick sisters don't count on is the next door neighbor. She's a widow with a young son--a baby named Ben. She's a professor too.

Speaking of next door neighbors....can Rosalind and the boy next door be falling in love?

What will be the consequences when Jane and Skye do each other's homework assignments?

Will Hound make a new friend?

My thoughts: I enjoyed the first book in the series. But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this second book. I love that Mr. Penderwick starts dating Marianne Dashwood. I love spending time with all four sisters. I don't know that I have a favorite. Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty. They are just WONDERFUL girls to spend time with. 

One of my favorite scenes is when Batty stows away on her father's "date" with Marianne.

"Daddy, it's me!"
"What a lovely surprise," he said, not at all angry, or much surprised, either.
"Hound is here, too, on the floor." She threw aside his blanket, too.
"Of course he is, for whither you go, there he usually is, too. Let's go get some pizza."
...
"How did you know I was in your car?"
"There was no other logical reason for a large mound of blankets to appear in the backseat."
Batty was disappointed. Her hiding skills were not as great as she'd hoped. (197)

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Wonder

Wonder. R. J. Palacio. 2012. Random House. 320 pages.

First sentence: I know I'm not an ordinary ten-year-old kid. I mean, sure, I do ordinary things. I eat ice cream. I ride my bike. I play ball. I have an Xbox. Stuff like that makes me ordinary. I guess. And I feel ordinary. Inside. But I know ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. I know ordinary kids don't get stared at wherever they go. If I found a magic lamp and I could have one wish, I would wish that I had a normal face that no one ever noticed at all. I would wish that I could walk down the street without people seeing me and then doing that look-away thing. Here's what I think: the only reason I'm not ordinary is that no one else sees me that way.

Premise/plot: Wonder has many narrators but one central focus: August Pullman. Auggie is a wonder-ful kid but is he ordinary or extraordinary? Does looking different from everyone else make you abnormal and less human?

The book opens with August about to begin fifth grade at a new school. He's been home-schooled previously. Both for practical--medical--reasons and for personal--more emotional--reasons. But. The time has come. He is as ready as he'll ever be to enter the 'real' world and face the best and worst of human nature.

Before the school year begins, he meets the middle school principal, Mr. Tushman, and three of his future classmates: Julian, Jack Will, and Charlotte. But Auggie's first friend isn't a "buddy" assigned from the principal. It is a girl named Summer who joins him at the lunch table that first difficult day of school.

Via, August's older sister, has her own terrible first day of school. She's lost her best friend, Miranda, to an edgy "popular" crowd. Both Via and Auggie struggle to find that just-right "belonging" place in the wild and crazy jungle of school. Her story, in a small way, goes to show that looking normal, being pretty, isn't a guarantee of a problem-free life.

In fact, if the book has a message, it is that every single person struggles and faces challenges.

My thoughts: It is surprising that I'm just now rereading Wonder considering how much I loved, loved, loved it. Looking back, I see I reviewed it one month after its release. (Perhaps that was the best time of all to read it. Before the hype. Before the movie. I'm speaking generally.)

I loved the story, the writing, the characterization, the happy ending. What I didn't quite love was the not-so-happy ending for the dog. Don't get attached.

Favorite quotes:

When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind. (48)

"Why do I have to be so ugly, Mommy?" I whispered.
"No, baby, you're not..."
"I know I am."
She kissed me all over my face. She kissed my eyes that came down too far. She kissed my cheeks that looked punched in. She kissed my tortoise mouth. She said soft words that I know were meant to help me, but words can't change my face. (60)

August is the Sun. Me and Mom and Dad are planets orbiting the Sun. The rest of our family and friends are asteroids and comets floating around the planets orbiting the Sun. The only celestial body that doesn't orbit August the Sun is Daisy the dog, and that's only because to her little doggy eyes, August's face doesn't look very different from any other human's face. (82)

"Dad, I loved that helmet! It meant a lot to me! I was bummed beyond belief when it got lost--don't you remember?"
"Of course, I remember, Auggie," he said softly. "Ohh, Auggie, don't be mad. I'm sorry. I just couldn't stand seeing you wear that thing on your head anymore, you know? I didn't think it was good for you." He was trying to look me in the eye, but I wouldn't look at him. "Come on, Auggie, please try to understand," he continued, putting his hand under my chin and tilting my face toward him. "You were wearing that helmet all the time. And the real, real, real, real truth is: I missed seeing your face, Auggie. I know you don't always love it, but you have to understand...I love it. I love this face of yours, Auggie, completely and passionately. And it kind of broke my heart that you were always covering it up." (291)

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Night Out

Night Out. Daniel Miyares. 2018. Random House. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: All alone. An invitation? A decision.

Premise/plot: A lonely boarding school student has a once-in-a-lifetime adventure leading to a fantastical story to relate to his classmates the next morning.

My thoughts: How many times should you have to read a picture book to know if you liked it? I know two times wasn't enough to persuade me to like-like it. But I did like it more the second time than the first.

The text is sparse to say the least. One is really "reading" the illustrations. The pictures do a good job of conveying the themes of this story: loneliness and a longing to belong. One of the first spreads shows the boy eating dinner all alone. This isolation continues through the evening. But by the next morning, things have started to shift--a new day with new opportunities has dawned for the boy. The difference? An adventure that only a dreamer could have.

I wanted to like this one more than I did. I should like a book where the ADVENTURE ends up in a tea party. But it is such an odd gathering. I had trouble suspending my disbelief if I'm honest.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Cat Who Came In Off The Roof

The Cat Who Came In Off the Roof. Annie M G Schmidt. Translated by David Colmer. 1970/2015. Random House. 160 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Tibble! Where's Tibble? Has anyone seen Tibble? The boss wants to talk to him. Where's he got to? Tibble!"

Premise/plot: Don't mistake Tibble for a cat; he's a very human reporter for a newspaper. If he can keep his job that is. Tibble's news stories don't qualify as "news" according to his boss. But his reporting takes a turn for the better after he befriends a young woman, Miss Minou. He first sees her up a tree. Up a tree?! Yes, she'd been chased there by a mad dog. And that isn't the only odd thing about Minou. She also likes to climb in and out of windows, hang out with cats on the roof, and sleep curled up in a box. The premise of this one: Minou used to be a cat; now she's a human. She can still communicate with cats--hence why Tibble is suddenly good at his job. All the cats in town are talking to Minou about their humans, what they see and hear.

My thoughts: The Cat Who Came In Off the Roof is newly translated into English; it was originally published in Dutch in 1970. This is an odd little fantasy for children. But overall I liked it.

Tibbles meets Minou when she "came in off the roof" and into his window. If Minou were still a cat, it wouldn't be odd that he takes in a stray. He keeps her because she's super useful to him. Not that knowing her is without risk: Minou doesn't make a good impression on most people. For one thing, she rubs herself against people--literally. Tibbles keeps trying to train her to be more human and less cattish.

I think this would make a lovely cartoon special. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Boy Called Christmas

Boy Called Christmas. Matt Haig. Illustrated by Chris Mould. 2015/2016. Random House. 240 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas.

Premise/plot: "Can you believe there was a time when no one in the world knew about him? A time when he was just an ordinary boy called Nikolas, living in the middle of nowhere, or the middle of Finland, doing nothing with magic except believing in it? A boy who knew very little about the world except the taste of mushroom soup, the feel of a cold north wind, and the stories he was told. And who only had a doll made out of a turnip to play with. But life was going to change for Nikolas, in ways he could never have imagined. Things were going to happen to him. Good things. Bad things. But if you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this book is full of impossible things."

I normally never share so long a quote. But this excerpt from the first chapter captures not only what the book is about, but also the spirit or style of it. And if that quote doesn't draw you in, then this probably isn't the book for you. Nothing I could add would change your mind.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I found it fun and charming. Nikolas was just your average poor boy UNTIL his father decides to leave him to go off on an adventure looking for ELVES. Nikolas was left to the care of his aunt. And this aunt is AWFUL. Eventually, he decides to run away and go on a quest to find his father. That adventure--full of misadventures--will prove to be his making.
 
This is a fun holiday-themed coming-of-age fantasy.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Snow & Rose

Snow & Rose. Emily Winfield Martin. 2017. Random House. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Once, there were two sisters.

Premise/plot: Snow & Rose is a re-imagining of the fairy tale Snow White and Rose Red; it is written and illustrated by Emily Winfield Martin. These two sisters had a great life before their father disappeared mysteriously in the woods, before the family had to move from their big estate to a tiny cottage near those same woods, before their mother became consumed with grief and sorrow. Will life be great again? Can Snow & Rose find a will and a way to be happy again?

My thoughts: If I'd read the original fairy tale, it was years and years ago. I did not remember it. I'm not sure if that's for better or worse! I found Snow & Rose to be a compelling, magical read. I was drawn into this one by both the characterization and the illustrations. It's just a beautiful book to hold in your hands. It makes for a great reading experience. The suspense in the book was great. If I had known the original story, perhaps that might have been lessened? Regardless, I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics. (Mr. Lemoncello's Library #2) Chris Grabenstein. 2016. Random House. 288 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Just about every kid in America wished they could be Kyle Keeley.

Premise/plot: Love books? Don't mind gimmicks? Pick up a copy of Chris Grabenstein's Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics.

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics is a premise-driven novel with little to no character development. The plot consists solely of gimmicks--or games. In the first book, four kids got the chance to win spots in commercials for Mr. Lemoncello's games. In the second book, there's a nation-wide rematch. Kids from all over the United States are given the chance to compete in a week-long "Olympic" event at Lemoncello's amazing library in Ohio. The twelve games allow for a lot of name dropping--book titles, author names, plot descriptions. But mostly silly, over-the-top, fantastic gimmicks. Will Kyle, Akimi, Sierra, and Miguell win again? Or will they meet their match in Marjory Muldauer?

My thoughts: I am not one for gimmicks. I am one for reading books. I am one for libraries. But can a book's sole strength come from name-dropping books and authors and still be a good book? Isn't a little character development ever needed? The plot comes solely from the kids--all devoid of characterization essentially--playing games and solving puzzles. That being said, it was a quick, easy read. It didn't require a bit of thought. I don't regret the time I spent reading it. 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Monkey: Not Ready for the Baby

Monkey: Not Ready for the Baby. Marc Brown. 2016. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Monkey is having a rough day, and then it gets worse. "We're having a baby!" "Our family is growing!" "You'll be a big brother just like me!"

Premise/plot: Monkey is not excited about being a big brother. He does not want a baby at his house. Will he change his mind after the baby comes?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. The story was a bit predictable, but it was also easy to relate to. The ending was sweet. I am glad that he gets a little sister!!!

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Dr. Seuss: The Great Doodler

Dr. Seuss: The Great Doodler. Kate Klimo. Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. 2016. Random House. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It is a beautiful day in La Jolla, California. A writer and artist is at work in his studio. A telephone rings. A reporter is calling with big news. The writer has won a big award for his books. It is the Pulitzer Prize. The writer is Ted Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss.

Premise/plot: This step into reading (level 3) title is a biography of Dr. Seuss. It is beautifully illustrated. There is a lot of text per page, but it is written in an engaging style for the most part.

My thoughts: I thought this shared plenty of details with young readers. For example, did you know his inspiration for And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was the droning rhythm of a ship's engine? Did you know that 27 publishers rejected the manuscript?

Other aspects of his life were presented simply. For example his drawings during World War II. In the book, they are presented without question and simply. We were at war or nearly so. He created cartoon drawings and films along with others in Hollywood to "poke fun" of the Germans and Japanese. Some might call it patriotic work, others might call it propaganda.

Today especially out of context, one could say that his work during the war years was racist, offensive, inappropriate. One could conclude that Seuss was a terrible person because at one point in his life he drew these cartoons. How could a man who proclaimed a person is a person no matter how small depict the Japanese the way he did? This book doesn't go there.

The book covers some books, but not all books. Yes to the Lorax and The Butter Battle. You might be surprised that Green Eggs and Ham is not mentioned.

But a couple of things really surprised me. 1) The author makes a BIG mistake. She says he only wrote 44 books. Seriously?! He wrote around sixty books! I should know because I made a yearlong project of reading him chronologically a few years ago. There were plenty of weeks I covered two or three books! 2) She doesn't mention that he wrote under three different names. Why?! How could you write about Dr. Seuss and not mention Theo LeSieg?! I can understand not knowing about Rosetta Stone--the other pseudonym--but the other? Why not include this? It should be common enough knowledge! And if it isn't, it should be! How could you pull together enough research to write the book and not know these two basics?! Did she think it wasn't interesting?

Two of the titles written by LeSieg include Ten Apples Up on Top and I Wish That I Had Duck Feet. The Rosetta Stone title is Because A Little Bug Went Ka-Choo.
© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

A Cat Named Swan

A Cat Named Swan. Holly Hobbie. 2017. Random House. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Then he was alone. Where was his mother? What had happened to his brothers and sisters? They were gone. The streets were a place of constant danger. Yet day by day, he found enough food to eat. Day by day, he managed to elude the threats that surrounded him. He survived. One morning, though, he did not escape the peril that came down on him.

Premise/plot: A kitten from the streets is taken to a shelter and then adopted by a loving family.

After many days had passed, he learned that the house was his house, the yard was his yard. He learned that the people were his people and he was theirs. He belonged to them and they belonged to him.

My thoughts: A Cat Named Swan is a sweet picture book about a family adopting a cat. It is a story of belonging and family. The text is just as adorable as the illustrations. I love, love, love the illustrations. My favorite illustration was the last one. Swan all nestled up in a bowl.

Text: 4.5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4.5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

That's Me Loving You

That's Me Loving You. Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Illustrated by Teagan White. 2016. [December] 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Wherever you are, wherever you go, Always remember and always know...That shimmering star? That's me winking at you. That drifting cloud? That's me thinking of you. That inviting ocean? That's me waving at you.

Premise/plot: This book is openly and unashamedly sentimental. But don't discount it because it's about LOVE. A parent loving their child fiercely. Picture books about love are everywhere. That's true enough. But this one has its quirky humor too: "That persistent mosquito? That's me bugging you."

My thoughts: I picked this one up at the library a day or two after Rosenthal died of ovarian cancer. I think reading the book in light of this fact makes it poignant and ultimately beautiful. Yes, every parent loves their child and wants to comfort their child. Yes, this book could be read by parents to children struggling with separation anxiety. But it could have a much deeper meaning, a life-long meaning, as well. This book was dedicated--is dedicated--to her three children. And it's a wonderful goodbye-and-hello.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews