Combing for Clues

Combing for Clues. (Hamster Holmes) Albin Sadar. Illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti. 2015. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hamster Holmes and his firefly friend, Dr. Watt, liked solving mysteries.

Premise/plot: A porcupine has lost his comb--his heirloom comb! He shares the details with our detectives and they take the case. Can young readers follow the clues as they are revealed before Holmes solves the case and explains all?

My thoughts: I like this fun new series. I love mysteries as an adult, I did not discover the genre as a child. If Hamster Holmes had been around perhaps I would have discovered my love much sooner! I love that all sorts of series are available for young readers.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

A Mystery Comes Knocking

A Mystery Comes Knocking (Hamster Holmes) Albin Sadar. 2015. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Hamster Holmes was a very smart detective.

Premise/plot: Hamster Holmes and his firefly sidekick Dr Watt solve mysteries together. In this one a squirrel can't figure out who is knocking at his door late at night. By the time he opens the door, no one is in sight. Can these two detectives solve the case?

My thoughts: I liked this one. I probably would have liked it more as a kid. (I loved hamsters. Owned a few over the years too.) It is nice to introduce a new series of early readers to children. Series are so very important developmentally.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Pig and Goose and the First Day of Spring

Pig & Goose and the First Day of Spring. Rebecca Bond. 2017. Charlesbridge. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was spring at last. Pig was in a good mood. "The sun is shining!" said Pig. "The sky is blue!" said Pig. "Goody gumdrops!" said Pig. "I am going to have a picnic by the pond."

Premise/plot: Pig & Goose and the First Day of Spring is an early chapter book. (It has three chapters: "A Spring Morning," "A Picnic Lunch," and "The Party.") The book focuses on the friendship of Pig and Goose. In chapter one, Pig--while on her way to a picnic--sees Goose returning. These two are very happy to see each other. Pig wants Goose to teach HER how to fly. That doesn't happen. But Goose does get invited to the picnic. In chapter two, Pig and Goose enjoy the picnic together. While Pig falls asleep and has a lovely dream, Goose enjoys a swim on the lake. At the end of the chapter, Goose is invited to Pig's house for a party later that night. In chapter three, Pig throws a GREAT party. Many friends--new and old--have come to celebrate. Pig and Goose make plans to see each other the next day.

My thoughts: I really like this one. Pig and Goose are fun characters. The illustrations are lovely.
© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

What This Story Needs Is a Munch and a Crunch

What This Story Needs Is a Munch and a Crunch. Emma J. Virjan. 2016. HarperCollins. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: What this story needs is a pig in a wig, baking bread, pouring punch, and meeting a friend for a picnic lunch.

Premise/plot: The Pig in a Wig is meeting her friends for a picnic lunch!

My thoughts: This one might be my favorite of the three I've read. The story is packed with fun. I would love to be there with them at the picnic! The book is just joyful!  

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Star Wars (Topps) Classic Sticker Book

Star Wars Topps Classic Sticker Book. 2017. Abrams. 76 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Love Star Wars? Grew up loving Star Wars? Love collecting anything and everything Star Wars? This sticker book may be a must for you. This book features reproductions of classic Topps Star Wars stickers--in their original size--originally produced from 1977-1983. As a bonus, it includes eighteen stickers for the "Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens" promotion. Is it just a sticker book? While stickers may be its main appeal, perhaps, it also features five double-sided pull-out posters. You may choose--if you like--to stick your stickers on these posters. Five sides of the posters feature a Topps Star Wars puzzle poster.

I would not describe myself as someone who loves, loves, loves, LOVES Star Wars. If you take out most of the loves, you'll find me loving *some* of the movies. But what I do appreciate about this one is the vintage-feel of it. I love seeing the stickers. They very much say LATE SEVENTIES. I think it's an interesting look at how the films were originally promoted.


© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews