Children's Book Week Review of The Rising by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Harper
Series: Darkness Rising #3
Format Read: hardcover
Source: My local library
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads: *May contain spoilers for earlier books*


 

Things are getting desperate for Maya and her friends. Hunted by the powerful St. Clouds and now a rival Cabal as well, they're quickly running out of places to hide. And with the whole world thinking they died in a helicopter crash, it's not like they can just go to the authorities for help.

All they have is the name and number of someone who might be able to give them a few answers. Answers to why they're so valuable, and why their supernatural powers are getting more and more out of control.

But Maya is unprepared for the truths that await her. And now, like it or not, she'll have to face down some demons from her past if she ever hopes to move on with her life. Because Maya can't keep running forever.

Old secrets are revealed and unexpected characters make a surprising return in this stunning conclusion to Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Darkness Rising trilogy. 

Bea's Thoughts:   *May contain spoilers for earlier books*



 
With this book, I feel as if the Otherworld books really are at an end. WAAH! I know that Kelley may do more novellas but I don't believe there are any full length books planned and while this book wraps up most of the loose ends in this series and the related YA series, Darkest Powers, the ending is also open-ended enough to leave the possibility of future stories. Please, Kelley, please? PLEASE! The ending is not too open-ended, there's a resolution, and it's a Happy For Now, not a definitive Happy Ending.

I should probably back up and start over. "The Rising" starts right after the end of the second book. Maya, Corey and Daniel are free; Hayley, Rafe, Annie, Sam and Nicole have been captured by a Cabal. Maya, Corey and Daniel are trying to rescue their friends, reunite with their families and avoid the Cabals. Things don't go according to plan. In fact they make mistakes, some poor decisions, and at one point I was ready to smack Maya for being so stubborn and single-minded and for her poor choices. I got frustrated with some of the bad decisions she and the others made in the first half of the book but I reminded myself that they were after all teenagers and their lives prior to these events had been pretty cushy. They may have been book smart but they weren't street smart. Fortunately they hook up with another teen, Ash, who is street smart and is disgusted with some of their decisions. With his appearance, the action, and tension, really picks up. Later, the kids meet up with the kids and adults from Project Genesis from the Darkest Powers trilogy. I really enjoyed seeing their interactions and their opinions of each other. Seeing Maya change over the books and become aware of her tendency to be judgmental and becoming a little less so was also wonderful. The relationships between Maya, Daniel, Corey, Rafe and Ash were beautifully, realistically done and added to the story, gave it depth. The ending, as I said, is a Happy For Now, with a door left open for more stories in the future for any or all of the characters in the two YA series. I wasn't sure how Kelley was going to pull off any sort of happy ending but she did it and while it's not perfect, Maya and the others had to accept compromises, it's a good ending for them and for us the readers. 

Armstrong gives us emotional twists, some angst, some romance, betrayal, unexpected allies, plot twists and one hell of an absorbing story. I stayed up until 3:30AM finishing the book and it was worth every minute. If you haven't started this series, go buy them now.

Children's Book Week Review of The Man Who Dreamed of Elk-Dogs & Other Stories from the Tipi by Paul Goble

Publisher: Wisdom Tales
Format Read: I started with an Egalley and then switched to print
Source: I received an egalley from the publisher & I won a hardcover on goodreads, both in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: June 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads:

In this beautifully illustrated book by award-winning author Paul Goble, readers can discover the fascinating story of how horses first appeared to the tribes of the American Plains. In his final collection of stories from the tipi, Goble features a collection of 23 traditional stories from the Blackfoot, Lakota, Assiniboin, Pawnee, and Cheyenne nations. This book features a foreword by Lauren Candy Waukau-Villagomez, an educator and author of works on the oral traditions and storytelling of the North American tribes.

Bea's Thoughts:

The artwork in this book is gorgeous, with vibrant colors done in a semi-primitive folk style. I can see young children looking at the pictures and making up their own stories. The stories themselves are more suited for older children, say elementary school age, or for curious adults. Goble admits that they are pared down versions of oral traditions and some of them are quite short or end abruptly. The vocabulary is occasionally more adult than you might expect in a book marketed for children, but I don't have a problem with that; in my opinion it's better than talking down to children and encourages them to ask more questions. If the majority of the vocabulary were over their heads, then that would be frustrating. Some of the topics, such as attempted murder, are a bit much for children. I should point out that the author states in his Author's Note that he chose only stories that he felt "fit comfortably with today's thinking, avoiding stories which involve revenge or killing,...the stories are abbreviated; oral tellings would have been much longer." He apparently forgot about the story where wives try to kill their husband.

Goble assigns each story to a Native American tribe but freely admits that such designations are often arbitrary and that tribes hundreds or thousands of miles apart had similar stories. I found some of the stories to be dry; some, as I mentioned, were rather abrupt; and others were engrossing. The stories themselves are a mix of parables, morality plays and creation stories. Each story has a forward, afterward or even both, to give some context to the story for modern readers and the back of the book has a bibliography for readers interested in doing more research. "The Man Who Dreamed of Elk-Dogs and Other Stories from the Tipi" is a good primer for Native American Folklore. It's a rich and complex tradition and the stories, I am certain, only scratch the surface.

Children's Book Week Review of The Ugly Duckling and the Turtle by Sharlene Alexander

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Format Read: Kindle Book
Source: I own it.
Release Date: June 19, 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon Sorry, it's only available at Amazon

Blurb from Amazon:

This is a fun modern twist on the classic story, "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Anderson. Find out how a little turtle saves the day when the ducklings wander off to the beach. This story ends with a great message about family and being yourself.

-Illustrated with bright color pictures
-A fun story to read over and over again.

Bea's Thoughts:

The title of this book is slightly misleading as the turtle IS the ugly duckling. I understand the author was playing on the Hans Christian Andersen story but the author could have come up with something else. That quibble aside, "The Ugly Duckling and The Turtle" is a cute, if predictable story with good illustrations. There are nice little details such as furrowed brows on the faces of the ducklings when they are nervous or scared and the colors are not too bright. On my kindle touch, which isn't color, some of the details get lost but I also read it using my laptop's kindle app which is in color and that made a world of difference.

The story, as I said, is predictable but it's sweet and cute and the message of acceptance is a good one to learn at a young age. Happily, for me anyway, the message is not shoved down our throats but is a little more subtle. Young readers will enjoy the story and the pictures.

Children's Book Week Review of Zoophabets ABC Book: Animal Alphabet A-Z by Rob Mabry & Michael Golez

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Author: Rob Mabry
Illustrator: Michael Golez
Format Read: Kindle Book
Source: I own it.
Release Date: September 2, 2012
Buying Link: Amazon It doesn't appear to be available elsewhere.

Blurb from Amazon:

Can an alligator ride on an airplane? Do zebras zoom on zip lines? They do in the magical world of the Zoophabets. Take your child on an alliterative adventure through the alphabet with this charming, colorful ABC book for kids.

There's an adorable Zoophabet character for every letter of the alphabet from Allen the Alligator to Zed the Zebra. Your kids will love the delightful animals that inhabit the world of the Zoophabets.

Teach your child their ABCs with this wonderfully illustrated alphabet book that's best appreciated on a device that displays in color. Babies and toddlers will love having this read to them, learning letters, animals and objects on every page.

Preschool age kids will enjoy the alliterative sentences and cute characters as they read about vultures with violins and beavers riding bicycles.

Bea's Thoughts:

The illustrations in this book are cute and not overly detailed. Each picture nicely illustrates the letter being depicted and the authors use both lower and uppercase versions of each letter. They also use a simple, clean font which makes the letters easy to see and read and use that same font for the text. There's an animal for each letter and a sentence involving the animal and at least two other words that start with the letter. So for H, we have "Henry the Horse is hiding in the hay" and the picture illustrates the sentence. A few of the words used in the book are probably not found in most children's vocabulary which is a great way to stretch their vocabulary.

Overall, it's a cute book that does a good job of introducing the alphabet and new words.

Children's Book Week Review of The Five Mouse Brothers by Rachel Yu

Publisher: Createspace
Format Read: Kindle book
Source: I own it.
Release Date: July 16, 2011
Buying Link:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble

Blurb from goodreads:

Five mouse brothers live happily in Bok Tong Goh Village. But then…

One brother, falsely accused of thievery, must face the “Wheel of Doom.” What will they do to rescue him from his fate? Fortunately, an ingenious plan with the help of their family secret may just save the day. Join the mouse brothers on this fun and entertaining adventure, adapted from a classic Chinese folktale.

Bea's Thoughts:

Although the book doesn't specify which folktale it was adapted from, I believe "The Seven Brothers" was the inspiration. In this story, which is generously illustrated, one of the brothers is falsely accused of theft and sentenced to die. But the brothers are not normal mice and they each have a supernatural ability. The brothers use trickery and their abilities to ensure that the accused brother doesn't die. The story has a twist at the end that appears to set up for another book. I couldn't completely appreciate the pictures as my kindle touch is black and white but the style is cute and younger readers will enjoy simply looking at them. "The Five Mouse Brothers" is a cute story that can be appreciated as is, as an introduction to folklore or a jumping off point to study Chinese culture.

Children's Book Week Review of Loki's Wolves by K.L Armstrong and M.A. Marr

Publisher: Little, Brown
Series: The Blackwell Pages #1
Format: Hardcover
Source: I own it.
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Buying Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble  The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads:

In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarok, that only the gods can stop. When this apocalypse happens, the gods must battle the monsters--wolves the size of the sun, serpents that span the seabeds, all bent on destroying the world.

The gods died a long time ago.

Matt Thorsen knows every Norse myth, saga, and god as if it was family history--because it is family history. Most people in the modern-day town of Blackwell, South Dakota, in fact, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt's classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke.

However, knowing the legends and completely believing them are two different things. When the rune readers reveal that Ragnarok is coming and kids--led by Matt--will stand in for the gods in the final battle, he can hardly believe it. Matt, Laurie, and Fen's lives will never be the same as they race to put together an unstoppable team to prevent the end of the world.

Bea's Thoughts:

Well, it's no secret I'm a Kelley fan. I've read just about everything she has ever published, regardless of genre. I haven't read anything by Melissa Marr but Kelley's name was enough to grab me; add in Norse mythology and I was sold. But...middle grade? I don't read it very often and much of it makes me want to gouge my eyes out. But, it's Kelley and it's mythology and it's a mythology that hasn't been done to death already. So, I ordered my copy.

The authors didn't let me down. Armstrong and Marr wrote a fantastic adventure story full of heartbreak, betrayal, growing up, and learning to trust; trust yourself, trust your instincts, trust each other. The main kids, Matt, Laurie and Fen feel real but aren't obnoxious and the others they pick up along the way, Baldwin, twins Ray and Reyna, and Astrid, are also realistic. It's a struggle for everyone to learn to trust each other and to work together. Matt naturally steps into the role of leader but it's a role he struggles with as he lacks confidence in his ability to lead and to stop Ragnarok and of course he makes mistakes along the way.

If you're not up on Norse mythology, or if like me it's been years since you read any, don't worry, the authors weave it naturally into the story. If you find it piques your interest, try out Kevin Hearne's adult urban fantasy series, the Iron Druid Chronicles where he mixes Norse, Celtic and other mythologies.

The story is not all angst; there's lots of action as Matt, Laurie and Fen leave home to find their remaining companions, encounter adults who don't understand, trolls who want treasure, etc. They not only have to find their other companions but acquire certain objects and pass a test before they can actually stop Ragnarok. There's only two books left and still a lot of ground to cover. Will they be successful? Will Matt and the others save the world? Will they survive the process? Will I survive waiting a year for the next book? "Loki's Wolves" is a wonderful, engrossing tale smartly moves Norse mythology into the modern world. Go get a copy now!

Children's Book Week Review of Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book: fotos, facts, and fun!

Publisher: Stephanie Lisa Tara
Format Read: PDF and finished softcover
Source: The author in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: April 11, 2013
Buying Links:  Amazon  Barnes & Noble  The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads:

Dear Turtle Activists,

I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and love to our cause! I have written this book FOR YOU! I dedicate this book TO YOU! 120 pages of fotos, facts and fun!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book has a primary goal: SAVING SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION. A portion of proceeds from this book go to charitable organizations like the Turtle Foundation (www.turtle-foundation.org) of whom my first turtle book, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON—is a proud sponsor.

If you are new to us—please join with us, for together, holding hands, we can effect change. Yes—really! xoxo. SAVE GREEN SEA TURTLES on Facebook (www.facebook.com/.../Save-Green-Sea-T...) is our hugely popular hang-out—tens of thousands of Activists-strong. Please join us!

NOW—prepare for something totally new and amazing!

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is not your typical scientific turtle book: my special book is all about having FUN! Enjoy the mini FLIP-BOOK in the corners and create a movie of your own! Click the ebook pages—or thumb through manually in the paperback—YOUR CHOICE!

I've written these chapters in a fun, chatty voice—you know, the one YOU use when talking up your favorite topics! Don't be surprised if you find yourself giggling as you turn pages! Enjoy breathtaking photography, incredible facts, and way-out wow'ing surprises that these millennium-old creatures have to share.

AND: TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE! Yep! Stephanie Lisa Tara's Turtle Book is my second turtle book—it's a perfect TWIN to my first international bestseller, I'LL FOLLOW THE MOON: buy BOTH TOGETHER for your shelf. Two little twins; one a fable, one fotos, facts & fun.

So, in closing...please accept this deeply personal gift from me, your faithful sea turtle leader, the turtle-lady, or Stephanie Lisa Turtle - as I was renamed recently by a fan—from my heart to yours.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE TO SAVE SEA TURTLES FROM EXTINCTION!

Bea's Thoughts:

Last month I reviewed Tara's fiction book, "I'll Follow the Moon", about a newborn sea turtle who hatches, and goes to the ocean in search of his mother. It has been a best seller for Tara and may be the book she's best known for. Tara also believes strongly in conservation so she undertook to create a non-fiction book about sea turtles for children. While "I'll Follow The Moon" is aimed at toddlers and preschoolers this book is more for school-age children.

Tara educates and entertains her readers in this generously illustrated book. There are photographs on almost every page. The photos illustrate the different varieties of sea turtles, their habits, their risks and the people who help them. Tara gives background on each species of sea turtle, discusses what challenges they face, what people are doing to help, and what the readers can do to help. Tara offers many suggestions for action, from the simple such as turning off lights when not in use to more complicated actions such as volunteering with a rescue organization or becoming a politician or scientist. Her tone is chatty, sometimes too much so, but it's friendly and conversational. At times it veered on patronizing but I think most children will enjoy her style.

The book is available in both ebook and print versions and the text contains links that ebook readers can click for more information. I would have liked an index at the book of all the links and sites referenced for the print readers and even the ebook readers. She does have a bibliography of suggested reading, as well as a list of practical suggestions on how to help and a glossary. At the bottom of each page in the corner are little pictures that when you flip the pages quickly give you a little story in motion. The artwork and the photographs are lovely and add to the book.

The Turtle Book is well-researched, easy to read and logically laid out for both easy reading and quickly looking something up. I recommend it to anyone with an interest in turtles or conservation. I donated my print review copy to my school's library.

It's Children's Book Week! Win A Book in the Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop.

That gorgeous poster was designed by Brian Selznick, Caldecott winner, 2012 Children's Choice Book Awards Illustrator of the Year, and creator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck. He created it for Children's Book Week, the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Each year events are held throughout the US in libraries, bookstores, and schools, or anywhere young children and books can come together. The idea is to celebrate books for young readers and the joy of reading.

If you're reading this blog, you already know about the joy of reading. Maybe you can help share it. See if there are events in your area: Official Events  Local Events  Talk to your local school, library or bookstore and see if they would be willing to set up an event and then offer to help. See that beautiful poster above? It's available for FREE. Go here to read how to get it. There's also a free bookmark that you can download here. Are there any children in your life? Give them a book, one you loved as a child or one you think they will love; maybe give them a gift card to a bookstore, take them to the library, help them get a library card if they don't have one, read a book with them. Share the love of reading and encourage literacy.

I'll be reviewing one children's book a day every day during Children's Book Week. Some I own, some belong to the school where I teach, and some I received for review. I'll start and end the week reviewing books by Stephanie Lisa Tara; she donated several books to my school a few months ago and I'll likely pass on these review copies to my school.

Share the book love!

I'm sharing the book love by taking part in the Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop hosted by KidLitFrenzy, Mymcbooks & I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

It is a hop so be sure to look at the linky at the end of the post and visit the other blogs to see what books they are giving away. Enter my giveaway using the rafflecopter widget below. Please read my Giveaway Policy. This giveaway is international; if Amazon ships to your country, you are eligible to enter.

The Prize:  

Any of the books shown below; click on the image to go to the book's goodreads page. You can choose print or kindle from Amazon. Please make sure that Amazon kindle, if you want that format, is available in your country.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Childrens Book Week

This week is apparently Childrens Book Week. Somehow, I did not know this until yesterday afternoon, reading my email and tweets. So, I've moved around some reviews and this week, I will post reviews of childrens books. The first one will be up later today.

Some info: Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast! Fore more information, please go to http://www.bookweekonline.com 

How, how, how did I not know about this before? I teach preschool, I read, I blog. *shakes head*  Oh well. Next year I'll be more on top of it.