Book Review: All Hail the Queen ( Anna and Elsa 1)-Erica David

 

Are you a fan of Frozen? ( Who isn't!)

For those in love with the Frozen trend ( or waiting for the mini-sequel, Frozen Fever, coming in March or the many Frozen attractions coming to the Disney Parks), there is now a chapter book series following the sisters Anna and Elsa. The first book, All Hail the Queen, is all about the sisters getting to know each other now that the castle gates have opened and Elsa has learned to control her powers. But ruling a kingdom and being a good sister... not the easiest thing.

This is a cute, quick read for Frozen fans. I especially love the adventure of Olaf and the sisters helping with the ice cutters ( and Olaf bonding with his ice cube "cousins".) More books  are planned to be released ( and we'll probably be ordering them for the fans who can't " Let it Go")

All Hail the Queen (Anna and Elsa 1) by Erica David
Age Range: 6-9
**** ( 4 stars)

Looking for more Frozen books? We currently have 13 books in the library system, including-

• An Amazing Snowman by Barbara Hicks
• Anna's Best Friends by Christy Webster
• Big Snowman, Little Snowman by Tish Rabe
• Olaf's 1-2-3 ( Board book by RH Disney)
• Memory and Magic (Anna and Elsa 2) by Erica David

Book Review: All The Lovely Bad Ones-Mary Downing Hahn

 

Travis and Corey love making trouble. So when they stay at their Grandma's inn and learn of it's history of ghost sightings, they decide to "haunt" the place. While it brings in business and thrills the guests, it also brings real ghosts. Can the two troublemakers restore peace to the inn and let the ghosts rest?

I'm not really in horror stories, but this book provides a good, old- fashioned spookiness, perfect for fall and Halloween nights.



All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn
Lexile: 670
***** ( 5 stars)
 Here is a fanmade book trailer. Enjoy!

For  those that prefer old-fashioned ghost stories, Hahn is a good author to read. She writes books for children and teens ( and in other genres besides ghost stories, check out her official website). Here are some of her books:

• Wait Till Helen Comes- Molly and Michael dislike their new stepsister but realize they must save her when befriends an evil ghost child.
• Closed for the Season-Two boys set out to solve a murder at an abandoned amusement park.
• Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls- Told from many perspectives (and based on an actual case), tells the story of two girls murdered in 1956.
• Look for Me by Moonlight- While visiting her father and stepmother at a  bed-and-breakfast inn in Maine, a young girl befriends a handsome but mysterious stranger. ( Note- Available in the teen fiction)
• Where I Belong-  A young boy with no friends and is constantly bullied befriends a magical spirit of the forest. (Note- This one is coming soon, and the library is ordering it) 

Book Review: Curse of Maleficent: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty-Elizabeth Rudnick ( Plus Bonus Review!!!)

 

Most of us probably know the tale of Sleeping Beauty, where a young princess is cursed to an endless sleep by pricking the needle of a spinning wheel. But what if there was more to the story?

In Curse of Maleficent: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty, readers will learn how a horned fairy Maleficent was betrayed by love and cursed Princess Aurora to a dark spell on her sixteenth birthday. But as the years pass ( and the princess hides in exile and  cared  by three useless pixies), Maleficent watches over her and eventually befriends her. Can the curse be broken and peace be restore to the human and fairy kingdoms?

Based on the new Disney movie starring Angeline Jolie ( see bonus review toward the end), Curse presents a different side of the famed Disney villain from the points of view of three different characters(love the last half of the book from Aurora's point of view. However, it at times feels like Maleficent is pushed to the side. Rudnick also wrote a Maleficent book for teens and adults that is darker but much better. Don't know if the library will be getting this book or not, but is available at most book stores). The illustrations are well done and very graphic novel-like, giving the reader an idea of  what to expect in the movie. A great read for those that love fairy tales and Disney movies.


Curse of Maleficent: The Tale of Sleeping Beauty by Elizabeth Rudnick
Age Range: 9-11
*** 1/2 ( 3 and a half stars)

Here is a fan-made trailer featuring the illustrations from the book ( warning: many spoilers featured!!)

 Bonus Review!! 

So I went to see Maleficent  a few weeks ago and it is AWESOME!! Jolie is wickedly fun as the famed Disney villain ( with a killer wardrobe!!) The scenery is very beautiful and enchanting as the photography by Annie Leibovitz , and the effects are amazing ( but might be  bit scary and intense for  children under 7 , especially toward the climax featuring a dragon!!) A must see, can't wait to get to see again on DVD!! ( I also saw that Disney Channel's upcoming TV-movie for 2015 is about the children of Disney heroes and villains, and will feature Broadway's Kirsten Chenoweth as Maleficent.)

Book Review- The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root- Christoper Pennell

 

In an small town called Whistle Root, there lives an orphan girl named Carly Bean Bitters. Carly is a bit of night owl and spends the midnight hour drinking hot tea and reading books til the sun rises, when she can sleep. One night, she finds a squash on her roof...

And that's all I going to tell you about this odd but charming and magical book featuring musical rats, a boy named Green who lives in a cabin under the school, and a monstrous creature know as the  Griddlebeast. There's also wonderful black and white illustrations that add charm and mystery to this very gentle  dream-like read.




The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root-Christopher Pennell
Age Range: 9-12
Lexile: 790
**** ( 4 stars)

For information on Pennell, visit his website.

Want more books featuring talking rats ( or mice)? Here are a few recommendations:

• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brian
• Loamhedge by Brian Jacques
•  The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
• Redwall by Brian Jacques
• Walter: Story of a Rat by Barbara Wersba

Book Review: Snow in Summer: Fairest of Them All-Jane Yolen

 

Once upon a time in the Appalachian Mountains, there lived a raven-hair girl named Snow-in-Summer. Loved by all, life seem wonderful till her mom and baby brother died.  Her father then remarries, but to a woman of dark magic and... snakes.

Yolen does a somewhat okay job retelling the tale of Snow White. It is very vivid and dark( too dark at times), full of rich and interesting characters ( especially the villainous Stepmama and Summer's kind nurse Cousin Nancy). Unfortunately, the actual retelling of the  fairy tale does not happen till the last half of the book (and it's a bit rushed.) The happy ending , however, is very surprising and did make up for the flaws.



Snow in Summer: Fairest of Them All by Jane Yolen
Age Range: 10-14
Lexile:840
*** (3 stars)

Looking for more books featuring a different take on fairy tales? Here are some recommendations:

Fairest of  All by Sarah Mlynowski
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen
Snoring Beauty by Bruce Hale
The Storybook of Legends by Shannon Hale

Book Review: Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Solider- Ying Chang Compestine and Vinson Compentine

 

13-yr old Ming lives with his father, an archeologist, in a small  communist Chinese village during the '70s. One day, while his father is away, some local farmers bring pieces of a terra-cotta solider to his home. The soldier magically comes to life, and tells Ming of China's past, from Emperor Qin and the Great Wall to how the terra-cotta soldiers came to exist.

To be honest, this is not a normal read for me. However, it moves pretty fast and kept my interest, reminding me of Goonies or any action/ fanasty movie from the '70s or '80s. Compenstine and her son, Vinson, also do a great job in providing information about China during the Qin dynasty and Maoist. They also provide a lot of photos, Chinese words ( and a glossary), plus a recipe for stir-fry noodles. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an adventure read or wanting to learn about Chinese history.

Secrets of the Terra-Cotta Soldier by Ying Chang Compestine and Vinson Compestine
Age Range: 9-11
**** ( 4 stars)

Book Review: The Enchantress Returns( Land of Stories 2)-Chris Colfer

 

Last year, Chris Colfer of the TV show Glee added "author" to his resume with the publication of his first book, The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, in which two children enter a world where fairy tales come to life. Named as one of " Best Books of 2012" by Barnes and Nobles (and a number one best seller on the children's chapter book list of the New York Times), the adventures continue in The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns.


I loved Wishing Spell ( so much that I used for a program) and have been waiting for the sequel. And the wait was definitely worth it. Once again, Colfer creates a magical world that at times reinvents the fairy tales or stays true to the fairy tales (with wonderful illustrations from Brandon Dorman featured at the start of each chapter). Many characters from Wishing Spell return, but with bigger roles to play in the story. Froggy, Queen Red, Golilocks, and Jack ( of the beanstalk) team up with the twins on a greatest villain quest to save their mother and the fairy tale world. We also get a lot of new characters, like  a ghost called the Lady of the East,  Mother Goose,  Rumplestikin, and Emzia, an dark and evil enchantress who plots to take over the fairy tale world ... and beyond.

For those that love fairy tales or loved the first Land of Stories, it's a good read. It is a bit heavier and darker in plot ( especially the final half of the story, which is amazing) and the ending is bittersweet. I'll probably buy  myself a copy and reread it  a couple of times for a possible  program in the future. And I really hope we haven't seen the last of Alex and Conner or Land of Stories.

The Enchantress Returns ( Land of Stories 2) by Chris Colfer
Age Range: 8-12
Lexile: 730
**** 1/2 ( 4 and half stars)


For more information on The Land of Stories, visit the official website.

Book Review: Starring Jules ( as Herself) ( Starring Jules # 1)-Beth Ain

 

Meet Jules Bloom. She loves making up songs, creating lists and having lots of pizzazz. While showing her little brother how to make a fizzy ice cream shake ( which is milk with ice water and bubbles!!), a talent scout sees her and invites to audition for a commercial.  Jules is excited... until she learns the mouthwash is orange-flavored ( which she hates because of a past incident with an orange-flavored ice cream.) Not wanting to ruin her starring moment, Jules seeks help family and friends, including new girl Elinor and ex-best friend Charlotte.

This is very cute, quick read. Yes, she shares similar qualities to other girl series ( Junie B, Judy Moody, etc), but   unique and spunky in her own way. I especially love all the lists she makes  and how she talks to her parents ( she raises her hand and calls them " Mrs." or " Mr.".) The illustrations are cute and so is the ending (which is a bit of a surprise). I'm looking to the next book,  Starring Jules ( in Drama-rama).

Starring Jules ( as Herself) (Starring Jules # 1) by Beth Ain
Age Level: 7-10
Lexile: 760
***** ( 5 stars)

Book Review: Who Could That Be at this Hour? ( All The Wrong Questions 1)- Lemony Snicket ( aka Daniel Handler)

There was a town, there was a girl, and there was a theft.

And so begins Who Could That At This Hour?, the first of four books in Lemony Snicket ( real name Daniel Handler)'s new series All the Wrong Questions ( or ATWQ).  Meant to be a prequel series to A Series of Unfortunate Events ( ASOUE), the first book introduces to a twelve and a half year-old Snicket, who is recruited by a mysterious detective agency to serve as an apprentice to S. Theodora Markson. The two go a town called Stain’d-by-the-Sea (  which ironically has no sea anymore, having been drained a long time ago)  and are hired by Mrs Murphy Sallis to find a black and creepy statue known as the Bombinating Beast. But young Lemony learns that is a mystery of many clues and no solutions.

I am bombinating ( which means buzzing) with happiness. I loved everything, even the beastie ( which we are making Bombinating Beast bookmarks in our upcoming creepy the funny book program next Thursday at 4 pm) and am so looking forward to the rest of the series. ( Book two comes out later this year, the other two to be announced.) It is a hilarous and mysterious read full of interesting characters, such as Moxie Mallahan, the budding journalist who wants to know the full story, and Pip and Squeak, two little kids who are subbing for their dad's taxi job ( one is stting on books to reach the steering wheel, the other is down below operating the brakes.) I love Dashiell Qwerty, the strange  but helpful sub-librarian ( the town cannot afford a full-time librarian). There's also the usual Snicketism of defining large words youngters may not understand and reference-dropping to literature and whatnot that encourages one to look up what it is.( Example: The last name of the sub-librarian is a reference to the top left row of the keyboard. Raise your hand if you are looking at your computer keyboard right now to see if I am correct.) I also love that the blue, grey,and white illustrations of  artist Seth, are appropriate and add to the retro-ness of the mystery.

I do have one small complaint about how it ends. I'm not really a fan of cliffhangers ( and it's kind of a eh end), and Snicket leaves a lot of questions unaswered. But I'm going to forgive him because this is the first book and obviously not everything is going to be answered in the first book. Still, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the rest of the books will be good, and perhaps not only answer the questions of Hour but also finally  answered questions left unanswered seven years ago from ASOUE. ( I'm betting the beastie, who everyone is also saying may/ maynot be the Great Unknown, ends up in ... the suguar bowl. But I could... be wrong.)

Who Could That Be at this Hour? ( All The Wrong Questions 1)- Lemony Snicket ( aka Daniel Handler)
Ages:9-11
Lexile: 850
**** 1/2 ( 4 and a half stars)



 

Book Review-Return to the Willows-Jacqueline Kelly

 

So 104 years ago, Scottish author Kenneth Grahame wrote The Wind in the Willows. Set on the riverbanks in an English countryside, it told a tale about a rat and a mole, a gruff but wise badger, and  a kind but spoiled toad obsessed with motor cars. It has been loved by young and old, and has had many adaptations ( including a ride that ran  from 1971-1998 at Walt Disney World, still available at Disneyland).

This year, author Jacqueline Kelly and illustrator Clint Young revisit the land of J. Thaddeus Toad and friends in Return to the Willows. Still  set in the turn of the century , the story starts with Rat and Mole enjoying an afternoon boat outing and talking about Toad's latest obsession, hot-air balloons. Later on in the story,Rat falls in love with a female rat named Matilda, Toad plays with some fireworks that leads to turning into an egghead (and a job at an university), all leading  daring rescue involving birthday cake and weasels and stoats ( short-haired weasels).


I loved this book. Kelly does a great job of  introducing Grahame's characters,plus  a few new ones, to a new generation. Along the way, she provides little footnotes that describe words not familiar to American readers and commentary to the story ( my favorite is on the first page, telling the reader if they have not read Wind in the Willows to put the book down and ask a librarian for the original tale or come along but do not complain if they are lost.) Young's illustrations are wondrous and rich as something you would see in an animated film. ( By the way, Young has a neat book coming soon called Toast, about a little pig. You can preview it on his blog ).

Return to Willows is worth a read, for young and old, for new and familiar fans of Toad and friends.

Return to the Willows by Jacqueline Kelly
Age Range: 9-12
Lexile: 890
***** ( 5 stars)

Twice upon a review- Fairest of All and The Wishing Spell

For most of my book reviews, I just look at one book. But since the last two books I read are similar in plot ( siblings magically entering the world of fairy tales) and age range ( 7 and up), I decided look at them in one review.


First the summary of the two books:
Fairest of All ( Whatever After, Book 1) - Sarah Mlynowski- Once upon a time, life was normal for Abby and her younger brother, Jonah. That is, until Jonah finds a magic mirror in the basement, which hisses and glows... and sends them to Snow White's cottage. There, they accidentally save her from eating the poisoned apple. Hooray..oops. Now it's up to Abby and Jonah to help Snow find her happy ending ( plus a way home.)


The Wishing Spell ( Land of Stories 1)-Chris Colfer- Once upon a time, twins Alex and Conner receive a treasured book of fairy tales for their birthday. But this is no ordinary book,  because it sends them to a  land where fairy tales come to life. The only way to get home is collecting magical items, like Cinderella's glass slipper,  to perform the Wishing Spell.

My opinion: Both are great reads ( and great first books  to exciting new series.) I'm also a fan of all things dealing with the fairy tale world, particularly the ABC show Once Upon a Time and The 10th Kingdom ( an underrated but really long  NBC miniseries of the 90s.)

I've enjoyed Mlynowski's past books for teens and women, so I knew I would enjoy her first book for middle schoolers ( plus the cover was cute!!) Fairest is a fun, sassy ( and very quick) take on Snow White. I really enjoyed the dwarfs ( three of which are girls) and Jonah, who provides most of the comic relief. Even the ending is cute. It is a bit girly in tone ( most of Mlynowski's stuff is), but boys might like it. I'm actually planning to use this for my Cool Kids program this week, and can't wait to read If the Shoe Fits, the second book in the series coming in January.

Wishing Spell is a great debut for Colfer ( best known from the  Fox show  Glee) despite a few flaws. He writes with a lot of vivid detail that one wishes they could  go to this land of fairies, princesses, and trolls. There's a lot of heart and humor in the journey, and a great blend of reinvention and staying true to the fairy tales. There are even cool illustrations at the beginning of each chapter ( and a very cool map of all the lands in the story.) It does tend to drag a bit at times (plus sometimes gets a bit heavy with the plot, not something one would not expect to find in the first book of a series.) Still, it is a very worthwhile read ( and so is the audiobook, which shows that Colfer may a future as a  voice actor.) I'm considering using Wishing Spell for a future program, and can't wait to see more in the series. ( I did see online that Colfer does have another book coming in November, Struck by Lightening, but it is for older readers and based off a screenplay of a movie he wrote and stars in.)

Fairest of All  (Whatever After)-Sarah Mylnowski
Age Range: 7-12
Lexile: 500
***** ( 5 stars)

Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell- Chris Colfer
Age Range: 8-12
**** 1/2 ( 4 and a half stars)

By the way, both have cool websites-
Whatever After-http://www.scholastic.com/whateverafter/

Land of Stories-http://thelandofstoriesbook.com/index.html

Review-Glory Be- Augusta Scattergood

 

In the town of Hanging Moss, Mississippi,  young Gloriana ( "Glory") June Hemphill is looking forward to the summer of '64 by spending time at the  public swimming pool, especially for her birthday. The community then closes  the pool for " repairs",  but Glory soon learns that there is a greater issue behind it's closure. Along the way (and with support from family and friends), Glory learns to find her voice and to stand up for what is right.

This is a very great  coming- of -age, Southern read for all ages. Similar to To Kill a Mockingbird and The Help, it does a great job of introducing the issues of racial tension and  civil rights of the 60s', and the message that anyone can make a difference, no matter who they are . A future classic.

For information on the author, check out her website.


Glory Be- Augusta Scattergood
Age Range: 9 and up   Lexile: 680***** ( 5 stars)

Review-Tracing Stars-Erin E. Moulton

 

Indie Lee Chickory is not as cool as her big sister Bebe. Sure,  she is an expert at making fish faces, but she is viewed as  Fish Freak.  And accidentally bringing her pet lobster to school on the last day doesn't help either,  especially when it leads to her losing him and causing her sister embarrassment. So she wishes on a star to help her find her lobster and be friends with her sister again. Soon, it leads to a summer job working backstage at a community production and becoming friends with a  nerdy boy named Owen, who helps on her quest to "be a better Indie."

This is great coming of age book for middle school readers, full of quirky characters and fun adventures. Similar to Beezus and Ramona, it is a perfect read for the beginning ( or end) of summer.

Tracing Stars by Erin E Moulton
Age Range- 9-12
***** ( 5 stars)

Review-Calli Be Gold-Michele W. Hurwitz

 

Calli Gold is the youngest child in a family of over-achievers. Her older siblings are involved in sports, whereas she has tried everything, from tennis to origami, to fit the family's motto, " Be Gold!", but fails every time. But when paired with a new kid named Noah for the school's peer program, she soon learns that even being ordinary has much to offer.

This is a very good read for middle schoolers, particularly with a very likable  character. I also like that it teaches an important message that  being true to one's self is an achievement in  itself.

Calli Be Gold by Michele W. Hurwitz
Age Range: 8-12
Lexile: 700
***** ( 5 stars)

By the way, the author has her own website. She can be found at www.micheleweberhurwitz.com

Review-The Great Cake Mystery- Alexander McCall Smith

 

When Precious dreamed about becoming a detective, she never dreamed it would happen right way. But it does at school, when a piece of cake and other sweets disappear. Soon classmates are accusing a rotund boy, and it's up to Precious to find the real culprit.

This is  a quick and easy read ( especially for those who are starting to read mysteries), filled with wonderful characters and simple, African-inspired illustrations from Iain McIntosh ( including illustrated pronunciation letters of hard to say names.) What also adds to the story's plot is the author's musings on human nature ( which might be a bit much for  some younger readers, but adds a personal tone). The plot itself does a wonderful job of teaching an important lesson not to judge others without proof. As readers get older, they may also want to follow Precious as an adult in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series ( currently 13 books).

The Great Cake Mystery (Precious Ramotswe's First Cases)-Alexander McCall Smith
Age Range-9 and up
***** ( 5 stars)

Review- House of Dolls-Francesca Lia Block

 

In a little house with lace curtains in every window and a lawn of real moss, three dolls, Wildflower, Rockstar, and Miss Selene live a warm and cozy life of fancy dresses and play-dough cakes. But their owner, a lonely rich girl named Madison Blackberry, is jealous. So one day, she takes the dresses away and send Wildflower's and Rockstar's boyfriends off to "war" ( which is a dark shoebox). What will the three dolls do? Will life ever be good again?


Filled with beautiful black and white illustrations, young girls will love this short and  magical modern-day fairy tale of dolls and friendship.

House of Dolls-Francesca Lia Block
Age Range: 8-12
Lexile: 1080
***** ( 5 stars)

Review- Dread Locks- Neal Shusterman

 

Fifteen year-old Parker Baer is bored with his  perfect life. But the day he finds new girl Tara sleeping in his bed, his life  is turn upside down. New in town, she's a beautiful girl with blond dread locks, lives in a house filled with statues and never takes off her sun glasses. She and Parker becomes friends, but then strange things begin to happen to  his classmates. Can Parker uncover the truth before it's too late?


There are lots of twists and turns in the story that keep the reader interested until the very surprising ending. The author also does a great job of blending the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears with Medusa of Greek mythology.

Dread Locks-Neal Shusterman
Age Range: 12 and up
Lexile: 710
**** ( 4 stars)

The Underneath by Kathi Applet

 

This book is a blending of three stories into one. It is a story about the friendship between a bloodhound named Ranger and calico cat who is about to have kittens. It is a story about Gar-Face, Ranger's cruel owner. It is also a story about Grandmother Moccasin who has lain dormant in a glass jar for a thousand years. The Underneath is a leisurely-paced summer read.



Grade Level: 5-7
Lexile Level: 830
****(4 stars)

Review - The Smoky Corridor by Chris Grabenstein

 

If you haven't read The Crossroads or The Hanging Hill by Chris Grabenstein, then you haven't met Zach Jennings. Here is the perfect opportunity to meet this sixth grade ghost seer hero. Zach is starting sixth grade at a new school. Unfortunately, his new school comes with come interesting characters - of the ghostly kind. The Smoky Corridor is an action adventure, mystery, thriller, funny ghost story with zombies.

The Smoky Corridor by Chris Grabenstein
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Lexile Level: 690
*****(5 stars)

Review - Elliot and the Goblin War by Jennifer Nielson

Goblins, Brownies and an eight-year-old hero named Elliot Penster makes this lighthearted fantasy a fun read. One Halloween night, Elliot saves what he thought was a little girl from two bullies who wants her candy. It turns out that the little girl is a Brownie, a mystical creature from the Underworld. The two bullies were not kids dressed in costumes but were actually Goblins. Elliot is chosen to be the king of the Brownies. His first duty as king is to end the war that the Goblins have waged against the Brownies and humans.

This is a great book for both girls and boys. It's filled with action and humor. Moderate to fast pace.

Note: Brownies are the Goblins favorite food.

Elliot and the Goblin War (Underworld Chronicles) - Jennifer Nielson
Pages: 208
Age Range: 8 to 11
Lexile: 740
*****(5 stars)