Review: Pizza for Pia

It's meal time and Pia's family is making pizza. They think she loves pizza.

But she doesn't.

What does she love instead?

This is a funny book about cooking together and meal-time. It's a great book to talk about pizza toppings. Everyone is happy.

What's your favorite pizza topping? 

Mine changes often but I make a white pizza with ham and mushroom. 

* books sent for review

Reivew: Miss Morgan's Book Brigade

 

Jessie Carson takes a break from her micromanaging boss who is overly critical and NYPL. She's hired as a librarian for the American Committee for Devastated France. WWI is still going on; Jessie thinks she can help. Her eyes are opened when she sees the French countryside. 

The library needs to be rebuilt, but Jessie isn't about to let that stop her. She knows the power of books and stories. Right away she bonds with the other CARDS - even though most of them are donating their time. Jessie isn't a debutant, but she fits right in.

People need shelter, food, and most importantly hope. The CARDS drop by for social visits and to distribute food. Jessie tags along and showcases books. Soon she starts storytime out in the community. Her story is lost to history until one library worker finds her name in the archives at NYPL. Wendy Peterson researches the CARDS and Jessie. She wants to share the story of these amazing and brave women. 

My Thoughts: This book hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed the dual perspectives from Jessie and Wendy. I love how Wendy found Jessie's story and was determined to share it. I'm so impressed by these women - they helped so many people. I love how they persisted with the different villagers. Those poor people went through so much - the war, the loss, the grief, and trying to pick the pieces back up. I loved the relationships in this book. I loved the moments of research and time inside the library. This was such an inspiring read! 

Cover Thoughts: Well done

Library Recommendation: This book is sure to be a book discussion book. A must have book for library collections. 

Movie Review: Butterfly in the Sky

Butterfly in the Sky is a documentary about Reading Rainbow.

Was this something you watched as a kid?

My Thoughts: I watched this as a kid - the theme song gets stuck in my brain.

But I don't remember too much about it. 

So, I was excited to see this documentary, and it was everything I wanted it to be.

I did tear up a little at the end.

I had no idea that this program lasted for 26 seasons.

I loved how they used kids with created book reviews - and from all backgrounds.

They all shared a love of reading

And of course, there was some celebrity narrators who helped with the publicity for the show

I loved the passion behind the show - you could that everyone really believed in this project.

I loved seeing behind the scenes moments - like the bat cave (I wouldn't go in there either)

The fashion was fun to watch.

Also Loved that this featured Jason Reynolds. 

I have half a mind to go back and re-watch all the episodes.

Here the wonderful LeVar Burton

* On Netflix

Picture Book Review: Sandcastles are Forever

Cora and Shelley live on the beach. They love making sandcastles together. They get to create them every day since they wash away at night. But Shelley is moving and Cora is upset! Cora and her mom have a conversation that makes Cora feel a little bit better. 

This is great summer story about friendship and communication. I love how Cora's mom related friendship to building sandcastles. The ending is sweet. 

* Book sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Covers

This week's topic is all about book covers - and favorite colors. 

 I do love a bright pink cover:

Any of these covers catch your eye?

Graphic Novel Review: Spy Camp

* Book 2 in the Spy School series * 

After a wild first few months at school, Ben is looking forward to a normal summer.  He's surprised to learn that spies don't get the summer off. Instead, he's headed to summer camp to learn survival skills.

But SPYDER isn't done with him. They infiltrate the camp and leave him a message. This sets off a chain of events that leads Ben into danger. Luckily, he has Erica to help him.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel adaptation of Spy Camp. This is such a fun series - lots of action, danger, and funny moments. I love how Ben stumbles into everything. The characters surprised me in this one.  Looking forward to more in this series. This book is perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public library