Review: Dear Sister

An older boy becomes a big brother - much to his dismay. His parents force him to draw pictures and write letters for her baby book. He's less than thrilled and his letters/pictures usually get him grounded.

As time goes on, he grows to care for. But maybe not every choice of reading material. The letters continue until he leaves for college.

My Thoughts: I loved this epistolary novel. I loved the letters and the pictures and the illustrations. It was a perfect combination. I loved how the brother was annoyed at the request to read the same book and over again. It was a quick but emotional read. I loved how the relationship between the siblings evolved from annoyance to acceptance to love. The end made me tear up.

Cover Thoughts: Funny

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great one for your school or public library collection.

Picture Book Review: Super Manny Stands Up

What's Manny going to do when someone is mean at lunch?

Will he have the courage to say something?

A really important book with a great message about being brave and determined. Bullies won't stand a chance. Plus everyone can be both a sidekick and a hero. I loved the part about the invisible cape. 

Perfect for school and public libraries.

Tween Tuesday Review: Stolen Magic

 * Book 3 in the Kat,Incorrigible trilogy- Kat, Incorrigible review and Renegade Magic review*

Kat's sister Angeline is finally able to get married and the whole family's traveling for the wedding. Kat can't wait to see her older married sister Elissa, who will join them there. Unfortunately, Angeline's soon to be mother-in-law is not excited about the match.

The family hopes to make a grand entrance at the estate but an accident with the carriage changes that. As they arrive with an old family friend, Mrs. Carlyle doesn't mince words. She doesn't give them an opportunity to freshen up from the road. She's sent Fredrick to fetch a cousin, whom she wishes he would marry instead of Angeline. She makes it perfectly clear that she's not behind the wedding and will do everything in her power to make Angeline's life miserable.

Kat's trying her best to behave, but during the conversation, she notices her nemesis Lady Fotherington outside. Kat rushes to greet her. She does not have good news - someone stole the magical portals. Without them, Kat will never become part of the Order.  Can Kat recover the missing portals thus saving England while helping her sister?

My Thoughts: I'm sad this trilogy is over, but it's a great ending. I've loved the blend of Regency England with magic. I love Kat's wild and crazy ways. I love her magical abilities, how she speaks her mind, and how she's always getting into trouble. She's a lovable character, the kind to always root for as she is strong, fierce, and loyal. I enjoyed watching Angeline battle Mrs. Carlyle, while Kat's family tried to be proper (but failed miserably . I loved the magical scenes. A delightful end to the trilogy, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Stephanie Burgis writes next!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: For Review