Thursday, April 30, 2026

Review: Wildlife Rescue

 


* Book 3 in the Wildlife Rescue series *
A turtle gets hit by a car and needs help. Luckily the local wildlife hospital is there. Twins Ana and Sofia are visiting their cousins, who volunteer with the animals. Ana and Sofia get to visit the hospital and help take care of the tortoises. 

They learn the road where the turtle was hit is very dangerous for tortoises. And people drive too fast on it, causing more injuries. They want to come up with a plan to help. But will anyone listen?
My Thoughts: I accidentally read book 3 first. I felt like I missed some of the back stories. But it wasn't hard picking up the story. I love what the kids did to raise awareness about the tortoises. I felt bad for Ana, the twin who follows her sister's lead. But she starts making her own choices about what she wants to do. It must be hard to be a twin. I loved the tips on how to help animals in the back of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: This is the perfect series for an animal lover.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Picture Book Wednesday: Farm Books



Just a few nonfiction picture books about farms:

This takes a look at dairy farming in the US - from family farms to robotic milking machines to grocery stores. It's a very linear read. 

I confess I knew almost nothing about silkie chickens but this book makes me want to meet one! They're so tiny and I love the bluish features. 

These goats look so cute! We had goats at the library last summer, but not angora goats. It would be fun to see them with their long soft mohair (which is great to use for knitting)

I've seen alpacas, but I've never met one, which I need to work on changing. There are two kinds of alpacas and their fleece is wildly different from each other. They are related to camels and llamas.

* What I like about these Abdo Kids Jumbo books is that they are long, they have great pictures, and just the right amount of information. They're fun to read for storytimes when you want a nonfiction book too. And I always learn something from these books. I love the extra facts at the end.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: Freebie

 This week's topic is a Freebie. I have a lot of books checked out from the library right now, so here are my next reads.












Have you read any of these? Which one should I start with?

Monday, April 27, 2026

Middle Grade Review: Phoenix



First book in a new series
Harper's having a rough time. Her parents are getting a divorce because her dad and her best friend's mom are having an affair. Everyone at school is talking about it and her best friend won't look at her. Harper doesn't want to go back.

Harper and her mom move two hours away next door to a stable. They live in a tiny house. Harper's angry all the time, but she's happy to have her dog by her side. She's mad at her dad. She's mad at her best friend. But she is enjoying watching everything that's going on at the stable,

One day, a trailer pulls up with a horse that's almost dead. Everyone at the stable is at a competition. Harper takes control over the horse. Can they help heal each other?
My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Harper; I just wanted to give her a big hug and tell her everything will be ok. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for. She's so determined to help this horse. She sees herself in him. Harper makes friends with the kids at the stables, but she does snap at them when she's emotional. She has a hard time telling them about her past. However, she does apologize. She's learning and growing and healing. I'm eager to see what happens next and if the next book will also follow Harper or one of the other kids at the stable. 

Cover Thoughts:
Why I read it: Horse book
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library.

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Review: The Look

 


This is a nonfiction book about Michelle Obama's style during her time as First Lady. There are moments about before and after her time in the White House.

I loved this book. I love how she used fashion to make statements about herself and about her agenda. I love how she picked designers. I love how she mixed and matched expensive pieces with everyday wear. And through it all, she wanted the clothes to be comfortable. 

The book talks about hair. Hair was a significant part of style and it wasn't easy. There were ways the First Lady couldn't wear her hair, but now that she's away from the spotlight, things are more relaxed.

The book talked about how people dissected her outfits and how she used that to her advantage. 

You "met" the stylists and hair team and heard from their perspective. 

All in all, this was a beautiful book filled with gorgeous pictures that I didn't want to put down.

Also I miss to Obama family in the White House. 

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Review: She Knows All the Names

 


* Book 2 in the Throne of Khetara trilogy *
Book 2 continues where the first book leaves of. The Princess, the rebel, the thief, and the priestess continue their quests. They all don't know about each other, but as the danger moves towards them all, they begin to suspect there's more to the plan. They have a higher purpose...if they don't die first.
My Thoughts: I loved this sequel. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I love how everything came together. There were lots of moments of danger, secrets and betrayals, and action. There were moments of friendships and alliances. And snakes. There were snakes. I am eagerly awaiting the next book! 

Source: PLA ARC (for the panel)
Library Recommendation: A must have book for your public library
Book Published: May 5, 2026

Friday, April 24, 2026

On Your Radar: Most Ardently Yours

 


Title: Most Ardently Yours
Author: Freya Sampson
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Landmark
Release Date: July 7, 20206



Why is should be on your radar:
Jane Austen
Mr. Darcy
fictional characters
found family
writing
enemies to lovers
bookstores
romances vs dick lit
grumpy/sunshine

ARC from PLA

This has been on my radar for a while as I'm a huge Jane Austen fan. Loved this book. It was funny, charming, and I loved the found family moments. If you're a Mr. Darcy or Jane Austen fan, don't miss out!