Picture Book Review: Beatrix and her Friends

 

A picture book biography about Beatrix Potter - the author of Peter Rabbit. Peter was influenced by her childhood pets and summer holidays. She didn't enjoy the city of London and lives for summers in Scotland where she would be free in nature. 

A delightful, charming read that makes me want to learn more about this author/illustrator. I loved the illustrations in this book - they show how Beatrix's imagination created stories about her favorite characters. 

Review: Faraway Inn

 

Calisa travels to Vermont to spend the summer with her great aunt at her B&B. She needs to get out of New York City and away from the boy who just broke her heart. When she arrives, the B&B is more rundown than she imagined. Worse, her aunt isn't interested in her help. In fact, she's only allowing Calisa to stay for three days. 

Calisa is determined to make herself useful in hopes that it will prolong her stay. There aren't many guests, but she begins with making pancakes, cleaning rooms, and bringing back the afternoon tea time. 

Strange things start happening that Calisa can't explain. No one is answering her questions. In fact, her great aunt told her not to ask questions. But Calisa can't help but wonder if something more is happening here...

Why I read this book: I love Sarah Beth Durst's books and come on, look at that cover!

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved that it's set in Vermont. I love the setting and the description of nature. I enjoyed getting to know the guests, the quirks of the B&B, and the magic behind it all. I loved the relationship between Calisa and Jack, the groundskeeper's son. I couldn't put this book down, but I also didn't want it to end. This was a cozy read that wrapped you up like a warm hug.

Cover Thoughts: Charming and gorgeous

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public teen library section

Review: Most Likely to Murder

When the yearbook comes out, there's something funny about it. Instead of the usual senior superlatives, there are ways people die. People believe it's the work of Martina and Rick - best friends who have pulled some epic pranks. But they swear it's not them.

Mostly people see this as a joke until their guidance counselor goes missing. He turns up in a lake - and his superlative said he'd be sleeping with the fishes. Maybe it wasn't a prank after all. Maybe this is real. The other people named in the superlatives get together to share information. Could there really be someone out to get them?

My Thoughts: I Loved this thriller. It was clever and smart. I loved how the group came together to share information. I loved how they looked after each other. I loved the friendship between Rick and Martina - and how it connected their families. I loved Rick's crush on Nika and how that worked out. A fantastic thriller with a strong friendship core, a little romance, and lots of twists and turns. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it - very clever

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A Great thriller for your school and public library. Highly recommended. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Helping Daddy

 

Daddy has lots of jobs - and baby wants to help. Sometimes Baby's help means more work, but Daddy doesn't seem to mind. Daddy and Baby have a fantastic day together.

I love how this story is simple with word count and yet conveys so much. The illustrations are sweet and charming. A fantastic slice of life moment between a father and child.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Still Excited to Read

 This week's topic is books we were excited to read but still haven't...yet

Sadly this happens to me often, but I still plan to read these books.

Ok, I just put this on hold at my library

This one has been on hold at my library - just waiting for it to be sent

I did check this one out - but it was overdue and I had to return it before I had a chance to read it

Also had to give back to the library before reading

Currently have this book - just need to read it

Currently checked out of the library and on my shelf

Just placed a hold on it at my library 

Somehow I didn't realize this had come out yet.

Always interested in a good Jane Austen novel

Loved the first book - here for this one. Currently checked out of the library.

It's possible I have too many books checked out of the library - and that's chronic issue for me.  I never have enough time to read all the books I want to...

Middle Grade Monday: School Dance

* Book 3 in the Brinkley Yearbook series * 

The Snowball Soiree is fast approaching and Milo is nervous. Whenever he dances, something bad happens. While he wants to go, he doesn't think that he should. His father is a great dance and tries to help. Taking dance lessons might work - but the only person who can take him is his grandmother who's not supposed to drive without one of his parents. Keeping secrets is making him more stressed. Can he relax and find his rhythm?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - there's a lot of drama and friendship. There's even a little romance. I loved the group of friends. I loved Milo's grandmother and her desire for freedom, even though it's hard. She made me miss my grandmother! I loved their relationship. I loved how everything turned out. I hope there are many more books in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

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

Review: Bake it Off

 

If you're a Swiftie and a baker, this book is for you.

This book contains recipes from the Eras with cute names, great photographs, and tons of easter eggs. Some of them are inspired by Taylor's bakes. They look wonderful.

There are a few I'm excited to test out.