Picture Book Review: Norman and the Smell of Adventure

 

Norman desires an adventure, but his best friend is a tree and does not wish to leave. Norman sets off on his own. He's not sure what an adventure entails or how to go about having one. 

This has a great message about friendship and what to do when friends aren't interested in the same things. You can still be friends without having to do everything the same. I adore Ryan T. Higgins and all his books. 

Booklist: Happy Birthday Louisa May Alcott

 

* picture source * Louisa May Alcott

I've been a fan of Little Women since Middle School. I remember reading the books and then reading Little Men and Jo's Boys

It was just around the time that this movie came out:

And I loved it.

I then discovered her other books:

Years later, I loved reading adaptations of her works.

Here's a booklist about Little Women:

Books Mentioned:

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy

Jo

The Penderwicks: I loved this book and am embarrassed that I didn't make the connection (that I remember. It's been a long time since I've read this book): No Review

So Many Beginnings: No review

Little Women and Me

Littlest Women: Not read

More to the Story

Jo & Laurie: Not read

The Mother Daughter Book Club: No review, but review of some of the series

Beth is Dead

Little Monsters: Not ready but in my TBR pile

Are you a fan of Little Women? Have you read any good adaptations?

Christmas Romance Review: Holiday Ever After

A major toy company sends the owner's daughter to clean up a mess created the company copied a local toy. The company stole the design and created their own doll. A local woman called them out on social media, causing the company embarrassment. They sent in a fixer.

The daughter of the owner, Clara, arrives in town to fix things. She's clear about helping the town from the start. She isn't throwing a bunch of money at the town trying to make the problem go away; she genuinely cares about helping.

She's hoping that once she solves the problem, she'll earn the promotion her father's been dangling in front of her. She doesn't count on falling for Jack - the creator of the doll and owner of the local hardware store. He hates the Davenport business. 

My Thoughts: I loved this small-town romance; it reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie. And it's adorable; I didn't want to put this book down!  I loved the cast of characters and the holiday celebrations. I love how everything turned out.  I would love this to be the start of a new series. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your Christmas romance collection for your public library

Happy Pie Day

I hope that you all have a lovely day.

My favorite part of the day is eating pie with my family.

I adore pie - almost all kinds.

Wishing you and yours lots of love, laughter, and happiness today. 

Picture Book Wednesday: Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme

 

The weasel seems to pop up in all the nursery rhymes - even ones they are not in. And maybe especially the ones they are not in. 

This is a funny book that readers will love. The note at the end of the book is a back story on how this book came to be. I do think that this book will help readers discover a new nursery rhymes again. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Thankful

 This week's topic is Thankful. 

This year, I'm thankful for so many things.

I have great friends and family.

I have two sweet dogs

I have a great job which allows me the good fortune to read SO many books.

I have my health

I'm thankful to all my favorite authors who wrote so many wonderful books that I read this year. And those who have books in the works that I will read in the future. 

And of course, thanks to all of you who are still reading this blog all these years later! 

Middle Grade Review: Hunt for the Silver Dragon

 

* Book 7 in the Curious Cat Spy Club *

Kelsey, Becca, and Leo are out hunting for lost animals when they come across a sheep with an arrow through its leg. They immediately call their parents to take over. Kelsey's mom forbids her daughter from investigating the matter - saying it's too dangerous.

This leads to Leo to advantage of an opportunity. He's hoping to change school and attend the gifted school. Becca and Kelsey have a massive fight over a boy. Becca's interested in the new volunteer at her mom's animal sanctuary. But Kelsey doesn't trust him. 

When the Sherriff asks Kelsey for some help, she's happy to go undercover and investigate. She's not happy to keep the truth from Becca. Will the friends recover? Will the mysteries be solved?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I love the friendship moments and the animal moments. I love how many animals find forever home or are reunited with their families. I felt terrible about the friendship drama between Becca and Kelsey. And also terrible for the animals. There was such a cast of characters in this book. I had to keep turning the pages to see how everything turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

 Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: A fantastic mystery series for animal lovers.