Picture Book Wednesday: No

Oliver loves the word No! It makes him happy - until he's spending the day with cousin who is the opposite.

I love the message of this book - how YES can mean new things and being open minded. It is also still good to know when to say No.

Review: Mr Lemoncello's All-Star Breakout Game

* Book 4 in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series *

Mr. Lemoncello has a new game and he's showcasing it live on television. Of course Kyle and his friends want to be a part of it. Kyle and Charles have been fighting  - again. Kyle almost loses his chance to participate, but at the last moment he's awarded a spot to compete.

The new game will take place in an immersive world where each team must unlock the clues from five rooms, each room featuring a different book genre. The clues will allow them to open the lock to win the game.

Kyle and his friends will be competing again Charles and his teammates as well as a secret guest star team.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved the library and the new game. I enjoy Mr. Lemoncello's love for books and how he wants the world to read for fun. I enjoyed the showdown moment between Kyle and Charles. I enjoyed how the game brought everyone out of their comfort zone. I love the book mentions and the bookish jokes. Of course, I'd love to visit this fictional library. 

One thing I don't understand is why Charles is still allowed to compete in the games. After his previous behavior, it seems like he would be banned...

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this fun series for your school and public libraries. The readers will eat them up.

Tween Tuesday Review: Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olypmics

 * Sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library * 

Kids around the US are annoyed that they didn't have the chance to complete in the library games. They would love a shot at beating team Kyle and proving their library knowledge.

So, Mr. Lemoncello complies, creating the first ever library Olympics. Everyone's excited about the new opportunity, except for Kyle.

He's worried that the first time through the games might have been a fluke. His nerves again new heights when he hears about all the talents kids gunning for the spotlight. Can he and his team reclaim their title as champions?

My Thoughts: I really liked this sequel. I loved the library games. I loved the readers being readers. I loved how a few competitors talked in Dewey. I found Charles entertaining. I liked the highlighting of censorship and that libraries are a fun place to be, instead of a silent cold building with only appropriate books to read. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: Book sent for Review
Fun Fact: I got to meet the author and there's a 3rd book coming!

Author Visit with Chris Grabenstein

Last night I was at RJ Julia's to see Chris Grabenstein. He was really funny and engaging - there was lots of laughter  from the audience. It was great to see so many kids attending the author event - two introduced him.

Reading from Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Answering Questions

We found out a few details:

 * A third book is in the works

* The options have been sold

* He has four brothers

* He used his imaginative play with his brothers in The Island of Dr. Libris 

* He enjoyed improv (just like Jamie in I Funny)

* He worked in adverting writing commercials (with James Patterson)

* He wanted to make research and learning fun - more like a game

* He's a reluctant reader himself

* The idea for the sequel came from a 5th grade during an author skype session

Getting books signed (one for me and one for my library)

Giveaway: I Funny and I Even Funnier

Earlier today I reviewed I Funny. And if you think it sounds good, here's your chance to win a copy for yourself. It makes a great holiday gift - it's on my list for Book Gifts for Teens!

Read a little bit of the sequel I Even Funnier.

Link up!

Visit the Official Site

Follow author James Patterson on Twitter and Facebook

Follow author Chris Grabenstein on Twitter

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Laugh out loud with James Patterson!

One (1) winner receives:

        Copies of I FUNNY and I EVEN FUNNIER!

Prizing courtesy of Little, Brown

Giveaway open to US mailing addresses only

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Tween Tuesday Review: I Funny

Jamie has a rough life, but cracking jokes helps him gets through the day. He deals with bullies, a family who doesn't understand him, and a new life that left him in a wheelchair.

Without telling anyone, he enters a stand-up comedian contest for kids in Long Island.  If he wins, he moves onto challenge kids from all over the state. Could he be funny enough to win?

My Thoughts: A great novel for fans of Wimpy Kid in a similar style. I enjoyed it so much, I'm using it as my middle school book club pick for this month. I really like Jamie - he's clever, quick witted, and of course funny. I grew to like his family - well most of them. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to find out what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

Tween Tuesday Review: Escape from Mr Lemoncello's Library

Mr Lemoncello made a fortune in game design - board games and video games. Now he's giving back to the community by building a fantastic library as their old library was torn down 12 years ago.

He's also giving the 12 year olds in the community the chance to win a spot for a library lock-in. The select few will gain entrance to the library before the public sees it and be able to participate in a contest to see who can find an alternative way out of the library (besides the front doors.)

Games, riddles, and puzzles will be used to solve the answer. At first, Kyle isn't interested, but as soon as he learns more about the event, he's eager for a chance to participate.  Soon he and other classmates are locked into the building.

Can they come up with a way out? Who will be clever enough to solve the ultimate puzzle?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - for the obviously bookish reasons, but also for the excellent story. As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I loved the bookish jokes, riddles, and the general love for books portrayed. I loved the puzzles and the clues the kids had to figure out. What an opportunity - it sounds amazing! Plus, the technology combined with new ideas for libraries was impressive. I would love to visit this library. I really liked Kyle - he was tricky, smart, and creative. I found Haley entertaining and clever. All the kids seemed clever - one wasn't too clever, one was easily manipulated, and one wasn't very nice at all. A perfectly wonderful nerdy book about the love of books and libraries!

Cover Thoughts: I get it - but I don't like it.
Source: My Library

Interesting Idea: This book talks about the most famous Children's Librarian in the world. I started thinking about famous librarians and of course I came up with Nancy Pearl, but I couldn't come up with the most famous Children's Librarian (or YA Librarian). But I love the idea of it!