Kids Review: Flora and Ulysses

Flora witnesses her neighbor having a hard time keeping her vacuum under control. When the vacuum sucks up a squirrel, Flora runs downstairs to rescue the animal.

Not only is the squirrel still alive, but the near death experience has left him with super powers. He can fly. He can write poetry. Plus he has super strength. Her mother refuses to let her keep him.  Flora's not ready to let go of her new friend without a fight.

My Thoughts: A quirky fun read from the new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. I liked the graphic novel portions mixed with the text - making this book an easy read. I liked Flora for her gloom and doom attitude (she's a self described cynic). I love the comic book mentions and how Flora's mother isn't keen on her daughter reading them. I love how Flora's mother is a romance writer. (I found humor in her discriminating her daughter's reading choices when the genre of romance seems to be discriminated against by the general public). I liked how Flora's father liked her reading comic books and how she had a different relationship with each of her divorced parents. New friendships are forged, adding to the story and making Flora rethink her pessimistic outlook on life. An enjoyable read filled with strange happenings, action, and hope. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Kids Book: How Roland Rolls

Roland loves being a part of the ocean, but he's scared that once he comes across shore - that will be the end of him.  He has too many adventures to finish and too many friends that he doesn't want to leave behind.

My Thoughts: I really liked it - it was cute. I liked the rhythm of the story (reminded me of the Night Before Christmas).  I liked the message - how you're just a bigger part of something else. Plus you're never alone; there's always someone nearby.

Illustration Thoughts: I liked how the words became part of the illustration. Several pictures are amazing. I wasn't a fan of the ones with all the eyes - but I think kids will like them. 

I really liked the photos of the faces at the end of the book, which the illustrator used. Love the idea of kids making their own Roland faces and posting them online.

Overall: A fun book that's a little different and that kids will love.  It's quirky and fun! Welcome to the book world Jim Carrey!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for review
Out September 3rd.

Kids Review: Amelia Bedelia Means Business

 * First book in a new series *

When Suzanne shows up on the last day of school with a brand new bike, Amelia Bedelia has bike envy.

When she talks about the new bike at dinner, her parents come up with an idea. They will pay for the half of the bike, if Amelia Bedelia can pay for the other half. After a handshake and a hug, Amelia Bedelia gets to work.

She finds a job at a dinner - working as a waitress in training. Only that doesn't turn out so well. She tries a lemonade stand, but that doesn't work either. With all the lemons leftover, she starts baking tarts...and that doesn't turnout quite as expected.

My Thoughts: I've always loved Amelia Bedelia and her literal ways. She's been a favorite of mine since childhood and I love seeing her as a kid. She still makes laugh. I'm happy that new readers are discovering her! A fun start to a new series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library