Picture Book Review: Goodnight, Bruce

Bruce is trying to put the geese and the mice to bed - but they just want MORE.

Poor Bruce! He's so grumpy but sweet at the same time.  I love these books and this one is such a funny story. 

5 stars: perfect

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. 

Review: Maya in Multicolor

 

Maya didn't have the best first semester at college. She started dating a boy who kept her from spreading her wings. Once she leaves him, she starts working on a new version of herself. She asks to be chair of the Holi committee. Last year it didn't go very well, but she hopes to bring back the traditional aspects of the celebration - like the ones she enjoyed with her grandmother.

Maya isn't thrilled to discover she must work with an upper-class man. Nishant is a DJ, who dates plenty of girls. He only goes on 2 ates with each of them. He has big ideas into Holi a multi-day event. Maya just wants the event to run smoothly. The more time she spends with Nishant, they start to become friends. Can they pull off the biggest event of the year without killing each other?

My Thoughts: This was such a cute college romance. I love that Maya left Thomas and that she started spreading her wings. I love that she's a baker and loves GBBS. I loved her moments with Nishant. I love how they both opened up to each other and learned to trust each other. Neither of their lives were easy, but they managed a true partnership. I enjoyed how they navigated through creating the event for Holi. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Why I read it: I love books about college 

Library Recommendation: A fantastic romance for your public library's collection

Hand this to: Readers who want to read about college and readers who enjoy enemies to lovers trope

Review: Happily Ever After

 

For Spring break, Madison applied to attend a new Disney immersion experience. Just after she's humiliated by overhearing her girlfriend's real thoughts about her, she learns she's been accepted into the program. She was supposed to go with her girlfriend, but she convinces her best friend to take her place.

Madison will be playing Cinderella and Lanie will be playing Merida. When they arrive, it's overwhelming and impressive. As the week continues, Madison embraces the Cinderella role. She's not able participate in all the participation activities because she's too busy under the watchful eye of her wicked Stepmother. Lanie is left to enjoy the activities alone - until she meets Prince Charming. They form an attachment. 

Will their Spring Break be everything they want?

My Thoughts: First, I really wish this island were real. I would love to stay for a week. I really enjoyed this book. Madison is stuck trying to figure out her future; everyone's asking her questions that she can't answer. Lanie's path has always been decided for her, she's just not sure that she wants to continue that path. I love the behind-the-scenes moments between Madison and Val. I loved the dual POV and the romances. The ending is perfect. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great friendship and romance story for your school and public library collections. 

What character would you like to play?

Picture Book Review: Bruce Saves the Planet

Yesterday was Earth Day, here's a fun book:

When Bruce wants some peace and quiet, he heads to the stream to fish. But something's different. Bruce lands in the thick of things.

My Thoughts: I adore the Bruce books - he's so grumpy yet so loveable. I love how he saves the day without meaning too. The geese and the mice push him into things - like this. He's a good sport about it all. This book shows the process of how things change, even if it does happen much faster in the book than in real life. 

There is an author's note in the back about how readers can help the environment, and it shares some endangered animals.  

Picture Book Review: Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets

 

Penelope Rex's parents get her a pet - but Mittens is a handful. Is Penelope Rex ready to be responsible for Mittens?

Penelope Rex is excited about her pet - but Mittens is a lot of work. Mittens hogs the bed. Mitten eats everything (except his supper).  I really loved this one because I too have a goofy handful of a dog. He also hogs the bed. And of course, I adore him too.

Knightley

Graphic Novel Review: Part of Your World

This graphic novel is a book adaptation (I never read the book). 

The story twist: What if Ariel never defeated Ursula?

Her father's been captured. Eric is married. Ariel's sisters forced her to become queen. But she can't forget Eric. Ursula is leading her new kingdom to war. Ariel tries to stop her, but Ursula is very powerful. Will Ariel ever find her happily ever after?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I felt terrible for Ariel and all that she went through. But I felt worse for the people of the kingdom. I was happy seeing all my favorite characters again. I hope they adapt more of this series into graphic novels.

 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library

Picture Book Wednesday: Bruce and the Legend of Soggy Hollow

Bruce is always grumpy, but he Really doesn't like Halloween! But his year, the mice have an idea. They want to act out the Legend of Soggy Hollow and Bruce has a starring role. 

My Thoughts: I Love this series - Bruce is grumpy and adorable. The mice are mischievous. They're always trying to get Bruce involved. They make the book so funny. I love the moose. And there is a little creepiness to the story. A fantastic addition to the series

 

Picture Book Wednesday: We Don't Lose Our Classmate

 

* Book 3 in the Penelope Rex series *

Penelope is scared of the goldfish. She's not looking forward to her turn at taking Walter home for the weekend. But maybe it will turn out ok...

I like how Penelope faces her fears and conquers them. She's determined to make it work - even after the scary moment of losing Walter. This series is funny, charming, and so good. I can't wait for more Penelope books

Picture Book Review: Hey Bruce!

 

Poor Bruce is napping but the mice want him to be in their book. What's a grumpy bear to do? Poor Bruce! 

This is a funny interactive story that will delight readers of all ages. 

Library Recommendation: This is a must have picture book for your collection!  Bruce is a favorite of mine. I can't wait to read this in storytime. 

Blog Tour: Lords of Night

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE LORDS OF NIGHT by J.C. Cervantes Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE LORDS OF NIGHT (A Shadow Bruja Novel Book 1)

Author: J.C. Cervantes

Pub. Date: October 4, 2022

Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 320

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, BandN, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents J. C. Cervantes's exciting new spin-off from the best-selling STORMRUNNER trilogy.

"This duology opener is accessible to readers who are new to this world. An engrossing, god-filled delight."--Kirkus Reviews

Fourteen-year-old Renata Santiago is the most powerful godborn of them all, a bruja with a unique combination of DNA. The Mexica blood from her dad's side gives her the ability to manipulate shadows. Her mom Pacific, a Maya goddess, gifted her a magical rope that controls time, and Ren recently used it to save a few gods from getting stuck forever in 1987. She brought them back to the present, but her BFF Ah Puch, the once fearsome god of death, darkness, and destruction, is now a teenager with no divine powers.

Ren is also a girl with ordinary hopes and dreams. She wishes, for example, that her blog about alien sightings would garner more respect. She's always been absolutely convinced that there's a connection between aliens and the Maya civilization. Plenty of online haters feel differently, and they call her a fake, a liar, and a loser.

When Ren receives an email about an alien sighting in Kansas, she thinks it may support her theory. She also suspects that the cinco--five renegade godborns--are up to no good. Soon she finds herself embroiled in a quest to prevent the troublemakers from awakening the nine Aztec Lords of Night. Problem is, none of Ren's friends are available to help her hunt down the cinco and the dangerous gods they are resurrecting. Ren has no choice but to team up with two strangers recruited by Ah Puch: Edison, a teen hybrid demon, and Montero, an eleven-year-old Aztec hunter. Succeeding in this quest will prove that Ren is no fake, liar, or loser. But it isn't just another challenge. It could well be an impossible one that leaves Ren questioning her very existence.

Anyone who enjoys fast-paced myth-based adventures will be swept up in this one featuring Maya and Mexica gods and their magical offspring.

My Thoughts:

Ok, So I didn't read the Stormrunner trilogy (yet). Do I wish I did? (Yes). Did I need it? Not exactly, I think I would have understood more had I read them. I didn't realize the books were connected until I started reading.

Lots of action, danger, and magical elements in this one. I enjoyed how the friends tried to puzzle out the prophecy and understand what was happening around them. I loved the friendship moments. 

That cliff-hanger ending makes me want the next book immediately! I need to know what happens next!

 * Book sent for review

About J. C. Cervantes:

J.C. is a New York Times best-selling author of books for children and young adults. Her books have appeared on national lists, including the American Booksellers Association New Voices, Barnes and Noble’s Best Young Reader Books, as well as Amazon’s Best Books of the Month. She has earned multiple awards and recognitions, including the New Mexico Book Award, the Zia Book Award, and most recently the 2021 New Mexico Land of Enchantment Readers’ Choice Award. 

She currently resides in the Land of Enchantment with her family, three spoiled dogs, and a lifetime collection of books. But she keeps part of her heart in Southern California, where she was born and raised. When she isn’t writing she is haunting bookstores and searching for magic in all corners of the world.

Her work is represented by Holly Root at Root Literary.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

 Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE LORDS OF NIGHT, US Only.

Ends November 5^th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

Week Two:

10/2/2022	@meetcuteromancebooks	Excerpt/IG Post
10/3/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post
10/4/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
10/5/2022	Wanderingwitchreads	TikTok Review/IG Post
10/6/2022	YA Book Nerd	Review/IG Post
10/7/2022	Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog	Review/IG Post
10/8/2022	booksaremagictoo	Review/IG Post

Blog Tour: Daughter of the Deep

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP by Rick Riordan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 About The Book:

Title: DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP

Author: Rick Riordan

Pub. Date:  October 5, 2021

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 416

Find it:  Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N Exclusive Edition, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

New York Times #1 best-selling author Rick Riordan pays homage to Jules Verne in his exciting modern take on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family's she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana's freshman year culminates with the class's weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it'll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives. 

But wait, there's more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for a hundred and fifty years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full broil, and the freshman are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.

Rick Riordan's trademark humor, fast-paced action, and wide cast of characters are on full display in this undersea adventure.

MY THOUGHTS: I confess, I've never read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, so I don't know much about Captain Nemo or the other characters. But that didn't matter. By the end of the first chapter, I was hooked. There were a LOT of plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the action and the danger. I loved finding out more about the Nautilus - especially that she had a library on board. I loved getting to know the crew and how they worked together. I loved the banter and their secret languages. Lots of jokes made me smile. I loved the bit about the Great British Baking Show. I felt terrible for Ana - she had so much stress and trauma before the book even started. And so much afterwards. But I admired her strength and determination. Plus she had great friends. I'm hoping for a sequel or companion novel because I don't want to say goodbye to these characters.  Also this would make a really cool movie!

About Uncle Rick:

Rick Riordan, dubbed “storyteller of the gods” by Publishers Weekly, is the author of five #1 New York Times best-selling middle grade series with millions of copies sold throughout the world: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Heroes of Olympus, and the Trials of Apollo, based on Greek and Roman mythology; the Kane Chronicles, based on Ancient Egyptian mythology; and Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, based on Norse mythology. Rick collaborated with illustrator John Rocco on two #1 New York Times best-selling collections of Greek myths for the whole family: Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. Rick is also the publisher of an imprint at Disney-Hyperion, Rick Riordan Presents, dedicated to finding other authors of highly entertaining fiction based on world cultures and mythologies. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife and two sons. Follow him on Twitter at @camphalfblood.

Website  | Facebook  | Twitter  | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of DAUGHTER OF THE DEEP, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week One:

10/1/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
10/2/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt

Week Two:

10/3/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
10/4/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
10/5/2021	Kait Plus Books	Review
10/6/2021	Simplybeccamee	Review
10/7/2021	YA Book Nerd	Review
10/8/2021	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review
10/9/2021	Books and Ladders	Review

Happy Spring (Unless You're Bruce)

 Happy First Day of Spring!

Everyone is happy - expect for Bruce. 

Ruth the bunny wants to share her love of Spring with Bruce. Who is of course, grumpy.

Another fun adventure with grumpy Bruce. 

Review: Camelot Code

* First Book in a new series *

Unbeknownst to him, Arthur's big day has finally arrived. Today's the day he will pull the sword from the stone and become King Arthur. But earlier that afternoon, the princess and his best friend accidentally loses a valuable magical item down the well. But his feelings for the princess and his best friend lead him to take the blame for his mistake.

He jumps in the well after the item, accidentally traveling in time to the 21st century, leaving Merlin scrambling. Merlin engages the help of Sophie and Stu who play the video game Camelot Code. Merlin hopes that the three of them can magically fulfill Arthur's destiny and save Britain.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this first book in a new series. I liked the two time periods of the book. I enjoyed watching the people outside of their own time struggle to fit in. I loved the Meg Cabot mention. I loved the Sophie ruled at video games. I liked the friendships in this book. I loved the message about fulfilling your destiny, even if it scares you. Lots of action and humor in this fun read.  I'm eager to read the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries 

Review: Aru Shah and the End of Time

* First in a new series *

Aru doesn't have the easiest home life; her mother travels frequently. She does have a great imagination which she uses frequently. The kids at school don't appreciate her untruthfulness. They demand to see the cursed lamp. Aru's been told never to light it; it will bring destruction upon the world. But she doesn't believe it, until she lights the lamp.

Everyone around her freezes and a God is summoned. Except he's a disgraced God and therefore a pigeon. He takes Aru to meet her soul sister, one who can help her save the world. Together the three of them head off to see the Council of Guardians. But in the past, the heroes of the world have been 5 brothers. The council asks Aru and Mini to prove themselves as Pandava descendants.

Only then will they be allowed to journey to the Kingdom of Death, find the three keys, recover the weapons, and defeat the Sleeper. If they do this, they might have a chance at saving the world from the God of Destruction - but they have a limited amount of time to achieve their goals.

My Thoughts: This is the start of a four book series from Rick Riordan's new publishing line. And it's quite good. Lots of action, danger, and plot twists. I love Aru's imagination and how she uses in it in their quest. I love her interactions with Mini and how they go from strangers to sisters. I loved the pop-culture references and humor. I loved learning more about Hindu mythology. I enjoyed learning more about both girls' lives - how Mini was a little more prepared, but how they thought her brother would be the hero and how Aru wasn't prepared at all and her mother was super busy. I loved how they fought like sisters but came to understand each other. I love the twist where the Pandava descendants are girls instead of boys. I really liked how karma came into play here and the question about if people can change. I love too that first impressions aren't always accurate.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have for school and public libraries.

Upcoming Review: Passenger

 * First in a new series *

Etta Spencer is set to play her "soft launch" - a month before her debut as a violinist concert soloist. Everything is ready, except her instructor is missing.

On edge, Etta goes to locate her. She hears Alice arguing with her mother. They're discussing her; how she's not read for tonight. Etta feels heartsick.

But the show must go on. When she attempts to play, Etta hears terrible feedback. After fumbling her notes, she stops playing altogether. Embarrassed, she rushes off stage.

Another girls tries to help her, but in an instant everything changes. Etta's rushed through a wormhole, traveling through time.  She has no idea what just happened or how to make it back. The longer she stays in the past, the more secrets she uncovers.

With the help of a boy, she attempts to make sense of it all. At first she just wants her old life back, but the more time she spends with Nicholas, the more time she imagines at future with him.

My Thoughts: It took me a little while to get into this book, but once in, I was hooked. I didn't realize it was part of a series until the very ending. I really liked the snapshots in history. I liked learning more about the powerful families. I liked learning how Etta fit into that plan - and what she was going to do about it. I enjoyed the love story, even though it seems doomed from the start. The horrors of the book come from the villain - and the social issues of each time period. The villain is a terrible bully who looks down upon everyone and uses people to further his desires. I confess I can't wait to read about his downfall. I feel badly for Sophia and yet part of me roots for her. She's a complex character swept up in the need to succeed, the need to belong, and the need for praise. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Intriguing!
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: January 5th

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a time-travel romance, stop looking. It's here. And it has lots of kissing - naturally.

Review: Rogue Wave

* Book 2 in the Waterfire Saga *

Serafina's still reeling from the attack that changed her life on the morning of her betrothal and recognition as the next ruler. Now she and five other mermaids search the realms for six talismans from the ancient world that could save their kingdom.

But they aren't the only ones looking for the talismans and they have less resources. Can they stay one step ahead of both danger and evil or is their kingdom doomed?

My Thoughts: I LOVED the sequel -it was fantastic with all the danger, plot twists, action, romance, friendship, and betrayals. 

I love the strength of the mermaids searching for the talismans and how they grow to believe in themselves. I love how the other creatures band together to give them help against all odds. 

I felt horrible for Neela and how her parents didn't believe her - but I do like how it brought into question mental health as well as taking the easy way out and not deciding anything or sticking up for your beliefs. 

I loved moments that made me gasp and there were plenty of those. I can't wait to see what happens next!!!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: ARC sent for review

Mini Review: Ring and Crown

Book 1 in a new series

Last week I had a giveaway of this great book and compared it to Taylor Swift's song Love Story.

I really really enjoyed this book and here are a few reasons:

* Multiple perspectives

* A kingdom in trouble

* Magic

* The aftermath of War and trying to figure out peace

* Romances and Alliances (Love vs Duty)

* The Friendships

I devoured this book and can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: It's ok.
Source: Book sent for review

Ring and Crown Blog Tour: If You Like...

If you liked Taylor Swift’s Love Story, then you’ll love The Ring and the Crown!

Here's Why:
Both stories contain these:

Prince

Princess

Love

misunderstanding

society

rules

outsiders

romance

hope

castle

waiting

parties

ball gowns

hope

Which made me turn the pages faster to see how the story played out.

Check out the videos for both and see if you agree with me.

Love Story:

Ring and Crown:

Have you Been Following the Tour? Don't Miss a Stop:

April 7: LushBudgetProduction.com

April 8: TheReadingDate.com

April 9: TheCompulsiveReader.com

April 10: YABookNerd.Blogspot.com

April 11: IceyBooks.com

PRIZING FOR YOUR SITE

One winner receives The Ring and the Crown and a crown ring

Prizing & samples  courtesy of Disney Publishing

Giveaway open to US addresses only



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want to see more? - #RingandtheCrown

·         Visit the official website

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