Happy Mid-Autumn Festival Day

 

 * Book 10 in the Mindy Kim series * 

Mindy's grandfather dies; she and her family are heading to Korea. They will be there for the Mid-Autumn Festival. It's a tradition that honors family and ancestors. Of course, she's sad about the death of her grandfather. But, since it's her first official festival in Korea and she's determined to make it the best it can be. 

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love how Mindy discovers more about Korea - the food and the culture. She has all the feels - sadness about her grandfather, happiness to see her family, and excitement over her first festival. I wish there were more traditions about family here. Mindy Kim is such a sweet girl with a big heart who enjoys learning and her family. I can't wait for more books about her. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming and makes me hungry

Source: Book sent for review

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

Series Spotlight: Dear Beast

Andy's parents divorce. Andy gets a dog, Beast, at his Dad's house. Simon, the original pet, is NOT happy. Simon tries to get Beast to leave. 

Simon is happy to have Beast be in the pet parade this year instead of him - until he gets jealous. 

The classroom pet is missing - Andy is fighting with his friend about who is to blame. Simon decides he's going to solve the mystery. 

Andy's mom goes away for the week. Simon goes to stay with Andy and Beast - and it doesn't go as Simon planned.

Dear Beast is part of our Easy Chapter collection as it's short (roughly 75 pages) and heavily illustrated. 

It's an adorable epistolary novel series. Beast's letters are playful and full of mis-spelled words. Simon is a grump old curmudgeon. But they both love Andy and want him to be happy. You meet other animals in the neighborhood - Snail (who delivers the mail and may have been a spy), Squirrel, a skunk, a wily crow, an old outdoor tomcat. The illustrations are super cute. This series is perfect for animal lovers! 

A must have series for your library collection!