Review: Abby in Neverland

 

* Special Edition Number 3 in the Whatever After series * 

Jonah is having a sleepover and Abby is having a rough night. But then a boy appears in her window looking for his shadow. She declines, but moments later she sees her brother and his friends flying through the air. Abby has no choice but to follow them. 

Abby doesn't love Neverland like Jonah and his friends. She's the oldest and all the responsibility falls on her. She's worried about Maryrose and her health. She's worries about getting back home without their mother noticing. And she's annoyed at Tink's behavior. 

But what she doesn't realize is - there's a reason she's in Neverland. Peter was told to bring her. That can only mean one thing, her nemesis is here...

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - even though I'm not a huge fan of the Peter Pan story. I love the idea of flying and of course I loved Abby's happy reason to flying, I adored the Taylor Swift references. I liked the moments between Maryrose and Tink. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: A must have series for your school or public library collection

Picture Book Wednesday: Not your Fairy Tales

There are not your average fairy tales...

In this story - there are four little pigs. Their mother sends them out to live their lives. One wants to be a builder, one a star, one a pumpkin, and the fourth a storyteller. 

This is a funny tale that's a little mixed up. It will help if readers know the original tale. I love the illustrations, especially the blueprints. I love the wolf who isn't trying to eat the pigs. I love that each pig has their own personality and hopes and dreams.

Hansel and Gretel get lost in the wood - but in this story they refuse to believe their parents are bad people. Or that the witch isn't a nice lady. It leads to some problems on their end but eventually, they figure everything out.

Another funny mixed-up tale. I love the gingerbread house - who wouldn't want to live there. I like Gretel's feminist touches in this story. And that ending! 

Review: Wished

* Book 5 in the Fairy Tale Reform School Series *

Gilly and her friends are prepping for the next attack from Rumpelstiltskin. In fact, that's all anyone at school can talk about. Maxine's sick of it; she wants people to be happy.

In fact, when she discovers a genie's lamp, that's exactly her first wish. Suddenly everyone's happy fun and no one is worried, except Gilly. Now everything's out of control. Everyone's worried about putting on a musical and no one is worried about the school's defense.

Maxine knows that it's too much, but she's so tired of everyone being miserable all the time that she refuses to break the spell. Can Gilly convince her before it's too late?

My Thoughts: Another fun book in this series. I enjoyed the genie plot - and how wishes never quite turn out the way people expect. It's fun seeing my favorite characters again. I loved that Gilly didn't let others talk her out of her career choice simply because of her past - and that she had a chance to experience the job herself. I'm intrigued about her family history. I can't wait to see where this story goes next!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: High recommend this series for your school and public libraries.

On Your Radar: Stepsister (23)

Title: Stepsister

Author:  Jennifer Donnelly

Publisher:  Scholastic

Publication Date: May 14, 2019

Why it Should be on Your Radar:

* Sisters

* Fairy Tale Reimagined

* Question of Destiny/Fate

* Question of Beauty

* Action

* Strong female character

* Forgiveness

* Determination

* Feminist Read

* Accepting Yourself

* Jennifer Donnelly

** Arc sent for review

Picture Book Review: Goldenlocks and the Three Pirates

A different take on the Goldilocks story - featuring pirates of course.

This is set on a pirate ship where Goldenlocks takes over the ship - the cooking, the sewing, and becomes the resident handywoman. Argh! A fun feminist twist on an old tale.

Fairy Tale Books

Since Beauty and the Beast is out today, I thought I'd roundup some YA and Middle Grade fairy tale reads.

Beauty and the Beast:

Mulan:

Cinderella:

Sleeping Beauty:

12 Princesses Dancing:

Snow White:

Little Red Riding Hood:

Arabian Nights:

All: 

Other favorites I missed?

Review: Sugar and Spice

 * Book 10 in the Whatever After series *

Abby and Jonah find themselves in a real mess this time. They fall into Hansel and Gretel where they meet their doppelgangers outside of the witch's house. All four of them take a nibble of the house. But Hansel and Gretel use the portal to escape, leaving Abby and Jonah in their place.

Now Abby needs to outwit the witch, so she and Jonah can escape. But the witch isn't easily fooled and Abby finds herself locked in the cage with Jonah. How will they escape this time or is this the fairy tale that will change them?

My Thoughts: I really adore this series and this book was a fantastic addition. I loved that Jonah and Abby were caught in the witch's cage. I love that Prince tried to help out. I loved the smoothies. I love how Jonah and Abby tired to outwit the witch. I love the idea of a candy house. I really like how this book made them think about their situation in life, sometimes that's hard to remember. I really do hope Jonah makes it to Jack and the Beanstalk story, but I have a feeling that might be the last one in the series. I'm excited to see what happens in Wonderland!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for both school and public libraries, and find happy readers in both places. 

Tween Tuesday Review: Genie in a Bottle

 * Book 9 in the Whatever After series *

Abby and Jonah fall into Aladdin after trying to help Maryrose, the mirror fairy. Once inside the new fairy tale, of course things get mixed up.

Abby and Jonah become the ones to search for the lamp instead of Aladdin. Abby doesn't think this plan is terrible because she can use the genie to free Maryrose.

Unfortunately her wish isn't clear and the genie frees himself. instead. Now Abby must deal with a novice genie who can't always grant her wish. Abby gets three wishes a day, but when the wishes go haywire, it's hard figuring out how Aladdin can win over the Princess's father.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy these books. I like how things go wrong, but Abby and Jonah try to fix it. Even though the fairy tales don't turn out exactly like the books, everything seems to work out in the end. I like how they tried to help Maryrose. I liked their interaction with the genie. I really enjoyed Aladdin and his mother and how sweet they were to Abby and Jonah even though they didn't have a surplus of food or really anything. Another fun addition to the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for all Children's Departments.

We have the whole set at my library, and most of the summer, all the books were checked out.

Book 10: Sugar and Spice coming November 29th

Tween Tuesday Review: Once Upon a Frog

 * Whatever After Series Book 8 *

Abby and Jonah want to talk to Maryrose about the memories she left in Jonah's head, but instead they get sod aucked into another fairy tale - this time Frog Princess.

Of course, the story become messed up when Prince snatches the golden ball and it doesn't fall into the well. Plus the Princess isn't nice. Abby and Jonah attempt to find alternate methods to turn the frog back into a prince and save the day.

My Thoughts: I love Abby and Jonah and all their adventures. I love how they mess up the story, but then attempt to fix it. Everything never seems to work out fully, which is the best part. I liked learning more about Maryrose from Jonah's memory, especially the memories that had nothing to do with the story. There's quite a bit of talk against bullies. I like how things in the fairy tales often reflect upon Abby's life in the real world. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for all children's departments.

Books I'm Dying to Read: February Edition

With cooler weather, I'm looking forward to reading these books on the longer nights inside, maybe in front of the fire with some adult hot chocolate and a snuggling dog.

 

Friday with the Wizards: I can't wait to see what happens next to Celie

Simon Thorn and the Wolf's Den: Simon isn't normal. When his mother is kidnapped - his powers of changing into animals kicks in. 

Pilfer Academy: Boarding school for thieves in training

Lincoln Project: Traveling back in time to document the past - what could possibly go wrong?

Beatrix Potter: Based on a true episode of the author's life.

Burning Midnight: Four teens - an evil billionaire - and a race to uncover and protect priceless artifacts

Assassin's Heart: A family of assassins murderer except for one - who seeks Revenge

Rebel, Bully, Geek, Pariah: Breakfast Club inspired: 1 night + 4 unlikely friends

The Word for Yes:  Three sisters and the one night that changed everything

The Last Place on Earth: Daisy and Henry are best friends - until he mysteriously disappears leaving just a note. Now Daisy's on a mission to save him

Reign of Shadows: A tale of Rapunzel - complete with forbidden love

Shadow Queen: A Snow White retelling - with the Huntsman and Snow White form an attaachment

Forbidden Wish: Aladdin retelling where your heart could be your greatest enemy 

Kingdom of Ashes: Sequel to a Wicked Things where Aurora breaks the Sleeping Beauty mold

Forbidden Orchid: Elodie has never left her village, but now she's going on a quest to save her family

Vicious Masks: Jane Austen meets X-men in Victorian London

For Cheddar or Worse: A festival brings murder to town and a friend into trouble

A Disguise to Die For: A new series start off with a killer party

Wedding Cake Murder: Hannah's getting married and attending a killer reality dessert chef contest.

Fogged Inn: A strange turns up - murdered in the center of Julia's life.

Remembrance: Susannah graduated from college  but her past come back to haunt her. Part of the Mediator series!