Picture Book Review: Tea Party Rules

Cub wanders out of the forest and discovers a tea party. He can't wait to eat the cookies, but the girl returns and she has Rules.

A cute, funny story about rules, imagination, and playing together. And the things we will do for cookies. A fun book to share. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Character Traits

This week's topic is all about characters like me. These are characters I admire and hope in some way to emulate. 

I read like Lizzy

 I'm stubborn like Anne

I write and dream of a better world like Jo 

I value education and learning like Hermoine

If I'm anything like them in other ways, I am pleased. These are my favorite heroines.

Review: Sunday Sundaes

* First in a series *

When Allie gets back from camp, she notices things are different at home. Over dinner, her parents tell her that they are getting a divorce and that she's moving to a new school. Allie isn't happy with this news - although she will be happy that her parents aren't fighting all the time.

Allie's moving with her mother and her brother to the nearby beach town - where her mom plans to open up an ice cream store. It helps having somewhere to hang out, especially when Allie has trouble making friends at her new school.

Luckily, her old friends are close by. They come up with the perfect solution - to take a Sunday shift together at the ice cream store so they will see each other at least once a week. But can you still be BFFs with someone you only see once a week?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book; I've been wanting to read it for ages. And I'm glad I did. Although it did make me crave ice cream! I liked how Allie's parents became more relaxed and more friendly with each other. I liked Allie trying to find new friends and dealing with the mean girls. I loved how the girls got together at the ice cream shop. I loved how they tried to help people chose flavors. I loved the ideas for the shop, especially the marketing ones. Of course I loved the moments with Allie in the library and her conversations with the librarian. I loved how the book fair turned out. Looking forward to reading more about these friends.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A great middle grade read about bullies, friendship, and family drama. Perfect for school and public libraries. 

Fresh Fiction Review: The Promise of Us

I reviewed Jamie Beck's new book:

"Another heartwarming tale from Jamie Beck!"

You can read my full review here.

Mini Review: Army Brats

The Bailey kids' mom has just been assigned to Fort Patrick, and it'll be the family's first time living on an army base! Tom, Charlotte, and Rosie get to make new friends, explore the neighborhood, and cool off in the huge pool. Unfortunately, they also have to deal with the base bully, who seems determined to make Tom's life completely miserable by telling everyone he's a wimp.

When the Baileys discover a mystery on base--an abandoned building long rumored to be haunted--they know that this is the way to show the world how brave Tom truly is. But when they go to investigate, they find there's more to the house than some old rumors. What is that weird equipment? And who is that suspicious man sneaking around inside?
It's up to Charlotte, Tom, and Rosie to figure out the base's secrets-and prove to everyone that no bully can keep the Bailey kids down. - summary from the publisher.

Why I liked it: 
Army Base
Military Mother
Adopted child
Siblings
Spying
Finding True Friends
Dogs

Cover Thoughts: I love the wrap around cover
Source: My Library

Classic Review: Make Lemonade

LaVaughn's determined to go to college; she'll be the first person in her family to attend. She'll need money to get there - so she finds a babysitting job. 

Answering an ad, she meets seventeen year old Jolly with two children. They don't have much, but the kids take to LaVaughn immediately. 

She tries to help Jolly improve her life, but Jolly isn't interested in taking advice from a 14 year old who's a little judgmental about her choices. Still Jolly doesn't have that many options. Between the two of them, they learn life lessons both outside and inside the classroom.

My Thoughts: I've been meaning to read this book for years. When I realized I needed to order an updated cover for my Teen Collection at the library, it was time. This is the start of a trilogy and a novel in verse before it was popular.

It's sad and yet hopeful. My heart ached for LaVaughn, Jolly, and the two kids. Those kids were a handful, but they seemed cute. I'm curious to see what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: This one is so much better.
Source: My Library
Release Date: 1993 

Picture Book Wednesday: Baby Elephant Joins the Herd

A baby's born into the elephant herd. Watch as she grows up and begins to find her place in the world.

I adored this book - the photographs are amazing. I loved learning more about elephants. This is a fabulous book that's perfect for both school and public libraries - and will engage readers in early elementary school.