One Chapter

We Burned So Bright by T. J. Klune

5 stars Fantasy Fiction

I listened to this book on audio which I thought made the book more emotional. What do you do when you know the world is coming to an end? Do you go crazy and do things that you’ve never dreamed you’d do? Do you do nothing different at all? Do you sit and think about all the things that you should “have done” over the years? For Don and Rodney, they are facing this scenario, and they have finally made up their minds how they want to live out the rest of their days. I went into this book blindly, so I wasn’t sure if the world had days, months, or years left but I liked the option that they chose. The couple bought a camper and set out for a trip across the United States. They would see the world like never before, the good and the bad and it would test them beyond their expectations.

They were a couple and they knew that they might not be accepted by some individuals because of this, and they were okay with that. They were committed to one another, and they were going to go out of this world being who they were. They do meet some trouble along the way but that is to be expected and they muddle through it. They also met some wonderful individuals who like Rodney and Don were trying to make the best of this situation. It’s their commitment to their task and to each other that makes this book so special. When they discover Jeremy, they have mixed feelings about what the future will bring but it’s their commitment to each other and to Jeremy that he soon joins their family. He brings them closer together and he opens their eyes to the world around them, to the little things that they perhaps have taken for granted. Life is great as he adjusts to his new surroundings and they welcome his curious nature. As Jeremy matures, parenthood starts to become difficult. They’re pushed beyond their limit, and they must let their strings go as he tries to make his mark in the world, a young man who thinks he is an adult.

It was an emotional and satisfying read (or listen). I enjoyed it more than I had originally thought I would. I recommend this title and the audio version of it. 5 stars

The Wolf Suit by Sid Sharp

5 stars Children’s Middle School

This is Clever! I read this to my grandkids and we all were like….. what? Ha!! Such an entertaining read that caught us off guard. We had to stop the story and talk about some “what if?” scenarios as this story had us laughing and amazed.

Bellwether Riggwelter is a sheep who lives in the forest by himself. He likes to listen to the birds. smell the flowers and gather berries in the forest. He likes his life and living by himself, it’s the wolves of the forest that make Bellwether fearful. When Bellwether has to venture out into the forest, he is very careful as he does not want to be eaten by any wolves.

After a fearful encounter with a wolf, Bellwether comes up with a plan. Being great at making crafts, he constructs a costume to wear while out in the forest. With his wolf suit complete Bellwether ventures out into the forest. Will this work?

His first encounter with a real wolf startles him. Bellwether then remembers that he must put himself into Wolf Mode and start acting like a wolf, so he fits in. This is a funny encounter, and one which Bellwether could never have had planned for. Things are running smoothly; he believes that the wolves are accepting that he is really a wolf until Bellwether notices something out of whack. Something that he must fix soon before the wolf’s notice. Go Bellwether ….but he doesn’t and this hesitation causes more problems for him. I really enjoyed this story. It has some great teaching moments, and I think it is a story that can be read repeatedly.

The illustrations are bright and colorful, and the text bubbles are easy to follow. The text is not difficult, and the storyline is easy with text boxes that are easy to follow also. 5 stars

Thunderhoof by Syd Hoff

5 stars Children’s

He’s a wild horse that shook off any rope that came near him. A fast horse that didn’t want to be caught, he loved his freedom. Unfortunately, one day he wakes up to a dry riverbed. He gets so weak that they’re able to get a rope around his neck and Thunderhoof cannot shake it off. Thunderhoof has now been caught!

Back at the ranch, they take good care of him, yet no one can ride him. Thunderhoof keeps knocking them off. They let him go and he’s FREE! He’s a wild horse again sleeping under the blue sky. Yet now…..he’s sad. He misses the individuals at the ranch, so Thunderhoof goes back to the ranch. The ranchers put a saddle on him again and attempt to ride him. This time things are different.

I just came across this book which is amazing since it was copyrighted in 1971. I liked the simple pictures as they accompanied the text very nicely. The text was big and simple with short sentences. The story had meaning and I liked the facial expressions. I’m glad I found this one to share with the grandkids. 5 stars

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

4.5 stars Fiction

I enjoyed this story more than I originally thought. Considering her circumstances, Elsie Mabel is who she should be. Based on her circumstances, Elsie Mabel had to walk carefully through life because of her past. As she got older, I think she started to realize the direction that her life had taken her, and what she had missed along the way. As others started to expect more out of Elsie Mabel, she tried to push back but they were persistent and she finally caves in. It’s these individuals who are the ones who helped Elsie Mabel. They were her true friends, the ones who end up saving her and help give her life meaning. Her friends set her free.

It’s a great story about friendships, growth, and about claiming your life. Mabel was finally able to claim a rounded life with meaning when others prodded her. No longer able to hide or disengage, these new individuals wanted more from her, and I think Mabel was at the point of wanting more from herself. I listened to this book on a Playaway and I highly enjoyed it. 4.5 stars

On the Loose in London! A Star Chapter Book (Dog Meets Dog) by Dan Yaccarino

4.5 stars Children’s

I enjoy reading Dan Yaccarino books. This book is another entertaining read in graphic novel format with 7 chapters. The book reads fast, with lots of action and activity and if you aren’t careful, you just might learn something about London while you’re at it.

Betsy and her brother Bones are taking a trip to London. Betsy has an agenda all planned out, with all the things that she would like to do and see while she is there and Bones, he was just looking for a great adventure. Betsy, with her planner in hand, had the days planned out, her notebook filled out with details and times while Bones just wanted to live in the moment and hopefully, some of the things that he wanted to do would land in his lap. It was humorous following those two around London.

Bones seemed to be in charge most of the time, as his sporadic adventures led the two everywhere. Betsy frustration was present as her planner was not being utilized yet she seemed to be seeing the different parts of London and even marking things off her London List. I laughed multi times at Bones excitement and spontaneously as they traveled about and then, seeing Betsy trailing behind him, frazzled and untight. When was she just going to enjoy the trip or talk to Bones about perhaps giving her a day to plan the activities. As you read, you have to remember the targeted audience so parts of this story might be over-the-top but for children, they will like the craziness of Bones.

I enjoyed how the author threw some actual history into the book. Reciting some facts about the different places that they visited in London without being bored or preaching, the information was interesting and something I feel kids will find interesting. Overall, it is an entertaining, comical, educational read for me. 4.5 stars

Yarn Is Everything! (Jasper Rabbit’s Creepy Tales) by Aaron Reynolds

5 stars Children’s Chapter – Middle School

I thought this was a great story! It was a fun, entertaining read about a mole named Winona Mole who liked her quaint, quiet little town of Hinderberry Falls. Winona Mole lives with her dog Toby and she enjoys crocheting. From the age of 3, Winona has had a crochet hook in her hands, and some yarn close by. Winona has become quite an artist with yarn over the years!

Winona and along with the entire nation have been fixated on the reality show Yarn Is Everything! Daily, contestants go head-to-head competing to see who can create the most realistic creation out of yarn. The competition is fierce as the contestants’ crochet items that, when placed beside the real item, are hard to decipher. Obsessed with this show, Winona watches intently. She’s good, she knows how to crochet, she’s been doing this art her whole life, yet when she attempts to duplicate the items that she sees on the television, she falls short. Her creations do not match what has just won the prize, Winona items look crocheted. They don’t look real; they look like yarn. How can they be that good?? What is Winona missing?

For her birthday, Winona and her father drive three hours to visit a museum. It’s the Museum of Woolen Arts and Yarn Stitchery, a trip that changes her life. Although the museum houses many different types of yarn crafts, Winona is only there to see the exhibits on crochet. It was the best birthday present ever! Winona is still buzzing with excitement when they return home and she unpacks. Inside her bag, Winona discovers an identical replica of the Spirit Hook, a crochet hook that they saw at the museum, and she’s excited about this surprise birthday present from her dad. With her new crochet hook, Winona crochets like never before.

This book was fun. I liked how Winona is determined with her craft. She continues to create and to try to get better. When she gets the new hook, she knows something has changed but she doesn’t let it get to her head. Her impatience was hilarious, “ But when she checked three minutes later, she was frustrated to find there was no response from the good people at Yarn is Everything! Productions.” She had only weeks to train and boy, she trained. The ending was funny and well, a mystery.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

4.5 Stars Children’s, YA, Middle School – just about anyone who needs a book to escape

I don’t know why I haven’t read this one until now. As a substitute teacher, I have read parts of this book multiple times as teachers love to share this one as a read aloud in their classroom. Funny thing though, I’ve never got to hear the ending of this book. Unfortunately, I’ve had to read to the students the sad and frustrating journey that Ivan endured at the beginning of this book, all the while trying to grasp exactly what was happening.

I listened to this book which was fabulous! I highly recommend using the audio of this book as I felt connected to the characters and I could definitely feel the emotions running through the story. I loved the bond that the characters had with one another. Even though Ivan was supposed to be the star attraction, he didn’t play upon that title. He cared about all the animals around him and their well-being. As the story unfolded, I could feel that his spirit was broken but I don’t think Ivan knew why or the extent of what he was feeling. Ivan was just going about his day, day-after-day doing what he typically does. It is when his routine changes, Ivan begins to change and he begins to see that life can be different.

I thought the ending of the book seemed rushed to me. The beginning set up the story, and I fell into a rhythm of life with the characters and then suddenly, life changed and it was bam, bam, bam, and it’s over. I’ve already picked up the audio of the second book in this series, so this 60+ Nana is ready for what happens to these friends. 4.5 stars.

An Expanse of Blue by Kauakanilehua Māhoe Adams

5 Stars YA Middle School

The power of words. I do love a book told in verse! For Aouli, she was going through the motions, just doing what she was supposed to do, what others were telling her to do but inside, something else was happening. She retreats to her song journal to record her thoughts as this calms her soul. Aouli watched her whole world revolve around her and I felt as if she thought she was just a pawn, that individuals moved her around as they pleased. They had lives, they were living and Aouli was just watching it all from the sidelines.

Aouli was a teen. She was trying to figure things out and she just needed time. She ran out of time unfortunately as her world starts to dissolve around her. Aouli uncovers a secret that turns her world upside down. I didn’t expect Aouli to respond the way she did but yet, she’s trying to cope with what has become her new reality. I was nervous yet excited when Nalu entered the picture. What kind of a kid is Nalu? Aouli is vulnerable and in walks Nalu……. She looks forward to her weekly visits to her aunt’s home where extended family gather to visit and celebrate their culture. It’s the only day that she feels relief, she just wants more.

This is a great book about relationships within the family and with peers. It’s a struggle for Aouli to find connections outside the home and within the home, there are struggles that never seem to go away. The use of language in this book is fantastic, and I enjoyed reading about the Hawaiian culture. 5 stars

The Rent Collector by Camron Wright

5 stars Fiction

What a great story. I was intrigued by the story of the Ly family, who were living inside a waste dump. I wanted/needed to know more about how they were functioning, how they were coping with their situation and how they saw their situation and their future. The more that I read about them, I understood why they chose Stung Meanchey as their home.

Stung Meanchey was large, it was the largest waste dump in all of Cambodia. If you think about it, if they could find somewhere within the confines of the dump where it wasn’t that “bad” it was a good place. Every day, they would head out and hunt for “treasures” that the trucks would have dumped off within the site and these “treasures” would be what they would sell to survive. Now, I know it’s not the cleanest place and it did smell but if you’re poor, they at least were doing something to survive. Ki Lim and Sang Ly had their little space at the dump which they shared with their son, Nisay. I was torn for Nisay. Nisay is a chronically ill child, and his parents are forever looking for the next best thing to help him. Living in the dump can’t be good for Nisay but as I read, I could feel the love they have for their child as they pour their heart and soul into taking care of him.

Whether it be the tonics, they mix up for him, or the money they spend on medications and doctors or the next best thing for him. They just want their child to feel better. If that isn’t enough, they have to deal with a rent collector, at the dump! Sopeap, is the rent collector and she has “always been an ugly barking dog, an animal that annoys but doesn’t bite. “ Today she shows teeth. Her snarl is deep and growling. Her stare is grey and cold.” After being robbed, the family doesn’t have the rent money and Sopeap demands that they be out by tomorrow or she’ll call the police on them. As Sopeap begins to leave, a life-changing event takes place.

Sopeap’s eye spots Nisay and a book that he’s looking at. Wait! She can’t leave. What is that? Sopeap is overcome with emotions as she stares at the old book with its colorful pages. It can’t be. Sopeap must step closer to get a better look and the desire to hold the book is too strong. Is Sopeap actually reading this story? When offered the book the next day, Sopeap attitude towards this family changes. I loved how Nisay’s book softened Sopeap, there is a connection somewhere within her that has great meaning to her. I enjoyed when these two women were finally now talking to one another, as it felt like they were now on the same ground. Before, It felt that Sang Ly was intimidated by Sopeap because she was their rent collector, but now, as they talked, they were connecting. Sang Ly asks Sopeap if she would help her and it’s in this conversation that I felt that these women were now seeing how they could help one another.

As Sopeap helps Sang Ly, they’re connecting. Sang Ly is growing and I believed that Sopeap is finally coming to terms with her life. I don’t want to give any more of the book’s details away, but I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t a high action book or a mystery but it’s good with a great twist and one that kept my attention. 4.5 stars

The Underwearwolf by Gideon Sterer

5 stars Children’s Picture Book

This book is hilarious! I read this one to my 6-year-old grandson and we laughed and laughed. A birthday gift from his Uncle Larry turns into an awesome present he wears them.

His uncle knew that he liked underwear, but the weird yellow wool pair was STRANGE! He didn’t think the moon looked full as he looked out his window, but we sure did (the full yellow moon took up most of the page in the book). He read the warning label that came with the underwear and he slipped them on. Instantly, his body began to change. Shivering, tingling, his body was changing into the underwearwolf. Growling and a grunting, he flew out the window and was now on the loose. Tearing up the neighborhood! He knew he should take off the underwear but then he would be BUTT NAKED and he didn’t want that to happen.

He doesn’t stop. He takes to the streets, swinging from roofs and lampposts. He’s having the time of his life. He knows he really should take off the underwear, but he doesn’t. The night is getting crazy and then, he hears them. They are calling him. Who? Yep! He runs into the dark woods where he meets them, and the ending of this book will have you smiling.

As an adult I thought this book was funny. The boy puts on the underwear, and he turns into The Underwearwolf. Covered in fur, complete with big ears, long arms and legs, he transforms and runs through the night under a full moon. He runs, jumps, climbs and acts crazy while wearing the underwear. He knows that he should take off the underwear but, if he does that, he will be butt naked and he probably will turn into a regular boy again. So, he doesn’t and he continues on into the night. It’s only when the night starts to turn into the next day does the boy realize that his fun is about to come to an end and he has to do something about the underwear. The illustrations are cute in this book, and I liked how the boy acts like a “maniac” and a “menace” but he doesn’t do anything harmful. My grandson thought the book was funny and he liked how the boy changed. A fun book to read. 5 stars.