One Chapter

Mr. Watson’s Chickens by Jarrett Dapier

4.5 stars Children’s Picture Book

It started with 3 chickens in a chicken house, and they ended up with 456 chickens! They lived in a large honking house in a big, honking city but who wants 456 chickens!! Mr. Watson loves chickens, and they entertain him and Mr. Nelsen in their home. From playing instruments, reading books, to roasting marshmallows on sticks in the fireplace, the chickens love living inside their home. Things start to get out of hand when the shower, the sink and the bed get overrun with chickens! One chicken, Aunt Agnes creates a song and sings it to entertain everyone. Finally, Mr. Nelson has had enough of the chickens and tells Mr. Watson that he needs to do something with them.

The problem gets solved and soon all the chickens get a great home, and they are chicken-free. Or are they? What is that they hear when they climb into bed? Busy, colorful illustrations and a fast-moving text create this story. This is a funny and entertaining story. 4.5 stars

People Are Wild by Margaux Meganck

5 stars Children’s Picture Book

Looking at life from a different perspective, this is a cute book. A quick read that has animals looking at humans and showing us what they see and their perception. Simple text and great illustrations make this a great read for any age as we can see how we (humans) are affecting our animal friends.

The story begins with a mama elephant and her baby out in the grasslands. They see a mother and her child in the distance. The baby elephant asks her mother, “Mama, what is that?” The next two pages show a mother and baby bear with another human mother and her young child. The bears are in a tree while the humans are walking on a trail. The text reads, “That’s a person.” The story continues telling the different animal pairs to keep a distance from the humans because they’re, “messy, loud, nosy, smelly, strange.” Yet the baby animals discover that humans are just like them, as they’re “cuddly, cute, funny, unique.’ We are all wild and should be free.

Make sure you read Wild Facts at the end of the book, which gives some interesting facts about the animals in the book. Where in the World at the back of the book is interesting too. 5 stars

Copydog by Zachariah Ohora

4 stars Children’s Picture Book

Bright colorful illustrations bring this book to life. A combination of text boxes and picture book illustrations make up this picture book and there’s quite a bit of text in this book to read. I thought the story itself was a bit long in the middle as you read all the different examples of Rosemont copy-dogging Elise.

Elise is the older sister and Rosemont is her sibling. They play together and they both like to share and take turns, but Elise doesn’t like it when Rosemont copies her. Elise feels that Rosemont copies EVERYTHING that Elise does. The book gives some examples of how Rosemont does this. The ending was sweet as Elise needs assistance and it’s Rosemont who comes to her rescue. 4 stars

Free by Barroux

4 stars Children’s Picture Book

I did enjoy the illustrations in this picture book, but I feel that the intended audience for this book begins with older elementary children as the text feels too complicated for younger children. My four-year old grandchild did not enjoy this book when I read it to him, so I added my own story to the end.

The Great Bird Circus consists of a young girl playing a fancy musical instrument while the performer does tricks with his birds. Complete with a yellow and red big top tent, the performance is a hit with the audience. After their performance, they pack up. The circus is now headed to the border, for tomorrow they will be playing for the governor! You can feel the excitement in the air as the birds’ chirp and the truck honks as they travel down the road but wait! The excitement comes to an end when they reach the Border Patrol Crossing. Do they have all the paperwork to cross the border? The girl and the man can move across, but the birds are missing tons, and I mean tons of documents to cross the border. As they explained the reason for their trip, the guard’s reaction of, “Not my problem” really hit home with me. Feeling defeated, they ponder what to do until the little girl comes up with an idea which saves the day. The ending of the book is fantastic. 4 stars

Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin

5 stars YA History

“The Nazis were not really guarding Prisoners at Auschwitz. They were guarding the secret of their massive crimes.”

A story of survival turns into a story of bravery and honor as individuals take it upon themselves to reveal the reality of their daily lives. This mission of hope gives them strength, energy, and determination every day, as they live in an unimaginable nightmare in Nazi Germany. If only they could escape and share their story, other lives could be saved.

It was March of 1942 and I found myself getting to know a young teenager named Rudi. In its second year, World War II was far from being over and Rudi was determined to be a part of it. Armed with a plan, Rudi wanted to fight against Hitler, and he was going to do it his own way. He had to put his plan into motion soon before he was shipped off to who-knows-where with other Jewish boys. I was rooting for Rudi as he put his plan into motion. His plan had worked to some degree, as he covered quite a bit of ground in his travels. Unfortunately, Rudi got stopped and without any papers, his plan had come to an end.

As a prisoner now, Rudi became part of a group of prisoners that were forced to work in the Nazi gas chambers and crematoriums. Able to make friends easily, Rudi does his job well and he keeps his wits about him. I became a part of Rudi’s life as he explains his duties, the situation, and his surroundings. Death and disease are everywhere yet, Rudi’s eyes are open as he watches and observes everything around him. Details are important to Rudi as his head fills with the sights, sounds, and smells of Auschwitz. The gas chamber changing rooms were constructed like a bath house, giving the victims the hope that their lives were important. Hooks, signs, and fans awaited the prisoners as they walked in, only they didn’t realize that they would never walk out. Rudi knew after watching such despair and horror for two years in Auschwitz that something had to be done.

Rudi knew that he needed to make another plan. He needed to tell his own personal story of what he had witnessed firsthand to someone who could warn others. Rudi needed to return home. Rudi needed to return to the place that he once escaped from and give them an account of his past two years. He needed his message to spread as a warning so lives could be.

What a fantastic read! Between the journeys that Rudi tried to make, his time inside Auschwitz and the prisoners, I couldn’t put this book down. As I read Gerdi’s story, this Jewish teen had a different outlook on life as the war raged on. Rudi wanted to make a difference and he was willing to take some risks while Gerdi chose a more sheltered and safe approach to the war. Gerdi had some risks but on a different level than Rudi’s. Two friends, one war, and an uncertain future. 5 stars.

Wonderful You with the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

4 stars Children’s Picture Book

This is a simple book that informs children to just be themselves. It’s a great book to help with positive image and acceptance. The illustrations are very colorful and are typical of other Eric Carle book’s. The text itself is simple and straightforward, as most of the sentences/thoughts are 2-3 words. I liked how some of the text is written in different fonts and a different color. Most of the comments in the book are positive and upbeat. I think after reading this a few times, some children might be able to read this one on their own. A sweet book. 4 stars

Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying

5 stars YA Graphic Novel

This is a powerful graphic novel! I wanted to shake, hit, smack (I think you understand) Val’s mother as she definitely had a one-tracked mind with Val suffering because of it. The first pages of this graphic novel, Valerie’s mom is hovering over young Valerie at her own birthday party celebration. Valerie doesn’t seem happy, more reserved. A party complete with pizza, chips, and other goodies, kids running around and an oversized cake. Val is handed a slice of her birthday cake from her mother, as Val witnesses the other kids enjoying the cake. Val mother says to her, “Remember don’t eat, just taste.” Just Taste!! What??!! That’s one of the best things about a birthday party- the cake and she’s just supposed to taste HER own cake. That’s just cruel. Then, when Jordan asks Val if she’s going to eat her piece of cake and Val replies that she’s full, it’s that look on Va’s face as Jordan stabs Val’s cake and eats it, that’s priceless. How can Jordan do that? Why is Jordan allowed to that? Who gives Jordan the right to do that?

I feel that it’s Jordan’s personality that makes her attractive to Val but yet, I think it’s something more. Jordan possesses something that Val wants and as the two of them become best friends, I hoped that Val would listen more to her friend than the voices in her head.

Val hears her mother’s voice in her head about being thin all through her childhood leading her into a life of bingeing and purging. The book does an excellent and I mean excellent job, disclosing the emotions and turmoil that reside inside Val. I liked how the book addresses all the issues that Val is struggling with surrounding her obsession with food. She’s been forced to believe her mother all her life yet now, as a young adult, Val is witnessing the world herself and forming her own opinions which don’t always follow the guidelines her mother instilled in her. How what? Who should she believe? Val wants to be happy but how. Individuals around her are happy and she just wants a piece of it, but she can’t seem to find her way out of the misery that’s been buried inside her. A fantastic YA graphic novel addressing a serious condition for many individuals. 5 stars

““Hi dear. I saw your post on Instagram. I hope you didn’t eat that whole thing.” Got it, stalker. What time is it in San Jose? I guess I’m failing at being good enough.” (Val on trip to Paris with her friends)

“I couldn’t die now and feel like I have lived my life, I haven’t. I’ve lived like a prisoner to my body. “

“She’s doing her best to love you the way she knows how, and her best maybe just isn’t enough. But you can’t rely on her to change. You can’t rely on her to be enough for you. No one ever is. You have to find your own way to be happy. Whatever that means.” (I love this !!)

A Fade of Light by Nate Fakes

4.5 stars Nonfiction Graphic Novel

Nothing like an illness to throw you for a loop. Nate thought his stepfather was somewhat of a goofy guy when he first met him. He liked how Ron treated his mom and he liked that Ron was different. Ron wasn’t a serious kind of guy for he liked to have a good time, laugh, joke around, and he wasn’t shy about being silly and fun. Ron enjoyed being with Nate and he injected himself into Nate’s life whenever possible. Nate wasn’t used to an adult behaving like Ron was, so it took some time for him to adjust.

Nate’s dream job was to become a famous cartoonist for a major newspaper and when his high school days were over, he had to do something with his life. Nate tried to branch out and make a name for himself, but he soon found himself right back home living with his mom and Ron. They stayed close while Nate started college and again, Nate starts writing for the school’s paper. I had to laugh again as Ron becomes Nate’s cheerleader, promoting and hooting about Nate’s work to everyone! When Nate finally gets a big break, I had to wonder what would happen to Ron, as it felt as if he spent a big portion of his life, consumed by Nate. With Nate gone once again, will Ron be able to handle his own business and what will keep him occupied?

Nate had noticed some of the signs earlier, but he didn’t know what he was actually seeing. Returning home once again, he sees the changes in Ron as they are more noticeable and more frequent. Ron’s wife notices and others in the community are starting to see a change. I liked how Ron denied any problem and how he managed to explain it. The family tries to continue living life with Ron’s illness impacting all of them and doing the best they can. As the family tries to address this issue, I expected the book to be more emotional, to feel the characters highs and lows. I felt that the tone was rather relaxed and soft. From all the reading that I have done on dementia, I expected something different.

I liked reading this nonfiction graphic novel. I liked the expressions on the characters and the variety of the sizes of the text boxes used. The story was easy to follow, and I liked Ron and Nate’s relationship. The illustrations were created in black and white, and the print was easy to read. There are so many different types of dementia, but they all seem to have a few of the same characteristics. As I read Nate’s story, I could relate to many of the issues he was going through as he witnesses his stepfather changing right before his eyes. That fun, outspoken, chatty individual has now become someone else. Nate reflects on the memories he has as he now travels down a road where no one knows what lies ahead for them. There is no cure for dementia. Ron has frontotemporal dementia whereas on a personal note, my mother has been diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia. Ron is not walking alone in his journey. There are more than 55 million people that have been diagnosed with dementia and many more who have not been properly diagnosed yet. 4.5 stars

Northwoods by Amy Pease

5 stars Mystery

Eli’s coping mechanism is drinking. Not just one drink but drinking sometimes, until he passes out. His job as a deputy keeps him going but lately, that’s not even helping. Since returning from Afghanistan, Eli has lost his career and his marriage, and now, his memories and drinking have taken over his life. His mother, the town’s sheriff, has put Eli on her force and she tries hard to help him while listening to her community’s comments about his performance. It’s a balancing act as a mother’s fights for her son and for what’s right for her community.

It’s another night of escape as Eli finds himself alone, isolated, enjoying one of his favorite beverages. He hears something and now, his relaxing night is over. Forced to put on his professional mask, Eli tries to sharpen his senses when he discovers a male body in a boat.

In a department that’s already short-staffed, they now have a murder to solve. It should be Eli’s case, but can he handle it? Calling in the FBI, Alyssa arrives on the scene, and I wondered how Eli and Alyssa would be able to work together. Eli still can’t put the bottle and Alyssa seems to be all business as they start to put the pieces together.

The author throws in a couple other stories into this case, adding more interesting characters that create a storyline that’s entertaining and full of energy. My favorite character was Eli, with all his difficulties and challenges, as I felt he gave the book strength and unpredictability. He was a torn character with potential. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley, Atria Books, and Amy Pease in exchange for an honest opinion, thank you sharing your book with me. 5 stars.

Weyward by Emilia Hart

4.5 stars Historical Fiction

They relied upon Altha and her mother when they needed them. Now, Altha fate lies in the hands of those who once called upon her when they needed her help. As I read her thoughts, I felt for her. She was torn by the events that transpired and now, all she could do was wait. Altha had relied upon the knowledge that her mother had taught her, the world that was around her, and her own skills and now, they want to call her a witch. A witch for which her fate would be death.

Violet’s mother died when she was 6. Violet doesn’t remember much about her, so her father tells her what she needs to know. When a relative visits, Violet is told to be on her best behavior, yet the visiting relative forgot to follow the same rules. What transpires between these two can never be reversed and leaves a harmful impact on Violet forever.

Kate ran. She thought she was safe and although she didn’t have a clear picture of where her life was headed, she knew it had to be better. As she made Weywerd her home, she discovered things about herself, her past, and her future. Tensions were high as I read about her journey for, I feared something was coming, something that she was not prepared for. Kate’s running was not over. This time, there is more at stake, and she can’t just run away from everything, Kate must fight to end the battle.

I really enjoyed all three of these stories and how they all tied together. I’m glad that I went into this book blind and knew nothing of it except of it’s genre and how popular it has been, I had listened to this book on audio. 4.5 stars