Oh, he’s hungry! Crocodile knows what he wants but everyone runs when he gets close. This book is funny but I think the illustrations help it achieve that. The illustrations are funny and I like how they pop out of the page at the appropriate times.
When crocodile opens the refrigerator, he starts to chuck out everything he sees. Why? Because everything in there is too difficult to eat. Ah, he knows what he wants, it’s at the Farmers Market. Yikes, it’s a crocodile!! Everyone at the Farmers Market runs and all the food is ruined. Now what? Ah, the store. Yup, you can probably guess what happens when crocodile tries to go the store. Where else can crocodile get some good food? He keeps trying but he can’t find any good food and he’s getting angry. Crocodile needs some good food soon, how can he do that?!? The ending is funny and kids will laugh when crocodile finally gets something for his stomach. 5 stars
This was better than I anticipated. I listened to this book on a Playaway and I liked the character of Wilde. He was the boy who they had found in the woods and although he was a bit different than anyone else, I thought he used that to his advantage. I thought this book might be more about him but it had to do with him and a case that he was working on. Wilde knew people judged him on his past but he knew things that others didn’t. Wilde didn’t try to shine in front of others yet he also didn’t let others walk on him- he held himself up and he did what he thought needed to be done. He got the job done like a professional.
Wilde is asked to help search for a young girl who has disappeared. I thought it was interesting why they asked for Wilde’s help but with some professional background he knows the protocol and he definitely knows the area. Wilde’s actions and demeanor reminded me of crafty spy.
When I first started to listen to this audio, I got a bit confused and had to replay the first couple chapters but then, I got on Wilde’s team. His voice on the audio was exactly what I thought he would sound like too. I saw that this was a series so I now have to listen to the sequel to see what happens. 4.25 stars
Holy Mogoly! I loved this book!! I thought this book was super good! I loved how Molly threw herself into her work. I loved how devoted she was to everything she did and how committed she was even though others didn’t feel the same way she did. I know that many individuals have already spoken about this book so I will tell you that I listened to this book and I couldn’t stop. I felt for Molly as she made her way through her day doing the same thing, picking up after people, but loving the satisfaction she got for doing a great job at it.
Molly loved getting praised or someone noticing her (although not everyone does) and she enjoyed her friendships, although it was a shame, she didn’t have many. To Molly, even just a quick hello or a few minutes of conversation was something and she was very observant.
When she finds Mr. Black in his room dead, I imagined what Molly must have done but her mannerism felt off to me as she replayed the events for the authorities. Was it shock or something else? One of her favorite guests and now, he’s gone. How the hotel employees and other guests come into play becomes a dance as they file in and out of Molly’s life. Molly, ole Molly…what happened inside Mr. Black’s room?
I’ve been wanting to read this book so I was excited we read it for bookclub. The cover of the book and the synopsis gives me this dark mysterious feeling and I was intrigued by how these girls seemed so much alike but were separated by race. Nestled into the swamp, these folks have their own way about doing things and whether it’s proper or not, is not what matters, it’s that it’s taken care of.
She was in love when she left and now, she has returned. Her fondness of Jesse prompted her to run off with him but now she has returned. Returned to her home, to her father, to this home in the swamp, the house on stilts. There had been room for Ada in this house but now, her father’s tools are more important and Ada will sleep in the shed. Her father has expectations of Ada now that she has returned. He didn’t welcome her with open arms but with expectations and responsibilities.
My heart was torn for Ada as she tried to fit back into her old lifestyle. Her father wasn’t making it any easier. When he compares his daughter to his wife and begins to criticize and lash out at her, I wanted to reach inside the book and cause my own scene. The words that were spoken, the truth that was revealed was painful but Ada had to learn what she could from her father, no matter what the conditions were.
Matilda to the rescue! I was so grateful that Matilda arrived on the scene and took action. Anything that she could do would be beneficial but I didn’t expect her to be such a strong character. Matilda had her own issues but to Ada she was a ray of light and she knew the w’s: what, where, why and when. I enjoyed the friendship that Ada and Matilda formed and how they supported each other.
I liked how the beginning of the book tied into the middle of this book rather than at the end of the book, that had a nice touch. I knew the story wasn’t over and the ending was still yet to come. I had never expected the ending that the author led me down, as I had envisioned many different paths as I became entwined inside this book. A 5-star read for me.
I listened to this book on a Playaway as I worked outside and it makes an excellent audio book. The book alternatives between the year 2010 and 1965. I liked listening to both sides of the story and seeing how the two stories came together, how the characters transitioned through the years and how history impacted the story. This is a story about race and how race can bring out the best and the worst in individuals.
The year is 2010 and they had returned to Kayla’s hometown. This was supposed to be their dream house, a place where they could put down some roots. So why is it, that only Kayla and their young daughter, were moving into this enormous, beautiful home today?
It was labeled an accident. This “accident” had left Kayla a widow and now, as she takes Rainie through the house, she thinks about this event and how it changed their lives. Kayla is warned by a mysterious woman not to move into the house and she has numerous “incidents” to scare her away from this new development yet she stays. Just down the road, Elle has returned home to take care of her aging parents. Kayla and Elle cross paths and although it would be nice to have someone close to talk with, they know their conversations feel forced.
Meanwhile in 1965, Ellie wants to volunteer over the summer instead of working in her father’s pharmacy. I love that her aunt was her motivation and that she’s committed to her cause although she experiences a lot of negative response about what she feels so passionate about. She’s motivated by SCOPE and MLK and she’s bound-and-determined to help those less fortunate. What an eye-opening experience this is for her! She never knew what life was like beyond her own world and she finds that she has a lot to offer even when those in her own family don’t feel she does. I was frustrated with Ellie a few times as I felt she gave in and I couldn’t understand why she bailed after everything she had seen and done; it just didn’t make sense.
I enjoyed the intensity as Ellie went outside her normal boundaries and she did what her heart told her to do. I loved how the two stories came together and how the women in the hook were different yet they were alike. I couldn’t stop thinking about this book when I had to lay it down, for what did their futures look like?. This was a great read for me – I really enjoyed it!
I didn’t know what to expect going into this graphic novel but the cover and the title grabbed me at the library. This was one of those fantastic finds, that touched my soul and left a deep impression within. Being both a sad and humorous memoir, the story is one that I feel most individuals will be able to relate to, in some respect, as Tyler is as real as it gets.
At the age of 19, Tyler’s mom dies from cancer. When her mother discovers that she’d been misdiagnosed, there were signs of hope but then…. It was now, less than a year since Tyler heard the dreadful news and now……. Tyler’s dad and her two younger siblings had each other but Tyler ………… Tyler had just started college; she was feeling isolated and ……. Tyler needed a shoulder, someone to listen to her, a ……… This book is about loss, it’s about the struggle an individual faces when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Tyler voice is honest as she combines humor and affection in this story of survival after the death of her mother.
Tyler’s spoke from the heart and her honesty was appreciated and respected as she says what so many individuals feel but are hesitate to speak out about. As Tyler shares some Jewish traditions, I enjoyed reading about them and her perspective on them. I honestly liked the idea of the Shiva. What a wonderful, 7-day tradition that brings the whole family together celebrating the life of the individual who has passed away. I really enjoyed this book and it does a fantastic job talking about grieving process yet I thought the book wasn’t heavy or depressing. 5 stars
Do you want to hear a great story?! I read this; I really did! I won’t give too much of the story away in case you want to read it but it’s super good and it’s crazy! So……anyways! Here goes…….
This couple has been saving up for this trip for a long, long time and finally, they’ve saved enough money to go. They book their trip, the money is there, they took the time off work, they’re all set. They’re both super excited to go and then, yep…..you got it. Something happened!! One of them can’t go. The boyfriend is a surgical resident at the hospital and he has to work. Now what?
He insists that she go without him. She shouldn’t have the miss the trip because he has to work. She doesn’t want to go without him but the trip is nonrefundable, it’s all paid for and she has the time off. Whatcha’ think? Should she go? Would you? He’s insisting that she go, so she goes.
So, what you thinking? A romantic story? Not really.
Let me finish this, there’s only a small boat to get to the island where they were going to stay. As the boat pulls up to the island, she’s informed that the boat is headed back to the mainland and this will be the last boat for quite some time. The island is shutting down. Think fast! Stay on the island or stay on the boat and go back to the mainland. She’s come this far and she’s not turning back.
I would have done the same thing. Probably not the best decision but how do you know? She’s now on this fantastic, planned vacation complete with her booked hotel that is now closed, all eating and tourist sites closed and she doesn’t speak the countries language. This is supposed to be a fantastic vacation?! She tries to make the best of it, she really does and I loved it! As the community opens up to her, I just couldn’t get enough of this book. It’s like she’d finally discovered life’s meaning, she’s becoming a part of something bigger. Yet, somehow, her boyfriend is connecting with her which is tugging at her heart pulling her back to him. Keeping this rope tied to him while on the island, she’s learning to fly.
I felt she was really breathing, on the island though. When she reconnected to the mainland, her breath was labored and stressed. There were numerous times I found myself talking/yelling out-loud to her as I listened to this book, advising her cut the strings from the mainland and move to the island. How could she not continue on with this great path that she had found? So, what happened? That’s all I’m telling you but this is just the start of her story, my friend. It is just the start.
What a fantastic story! The author threw me for some loops in this book and I fell for them. I had to pick my jaw off the floor for a few of them and I had to tell my husband every last detail of this book whether he wanted to hear it or not as I was super excited about this one. I can see why this one has been so popular. 5 stars for sure!!
Do you search for Nessie in Scotland, Champ in New York or do you want to go to Africa to search for Mokele-mbembe, the choice is yours? I myself, started with the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland and then, came back to the beginning again and started other searches for the other creatures because I needed to know how they all would end. I also took alternative side options with each of them for that’s what’s so wonderful with these books, the possibilities are endless.
There are actual photographs in these books and a few of them, you will find familiar as they are popular with that creature. There is the blurry image of the Loch Ness Monster with its head poking up out of the water (or is that really a twisted tree branch in the water). Nevertheless, the photographs help reassure the reader that these creatures are real and that you’re on a mission to prove it. I enjoyed all the different directions this book takes you down and following these paths, they were never hard. The font size was large and easy-to-read which was good and it varied in size according to different tasks. I did feel that the book was lacking in drama department. The book does a great job in providing specific details and setting up the scenes but each of the actual events, they fell short for me. They were over before I knew it and it was time to move on. Where was the drama? The anticipation? I felt cheated. I was tracking down a famous, mysterious creature and I thought there needed to be more: more story and more excitement.
Make sure you check out the back of the book for a list of freshwater Lake Monsters Around the World. There are 7 monsters listed from Loch Ness in Scotland to Champ in the U.S. to Ogopogo in Canada to The Lake Van Monster in Turkey. There is also a glossary at the back, a few internet sites & books pertaining to the Loch Ness Monster, and a few questions relating to information in this book. I liked that this book also includes an index. I think this book provides some good basic information about the monsters presented inside it. 3 stars
Sample Text
“Going inside the cave would be a terrible risk. You could get trapped or lost. No. You’ll stay where you are and hope the shape returns. You wait and watch as long as you can. But nothing appears. After a while, you have to resurface before running out of air.
In the boat, you swap out your oxygen tanks and head back down. But it’s hopeless. You don’t see another hint of Nessie. As the sun drops low in the sky, you realize it’s time to head back.
This search has been a failure. But you’re not going to give up. Maybe tomorrow you’ll have better luck.
THE END
To read another adventure, turn to page 9
To learn more about lake monsters, turn to page 103”
We love Carl and this book is another reason why we do. Carl and his family have headed to their cabin for summer vacation and the parents don’t realize how lucky they are, that they brought Carl along with them. With only a few pages containing actual words, the illustrations tell the story of what actually transpires in the story.
My grandson (he’s almost 3-years-old) and I like to read stories about Carl as his stories give way to conversations, Carl sets a great example, and the stories are upbeat and cheerful. Carl is a large, rottweiler who is mindful of his family’s young daughter, Madeleine. In the series, the two of them have wonderful adventures together, for which the adults have no idea what, the two of them have been up to. Carl is her protector.
Found the park
While the parents get the cabin cleaned up, they set Madeleine and Carl down for a nap. Immediately, they set off to see the sights. I love the way that Carl tends to Madeleine and how she follows his lead. They do get into an empty boat which isn’t a good idea but she’s wearing a life vest, so she’s safe and this scenario brings up a good conversation for my grandson and I. I’m surprised that her parents don’t check-in on the two “sleeping” youngsters, for Madeleine and Carl have quite the adventure while her parents clean and tidy up the cabin. Their excursion finally comes to an end as they scramble back up onto the porch. They arrived just in time, for Madeleine’s parent’s call out to them, supposedly waking them up. Dinner is about to be served and the rest of the book is super cute.
The illustrations in the Carl books remind me of some books I used to read from in the 1970’s. The vivid colors, the way the faces are drawn, and how the illustrations just pop off the pages. I like how the illustrator paid attention to some details while blending in others. I highly recommend Carl books by Alexandra Day.
I remember reading the original version of this story many years ago in school so I’m somewhat familiar with the storyline. It’s a daunting, sad story but one that I feel is important for its historical value and the impression that it leaves behind. When I saw this graphic novel adaptation, I was excited to see exactly what they had done with it.
Graphic novels…….graphic novel adaptations…… this world is just exploding! As a former substitute teacher, I’m all for graphic novels. Whatever you can do to get someone reading, I’m all for it! In one of my classes for my education degree, we had to read a variety of children’s books and discuss them. I remember one hot discussion was about graphic novels and whether they were actually “reading.” I definitely think they are “reading” now but at the time, the selection in graphic novels was fairly limited, so some individuals thought “reading” comic books wasn’t reading. So, I wonder what they’d think now, with all the different titles available. Perhaps they’d see that graphic novels are reading; they have a lot of different subject matter now. I think of the example: Margie wants to read the graphic novel of a book that was assigned. She reads the graphic novel, understands it and whether or not, she likes the book, she read it and was able to follow it. Had you only offered Margie the fiction or nonfiction version of that book, Margie would’ve struggled to read it or she wouldn’t have read it at all, she would have failed. She wouldn’t have gained anything. Actually, she would’ve lost a bit of herself for she now knows that she doesn’t like that book and she can’t read it. It’s funny actually but this argument is still an issue today.
There are some good points and some difficult issues with this adaptation. Again, this is a sad, depressing story but I liked the flow of this story. The author did a great job showing the conflicts the characters face and how Anne’s emotions come into play. As an author, you can’t have too much doom and gloom yet most individuals know that this is part of this important story. This story also covers a lot of time and there was quite a bit of narrative in the picture boxes but I figured there would be to keep the timeline moving. There were times in which the author devoted a whole page to narrative language but it was creative and wasn’t overwhelming. I thought the illustrations were wonderfully done, with precise details and colors and they complimented the text wonderfully.
The story begins with a page devoted to a Cast of Characters, which is helpful. The characters are grouped and I liked that under their illustration, they had their name and who they were in the story. The story begins on June 12, 1942 when Anne is celebrating her 13th birthday and she receives the important diary, Dear Kitty. In Dear Kitty, Anne writes down everything important to her: her thoughts and feelings and the events that occurring in her life. When Anne and her family are forced into hiding, they never imagined they would be hidden for years.
I think after reading this, I need to read the original story again as I feel that I don’t remember everything about this book. I remember the ending being abrupt in the original and again, the ending left me hanging. I do remember Anne growing as a character but I was surprised how forthright Anne becomes in this book. She’s almost too blunt and too brass for me. As Anne becomes a woman, her sexuality becomes important and she’s definitely frank and direct in this area also. I think the wake-up call for me was when Anne sat Peter down at a desk and she got out her pointer stick. Using her stick, Anne begins to explain to Peter the illustration on the wall. I don’t remember that from the original story and I even asked a few friends if they did. You’d think that as a teen, I’d remember something graphic like that. So, now I think I need to reread the original to see if my memory is correct or if I actually forgot part of this classic.
With other incidents pertaining to sexual content, I don’t feel this graphic novel is appropriate for younger readers. Overall, I thought the author did a great job and the illustrations were fantastic. This is one that you’ll definitely need to check into, if you get the chance. 4 stars
One Chapter 