One Chapter

The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers

3.5 stars Children’s Picture Book

Ha! This is a cute story about a dictionary who wanted to be more than just a book consisting of some words from A to Z. You have to be introduced to Dictionary, who wanted his own story. Dictionary knows that other books consist of words created using words found inside the Dictionary so why can’t Dictionary have his own story created inside his own pages. I know it sounds confusing, but it is true.

As Dictionary thought about why she didn’t have a story inside her pages, a hungry Alligator started to creep across her pages. No, this Alligator did not stay in the A section of Dictionary, he was moving through the pages, sniffing and looking for something Delicious when he spotted a Donut in the D section. Donut is not wanting to become Alligator’s next meal, so off Donut goes, rolling through the pages.

Dictionary is thrilled that a story has now been started in her pages as the pair makes their way to the M section. A Ghost scares the group when they are stopped by the Moon. They have quite an adventure as they make their way through the alphabet. Dictionary wanted a story, and she is definitely getting one, as the story becomes more twisted and exciting along the way.

The concept behind the book was interesting and I liked how the author put the story together. The illustrations with Dictionary coming to life and later watching the story unfold with Dictionary’s words falling off the pages provided a great visual and was entertaining. The thick cardstock paper was also a great touch. I did have a hard time reading some of the cursive writing that was used in the text. I liked that they used a unique type of text font for most of the story, but I think this font was a bit too hard to read. I thought the story had a bit of nonsense in it, but I think it was supposed to, this added to the humor of the book. It was a different kind of story, one I had to read a few times to fully appreciate. 3.5 stars

Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers

4.5 stars Children’s Picture Book

I liked this! Each of the letters in the alphabet has a short story attached to it. This book is big and thick.

The illustrations are plain and simple, without much color.

Each story is short, but they are entertaining and fun. Covering a variety of subjects, these stories will make you think or laugh.

“C Cup in the Cupboard

(Illustration of cup in a bare kitchen cupboard)

Cup lived in the dark cupboard,

It was dark and cold in there

when the door was closed.

He dreamed of living over

by the window where he’d

have a clear view.

One afternoon, he decided

to go for it.

(picture of broken coffee cup)

Unfortunately, he forgot that

The counter was a long way

Down, and made of concrete.”

Cute example of the letter C. I liked how the letter C is used multiple times in the story, and the illustration compliments the story but doesn’t compete with the text for attention. Having to turn the page to get the last part of each story is a good cliffhanger and add to the drama. 4.5 stars

Memoirs of a Parrot by Devin Scillian

3.5 stars Children’s picture book

Who is Polly? I don’t think this Polly wants a cracker either. Brock likes to talk but it seems that no one can talk to him except his friend Tik Tok. Hanging out at Wilbur’s Pet Shop with Tik Tok, Brock gets plenty of visitors but it’s frustrating when no one can speak parrot.

Todd becomes interested in Brock and adopts him. Life has now become interesting for the both of them. When Todd tries to teach Brock how to talk, this parrot is not echoing Todd’s words back to him. Nope, Brock refuses to speak Todd’s language. Todd continues to try to get Brock to respond to his voice, but nothing happens. Frustrated, Todd then explains to Brock that perhaps it’s due to Brock’s intelligence which gets Brock fired up.

Todd is frustrated with Brock’s lack of echoing skills and now, Brock’s feelings have been attacked. When will these two finally get along? They both needed each other. This is obvious, for you can see this how they are around one another, without even saying anything.

With bright colorful illustrations and a good flowing text, this story is cute. I would suggest this for mid -level elementary students. 3.5 stars

Boo the Library Ghost by Becky Paige

5 stars Children’s Picture Book

Stay away from this library! This library is haunted by a ghost who likes to scare all who enter while causing chaos inside the walls of this structure. Children are his favorite, frightening them so much that they run out of the library and head home. Boo does it all, from throwing books to ripping out the pages of the books, to making spooky scary faces on the walls. You have been warned.

Boo meets his match when Poppy walks into the library. After all of Boo antics, Poppy remains in the library. Poppy even asks Boo to calm down as she’s reading a book and he’s distracting her. This makes Boo mad, so he becomes more destructive. Wow, Boo is really tearing up the library! Poppy tries to stop Boo’s behavior and that’s when she realizes why Boo is really acting out.

Boo is reluctant to warm up to Poppy as she talks to him. He’s listening but he’s scared. Poppy’s patience and loving words warm Boo’s heart and they connect. Poppy is the perfect advocate for the library and soon she has Boo on board.

It’s a great story and I liked Boo’s transformation. Boo’s behavior was caused by something deeper and Poppy discovered it and helped Boo. I liked how she became friends with Boo. The illustrations were busy, colorful and they complimented the text. I enjoyed the text, but it did get a bit too long for my 3-year-old grandson. A fun book about books and the power of reading. 5 stars

Escape From Chernobyl by Andy Marino

4 stars YA/ Middle School

It was cover love that brought this book to me. I didn’t know that this was book one of a series and after reading this one, I don’t think I will continue with the series as the ending was disappointing to me. For me, there was no ending. As I listened to this book, I was hooked, I felt a deep connection to the characters and their fate and then, the book ended. I had been cheated. There had to be more! Was there book #2 to finish this story? No, it was over, and I felt cheated.

It’s April 26, 1986, the place Pripyat, Ukraine. This city was built for the individuals who would work at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. I liked the variety of characters as it gave a great view of what was happening around this event as it was unfolding,

It was Yuri who I fell for in this book. He was the one who had less at stake but gave the most. While those with higher titles, rattled off commands or walked among the clouds, Yuri was on the ground with his eyes open, watching and risking everything. Alina, Yuri’s relative, was just like him, but at times, her emotions got the best of her. Who could blame her, considering what was transpiring right in front of her. Yuri knows Chernobyl like the back of his hand. Yuri is a janitor at Chernobyl. They treat him better than a janitor but that’s still what they consider him to be. Yuri hopes that one day, yes one day, they’ll realize the potential that Yuri has and move him up into a more suitable title. While at work on April 26, Yuri notices something isn’t right. His eyes have been on the ground since day one but today, today is different. Today, there is no going back.

What was happening inside Chernobyl? Sofiya dad is an engineer at the power plant and getting his perspective as the day’s events spiraled downhill added an intensity to the drama unfolding. Despite everything, Sofiya tries to help the residents of Pripyat. Sofiya had a different emotional burning within her than Alina but together they show the confusion and turmoil that the residents faced as this event changed their world.

This book covers April 26, 1986. One day. I felt cheated as I wanted and needed to know what happened after this day. I felt a deep connection to the characters and as I closed the book, I was sad and disappointed that there wasn’t something to help bring me closure.

Jane and Dan at The End of the World by Colleen Oakley

5 stars Fiction

That was a fun read. I didn’t know what to expect at first but about ¼ of the way into the book, I was hooked and their night out eating was pure entertainment.

Extravagant and expensive, those are the words to describe the dinner that Jane and Dan were having tonight. It was their 19^th anniversary, and they were going all out. Only the well-to-do typically dine here but tonight the parents of Josh and Sissy find themselves a table here, a night they should have went somewhere else.

Dan is ready for a fun-filled night, but Jane is on edge. She’s been reading Dan’s phone messages and tonight is the night that she’s telling Dan that she’s done. She feels betrayed and lied to, amongst a host of other emotions and she’s ready to move on without him. Feeling that Dan by committing his affair, has already moved on without her, she wants to just officially get everything out in the open. Relief hits Jane as the words tumble out of her mouth leaving Dan stunned and surprised. What a way to celebrate an anniversary.

They rushed through the door, his voice was loud as he shouted, “Nobody move,” as the rest of his posse made their way into the restaurant carrying guns. Gathering up the patron’s cell phones, they laid out the rules. Sure, everyone would walk out safely through the front door at the end of this ordeal as they only want one thing tonight but as the minutes tick by, their plan was not going as they intended. Jane accepted the fact that the only book that she had written wasn’t a bestseller but as the night unfolded, it seemed that someone had read her book. There were too many similarities between her book and the drama unfolding around her. Could this really be happening?

I enjoyed this book more than I anticipated. The tension between Jane and Dan escalates as the drama of the restaurant intensifies. They’re trying to understand their relationship, grasping the meaning of their own lives, and doing a reality check. With the restaurant seized by a group of muddled thieves, the outcome of the evening is anyone’s guess. 5 stars

Night Owl by Christopher Denise

5 stars Children’s

A wish comes true. A cute short story where dreams really do come true. Even though little Owl doesn’t fit the true description of a knight, that doesn’t keep him from striving to become one.

A shortage of knights in the kingdom allows little Owl the opportunity to apply and that is all he needs. Little Owl works hard throughout the training to graduate and earn a position in the Knight Night Watch. Where others have failed in this position, because of who he is, he succeeds.

Owl has achieved his dream, he feels like an official knight. As he stands guard late at night, he hears a noise. Investigating, Owl discovers a powerful beast. A beast who would like to make a snack of Owl. How will Owl prove his knighthood to the beast and save himself?

A cute fun story that will have children guessing as you turn the pages. The bright bold illustrations are fantastic.

Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout

4.5 stars Fiction

It’s all about Bob. This was such a relaxing read. I had read a few other books in this series so falling back into the life of Lucy was easy and comfortable. She has adjusted to her move, but Bob is facing some complications and now it’s Lucy who he leans upon to help him. The roles have now reversed. Bob takes centerstage in this book and Lucy is the supporting character. With the roles reversed, their connection becomes even deeper.

Bob, Lucy’s closest friend, since her move to Maine have had a close relationship. Bob has helped make this transition smooth for her. Lucy now starts to build a relationship with Olive who lives in a retirement community. Stories are shared between the two of them and the details and emotions that erupt between them, you would have thought they were talking about current events.

Bob is facing some complications of his own and it’s Lucy who he leans upon to help him through them. I liked how the roles were reversed and how they each knew what to do. The writing is interesting and comfortable, and the characters are individuals that you want to know more about. I suggest reading the first book of this series, so you know the history of their relationship to one another before jumping into this one. Such a great continuation of this series. 4.5 stars

A Dog in Georgia: a Novel by Lauren Grodstein

4 stars Fiction

Well, why not? I was a bit envious when Amy escaped her everyday life to pursue something dear to her heart. Amy knew what she was supposed to be doing, she knew the roles that she was supposed to fill but inside she felt empty. Getting away just might be the answer that she needs to get back into the swing of things.

Amy is fascinated with Angel and has become a regular watcher of Angel’s YouTube channel. Helping the area schoolchildren across the street, Angel has become quite a sensation. When Angel is discovered missing, Amy wonders if perhaps her talent for locating lost dogs could help locate Angel. Toying with the idea of searching for Angel, Amy ponders the possibility of her actually joining in on the search. As Amy contemplates this decision, I enjoyed her thoughts and how she analyzes the situation. It’s not like she’s going for a short drive to assist: Amy will need to leave her comfort zone and be independent. It’s all or nothing.

When Amy arrives in Georgia, she knows that her main concern is the dog Angel but every step in this journey is about discovery. This book is not about light bulb moments but it’s about the steps and revelations that help Amy rediscover herself and passion about life. 4 stars.

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

4.5 stars Fiction

You can always dream. Lucy started to escape into the world of books at a small age. She needed this escape as she had nothing in her own home life to hold onto. Jack Masterson provided the world into which Lucy would crawl into. Soon, these worlds that Jack had created would become a part of Lucy. As a reader, I think Lucy’s connection with Jack and her escape resonates with many of us. The amazement and freedom to escape into the pages of a great book and leave our current world beyond, even for just a few moments, is priceless.

As a teacher’s aide, Lucy is drawn to a student in her classroom Christopher, who is in foster care. Lucy feels a connection with Christopher and this connection deepens throughout the year. Lucy would like to adopt Christopher, but her current situation is not ideal. Lucy heart is in the right place as she tries to find a solution to this problem, but her frustration grows. It’s an emotional story as Christopher and Lucy both struggle with the way life is and how they want it to be. Lucy introduces Christopher to the Jack Masterson books that she loved growing up and soon, they share this reading experience together.

Getting an invitation in the mail, Lucy is invited to a contest hosted by Jack Masterson. This could be Lucy’s “golden ticket,” her chance to change the current situation. Will it be enough to change Christopher’s life also? Will Lucy be the winner?

I enjoyed the contest hosted by Jack. It wasn’t a one chance winner but multiple chances so everyone who was invited got a chance to win points and be the winner at the end of the contest. This was a page-turner and one that touched my heart as I was drawn into the contest and the lives of Lucy and Christopher.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book to me.