Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula by Andi Watson

Princess Decomposia is struggling to juggle the affairs of the kingdom, care for her hypochondriac father, and maintain positive relations with heads of state. This mountain of work gives her no time for herself. But Decomposia's life changes when she hires a new court chef, Count Spatula. Count Spatula is an imaginative cook who is just as sweet as his baked goods. Soon after he is hired, Count Spatula notices the strain Decomposia is under and gives her helpful advice to cut down on her load. Unfortunately, her father, King Wulfrun, is not happy with the budding relationship between his daughter and the new chef.

Watson's graphic novel is a quirky read showcasing the importance of family, friendship, food, and having fun. Readers follow Decomposia as she starts each day taking on the duties King Wulfrun is avoiding. Her love for her father keeps her from complaining and from shirking these royal responsibilities. But when Count Spatula arrives, he sees Decomposia's dilemma. He uses his cooking and listening skills to lighten her load. However, outlandish reports on the two friends cause the king to spring into unlawful action. This creates a rift between father and daughter. Again, Count Spatula comes to the rescue to save Decomposia and King Wulfrun's relationship. A great book to introduce readers into the graphic novel world. Appropriate for ages twelve and up.      

The Sky is Falling! by Mark Teague

Fox is hoping to stir up trouble, and a possible meal, by hitting Chicken Little on the head with an acorn. As soon as Chicken Little is hit, she and the other hens repeatedly scream that the sky is falling. Squirrel tries to explain what really happened, but the chickens don't seem to listen. Soon their panicky chants lead all the chickens to, what else, dance! Their odd response both puzzles but delights the other farm animals as everyone joins in the fun. Fox is very confused by the dancing, but still thinks his easy meal is within reach...that is until he is challenged to dance.   

A fun interpretation of the classic "Chicken Little" tale, Teague's watercolor illustrations showcase both the humor and energy of the story. At first reading, the plot can seem a bit random with the hens sporadically dancing in the face of their doom. However, with careful re-reading, the dumb idea of these choreographed chickens saves them from the real fate noted in the original tale. A note of caution to both parents and teachers: Teague's story is a read-aloud book, not a "read-alone" picture book for new readers. Teague uses several exotic dancing styles in his story. When reading the book aloud, Teague's boisterous illustrations still carries the silliness of his message even if young listeners may be unfamiliar with the dance styles mentioned. But new readers may stumble over these exotic terms when reading the book on their own.

Darkbeast by Morgan Keyes

Like all the children in Keara’s world, she was blessed with an animal companion or darkbeast at her birth. The darkbeast has a magical connection to take upon themselves the faults and flaws of their human child. At the age of twelve, children sacrifice their darkbeasts to show they have left childhood and entered adulthood. But when Keara turns twelve, she cannot kill her darkbeast, Caw. Her failure causes her family to shun her and sets the religious order of the Inquisitors after her.

Keyes has created an incredibly detailed world where religious and patriotic beliefs intertwine in a fantastical Dark Ages society. At times the complexity of Keyes’ world can cause some confusion when it comes to describing the twelve gods in their religion and imagining the locations of cities and villages Keara visits. It would have helped Keyes’ story to have a description of the twelve gods and a map showing Keara’s land at the beginning of the book. Otherwise, Keara’s story is a compelling tale based on faith, doubts, friendship, and holding fast to beliefs in your heart. Darkbeast echos similar themes found in Fly By Night, The Golden Compass, or Beyonders. Keyes second book is called Darkbeast Rebellion.  

Jason's Gold by Will Hobbs

Fifteen-year-old paperboy, Jason Hawthorn, yells to New Yorkers that gold has been discovered in Alaska. Once the news is out, Jason’s eager brothers travel to Seattle so they can join the crowds booking passage to the unknown North. But Jason doesn’t want to be left out from the fortune waiting for him there. Traveling alone, he hops a train for Seattle and stows away on a ship heading to the Klondike. But Jason’s dreams of finding easy gold are dashed when he witnesses both the beauties and terrors of the people, animals, landscape, and weather of the frigid North.

Jason’s Gold is a delicious mix of adventure, action, survival, and history as readers follow Jason towards the Klondike. Jason has his own ideas of how easy it will be to strike it rich in Alaska. But when he actually sees the wilderness and people he is competing against, he begins to focus more on just staying alive than finding his fortune. Hobbs adds an extra historical twist to his tale by weaving in famed author, Jack London, and other Alaskan Gold Rush figures into his story. In Hobbs' Author Note, he explains his inspiration for writing the book and expands on London’s failed attempts at finding gold in Alaska. The sequel to Jason’s Gold is called Down the Yukon. Fans of Roland Smith, Gary Paulsen, or Ben Mikaelsen are sure to enjoy this two book series. Great for ages 10 and up.

Bulldozer's Big Day by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann

As a bright, new day begins over the city's construction site, Bulldozer can't wait to invite his friends to his birthday party. Excitedly he asks Digger Truck why today is so special. But Digger Truck says there is nothing special about the day except for doing his assigned work. Bulldozer's excitement turns to disappointment as the rest of his friends don't recognize the significance of the day as well. Just when Bulldozer thinks he will be alone on his birthday, his friends surprise him with a massive cake to celebrate Bulldozer's big day.

A must-have for young children who love construction vehicles and equipment, Bulldozer's Big Day is a bright picture book that will bring a smile to any reader's face. All Bulldozer wants is to have someone realize that it is his birthday. When no one makes that realization, Bulldozer starts to give up hope. But when his friends do surpise him, readers see from the illustrations that everyone was working hard to make it a very special day for Bulldozer. There is a playful mix between Fleming's prose and Rohmann's block print illustrations that leads to a solid story with loveable characters. Fans of such books as Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel or Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site will enjoy this light-hearted children's book.

The Wisdom of Merlin: 7 Magical Words for a Meaningful Life by T. A. Barron

Merlin welcomes all into his Crystal Cave. But he discerns that readers have two important questions: What is the meaning of life and how can I possibly find it? From his centuries of experience, Merlin has discovered that the answer to these cosmic questions are seven simple words: gratitude, courage, knowledge, belief, wonder, generosity, hope, and love. But these are not just ordinary words. To Merlin, these words carry magically transformative power that can change the world.

There are many motivational books in the publishing world, but few are as poetic, caring, and thoughtful as Barron's The Wisdom of Merlin. Like Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go!, Barron uses a character and world he has lovingly created to set up an inspiring conversation between readers and the all-knowing, mythical wizard. Readers learn how they can make a difference by understanding the meaning behind each of Merlin's magical terms. An enriching, wonderful book great for fantasy fans, high school or college graduates, or for the reader who needs a loving pick-me-up.

 

Happy International Literacy Day!

Greetings Everyone!

Today is International Literacy Day! But today is not just about celebrating the enjoyment of reading and writing. It is also a day to reflect on the power literacy. Unfortunately, many people around the world still do not have this gift of literacy. And we who have it, sometimes take the benefits and blessings of literacy for granted.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, research shows there are about 800 million people worldwide who cannot read or write. Out of that number 126 million are children. The International Literacy Association are taking steps to spread awareness about this global problem. But the gift of literacy does not just aid us in comprehending the written word. It is does much more than that. Check out ILA's statistics on the benefits of literacy:

   
Who knew literacy did all of this! Just think what would happen when we work together to shrink that 800 million to zero! So, do what you can to spread the benefits of literacy and aid those trying to obtain it.

But besides realizing your benefits of literacy, celebrate today by thanking those who encouraged you to develop your skills in literacy.

Here is who I want to thank for my precious gift of literacy:

1. My awesome parents who established my literacy foundation and who patiently waited until I began building upon that foundation.

2. My many amazing teachers/professors from elementary, middle school, high school, and college who nurtured, pushed, and encouraged my development in literacy.

3. My husband who encouraged me to remember my literacy foundation so I could find meaning and purpose in my life....and for reading aloud many a good book together!

4. The many authors I have met who changed my literacy life: Thank you Jack Gantos, Kathleen Krull, Henry Cole, Sneed Collard III, Dean Hughes, Eric Kimmel, Regina Sirois, Brandon Mull, Roland Smith, and Peter Lerangis....you guys helped inspire me to rise higher because of the way you used your own gifts in literacy.

5. My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ who gave me an eager mind and provided a world they blessed with literacy.
   
Have a wonderful International Literacy Day!

Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George

After enduring strange journeys towards Romania to meet their Florescus relations, seventeen-year-old cousins, Dacia and Lou, feel something foul is behind their trip. However, Dacia dismisses everything when she meets the dashingly handsome Prince Mihai Dracula. As Dacia and Mihai quickly begin courting, Lou notices the extended family is forcefully encouraging an alliance between Dacia and Mihai. Before things get too serious, the girls witness the truth behind a feared Florescus secret. It is up to Dacia and Lou to either fight against their family's curse or be a slave to it.

George takes the Dracula myth into a refreshingly original direction with the start of her new young adult series, Silver in the Blood. Unlike many supernatural YA stories, no vampires are present in the book. George's inspiration seems to stem from the 1800's time period, Romanian history, and Romanian culture. But George's biggest praise for her book are the characters of Dacia and Lou. These two close-knit cousins start off as New York debutants. Yet that upbringing is dashed when the Florescus secret changes their lives. Confidence flees Dacia, while the humble, quiet Lou finds inner strength. And in George's own romantic style, she weaves in two handsome and helpful gentlemen to support Dacia and Lou's efforts. A fun read great for ages 13 and up.