The Naturals

The Naturals
(The Naturals #1)
Jennifer Lynn Barnes

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781423168232
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Date of publication: November 5, 2014
Age: Grades 7 and up
Genre: Mystery

Themes: serial killers, FBI, criminal psychology, murder, identity

Cassie is pretty good at reading people, piecing together tiny details to create a picture of their lives. It turns out, however, that this skill has led the FBI to peg her as a Natural. Naturals are teenagers with skills in criminal psychology, unpolluted by formal education. Cassie finds herself recruited as a Profiler and is starts working with a group of other teens to solve cold cases. What she doesn't realize is that the FBI's current case will test all of her skills as a serial killer makes her the next target.

First of all, I already really enjoyed watching murder/detective shows, Criminal Minds and Lie To Me being some of my favorites. So this book, which is kind of like one giant Criminal Minds episode, was already a winner in my mind. Barnes NAILED it: super suspenseful, unpredictable, and she has the creepy ability to get you inside the psycho serial killer's head (she DOES have a PhD in psychology...). Of course, there's no way the FBI would actually hire teenagers. But hey, the rest of it is believable. The story wrapped up nicely while still leaving you wanting more. There are more mysteries left unsolved, after all. Recommended for sure.

It is all about teens, for teens, but it is nothing-held-back gruesome serial killer. So while no bad language or sex, you may want to take that into consideration

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Library Pet-Peeves

Hey it's Friday! So it's time for a just-for-fun post.

Librarians need to vent. Just a once in a while. I know that librarians supposedly have one of the least stressful jobs (thanks Forbes), but there's just some things I need to get off my chest...

...with the help of Cary Grant.

Oldies: Bunnicula

Bunnicula
(Bunnicula and Friends #1)
Deborah and James Howe
Illustrations by Alan Daniel

Atheneum (1979)
Age: Grades 3 - 7
Genre: Mystery

Themes: vampires, pets, vegetables, misunderstandings

Harold the dog and Chester the cat are the beloved pets of the Monroe family, until the day the family brings home a suspicious looking rabbit and name it Bunnicula. The boys love it, but Chester is not so sure. And then there are the colorless, sucked-dry vegetables being left in the kitchen. With his fangs, nocturnal wanderings, and strange markings in his fur, is Bunnicula a vampire or not?

It's a classic, and I'll be honest, this was a reread. Because it makes me laugh! And I love books that make me laugh. With just the right amount of mystery, spook, and humor, the Howes deliver a fantastic story. Is it just a coincidence that the family found him while out to see Dracula at the movie theater? Can their be vampire rabbits? Well you'll just have to read it to find out. Definitely recommended. It's part of a series, too, so kids will have more to read after they finish this one.

So, if you're curious, my rating is: ★★★★

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Storytime: Easter

This storytime was for a preschool-aged group at my library

Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild!

Amelia Bedelia Goes Wild!
(Amelia Bedelia Chapter Books #4)
Written by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynne Avril

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0062095060
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date of publication: March 25, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: animals, zoo, cooperation, planning, sick day

Amelia Bedelia is home sick—on the day her class takes a field trip to the zoo! She is sad to miss the trip, but has a dream that night that sparks a Big Idea: build her own zoo in the backyard! With the help of her classmates and their pets, Amelia gets hard to work planning and staging her very own zoo. She may even get some very special visitors.

Does that author look familiar? Herman is the son of the Peggy Parish, the author of the original Amelia Bedelia, the lovable housekeeper that takes things very literally, resulting in hilarious mistakes. I grew up on Amelia (who didn't?) and was excited for this new Amelia character. Turns out: she's even better! Mr. Parish takes a dash of the literal-understanding old housekeeper and adds the adorable precociousness of a kid to create a hilarious, outgoing, lovable Amelia Bedelia.

Any book in the series is worth reading, and this one is no exception. There's problems and mysteries to solve, friends to work with, and a zoo to build—all while balancing school. The illustrations alongside add even more humor. It's the perfect read for younger grade school kids. Even more fun to read—and laugh—aloud with them. Definitely recommended.

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The Boy who was Raised by Librarians

The Boy who was Raised by Librarians
Written by Carla Morris, illustrated by Brad Sneed

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-1561453917
Publisher: Peachtree Pub Ltd
Date of publication: March 31, 2007
Age: 4 years and up
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Themes: libraries, learning, growing up, acceptance

Melvin practically lives at the library. And he knows the three librarians there can answer any question he has, whether it be about insects, geography, or playing an enormous eggplant in the school play. All growing up, those three librarians help him until the day finally comes where he leaves for college. Will he be gone from the library forever more?

Okay, this one is a little older, but the reason I'm reviewing it now is because a patron just told me about it. She actually told me about it in about the most flattering way possible: she compared me to the librarians in the book. So of course I HAD to read it. And discovered she had paid me a HUGE compliment because these three librarians are awesome. They're always quick to help Melvin, show him tricks of the trade, and are genuinely happy to see him. The illustrations are brilliant--and so detailed! Sneed painted the actual covers of the Caldecott winners displayed on a library shelf. Totally legit. So I love it. I love all the library-ness of it. A good one for storytime for sure.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire
(Throne of Glass #3)
Sarah J. Maas

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 9781619630659
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Date of publication: September 2, 2014
Age: Grades 11 and up
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: magic, training, betrayal, heartbreak, loyalty, war

Celeana has escaped to Wendlyn, but is completely alone and crippled from heartbreak. Her friends that she left behind in Ardalan must find new allies as they seek to destroy the source of the king's power. Ever amassing, and on the verge of release, the king is creating armies of the vilest nature, evil creatures bent on enslaving and destroying the continent. Across the sea, Celeana must face the darkest aspects and secrets of her past in order to face the real demons set to consume all she loves.

I wish I could write the way Maas writes, because I don't see how I'll be able to properly convey the way I feel about these books. This. This book. It's like....I forget where I am. Maas puts me in a world so richly depicted, in the head of a character so deeply represented...it's amazing. It's agonizing! Yet, I LOVE it. Because the talent required to do that is phenomenal.

Now, I will say in this book, it got a little complicated in that there were up to nine different perspectives from which the overall story was given--all different characters. It's a lot of switching around between character stories. And starting out, Celeana was practically unbearable. I mean, okay, yeah, crippling heartbreak, but man that was a lot of angst to get through. So, no, it's not perfect.

But it's worth it. Don't you see? Every minute with this book is [insert favorite positive adjective here, e.g. "awesome"]. Yes, yes, I already love fantasies and especially these types of personal-growth-into-magical-dominance stories, but this goes beyond all that. So go. Go and read. I can't even handle it.

Check out my (completely rave) reviews for Book 1, Book 2, and Book 0.5

Warning: Explicit Content
Some sexuality

Pre-order now on Amazon!
...or be a sucker and wait on the hold's list at your library

(Digital ARC provided through NetGalley)

No Fits, Nilson!

No Fits, Nilson!
Written and illlustrated by Zachariah OHora

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9780803738522
Publisher: Dial
Date of publication: June 13, 2013
Age: 3 - 5 years

Themes: temper tantrums, friendship, selflessness, behavior

Amelia and Nilson do everything together, but if things go wrong, Nilson often throws house-shaking tantrums! Amelia tries to help calm Nilson down by letting him play with her froggy purse or promising banana ice cream. Sometimes, though, Amelia might be the one that needs calming. How can Nilson help?

Humor? Check. The picture on page 23 still gets me every time.

Fantastic illustrations? Oh yeah; Nilson looks like a thug gorilla. He has six watches on his arms for goodness sakes! How cool is that?

A great resolution? You know I love happy endings. This book has it. Overall, the story is a good look into the tantrum process: what may cause it, how to hold it off, and ways to calm down. A great story to read with those temper-prone toddlers. I plan on reading it in storytime. Highly recommended!

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Signs You're a Die-Hard Reader

Inspired by a list I found on 101books, I made my own. Cliche, yes, but finding gifs is so much fun. So, without further ado, if you've ever said or done something along these lines, there's a good chance you're addicted to books.

Kiddie Cocktails

Kiddie Cocktails
Written by Stuart Sandler, illustrated by Derek Yaniger

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 9780957664913
Publisher: Korero
Date of publication: August 1, 2014
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Nonfiction

Themes: recipes, soda fountains, party, vintage

Ever wanted all the fun of mixing drinks without the booze? This book outlines all sorts of fabulous and tasty cocktails from the traditional Shirley Temple to something called Cactus Juice. With a thorough outline of tools needed, instructions to get the perfect mix, and even suggestions for throwing a swingin' party, this book is a perfect tool for all ages to have a good time.

You guys, I LOVE this book. JUST LOOK AT THE ILLUSTRATIONS!

I'd buy it for this art alone, I'm not even kidding. Every. Single. Page. Is like this. So utterly fantastic!! (Yes, two exclamation points). Do you not feel like throwing a swingin' party just looking at it? AND on top of all that, it's filled with super tasty drinks. Like, come on, what more do you need? I honestly do not know what I could criticize about this cookbook. Just go a get it, if just to see the illustrations.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Landline

Landline
Rainbow Rowell

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9781250049377
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date of publication: July 8, 2014
Age: Adult
Genre: Romance

Themes: marriage, communication, separation, love, family, best friend

Georgie McCool loves her husband—and she knows he loves her—but that's almost beside the point, now. When she drops the news that she can't go to Omaha for Christmas at his parent's because she needs to stay in LA for work, she knows he's disappointed. But she didn't think he'd take the kids and go without her. She's sure she's ruined her marriage for good. Yet, that night, she finds a way to talk to Neal in the past—the Neal from before they're married. Now she wonders—should she try to fix her marriage? Or prevent it from the start?

Rainbow Rowell has the amazing ability to show the nitty-gritty of romance (with language that would make a sailor blush) because it is NOT all rainbows and butterflies. I really liked the characters and the timeline format with flashbacks to the past, since it provided just the right amount of depth and background for the characters (I wish I could remember word-for-word what my husband said when he proposed). In the end, it's not a five because her tendency towards profane vocabulary is juvenile and the story as a whole was rather stressful for me. But that's just my personal preference. Overall, an excellent book with a perfect ending.

Warning: Explicit Content
Language
Some sexuality

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and Beyond

The Story of Buildings: From the Pyramids to the Sydney Opera House and Beyond
Written by Patrick Dillon, illustrated by Stephen Biesty

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0763669904
Publisher: Candlewick
Date of publication: March 11, 2014
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Nonfiction

Themes: architecture, history, social studies, arts,

We live, work, and learn in buildings. Why and how were buildings first constructed? How did they get larger? Sturdier? Grander? From the Great Pyramids to the Pompidou Center, people have sought to create structures not simply for shelter, but as symbols of wealth, power, devotion, and ingenuity. Dillon weaves the stories of buildings—and the genius people behind them—in this comprehensive look at architecture.

A seriously fantastic factual book for kids. On one hand, I think the (extremely!) detailed illustrations, fold out pages, informational tidbits, and timeline layout were really amazing. Plus, I already seriously enjoy architecture, so I think it's awesome. On the other hand—in a critical, adult sort of way—I wonder why they chose to focus on the buildings they did. And why they put in such a blatant, random plug at the end for energy efficient building. Overall, the first hand wins and I think this is a fantastic book.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Kiss of Deception

**Oh hey! Sorry about the scattered posts this last week. Went on a vacation. No regrets. Now back to our regular scheduled programing. With some extra reviews to make up for it.**

The Kiss of Deception
(The Remnant Chronicles #1)
Mary E. Pearson

My rating: ★★★★★

ISBN: 978-0805099232
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Date of publication: July 8, 2014
Age: Grades 9 and up
Genre: Fantasy

Themes: tradition, duty, heritage, abandon, deceit, betrayal

Princess Lia does not have the gift of sight that she should as the First Daughter, but her parents arrange her marriage to a neighboring prince anyway. On the morning of her wedding, she flees to a remote village to start a new life. She settles in and is pleased when two rather handsome men come into town—unaware that one is the jilted prince she left and the other an assassin sent to kill her. No one is as they seem and dangerous lies will put Lia in peril even as she falls in love.

So this book is told through the three perspectives of the princess, prince, and assassin. Interesting aspect and all that, but the story was still rather slow to start. She's just hanging out in this village. Well, I'm reading along and...

Page 296: Oh good, it's finally picking up.
Page 297: WHAT? ...WHAT?? ........WHAT?!? How did I miss this? Am I the only one who missed this?? How did Pearson DO that?

Followed by me frantically flipping back through pages—practically wanting to start over—because the deception that takes place is not for Lia alone but the reader as well. I was TOTALLY thrown for a loop. I cannot tell you how awesomely written this book is. You just need to read it. And be deceived yourself.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Navigating Early

Navigating Early
Clare Vanderpool

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0385742092
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Date of publication: January 8, 2013
Age: Grades 5 and up
Genre: Historical Fiction

Themes: autism, journey, death, belief, family

Award: Printz Honor (2014)

WWII has just ended and with the unexpected death of his mother, Jack Baker has just been shipped from Kansas to a boarding school in Maine where he encounters a strange boy named Early Auden. Early is an orphan living in the school, attending classes as he pleases. He also counts jelly beans to calm down, only listens to Billy Holiday when it's raining, and can calculate the digits in pi through images and color. Currently obsessed with finding the Great Appalachian Bear, the Jack goes with Early on a journey that will test their relationship, beliefs, and survival.

I'm...torn with this book. The characters and their emotions are amazing—Vanderpool is an amazing writer. But, it has so many layers and parts to the rather unbelievable (as in: farfetched) story (stories, that is) that I find it hard to enjoy. I can't quite figure out the purpose behind the book. However, that kind of depth definitely gets the reader thinking. Here's the way I'm going to sum up: it's the kind of book that needs to be read twice (to catch all the double meanings) but not one that I want to read again. So there you have it. Read it if you want.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World
Written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-0547959078
Publisher: HMH Books
Date of publication: April 1, 2014
Age: Grades 1 - 4
Genre: Nonfiction

Themes: biology, eyesight, evolution, comparisons

Not all animals see like humans do. There are eyes that can only detect light and eyes that are eight times more accurate than our own. Some animals have them on the front of their head, some on the side, and some even have one on top. Steven Jenkins explains and illustrates many of the different types of eyes of the animal kingdom.

First of all, it’s informative and enlightening, yes. But really, it’s about the illustrations (Jenkins’ previous work includes a Caldecott Honor). This book is beautifully done, showing an artistic rendition of each eye being discussed. It’s a really good book for comparison; one of those books kids will say “whoa” a lot while reading. I recommend it.

Find it at your library, or on Amazon

Storytime: Flowers

This storytime was for a preschool-aged group at my library.

Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It: False Apology Poems

Forgive Me, I Meant To Do It: False Apology Poems
Written by Gail Carson Levine
Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 9780061787256
Publisher: HarperCollins
Date of publication: March 13, 2012
Age: Grades 2 - 6
Genre: Poetry

Themes: fairy tales, non-rhyming poetry, apologies, wickedness

Inspired by William Carlos William’s poem “This Is Just to Say,” this book is a collection of false apologies: forgive me, not really. Using various fairytales or real life experiences, these poems are a representation of how tricksters and pranksters my really feel about their work. Or how Rapunzel really felt about the prince climbing her hair. Here's an example:

“I baked
a cottage
made all
of gingerbread

which
you and your sister
will be unable
to resist

Forgive me
I am hungry
and I prefer my food
young”

Some of the poems are fairly disturbing, but Levine does warn the reader that this is not “a nice happy book.” Indeed, rather hilarious and awfully snarky, you can tell Levine had a lot of fun writing this book. Cordell’s illustrations, in the style of Shel Silverstein, add some additional laughs, but it is really the poems that shine through. This is the perfect book to get kids to try their own hands at poetry—because who hasn’t given a false apology?

Find it at your library or on Amazon

The Lion and the Bird

The Lion and the Bird
Written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-1592701513
Publisher: Enchanted Lion
Date of publication: May 6, 2014
Age: 4 years and up

Themes: friendship, seasons, caring

On an autumn day, Lion is working in his garden when he looks over to discover an injured bird. He decides to take care of it, as the rest of the flock has already flown south. They quickly become friends and enjoy having fun together. But, come spring and the return of his flock, Bird flies away. Lion works away in his garden, through spring and summer, hoping that he may see his friend again.

It’s beautiful. Heartfelt. Just the right amount of sweetness. The simple illustrations match the simple message: nothing is better than a good friend. At 64 pages, it’s a hefty picture book, but it’s very light on words and focuses mostly on the pictures. I mean, how adorable is this:

Go and read and feel good.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

Can You Keep a Secret?

Can You Keep a Secret?
Sophie Kinsella

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 978-0385336819
Publisher: The Dial Press
Date of publication: March 23, 2004
Age: Adult
Genre: Romance

Themes: secrecy, communication, trust, marketing

Emma, like any girl, has a few small secrets. Her boyfriend may think her a size four. She may have fudged her CV for her job. These things go unsaid. Until, one very turbulent flight... Emma is sure she's going to die--this plane is FALLING--and so ends up spilling all of her secrets to the man next to her. They land safely and Emma never expects to see the man again...until she shows up to work on Monday and it turns out he's the CEO of her company. And he has a very sharp memory.

I loved it. Obviously. Because Kinsella is a guilty pleasure I have. So I don't know that I'll be unbiased in this review. I did like this one better than the others I have read so far, though. It came off more believable and deeper. Family issues, relationship issues, communication issues--it's all there and Emma has to fix them. It's fantastic. I recommend it.

Warning: Explicit Content
Language
Sexuality

Find it at your library or on Amazon

This Is a Moose

This Is a Moose
Written by Richard T. Morris, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

My rating: ★★★★

ISBN: 9780316213608
Publisher: Little, Brown Books
Date of publication: May 6, 2014
Age: 3 - 8 years
Genre: Educational

Themes: film direction, documentary, wilderness, disorganization

A film director wants to do a documentary on a moose, but this particular moose has other plans in mind. He doesn’t want to just walk in the woods, doing moose things—he has a dream! So with some help from his friends, he may just accomplish it. And the movie director will just have to deal with it. Maybe he’ll want to come along?

It’s hilarious. And you know how much I love hilarious picture books. The subtle jokes, the overall comedic plot line…it's just so good! Plus the illustrations are also fantastic, and fit well with the story. They’re done in a color pastel that adds the perfect amount of texture to this story in the woods. Besides the funny-ness, and pretty-ness, it is actually an educational look into movie making. It’s informative and factual. Good for a storytime about woodland creatures or to encourage the little movie makers in your life. Go and read!

Find it at your library or on Amazon