Sunday, December 10, 2017

One True Bear by Ted Dewan

I have no idea if this book is happy or sad. It’s an emotional roller-coaster seeing everything that little boy puts all those little bears through until one bear comes along and doesn’t break. Then the story ends all sad with the little bear giving comfort to a new child and his old child I think is now a first responder. All I know is I was sad and happy and sad. Still the book was beautiful. If you read it to kids, expect a lot of questions that will be very hard to answer without going into I’m crushing a little kids innocent outlook on life.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Sunday, December 3, 2017

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow

This book was a little eh for me. Although all the craziness of the animals interacting with the orchestra players was very exciting for the little kids in the reading group.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Sunday, November 26, 2017

I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer

This amazing book aimed at children around the ages of 4 to 6 covers the life of Martin Luther King Jr. I honestly think this is a must read for children. The book goes over some of the most important and memorable events occurring during Dr. King's life that to this day continue to be a source of inspiration.

Originally read this book in February of 2016 and I loved the way this book inspired a dialogue as the children asked questions about why Dr. King did the things he did and why he fought for equality.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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Sunday, November 19, 2017

Marvel's Captain America: Sub Rosa by David McDonald

This is not a graphic novel. It’s a chapter book more ideal for young readers in the 10-14 age group. Granted anyone can really read it, but based on the formatting and language it comes off as more for young readers than little children.

The story was intriguing enough that I got over it not being a graphic novel.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Netgalley ARC



Sunday, November 12, 2017

Must Love Wieners (A Rescue Dog Romance #1) by Casey Griffin

Main Guy: Aiden Caldwell
Main Girl: Piper Summers

This was so total romcom. You have all these crazy, crazy misunderstandings. Like honestly I have no idea how Piper got through life; Aiden of course is the rich hero, so he doesn't really have struggles.

Aiden is trying to be this super anonymous, benevolent guy, so it kind of gets a little strange when things really hectic. Towards the end everything gets resolved in a super nice and tidy bow and they can get their happily ever after.

My total favorite scene was when piper makes huge major discovery and she's running out of Aiden’s offices and she's dressed in her Supergirl costume so that was like so so awesome. Here she was like “oh my God I just saw you talking about the thing the cops are looking into” and here she dressed as Supergirl catching the bad guy in the act, how kick ass is that.

This story with a little bit of everything, especially a lot of super adorable doggies is a nice relaxing weekend read enjoy.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Netgalley ARC

Sunday, November 5, 2017

His Australian Heiress by Margaret Way

Main Guy: Brendon
Main Girl: Charlotte 

How I got through this one is beyond me.

I hated the characters and found them sooooo boring and so martyr-ish that I was hoping a piano would fall on them and liven things up.

And her family; ugh, like seriously you’re loaded you don't need this, they’re aholes, just hit delete and be rid of them.

Now, as I’m a sucker for friends to lovers, I have to give props for that.

Rating 2 out of 5
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Netgalley ARC



Sunday, October 29, 2017

The Bachelor Auction (The Bachelors of Arizona #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

Main Guy: Brock Wellington
Main Girl: Jane 

This story was a total Cinderella meets Prince Charming with the exception that the evil step-sisters and step-mother are just two extremely bitchy and annoying sisters.

As you read you will spend half your time shouting “Jane honey, you’re their sister, not their slave. Tell Bitch-1 and Bitch-2 you are totally done with them.” 

A major kill for this story was how weak the female lead was, coupled with a guy so riddled with issues over mommy and daddy that he spends his time teetering between sweetheart and jackass it became blah.

What did save the story was the sweet romantic ending two matchmaking old timers. Brock’s brothers were also somewhat entertaining characters, I will totally be reading their books and hopefully in those books the female leads don’t let their sisters use them like old dishrag.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Sunday, October 22, 2017

Christmas at the Castle by Melissa McClone

Katrina is BFF’s with Prince Gil’s little sister. Prince Gil and his mother are so anti-Katrina because all they think is “she's a bad influence”. 

They don't think she's good enough because they think that she's like some sort of Golddigger. Especially Gil’s mom, towards the end she kind of makes up for it, but in the middle she's a major B. 

So, as a Gil gets to know Katrina he realizes that she's actually a really good person and she always has her BF’s best interest at heart. She's always trying to do what's best for her friend and not for herself or for anyone else. It was super adorable to see how both of these characters come together; they go from kind of friends to “I love you”. This book was like major hearts.


Rating 4 out of 5 
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Netgalley ARC



Thursday, October 19, 2017

How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends? by Jane Yolen

Personally I find this book is full of cliches and so repetitive, however, I have to give these books a lot of credit because they really do draw the attention of children and after all if we're trying to get children to read. When picking a book for the children’s reading group, you want to read a book that they really want to look at and you know children love dinosaurs. As such, even though I'm not a huge fan, as long as the children in the reading group love these, I will continue to read them. So, I have to say this one gets a good score.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Batman/The Flash: The Button by Tom King, Joshua Williamson

Okay, for months now we have heard of this mysterious event that will 
crossover Watchmen into the DCU knows as Doomsday Clock and we've all been waiting on baited breath for more hints and what not.

Well "The Button" is the road to Doomsday Clock; collecting BATMAN #21-22 and THE FLASH #21-22, this four issue crossover gives us all this drama and action as Barry and Bruce find themselves in the Flashpoint universe. Now, I'm not going to say more because if you were one of the ones waiting for the release of the collected series you're in for a treat. And, if like me you have a subscription at your local comic book shop and you picked up every issue like your life depended on it, then you already know how awesome this story is (I mean we see Bruce's dad as Batman again) and what answers our boys will find. 

We've covered story, now lets talk art and covers. When these issues released they were released in variant lenticular covers and two of those now grace the covers of the hard cover deluxe edition. 

The Covers:
Despite having all the issues and the variant covers, my collection felt a little lonely without the hard cover set. So which did I choose? I chose the one with Batman and Flash running side by side. Personally I felt that one was way cooler and really encompassed the teamwork between Batman and Flash and they try to solve this mystery.

The Insides:
Like the covers, the art inside does not disappoint. By the end you'll like treadmills and caves.

Basically, if you haven't read, go get yourself a copy and get ready for the release of Doomsday Clock.

Rating 4 out of 5
(had to wait to long for what comes next)

Issues & Hardcover purchased at Collector's Paradise in Pasadena
Digital ARC provided by NETGALLEY




Saturday, July 8, 2017

Hide and Seek Harry on the Farm by Kenny Harrison

Like the “Five Little Monkey” stories I find these “Hide and Seek Harry” stories extremely boring and repetitive (but that’s just me), the children absolutely love them.

“Hide and Seek Harry” is a crowd favorite and children 5 and under love playing the guessing game.

Rating 2 out of 5 
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Saturday, July 1, 2017

Mr Super Poopy Pants by Rebecca Elliott

This was hilarious. 

A new baby brother seems like a hit or miss for some children. But our protagonist grows attached to his baby brother and his amazing ability to “win” with the power of a stinky diaper.

The children really liked this book, especially the ones with baby siblings.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Saturday, June 24, 2017

Should I Share My Ice Cream? (Elephant & Piggie #15) by Mo Willems

Oh, poor Elephant drives himself crazy wondering if Piggie will want ice cream or he should just share his ice cream, that as time passes, his ice cream melts.

This story was quite whimsical as many of the children in the reading group were adamant that ice cream should not be shared as then they would have less. It was quite amusing to watch their little heads work to try and solve this “problem”.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Saturday, June 17, 2017

28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World by Charles R. Smith Jr., Shane W. Evans (Illustrations)

This book aimed at children covers prominent African-American figures throughout history.

The book gives references to their youth and the events that propelled them to pages of history.

Some of the figures referenced are individuals that we all learn early on in school, but for a young child that is barely learning histories, this is a great book.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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Saturday, June 10, 2017

Hide and Seek Harry at the Beach (Hide and Seek Harry) by Kenny Harrison

Like the “Five Little Monkey” stories I find these “Hide and Seek Harry” stories extremely boring and repetitive (but that’s just me), the children absolutely love them.

“Hide and Seek Harry” is a crowd favorite and children 5 and under love playing the guessing game.

Rating 2 out of 5 
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Saturday, June 3, 2017

Rex Wrecks It! by Ben Clanton

This cute little dinosaur is having a bit of hard time. He’s always knocking things over and the other little children don’t want him around anymore.

But never fear, for children will be children and they soon find a way to set their differences aside and find creative ways to play.

Rating 3.5 out of 5 
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Saturday, May 27, 2017

The Very Inappropriate Word by Jim Tobin, Dave Coverly (Illustrations)

This was a really creative story with good art.

What I loved most was how the small children in the reading group would share their stories of how parents would teach them about what was a “bad” word.

Because it encouraged a conversation and a sharing of stories, I say this was a great book.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Suicide Squad Special: War Crimes #1 by John Ostrander, Gabe Eltaeb (Illustrator), Juan Ferreyra (Illustrator), Gus Vazquez (Illustrator)

Suicide Squad stories are usually some random, let's go off and kill someone because Amanda said so.

This was just a mini-Amanda shows off what a big bad B** she is.

The “team” and I use that term so loosely, it’s basically falling apart; just has its usual antics.

Rating 3.5 out of 5
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Saturday, May 20, 2017

Team Colors (Paw Patrol) by Nickelodeon

This little book based on the cute little doggies from a Nickelodeon cartoon, that although for the life of me I cannot name; but children can, teaches the little tikes the colors.

Being based on a cartoon aimed at children 0-4 was a real plus for this book’s ability to attract children.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Deathstroke: Rebirth #1 by Christopher Priest (Writer), Carlo Pagulayan (Illustrator)

Deathstroke is a really strong character, yet I personally felt that this Rebirth story didn't do the character justice.

I really hope that in upcoming issues they fix all this or at least make me like the new direction.

Rating 3 out of 5
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Saturday, May 13, 2017

Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck, Valeria Petrone (Illustrator)

When you were little bath time was the best, well, as long as you got to bring toys in. With the right toys you could be anything you wanted; a pirate, a mermaid, a scuba-dive; with your toys and imagination it could be so much fun.

Well, it’s bath time for out little protagonist and he’s decide to go explore the deep blue sea and see what creatures he can find.

A perfect read for the little ones, right before bed.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Rights of Man by Thomas Paine, Bernard Mayes (Narrator)

Thomas Paine has always been a favorite for me; a brilliant man well ahead of his times in ideology and thought.

While this work is predominantly a huge-slap to the face to Edmund Burke’s critique of the French Revolution; Mr. Paine made many good points that although aimed to reflect his times resonated strongly with the current standing of our government.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Green Lanterns #1-5 by Sam Humphries

Reviews Issues 1-5

The newest Earth Green Lantern’s (Earth must be really messed up if it needs that many GL’s) are about to have their first run in with the Red Lanterns and are about to learn so much about working as a team.

The art, especially for the baddies is amazing (no, I’m not rooting for the bad guys, I just love their art) and the story development is consistent enough that it engages the reader into the characters.

If you have a weakness for GL’s then checkout these guys. I’m loving the way we see these “normal” people really start coming into this whole hero business.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Thursday, May 4, 2017

The Edgar Allan Poe Audio Collection by Edgar Allan Poe, Basil Rathbone (Read by), Vincent Price (Read by)

This collection of Edgar Allan Poe stories and poems will have any Poe lover in its grasp.

The collection includes many of the well known and popular works, as well as a couple of the less well known.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Instructions by Neil Gaiman

There is absolutely no story here. This read like poorly written shopping list.

Rating 1 out of 5 
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Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Green Lanterns: Rebirth #1 by Geoff Johns, Sam Humphries, Ethan Van Sciver, Ed Benes

Umm, Hal in my opinion can generally do no wrong, but, what the hell man?

Hal goes off to do his hero stuff in outer space and he leaves Jessica and Sebastian in charge of protecting Earth. 

Cool, cool, they’re pretty okay. Except for the fact that Sebastian is a bit of a douche, Jessica spends half her time super afraid and oh yeah, can’t make constructs. Oh and let's not forget that Hal binds their Lanterns. Now they need each other to recharge, so yeah, not that great.

This was a pretty good start off for these new GL’s; definitely looking forward to what they will bring to the table.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #1-6 by Tom Taylor (Writer), Ethan Van Sciver (Illustrator)

Reviews All 6 Issues

If you have a Green Lantern story being led by Guy Gardner, we definitely know there is going to be a lot of fighting and some serious grumpiness going on.

The Green Lantern Corps is stuck in the universe before the current universe (not sure if this intergalactic travel or time travel), they are stuck in a universe with big, ugly monsters that actually kill a lot of GL’s.

For a short story it was good, plus, and this is a fave of mine, Kilowog is a strong supporting character in this story.

If you love your Green Lanterns, this is mini-story worth reading.

Rating 4.5 out of 5
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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

I Can Be a Gymnast (Barbie) by Kristen L. Depken, Tino Santanach (Illustrator), Joaquin Canizares (Illustrator)

Ugh, little girls in the reading group loved this book. It’s pink and frilly and designed to appeal to this young demographic.

I just could not stomach this book, it was full of clichés and gaggy dialogue. Although, I have to forgive all this because I am not the target demographic.

Rating 2 out of 5 
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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Tall, Dark, Billionaire Texan (Billionaire's Club: Texas #1-4) by Mandy Baxter

Collects the first 3 book published and gives us a story for the 4th brother 

Rating for the Collection 4 out of 5 
--------------------------------------------------
4th Story Review
--------------------------------------------------
Main Guy: Noah Christensen
Main Girl: Naomi Davis

Compared to the other three stories, these two characters were just so blah.

I get that Noah was left off to the end as he’s the younger brother, but seeing as how I felt this story didn't measure up to the others, it should have maybe come in the middle of the series as to not weaken the ending.

The chemistry between the two main characters Noah and Naomi felt non-existent and the over drama-kill with the mobsters was just a little too much.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Netgalley ARC

Froggy Gets Dressed (Froggy) by Jonathan London, Frank Remkiewicz (Illustrator)

This story had everyone in a riot. Poor little Froggy is in such a rush to get outside and play that he steps out first with no clothes, then he forgets his pants, his jacket and it goes on and on. You almost feel bad for little Froggy, but he finally gets all his winter gear on and gets to have a little fun.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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Saturday, April 15, 2017

The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman

Mr.Gaiman gives us a nice twist to the more traditional, post-happily ever after Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

The villain is not who you expect and as for the hero, it would be more appropriate to say heroine.

This was an enjoyable short-read with enough twists and gasping moments to draw you in.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Thursday, April 13, 2017

Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree (Five Little Monkeys) by Eileen Christelow

Personally I don’t see the appeal of the Five Little Monkeys, I personally find every story repetitive and lacking in imagination. However, young readers love them. The sentences are simple enough that when they are learning to read they can put their skills to practice.

In this little adventure, the monkeys are sitting in a tree teasing an alligator. Personally I was rooting for the alligator to eat those annoying little monkeys.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, John Romita Jr. (Illustrator)

This book wasn’t as good as I thought it was going to be. All this really do was cement that Bruce is a bit of an ass and Jason should know not to eavesdrop.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Imagina un Dia = Imagine a Day by Sarah L. Thomson, Rob Gonsalves (Illustrator)

I very rarely rate a book a 1, however, this book completely fell flat. The illustrations initially attracted the children’s attention. But, after a couple of pages even the art failed to hold their attention. The story was virtually non-existent and the prose was nowhere near imaginative enough to keep anyone hooked.

Rating 1 out of 5 
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Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (Five Little Monkeys) by Eileen Christelow

Personally I don’t see the appeal of the Five Little Monkeys, I personally find every story repetitive and lacking in imagination. However, young readers love them. The sentences are simple enough that when they are learning to read they can put their skills to practice.

In this little adventure, the monkeys have to go to bed and end up with more bumps and knocks than if they’d been playing in the park.

Rating 3 out of 5 
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Thursday, April 6, 2017

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

This was a whimsical and extravagant tale told by a Father that spent a little too long chatting with the neighbor, instead of getting home with the milk.

He faces dinosaurs, pirates, gods and aliens. He travels through time and tangles with pirates. But, fortunately the milk saves the day every time.

Rating 4 out of 5 
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Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Klaus by Grant Morrison, Dan Mora (Illustrator)

Oh my god! Grant Morrison outdid himself with this incredible and amazing tale of Santa Klaus.

You get a story of how Klaus became Santa and honestly the whole superhero like depiction makes him just so much more badass.

I will says I was hoping he’d end up with the girl, but either way totally amazing.

I can’t wait for the upcoming one-shot coming in December.

Rating 5 out of 5 
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