Cinder

Book One in the Lunar Chronicles
by Marissa Meyer
Ages: 12+

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.  She is considered a second-class citizen in New Beijing.  Her stepmother blames her when the stepsister gets the mysterious plague.  Her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai and finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle between humans and the ruthless lunar people.  She uncovers her mysterious past which leads her into making difficult choices in order to protect her world's future.   

I was very hesitant to read this book at first because it seemed like another Cinderella story remake.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book and had to finishing reading.  I was drawn into the world of humans and androids.  I felt torn when Cinder's past was slowly revealed and she had to make some difficult decisions. I can't wait until Book 2 Scarlet comes out.  It will be featuring Cinder meeting Little Red Riding Hood in France.  There will be four books in the series.     

Big Little Brother

written by Kevin Kling
illustrated by Chris Monroe
ages: preschool through grade school

There's nothing quite like being an older brother. The advantages of being able to boss someone else around, to be in charge of the games and the toys-except for when your little brother grows bigger than you. Could there possibly be any advantages to having a little brother that is bigger than you?

This book is an utter delight from beginning to end. The illustrations are laugh out loud funny and it has the kind of humor that will make parents love reading this to their kids over and over. This book became an instant hit at our house because we have a big little brother under our very own roof! Give this a try for a quirky and touching brotherly read.

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys

written by: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
ages: school aged

All that Virgie wants to do is attend school with her five older brothers, George, Will, Nelson, Val, and C.C. They keep saying that she is too small to walk the seven miles, that she'll miss her parents too much, and that girls don't need to go to school anyway. Virgie proves them wrong with her desire to learn to read and go to school.

Set in the post-Civil War South, this true story is beautifully written and illustrated. Virgie's story takes place during Reconstruction when schools were created to educate newly freed slaves and their children. Fewer than 10% of slaves were literate and schools offered an unprecedented opportunity to learn. During Reconstruction, only boys were allowed to go to school, but that doesn't stop Virgie. This book has a rich message of education and freedom and can be a real jumping off point for conversations with kids about the Civil War, slavery, determination, and the value of education.

Goodnight Ipad

by Ann Droyd
All ages

A great parody book of our technology craze society.  I laughed so hard.  Everyone will enjoy this book if they loved "GOODNIGHT MOON."

Goodnight Moon

written by: Margaret Wise Brown
illustrated by: Clement Hurd
ages: birth-preschool

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is about as classic as a children's book comes. This is a lovely bedtime story using soothing words and soft pictures. It won't take long for your child to become familiar with the simple vocabulary of this beautiful book. The safety and peace of the "great green room" will make this a bedtime favorite.

Goodnight Moon was, hands down, my son's favorite nap time and bedtime book. In fact, we have three (count 'em!) copies of this book; one board book and two hardcovers in different sizes. It has been a cherished book in our family. Give Goodnight Moon a chance to work its magic on your baby or toddler.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Happy birthday to Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss! Dr. Seuss was a man who wrote books filled with wonderful wordplay and jubilant silliness. Although he was a cartoonist and not a real doctor, we can thank him for some of the most memorable characters in children's literature: the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, and Yertle the Turtle to name only a few.

To celebrate his birthday and National Read Across American Day, here are a few favorites to try with your family:

Here's an interesting fact: did you know that The Cat in the Hat was originally created as a reading primer for children? The Beginner Reader series includes other new reader favorites such as Hop on Pop and Green Eggs and Ham.

Whether you celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with crazy socks or green eggs and ham, make sure that you include some quality reading time with your favorite kiddos. 

11 Experiments that Failed

Okay folks, we're back! I can't believe how long it has been since I've reviewed a book or a series; shameful really! Well, we're back and thrilled to share some amazing new books with you and your kids!



written by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
age: elementary aged children (and their parents or grandparents)

11 Experiments that Failed is what every kid dreams of trying at least one time. I'm reminded of one time that I shot mashed potatoes across the table and they landed smack between my grandpa's eye and the lens of his glasses. Automatic trouble-but I digress. What would happen if you ate nothing but ketchup snow cones or tried to grow fungi in your brother's shoes? Can a washing machine wash more than just clothes? Well, this book answers those and many other pressing questions!

This is such a charming book with clever illustrations. 11 Experiments that Failed is fun and filled with whimsy and childhood imagination. The scientist in the family will enjoy the clever use of hypotheses and results. Everyone was laughing out loud by the time we finished the book. Reading this book is one experiment to try!

School days

I like to think that my kids will never have trouble finding something super to read. But unfortunately, there are always going to be times when kids have trouble finding something that they really want to read. This is where a truly brilliant series comes into play. A well developed series is consistent in writing, character, and quality. And, I think that a series is especially brilliant for children.

If you have a reader who is having trouble finding something that they love to read, try out one of the series below. This is but a small portion of what's out there; this is my personal favorites list. Check out your local library or bookseller if none of these fit the bill. The rule of thumb with a series: if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Hopefully you can find yourself a winner!

Geronimo Stilton by Geronimo Stilton (grades 2-4) Follow the adventures of the famouse newspaper editor Geronimo Stilton and his crazy family.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (grades 3-adult) A wonderful series about (you guessed it!) the young wizard Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and overcomes the evils of the wizarding world. Need I say more?

Magic in Manhattan Series by Sarah Mlynowski (Young adult-girls) Living in New York City with their mother, Miri and Rachel learn how to navigate life as young witches. This series is hysterically funny and well written.

Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary (grades 2-5) Everyone loves Ramona! Every child (and parent who reads the book aloud) will find something to adore about this feisty gal.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan (grades 4-6, but I love these books!) Percy Jackson discovers that he is a halfling-half human, half Greek god. This series follows Percy on some amazing adventures as he learns of his special powers and attends camp Half-blood.

Magic Treehouse Series by Mary Pope Osborne (grades k-2) The fantastic globetrotting adventures of Jack and Annie.

Judy Moody by Megan McDonald (grades 1-3) Judy Moody is feisty and fun. My daughters have eaten these books up!

Sisters Grimm Series (grades 3-adult) Sabrina and Daphne Grimm discover that they are the relatives of the famous brothers Grimm. The sisters Grimm learn to be fairy tale detectives, just as the brothers Grimm were before them. These are the epitome of the fractured fairy tale!

The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch
ages 14+

When Alex's mother suddenly dies, she is left to live with her wealthy Grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. Little does she know, but she is a member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's exclusive debutante society. The members of the Magnolia League are all beautiful, wealthy, and powerful women. But at what cost? Will Alex discover the secret to their world before she becomes entangled in it?

While this book is a real page-turner, it has some references to drugs (Alex grew up in a commune/pot farm) and sex. Hoo-doo also figures prominently in the novel as it is the main source of the Magnolia League's power and beauty. Although Katie Crouch creates memorable characters and a heart thumping story, I would encourage parents to peruse this novel before allowing their young adults to dive into it.

Ida B

by Katherine Hannigan
Ages 10+

Ida B is a happy girl living on her parent's farm and being home schooled.  She loves the land and talks with everything all living things daily.  Then, her mother is diagnosed with cancer and everything begins to change.  Ida is forced to attend public school and refuses to like her teacher or make friends.  Her father has to sell some of their land.  Her mother and father have been acting different and breaking promises they made with her.  Ida B has to find her way through all the changes that are happening to her.

The book is written from the perspective of Ida B.  When Ida B's life starts to fall apart, you feel her frustration and how she acts out is typical of child behavior.  I recommend this book to families who are experiencing illness in their families  It could help understand everyone's perspective and how to help people work out things during this difficult time.