Category: Adventures

Sam in Winter.

5/21/2017

Sam in Winter ( Ages 6+ )
By ; Edward van de Vendel( Author ) Philip Hopman (illustrator)
Publisher ; Eerdmans Books ( April 2017 )

The compelling second installment of "A dog like Sam" further explores the relationship between Sam, a stray dog and Kix, a nine-year old boy. The story is presented to young readers through Kix`s thoughts and observations. It is complete with a number of vivid characters and absorbing episodes.

Kix at the beginning is still a boy whose mother reads to him at night. But as time passes and when winter arrives, Kix starts to learn about life through Sam. The coming of age of this little boy is expressed to readers when Kix refuses to be read to, by his mom. When Sam disappears into the deep winter, Kix becomes more and more agitated. In his desperation he turns to a one time enemy for help.....

The rich and subtle text flows. And the plot addresses deep emotions; grief, hope, love and life. An emotionally moving, brilliant classic! It`s a book not to be missed by the early readers. Edward van de Venel is an award winning Dutch author.
( With many thanks to Eerdmans Books and NetGally for the ARC )

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Jack and the Geniuses.

2/26/2017

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Jack and the Geniuses
By ; Bill Nye & Gregory Mone
Publisher ; Amulet ( April 2017 )

An exciting chapter read! A sci-fi adventure that encompases it`s readers from the very first chapter with it`s flurry of mechanical magic; the flying cameras, magic(sensory) cushion pads, life threatening bungee falls, an Xbox contolled Snowgoer and hi tech robots will all thrill the young geeks as well as adveture lovers immensely. The captivating fast-paced and action packed plot may attract many reluctant readers as well. Added to it`s sci-fi world is the setting on the south pole; so cleverly described in the eyes of our twelve-year old protagonist that the readers could almost feel the chill and the harshness of it."......., So I was glad we were going in early summer. The way I see it, if vampires really do exist, those dark Antarctic winters would be ideal for their vacation"

The story revolves around the sci-fi adventures of three kids who live on their own under the guardianship of a child care official. The children became siblings by law as they are orphans. And our narrator Jack the youngest is more practical but considered less smarter compared to his two super brainy siblings, Ava and Matt. However their story begins with Ava`s drone "Fred" ; which was made by her from her collection of spare parts, disappearing while spying on a mysterious looking building. Later the owner of the building Hank; a prominent scientist and inventor requests them to assist him in his work. the kids join him joyfully. Later Hank invites them to join him on his tour to the South Pole, but their South Pole adventure turns into a riveting mystery as they discover that Anna, a scientist known to Hank, is missing......... Eventually the children follow clues through one mystery after the other, some scientific and some non scientific, unraveling each on the way untill they found Anna. This process draws attention to many interesting facts and findings that would enlighten the readers, which includes an interesting highlight of making fresh clean drinking water through sea water.

The clever first person narration in Jack`s words makes the story a captivating read. The text is simple and sometimes funny; it`s continuing flow of information on new inventions and on the South Pole would open doors to a wonder world of knowledge. But essentially, the underlying mystery of the missing scientist would keep the readers turning pages. The characters are well described and powerfully alive. And the well-matured siblings are an inspiration for the young readers. A brilliant first installment!
( With many thanks to Amulet and NetGally for the ARC )

Jack and the Geniuses

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The Adventures of Henry Whiskers.

1/11/2017

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The Adventures of Henry Whiskers ( Ages 7 +)
By : Gigi Priebe, Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
Publisher ; Aladdin ( January 2017 )

Henry Whiskers the twenty-fifth is no ordinary mouse as he is the current heir to take residence in Queen Mary`s "most famous Doll House", exhibited in the Windsor Castle. It is said that 24 generations of Whiskers have resided in this grand Doll House, which is akin to any other stately home in the land. And what`s more, with forty rooms,miniature flushable-toilets and a garage filled with tiny luxury cars. It`s a doll house made for the queen of England!!

Since the sudden yet heroic demise of his father, Henry though still a kid, is also the head of the Whiskers family. And he is a young lad who takes his responsibilities seriously. The queen`s birthday is getting closer and the Whiskers are busy organizing their annual Mouse Masquerade which falls along with the birthday celebrations. Especially because that`s just the best time of the year to entertain without being disturbed or spotted.

Henry`s fearsome adventure begins when he learns that his little sister Isebel is missing. He dashes through the whereabouts of the Windsor Castle in a magnificent model car with his cousin Jeramy seated next to him, giving our young readers goosebumps as they almost get caught by Titus the cat, and then by the castle guards. Finally, having succeeded in their perilous rescue mission, they begin their daring survival race back home with Titus chasing behind. They speed through the castle corridors,crisscrossing old tunnels and pipelines but end-up in the most frightening Rat Ally; the stinking rat territory, where dangerous mice-eating rats roam about... Will they ever get to go home, and be on time for the masquerade?..............

A fast moving and action packed tale, beautifully written with luscious and rich details, while keeping up a marvelous rhythm. The well described cute mice characters makes the book a fascinating read even for us grown-ups. And it`s exciting line-up of events assures to keep the readers engaged from the beginning. Here`s to the beginning of a best selling series!!

( With many thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGally for the ARC )

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers

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Where Do They Go? - Part 1

1/5/2017

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Where Do They Go ( Ages 4 +)
By : B.D. Donaldson
Publisher ; Tellwell Talent ( October 2016)

The first installment of a mystery, all wrapped up in a lost sock, that will keep its readers hooked untill the end and will let their imagination run wild!

Jaylen and Naleaha are warned by their mother to find a missing sock or to be ready to give away their video games. Naleaha jokingly states that a monster must be eating Jaylen`s socks, but when a shadow appears behind their bedroom door in the night, it seems as if Naleaha`s joke could become a reality. They get absorbed in solving the mystery, and do what might come naturally to a modern day kid: fix a camara on their dog`s collar, record and check on the computer screen....However things get more complicated when an alien appears on the screen and they make plans to capture it.....

The responsive story along with its clear and explanatory illustrations are helpful in approaching a broader age range. Although I wish that the the text maintained a better cadence and were a bit more descriptive, purely for the entertainment of young readers.
An intriguing plot. It is the kind of tale that a child would tell his friends, on a cozy story-telling evening; something they would all listen to - with interest - then applaud and ask to hear more of!

Where Do They Go? - Part 1

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The Jolly Regina ( The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters 1)

11/12/2016

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The Jolly Regina ( The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters 1) ( ages 7+ )
By ; Kara LaReau
Publisher ; Amulet Books ( January 2017 )

The first installment of an exciting new series reminiscent of The Incorrigible Children of the Ashton Place and alike. The Jolly Regina is quite a lively, swashbuckling adventure full of humor and action. Perfect for early chapter book readers.The protagonists, Kale and Jaundice are realistic and approachable for young readers. Their eventful journey with women pirates will entertain them to no end. And the apparent girl power aspect in the story may capture many young ladies.

Two sisters Kale and Jaundice are "bland" girls by all means; they lead the most uneventful lives - eating oatmeal porridge and cheese sandwiches everyday. Their favorite colors are brown and grey and they enjoy darning socks and reading "Dr. Nathaniel Snoote`s Illustrated Children`s Dictionary." The girls did not answer their front door for many years, not since their parents had left home for an errand and did not return. They decided that they were not up to any "perils" but that`s exactly what they get to experience when they finally answer to a surprise knock on their door.

Now the girls are on board in the deep sea, and all for the first time in their lives! A group of women pirates lead their way. And the girls are to attend to their chores from scrubbing the deck to assisting the big fat cook. When they learn the whereabouts of their parents from the captain they make a plan to rescue them. Kale`s beloved " Dr. Nathaniel Snoote`s Illustrated Children`s Dictionary" and many other tidbits they find inside Jaundice`s pockets come in handy. What happens after the pirates find out about the plan is a spectacular read to unfold.

The chapter headers comprising of Jaundice and Kale`s favorite dictionary words as well as the story in general are excellent for vocabulary building. A heartily funny romp that is everything else but 'bland'; fans of the Bland Sisters surely will eagerly await the next!
( With many thanks to Amulet Books and NetGally for the ARC )

The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters

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Teddy & Co.

10/14/2016

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Teddy & Co ( Ages 6 + )
By : Cynthia Voigt
Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers ( November 2016 )

Reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh, and Toys Go Out by Emily Jenkins, this is indeed a classic! The text is so luscious and nurtures the imagery. While it address simple pleasures of the childhood world, it provides food for thought for the older generation as well as the younger.

This is a tale of a group of worn-down lost toys; a very imaginative Teddy Bear, an elephant who loves to bake, a very hungry snake, a very reserved penguin and two funny pigs. Together they lead a content life in a lone island until their peaceful days are interrupted by some new comers. A bunny rabbit who`s actually not so soft and innocent as he looks and a regal doll with some haughty qualities. How their arrivals affect the previous settlers is an intriguing tale.

The story contains some meaningful moral lessons about compromise and harmony. Their days filled with many activities and findings reminded me of playing house as a kid. And I laughed out loud at what I felt was the underlying sarcasm aimed at grown-ups.
" Yes, Queen Clara, Said Sid. He`d never talked to a queen before,but he liked it.When he was talking to a queen,everything he said became more important" .................
" I dont think I need a title, do you? Peng asked Teddy. I know I don`t want a job.
Peng will be the Royal Adviser, Clara announced. "I`m going home now", Peng told Teddy.
Then Clara announced. "Since a Queen always know what to do, I will never need advice. You may leave me now Royal Adviser". "
Nevertheless with some cuddly toys in action and with innocent, childish and thoughtful conversations, children could relate to this easily. The story consists of nineteen stand alone chapters accompanied by some charming sketches. And it serves as an ideal early reading material as well.

The gripping line-up of events, intoxicating settings and the toy characters adds up to the perfect text in holding the listeners. The story has the most compelling beginning with the friends taking off on an expedition, picnicking along the way and pretending to be explorers. The "thinking sort of a bear" Teddy has much to offer to his young and old readers.
The Newbury Award winning Cynthia Voigt presents a simple tale for the whole family that unravels the complexities of society.

( With many thanks to Knopf Books and NetGally for the ARC )

Teddy & Co.

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Eden`s Escape.

9/2/2016

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Eden`s Escape ( Ages 8+ )
By : M. Tara Crowl
Publisher : Disney Books ( September 2016 )

Eden the young genie in the world of "mortals"!! An exciting fast paced adventure. Although it`s the second installment in it`s series the story stands alone. Eden through a third person narrator explains to us that being a genie is no easy job at all.

Eden lands right at the middle of a New York city street on both feet! halting the city traffic for a moment. Living on earth and in the New York city had been her dream and when her masters grant her the wish, she couldn't believe her luck. She is the first genie to live on Earth during her granting career. And she has only one condition -to fulfill nine hundred and ninety nine wishers to complete her granting carrier. Retired genie Pepper is named as her guardian on Earth. Immortal and aged, theater-loving Pepper cares for Eden as a child of her own. She has many tales to tell the young genie which spans from the Shakespearean era to the present.

Together they plan to explore the grand city, but unfortunately for Eden she does not get to live her dream for more than a few days. As the lamp summons her to grant a wish - or so she thought - she appears in front of one of the wealthiest 'techies' in the world, 'Brightly', in his lab. And he has no interest in making wishes but to learn and posses the control of the lamp. Eden escapes but realizes that she is no longer in NYC but in Paris which is also where the Electras' headquarters are. Electras are the opponents of Loyal genies and are also fighting for the lamp. Eden, now penniless and without her magical custom-made passport, is trying to stay in disguise and figure out a way to repossess the lamp and save the genie world while the whole world is searching for Eden, as Brightly announces that he has lost his adopted daughter. And what would happen when Electras read about the news ............

The story flows, keeping it`s readers on the edge of their seats at every page turn, with magnificent settings of New York city and Paris, while bringing back history books to life through immortal Genie tales. An assortment of characters comprising Loyal genies, Electra genies and "mortals" are quite realistic and approachable, still they entertain the readers well. The language and dialog are expressive and helpful in creating the mood yet simple enough to reach even the very young readers. I can easily recall a particular dialog when Eden for the first time in her life experiences macaroons
" I know I keep changing my mind / she said / but now it`s officially official / Lemon is my favorite / But you haven`t tried hazelnut yet! / Melodie pushed a light-brown one toward her."
A gripping thriller to the end with fantastic settings an adventures protagonist and a troupe of other vivid characters.
(With many thanks to Disney Books and Net Galley for the ARC)

Eden`s Escape

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Sam in Winter.

Jack and the Geniuses.

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers.

Where Do They Go? - Part 1

The Jolly Regina ( The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters 1)

Teddy & Co.

Eden`s Escape.

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