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Book Review: Sammy Specter, Private Investigator, Public Terror

August 1, 2023 Leave a Comment

Title: Sammy Specter, Private Investigator, Public Terror (The Spirit Hauntings)
Author: Avery Spooks / Illustrator: Mariano Epelbaum
Genre: Children’s Books
Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: August 1, 2023
Purchase: Amazon
Disclaimer: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Society of Paranormal, Invisible, and Restless Imps and Terrors has a problem: due to so-called “science,” the living are believing in ghosts less and less. To boost morale, SPIRIT is opening its doors to new members for the first time in centuries. But only the spookiest recruits will get to join the undead’s most esteemed organization.

For Sammy Specter, this is the chance of a lifetime-er, deathtime. In life, Sammy had been a famed detective until his partner stole the credit that was rightfully his. In death, Sammy plans to be your worst nightmare-and to put his old partner back in his place. But when Sammy meets third grader and tech wizard Shayla Wilkerson, all his plans seem to fall apart. Has this terror finally met his match?

Sammy Specter, Private Investigator, Public Terror is the first book in The Spirit Hauntings series. The story contains some wonderful and imaginative illustrations that bring the story to life.

As for the story itself, Sammy Specter is a ghost who longs to become a member of SPIRIT: the Society of Paranormal, Invesible and Restless Imps and Terrors. However, due to “science”, the living are believing in ghosts less and less. And even if they do believe, they’re not scared of phantoms anymore. So, SPIRIT has decided to open its doors to new members for the first time in centuries, but on one condition. In order to be able to join SPIRIT, you need to terrify the living.

Sammy starts on a quest to terrify a third-grader called Shayla Wilkerson. But as Shayla is a veritable tech wizard, he may have chosen the wrong girl to spook.

I liked the premise of the story, but the execution fell a little flat for me. I’m all for suspending disbelief and having Shayla be a tech wizard at her tender age, but it needs to be consistent. Sometimes she seemed to know everything there is to know, building her own pc at age four, writing apps, etc. and other times, she just seemed totally clueless. One moment, she seemed scared of Sammy, and the next moment, she couldn’t care less.

Despite that, I still liked the story and I’m pretty sure the intended audience will love it too. It’s definitely not too scary, and it contains a good message, especially for the tech-crazy generation of kids nowadays.

 

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Book Review: The Little Prince Returns by Yoram Selbst

February 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

Title: The Little Prince Returns
Author: Yoram Selbst
Genre: Children’s Books
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Remember Antoine de Exupéry, that wonderful author and not so successful pilot, who crash landed his airplane in the Sahara desert so many years ago, with scarcely enough water to keep himself alive for a week.

Remember how a magical, curly-headed little prince suddenly appeared out of nowhere and insisted that he draw him a sheep. Remember Antoine’s enchanting description of the days they spent together before his companion disappeared as abruptly as he had appeared. And remember his anguished appeal to anyone who might meet him again to:

“Please comfort me. Send me word that he has come back.”

Decades passed. Those who longed for his return could only dream. And then, one day, it fell to the good fortune of a young fisherman lost at sea, afloat on a little ship that he had stolen from its owner, to discover the very same curly-headed prince splashing in the water below him, calling for help. He rushed to help him aboard.

This book tells the tale of what happened after that moment, of the blossoming of friendship and understanding between two unlikely companions as, over many cups of tea brewed with the last of their water, they shared their life experiences and their inner feelings. It is an attempt to recapture the unforgettable magic of that earlier encounter.

In The Little Prince Returns, Yoram Selbst tells the story of a younger fisherman lost at sea, afloat on a stolen ship, and discovers the curly-head prince we all know from the story of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Exupéry.

The fisherman and the prince form a friendship that is both unlikely and special at the same time. I was quite fond of “The Little Prince” when growing up, and this story brought back some of the magic of that original, classic tale. This “sequel” of sorts is not as great as the original, I would say, but it’s pretty close.

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Book Review and Giveaway Amelia, The Merballs And The Emerald Cannon

August 18, 2018 Leave a Comment

Title: Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon
Author: Evonne Blanchard
Genre: Children’s Books
Rating: 4,5 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

Amelia and Uglesnoo land on Mercury.  They meet the Merballs, the friendly aliens that live there.  All goes well, until an asteroid hits their planet. Amelia and Uglesnoo find themselves in deep trouble. How will they convince the Merballs of their innocence? And how will they manage to collect the flying shoes, escape Mercury and continue their quest to save Uglesnoo’s sister?

I previously read and reviewed Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage, book two in the series, and really enjoyed it. So, when I had the opportunity to read book three, Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon, of course I couldn’t say no.

With the second book, I was amazed by how creative the author was, and I have to say, this third book is even more original, fun and creative!

In this book, Amelia and Uglesnoo land on Mercury where they meet the Merballs. All seems to go pretty well, until an asteroid hits Mercury, and the Merballs areconvinced Amelia and Uglesnoo are somehow involved. With aliens, different planets, a good dose of humor and excellent storytelling that is age-appropriate, this is one of the best kids series out there. The illustrations are pretty fun too and fit the story well.

 

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Book Review: One for Sorrow by Mary Downing Hahn

July 18, 2017 2 Comments

Title: One for Sorrow
Author: Mary Downing Hahn
Genre: Historical, Middle Grade, Ghosts
Age Group: Middle Grade
Rating: 3 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Against the ominous backdrop of the influenza epidemic of 1918, Annie, a new girl at school, is claimed as best friend by Elsie, a classmate who is a tattletale, a liar, and a thief. Soon Annie makes other friends and finds herself joining them in teasing and tormenting Elsie. Elsie dies from influenza, but then she returns to reclaim Annie’s friendship and punish all the girls who bullied her. Young readers who revel in spooky stories will relish this chilling tale of a girl haunted by a vengeful ghost.

One for Sorrow is an another addition to Mary Downing Hahn’s ever-growing oeuvre, and it’s a solid one, although perhaps not as refreshing or as creepy as I had hoped.

Against the influenza epidemic of 1918, Annie is a new girl at school. She’s immediately claimed as best friend by Elsie, a bossy tattletale classmate who Annie somewhat sympathizes with because of her horrible situation at home. Yet Elsie easily distances Annie from the other classmates, destroys her favorite doll, and soon turns out to be the worst friend in history. When Elsie is ill for a week, Annie makes new friends, much to Elsie’s dismay.

Then, the influenza epidemic strikes, and Elsie grows ill and dies. She returns from the dead to haunt Annie and her new friends, and to make Annie believes she’s responsible for Elsie dying. She makes Annie’s life a miserable, going so far as to get her locked up in an insane asylum. Annie must find a way to fight back against her unwanted ghostly companion.

It’s old school horror, but doesn’t have any of the delicious eeriness that usually accompanies those stories. The historical setting works, the writing is excellent, the children are cruel and wicked, but it’s still missing something. Elsie’s ghost isn’t particularly scary. She lets Annie do wicked things, but it’s not scary, not creepy, not eerie.

Also, all the characters are horrible. Even Annie. She decides to hate Elsie right away when it’s obvious and should be obvious to her that Elsie has a horrible childhood and could really use a friend. Maybe Elsie should temper it down somewhat, but she could still use a friend. I found it downright cruel how even the adults were mean to Elsie. That’s terrible. All the girl characters were nasty and spoiled, and the adults weren’t much better.

I was also rather annoyed by Annie not being able to do anything on her own. She wanted to get rid of Elsie’s ghost, but she didn’t really do anything about it. She didn’t try research, or try to contact anyone who could help her. She was very passive, and just let things happen to her.

Anyway, it’s a good story for middle graders, but not the best, although I did enjoy the writing and pacing, and the historical setting. The characters just weren’t very likeable, and the story wasn’t creepy enough.

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Book Review: Sweet Tales: The Adventures of Brittany and Lace by Laurie Hyman

May 15, 2017 Leave a Comment

Title: Sweet Tales
Author: Laurie Hyman
Genre: Children’s Books
Age Group: Children
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

The Adventures of Brittany and Lace, the second book in the Sweet Tales series, is the perfect chapter book or read-out-loud book for animal lovers of all ages! Told from the animals’ point of view, these three charming stories center around Britt the Kit, now a grown-up tabby cat, and a special litter of rescued kittens—Lace, our new co-star destined to be Brittany’s new sister, Coco, who needs a home, Scamp and Willa. Exploring universal themes, with lots of trouble and adventure in between, each story is resolved with determination, love, and understanding. When needed, humans help, along with a colorful group of animal friends. An enjoyable book for the entire family – or anyone who enjoys a good tale!

“An educational adventure story for young animal lovers that delivers justice where it’s deserved.” -Kirkus Reviews

”The overall sense of caring, community, and responsibility for others is palpable throughout.”
–Kirkus Reviews

Cover Credits

Original Art: Belinda DelPesco

Cover Design: Heather Wood

Sweet Tales: The Adventures of Brittany and Lace is the second book in the Sweet Tales series. I didn’t get to read the first book yet, but I had no trouble picking up and following right along with this book. Animal lovers will adore this book. I LOVE cats, so to read stories featuring cats always makes me happy. The book features three stories: Brittany’s New Sister, Sky’s Kkittens, and Winter Snow & Justice.

Having the book split up in three seperate stories is ideal for kids, since they usually like shorter stories and can take a break after each story. I had to read right along into the next one, though. All the stories have hopeful messages, and help spread love and understanding amongst animals, and for humans in relation to animals.

I’m sure kids will love this book. The writing and stories are very age-appropriate, and despite being animals, the main characters are easy to relate to and sometimes behave in a very human way.

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Book Review: Grandpa Bernie’s Bedtime Stories

May 1, 2017 Leave a Comment

Title: Grandpa Bernie’s Bedtime Stories
Author: Bernard Ditchik
Genre: Children’s Books
Age Group: Children
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase:  Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

These delightful tales are sure to help your little ones settle down and drift contentedly off to sleep.  Written by a grandfather for his own kids and grandchildren, these eighteen entertaining stories feature lots of talking animals, including a kangaroo who teaches a pony how to jump, a little bear who wants to play baseball, a coyote who learns to fly, a magic balloon that takes a little girl all the way to Japan and back, and some resourceful ants who build a swimming pool so they can play as well as work.  It’s full of positive images and plots that inspire creative solutions to various challenges.  A lovely read-aloud adventure the whole family will enjoy!

Grandpa Bernie’s Bedtime Stories is a wonderful storybook, written by ‘grandpa’ Bernard Ditchik, featuring eighteen bedtime sotries for kids. The stories are short, so that the kids won’t get bored. The book itself is almost a work of art all on its own, with a colorful background and cute illustrations to accompany the chapter titles.

The stories are kids appropriate, and a lot of them feature talking animals. I remember some of my favorite stories as a kid did have talking animals in the main roles, so that’s sure to be a hit with kids. The book also has some wonderful messages for friends, about relationships, friendship, and so on, but the message doesn’t overpower the story – ultimately, the story is most important.

I’m pretty sure children will love this collection of stories. Since it has eighteen different stories, by the time you get to the end, the little ones will be excited to hear the first story again!

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Book Review: The Adventures of Fawn Book 3: Far and Yet So Near

October 23, 2016 1 Comment

far-and-yet-so-near-coverTitle: Far And Yet So Near (The Adventures of Fawn Book 3)
Author: Al E. Boy
Genre: Children’s Books, Fantasy
Age Group: Children’s Books
Rating: 4,5 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

The Adventures of Fawn continue as the young reindeer, Bunny, Doctor Weather and friends trail Santa’s reindeer after they come under the control of a mysterious stranger, and suddenly, mindlessly march off together. “Far And Yet So Near” sees the group led to an underground cavern where they learn the mystery man intends to steal the team of reindeer. Santa and Wajic turn up in the nick of time…and it looks like everyone is rescued. But the stranger has a few tricks up his sleeve, and explosions unexpectedly rock the cavern as he makes good his escape. But not before he ‘reindeer-naps’ Fawn. She soon finds herself a pet in an English manor house near London. Will Fawn ever return to the North Pole? Will anyone ever be able to find her? Did Santa, Wajic, Doctor Weather and the reindeer perish in the explosions? Read “Far And Yet So Near” to find out!

In the third adventure focusing on Fawn, Far and Yet So Near, Santa’s reindeer are being controlled by a mysterious stranger and mindlessly march off together to an abandoned cavern. Santa comes to the rescue, but in the heat of the moment, Fawn is reindeer-napped, and ends up in an English manor house near London. Will she ever return to the North Pole? Will her friends find her? And who is the mysterious stranger who wanted to kidnap the reindeers?

This is my favorite Fawn adventure so far. As with the other books, the writing is clear, fast-paced, and immediately pulls the reader into the story. Fawn has grown and changed as a character throughout the books, and I’m amazed by how different she is from book one, yet still somehow, she’s still the Fawn I’ve grown to care for.

The book is imaginative and suspenseful, and my favorite of the series so far. Kids will love this, especially now winter and Christmas time are coming up.

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Book Review: The Ona Pendulum by Al E. Boy

October 16, 2016 1 Comment

book-2-book-coverTitle: The Adventures of Fawn Book 2: The Ona Pendulum
Author: Al E. Boy
Genre: Fantasy, Children’s Books
Age Group: Children
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

The Adventures of Fawn continue as an evil former elf Princess is trying to destroy The Ona Pendulum…a device that enables Santa, Wajic, his elves and reindeer to live for hundreds of years. So Fawn and her friends are off to the rescue to save Santa and company…Christmas 1849….and every other future Christmas, as well! In the process they’ll learn how a young toymaker named Kristoff Kringle became Santa Claus, how he met the elves, and where his famous, “Ho-Ho-Ho” comes from. They’ll also learn about the Rua Ondos…wonderful, magical shooting stars which fell to Earth on the very first Christmas. The Ona Pendulum is an adventure the whole family will enjoy!!

In The Ona Pendulum, the adventures of Fawn continue as an evil, former elf Princess, is trying to destroy The Ona Pendulum – a device that enables Santa, his elves and reindeer, to live for hundreds of years. It’s up to Fawn and her friends to save Santa… and Christmas!

This is an enchanting story about the origins of Christmas, the bravery of a few young friends, and how they might be able to save Christmas. The writing is whimsical and fun, and although the book is on the longer side, I’m sure kids will love it.

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Book Review: ‘Til The Last Snowflake Falls (The Adventures of Fawn Book One)

October 13, 2016 1 Comment

book-1-book-coverTitle: ‘Til The Last Snowflake Falls (The Adventures of Fawn Book One)
Author: Al E. Boy
Genre: Fantasy, Children’s Books
Age Group: Children
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

The Adventures of Fawn is a ‘coming of age’ series set in the magical world of Santa’s North Pole! The year is 1849, and legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen have a young daughter, Fawn. In this first book, ‘Til the Last Snowflake Falls’ the young reindeer spends far too many days alone in the stable at Santa’s Village with no friends and nothing to do. While her parents caution her she’s much too young and inexperienced to go exploring outside Santa’s Village by herself, Fawn disagrees. Declaring, “I want some fun and excitement! I don’t care how dangerous it is!” she begins sneaking out each day in search of friends, excitement and adventure. She’ll find them all…but also find herself facing dangers like a fierce hungry wolf, a freezing North Pole blizzard, and the treachery of a sea captain capturing animals of the arctic to sell to a zoo in New York City. Along the way, she’ll also learn some valuable lessons about what’s really important in life. The Adventures of Fawn are filled with fun and excitement for all ages!

I was hooked when I read the synopsis that said the story is set on the North Pole. Fawn is the main character (hence the series title), and she’s a reindeer – the daughter of Comet and Vixen, the famous reindeers of Santa, to be precise. She spends most her time alone in the stables at Santa’s Village, and she’s dreadfully bored. Although her parents warn her she’s too young to go out exploring on her own, Fawn sneaks out anyway, eager to meet some new friends and participate in some fun adventures. But she finds more than just adventures outside Santa’s Village – she also finds danger, and unexpected surprises.
I loved the cast of colorful characters that Fawn got to meet during her adventures. The key element of the story is friendship, and some of the messages Fawn gets taught during the course of the book are very inspiring.
A fun book that children will enjoy, and that sets everyone in the mood for the holiday season.

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Book Review: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

May 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

ameliacoverTitle: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Author: Evonne Blanchard

Genre: Children’s Book / Fantasy / Science Fiction

Age Group: Children

Rating: 4 stars

Purchase: Amazon

Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

In Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage, Amelia heads out to an adventure along with her friend, the alien Uglesnoo. Uglesnoo’s sister is sick, and the only cure is a crystal from Neptune, but if they want to buy the crystal, they’ll have to land on Venus first and get some bliss bubbles.

Unfortunately, though, the inhabitants from Venus are anything but friendly – the Venutons want to stop them from getting their bliss bubbles and saving Uglesnoo’s sister.

What a creative, original story! This is one of he first kids books I’ve read that features aliens, but it’s amazing. The illustrations are cute and colorful. Based on the amount of text, I’d say this is an excellent read for young readers aged six and up. For younger kids, parents can read it to them, and with the pictures, they’ll surely be entertained.

A wonderful, entertaining space adventure. I look forward to the next book.

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