Showing posts with label (C) Good Reads 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label (C) Good Reads 2011. Show all posts

Friday, July 1, 2011

The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing


The Book That Eats People by John Perry
Illustrated by Mark Fearing
Tricycle Press
Published in 2009
ISBN 9781582462684
38 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:


CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5


One day Sammy Ruskin checks out this very same book, and he soon discovers that this book has an appetite for --- people. GULP. Will this book ever stop eating people? And will you be next?

This book is actually very cute and funny. It is kind of nice turn of events by saying a book who has an appetite for people, instead people who have an appetite for books. The plot, like most other childrens' books, is very simple. However, it might scare some of the little children. Though, they might become engage in the book, but since I don't have children, I wouldn't really know. HEH. :X

Anyways, the illustrations were very well done, and let's say it matches the feeling and plot of the book very well. Also, you can read/see the text very well against the background. Even though there are no life lessons in this book, the book's illustrations and plot are just meant to make you laugh and smile. :D

It is a very good children's book, and I would recommend it for anyone. Though, it might scare some of the younger kids. :P

Other Reviews/Author Site:

John Perry
Mark Fearing
Goodreads: The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
Library Thing: The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
Bookie Woogie: The Book That Eats People by John Perry, Illustrated by Mark Fearing

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing (2nd)


DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON SERIES BOOK 07

Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing
Volo
Published in 2002
ISBN 0786808497
289 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Currently out of print. There is currently no book with books 7-13 in them. Just wait, I'm sure there will be one with them in 2011-2014.

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

2ND REVIEW. 1ST REVIEW IS HERE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



When Vanessa's sixteenth birthday is almost here, she starts feeling upset and uneasy because there is only one more year until she has to make a decision that will change her life forever. With these depressing thoughts, she begins to doubt anything and everything in her life and herself. Though, when she meets Hector, she discovers a side of herself she never knew existed.

I decided to do a better review of the Daughters of the Moon series by Lynne Ewing since my first ones weren’t done very well. This book is really a fast read, but since I really didn’t like this one, it took longer than the other books.

In this book of the 13 book series, it kind of starts with a mythology story, but not really. Even though it really isn't a mythology story, it was still pretty interesting to read about it. I miss the mythology stories in the beginning, but the information about the characters' past in the prologue are also very good to know.

Anyways, in this book, we continue to learn more about the Daughters of the Moon, Atrox, and what's more, we get to learn more about Vanessa's dark/hidden side. We even get to learn a little bit more about Maggie's past and her ex-lover. :X The plot of this book is very interesting, especially with more information about Maggie in it. Also, you get to know a side of Vanessa that isn't shown that much in the other books of the series, which shows the characters do have growth throughout the series. I like how the author shows Vanessa's inner self, and how she tries to show that everyone has a little bit of darkness in them --- even the people who seem to be goody-goods. ;) I also like how she reveals a little bit more information about Maggie and her past.

The tone and dialogue still reminds me a lot of my teenage years and my high school, so the author did a really good job at writing the book in teenage words and their world. The descriptions were also very well done, and both of these things made the book go a little bit faster than most other young adult books. So, I really like this book from these points. Another thing I liked about this book is the mythology that is incorporated in it. Also, the character growth and their personalities are believable (for a supernatural book).As the books/series goes on, you get more information about the Daughters of the Moon and the Atrox, which is good because it won’t overload you with information with just one book.

Anyways, this book is one my favorites in the Daughters of the Moon series, and is a very good read. So go ahead and go read this book and series.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Lynne Ewing
Goodreads: Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing
Library Thing: Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing
Rashel's Reads: Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing
SFA: Moon Demon by Lynne Ewing

Friday, June 10, 2011

The Lost One by Lynne Ewing (2nd)


DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON SERIES BOOK 06

The Lost One by Lynne Ewing
Volo
Published in 2001
ISBN 0786807075
274 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Barnes & Noble (Paperback): Second Three Books
Amazon (Paperback): Second Three Books

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

2ND REVIEW. 1ST REVIEW IS HERE.

Review/Rating:

2 out of 5



When Tiana wakes up one day, she finds that all of her memories are missing, including who and where she is. However, the only clue she has is a note, in her own handwriting, to the police that someone is trying to kill her. She then finds out that she isn't like other people --- she has the gift to move things with her mind. But when the Daughters of the Moon notice her, will she discover she is apart of a greater destiny?

I decided to do a better review of the Daughters of the Moon series by Lynne Ewing since my first ones weren’t done very well. This book is really a fast read, but since I really didn’t like this one, it took longer than the other books.

Like the previous book, this one doesn’t begin with a mythology story. Instead, it begins with Tiana's past. Also, you can tell that the author was trying to make this book like the previous one because she was trying to put a different spin to the series that you wouldn't thought would happen.

However, for me, it wasn't a good spin or that interesting. In fact, I think it made the series a little worse than it I have come to expect from this series. With Tiana added in to the mix, it made the storyline more complicated than I would have liked, I guess. I get that she is need to try and save Catty, but to let her have a choice of becoming a Daughter of the Moon because of that, her power, and past is a little annoying. However, at least Tiana had to prove herself worthy first, but it is still annoying. ^^;

Anyways, the tone and dialogue still reminds me a lot of my teenage years and my high school, so the author did a really good job at writing the book in teenage words and their world. The descriptions were also very well done, and both of these things made the book go a little bit faster than most other young adult books. So, I really like this book from this stand point. Another thing I liked about this book is the mythology that is incorporated in it. Also, the character growth and their personalities are believable (for a supernatural book). Despite the descriptions, there is very little growth, and it is not as interesting as the other books. However, it’s better than most books that have a series. :( As the books/series goes on, you get more information about the Daughters of the Moon and the Atrox, which is good because it won’t overload you with information with just one book.

Anyways, this book of the series is my least favorite one because of the character, Tiana, and the small amount of character growth. The only reason why I would read this book of the series is just to see what happened in the series in order of the books.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Lynne Ewing
Goodreads: The Lost One by Lynne Ewing
Library Thing: The Lost One by Lynne Ewing
Rashel's Reads: The Lost One by Lynne Ewing
Natalie's Bookshelf: The Lost One by Lynne Ewing

The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole


The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published in 2002
ISBN 0689835663
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM: 


CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE BANNED/CHALLENGED BOOKS CHALLENGE.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5


Elmer is different from other male ducklings --- he likes to cook, clean, paint pictures, and other non-masculine things. And because of this, everyone calls him a sissy, even his own father. But will they learn that Elmer is just fine the way he is?

This book is on the ALA Banned and Challenged book list, and I kind of understand why, that is, if I was one of the narrow-minded type of person. Anyways, it has been banned/challenged because it has "gay tendencies", which I could see in some ways.

However, to me, it is just teaching people, children mostly, that it is okay to be different and not like things based on the stereotypical views of today's society. In my opinion, this book teaches a good lesson. Why? Because of the fact that no one likes being judged based on a mold that has been around for decades.

Anyways, besides liking the "don't judge people by stereotypes" lesson, I like the illustrations. They matched the words very well, and were cutely drawn and very bright. Also, the text was very easy to see and read, which is always a plus with children's books since most of them have text that's hard to see/read.

That said, this book is very good if you want to teach your kids not to judge people by stereotypes ans other unfair things.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Harvey Fierstein
Henry Cole
Goodreads: The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
Library Thing: The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole
See the World in Rainbows: The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein, Illustrated by Henry Cole

Saturday, April 23, 2011

The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing (2nd)


DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON SERIES BOOK 05

The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing
Volo
Published in 2001
ISBN 0786807067
269 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Barnes & Noble (Paperback): Second Three Books
Amazon (Paperback): Second Three Books

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

2ND REVIEW. 1ST REVIEW IS HERE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Stanton has been a Follower of the Atrox since he was a child. However, this force of evil has fallen in love love with Serena, a force of good. This relationship is forbidden, and when this secret is discovered, he starts to push her away. Will he choose a life of love? Or the life he is living now, without love and Serena?

I decided to do a better review of the Daughters of the Moon series by Lynne Ewing since my first ones weren’t done very well. This book is really a fast read, but since I really didn’t like this one, it took longer than the other two books.

Unlike the other books, this one doesn't begin with a mythology story. Instead, it begins with Stanton's past. The other thing that is different about this book from the others is that this is the only book that features a male or someone from the Atrox.

The tone and dialogue reminds me a lot of my teenage years and my high school, so the author did a really good job at writing the book in teenage words and their world. The descriptions were also very well done, and both of these things made the book go a little bit faster than most other young adult books. So, I really like this book from this stand point. Another thing I liked about this book is the mythology that is incorporated in it. Also, the character growth and their personalities are believable (for a supernatural book). Also, I like how you can see the character growth of Stanton, and it was very nice to read about his past. As the books/series goes on, you get more information about the Daughters of the Moon and the Atrox, which is good because it won’t overload you with information with just one book.

Also, out of all the books so far, this one is my favorite. Why? Because it focuses on my favorite male character in the series, and also, it does something different from the other books in this series. I also like this book and series because of the amount of descriptions and growth.

The only thing I really didn't like was the twist to the ending. I totally didn't expect the ending to be like that. :( Oh, well... I would have liked it better if the author kept that one aspect of what she changed in Stanton since it would have been more interesting. Also, I wish there was a separate book for all the guys in this series. :)

Anyways, this book and series are very well done, so go ahead and read this book and the other books.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Lynne Ewing
Goodreads: The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing
Library Thing: The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing
Rashel's Reads: The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing
Natalie's Bookshelf: The Sacrifice by Lynne Ewing

Friday, April 22, 2011

Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle


Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle
Illustrated by Eric Carle
Philomel Books
Published in 1992
ISBN 039921877
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:


CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE BANNED/CHALLENGED BOOKS CHALLENGE.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Plot: 3 out of 5


An artist creates things, and this one is no different. From a young child to his elder years, he draws and creates things.

I love Eric Carle's books since they are always so cute and almost fun, even now, even though I am an adult.

Even though I like his picture books, this one seems to touch the legend of creation and God, so it kind of turns me off from that point. It kind of makes it simple, but most parents will not like one of the illustrations. The illustration is of a naked man and woman, which is why this book is banned/challenged. If that kind of image/picture is a problem, find a piece a paper or something and cover the whole picture before you read the book to your kid. Or, you can just cover from the head down before reading it. Just so you know, it is AFTER the sun page.

The illustrations are really very simple, but they are also kind of boring at the same time. However, I think it is creative how he can illustrate his own books with tissue paper, but it is still a little bleh for me. Also, the text is very easy to see/read because it is either on a black or white background.

Anyways, I found this book kind of average and not really worth reading, but it is up to you if you think it is worth reading to your child.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Eric Carle
Goodreads: Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
Library Thing: Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle
Little Lamb Books: Draw Me A Star by Eric Carle, Illustrated by Eric Carle

The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing


DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON SERIES BOOK 04

The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing
Volo
Published in 2001
ISBN 078680709
268 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Barnes & Noble (Paperback): Second Three Books
Amazon (Paperback): Second Three Books

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

2ND REVIEW. 1ST REVIEW IS HERE.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Catty is having a very bad day, and it just gets worse when she is called to the morgue to claim her biological mom's body. Not only that, she learns that she is the heir to the Secret Scroll, but the only problem is that anyone who goes near it is cursed. Will she be able to figure out the secret behind the scroll and her past?

I decided to do a better review of the Daughters of the Moon series by Lynne Ewing since my first ones weren’t done very well. This book is really a fast read, but since I really didn't like this one, it took longer than the other two books.

In the fourth book of the Daughters of the Moon series, it explores the legend behind the phases of the moon - to give hope to the people. It really isn't as interesting as the other mythology information since I already knew that legend. Oh, well...

The tone and dialogue reminds me a lot of my teenage years and my high school, so the author did a really good job at writing the book in teenage words and their world. The descriptions were also very well done, and both of these things made the book go a little bit faster than most other young adult books. So, I really like this book from this stand point. Another thing I liked about this book is the mythology that is incorporated in it. Also, the character growth and their personalities are believable (for a supernatural book). Also, I like the growth it has for Catty --- making her seem a little more mature and showing her past. As the books/series goes on, you get more information about the Daughters of the Moon and the Atrox, which is good because it won't overload you with information with just one book.

For the fourth book, I really loved it because the author begins to unravel the mystery behind Catty's past. Another interesting thing in this book is the twist the author puts behind Catty's heritage. Also, I loved the book because the author finally gives Catty a guy to play with, Chris. ;) However, I wish there was a little bit more romance between them. Out of all the guys in this series, Christ is rated my number two, while Stanton is number one.

Anyways, this series and book is pretty good and well written because it gives enough information at a time without making it seem too fast, slow, or not really that boring. Also, it has great descriptions and growth. Any more information would spoil the books. :P

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Lynne Ewing
Goodreads: The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing
Library Thing: The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing
Rashel's Reads: The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing
Natalie's Bookshelf: The Secret Scroll by Lynne Ewing

Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz


Smoky Night by Eve Bunting
Illustrated by David Diaz
Harcourt Brace & Company
Published in 1994
ISBN 0152699546
40 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:


CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APART OF THE GOODREADS 2011 READING CHALLENGE.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Ease of Reading Text: 2 out of 5
Illustrations: 2 out of 5
Plot: 5 out of 5


Riots are breaking out in the streets of Los Angeles, and it isn't any different in Daniel's neighborhood. Daniel and his neighbors learn an important lesson after two always fighting cats finally get along.

This picture book is set during an actual historical event, the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Because it uses a historical related event, the plot is very well informed and good because it teaches us and any children who read this book that we should value people and get along, no matter how different we are. Also, it teachers young children about the racial differences we had, and still have, through simple measures.

Even though the plot is very nicely done, the illustrations and how easy you can read the text isn't. The illustrations seem overdone with the textures all over the place, and I paid more attention to the textures instead of the actual drawings. Also, with most of the text, it was over textures that were hard to read black text off of.

Anyways, those were the only two things that I had a problem with in this book. It also has a wonderful lesson for everyone to learn and remember. Though, I have just a word of warning, it has the theme of racism in the book. However, it isn't really that noticeable, if the kid is really young. This is a very good book with an important lesson to learn, no matter how young the child is, but the illustrations and how well you can see/read the text is kind of hard and bleh.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Eve Bunting
David Diaz
Goodreads: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
Library Thing: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
The Rookie's View: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz
Best Children's Books: Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz