Review: Halloween in Pictures

To make up for my lack of promised Halloween reviews in the past two days, I'm going to do something a little different today. Those of you who are long time followers will know that I occasionally review books that aren’t YA, including picture books. Even though these are published for kids, not only kids can enjoy them. So I wanted to review some Halloween picture books I’ve come across lately. The problem is, there’s not really that much you can say plot-wise about a picture book. So rather than doing a review for each, I’m going to do several mini-reviews. So here we go.

The Banshee by Eve Bunting and Emily Arnold McCully
I actually picked this one up as a gig for a local newspaper I do reviews for. It sounded like a perfect Halloween story. It's about a little boy in Ireland (can't remember his name off the top of my head) who thinks he hears a banshee outside of his house. For those of you who aren’t versed in the supernatural, the banshee of Irish legend is a ghostly woman who is said to wail outside a house where there is an impending death. Naturally, this scares the boy silly because if it IS a banshee, then who at his house is going to die. In the end, it's a cute story about facing your fears. Not really my thing. The one thing that redeems the book is the illustrations. They are dark and murky, which perfectly complements the tone of the story. Overall, this is a great story for the subject matter: a banshee. Beyond that scope it's less than satisfying.

Shady Glade Rating 5/10

Queen of Halloween by Mary Engelbreit
This book is the Halloween installment of Mary Engelbreit's Ann Estelle series. This time Ann Estelle is all dressed up in the perfect fairy queen costume and is ready to get lots of candy. She learns a lot about bravery when she works up the courage to make her way up to ring the doorbell of the creepiest house on the block. But if you’re familiar with Mary Engelbreit you'll know that it really isn't that creepy. Not my favorite Ann Estelle story, but it was cute and I always love Mary's illustrations. Plus, this one comes with a Ann Estelle paper doll, which definitely gave it bonus points in my book.

Shady Glade Rating: 6/10

Halloween Night by Marjorie Dennis Murray and Brandon Dorman
This is essentially the Halloween equivalent of The Night Before Christmas. It’s written in rhyming text and features a whole bunch of monsters, witches, vampires, etc. getting their house ready for this big Halloween celebration. But the guest of honor (10 trick or treaters) run away screaming when they see the house. So everybody parties without them. It’s a cute book, and although it isn’t an original concept, the art was interesting. A great book for young kids who are eagerly anticipating the Halloween holiday. I could see this becoming an October tradition for some families.

Shady Glade Rating: 5/10

Cat Nights by Jane Manning
This is one of my favorite books of the bunch, just because it’s so original. Now although the main character is a witch, this is easily a book that could be enjoyed year-round because it’s not necessarily “Halloween” in nature. The story centers around the witch Felicity who is so excited to reach her 263rd birthday. Why? Because on this special birthday a witch is finally granted the power to turn into a cat for the night. Felicity loves being a cat, but her witch cousins are worried that Felicity might decide to use the spell one too many times. (You can spend 8 nights as a cat, but the 9th time you stay a cat). The three cousins attempt to intervene with some interesting results. In the end it’s a really cute story about learning to be true to yourself. Reading this made me want to turn into a cat too. Just for one night though.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld and James Bennett
And last, but certainly not least is one of my favorite Halloween books of all time. Don’t be fooled by the simple title, or the fact that this is a picture book. I can confidently say that this a book adults can enjoy just as much as kids. It reads just like one of Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy acts. Jerry takes us through the childhood experiences of Halloween, including the ultimate quest for good trick-or-treat candy to what happens when that store bought superhero costume isn’t as great as you thought it would be. Kids will certainly relate to the situations here, and adults can chuckle as Jerry’s hijinks bring up memories of their own Halloween mishaps. Combine this story with illustrations that perfectly complement the writing, and you’ve got a real winner. Seriously. You need to check this one out.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

And there you have it! I hope you found some books to dive into this Halloween. And if you don’t normally read picture books, that’s okay too. You are never too old for a good picture book.

Copy provided by the publisher for Queen of Halloween, Cat Nights, and Halloween Night

Review: Aftershocks

*Gasp* Look! A review! How nice. I haven't reviewed a historical fiction book in awhile, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit. Be back with more reviews in the next few weeks (hopefully!).

Aftershocks by William Lavender

Jessie’s troubles start when she is discovered looking at medical instruments in the local medical supply shop window. She can’t help but be fascinated by the strange tools used by doctors, especially since she wants to practice medicine herself. However, her father has other plans. A doctor himself, he is adamant that no proper young lady in San Francisco’s high society will ever practice medicine. He insists that it is not a dignified profession for a woman.

All of this changes when Jessie discovers some less-than-reputable late-night excursions between her father and the family’s new Chinese maid, Mei Lin. On New Year’s Eve in 1904, Mei Lin disappears, and Jessie is sure that Mei Lin has fled to protect her unborn illegitimate child. When Chinatown is almost completely destroyed by the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, Jessie seizes the opportunity to search for her half-sister. It isn’t long before she finds Lilly, a Chinese orphan with distinctively reddish-black hair like Jessie’s father. She is sure that this is her half-sister, but how can Jessie save her sister, and spare her strict family the shame of the secret she’s discovered?

San Francisco in 1906 is a dangerous place. William Lavender’s book Aftershocks does an excellent job of capturing this spirit of chaos and showing that sometimes it’s not the natural disaster, but what happens afterward that will ultimately change lives. This one of those truly multi-layer novels that has so much going on, it's hard to summarize in just a few short paragraphs. However, far from making the story confusing, it gives this historical novel a new level of depth and complexity.

The cover of this book reveals that this is “a tale of romance and social justice,” but it ends up being much more. Although this story takes place during a major historical disaster, the book focuses more on how the event changes Jessie’s life, not how it ravages the city. While engulfed in this book, the audience grows, changes, and matures right along with Jessie as she struggles with the family secret that literally changes her life.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10

Review: I Can Has Cheezburger?

I Can Has Cheezburger?: A LOLcat Colleckshun by Professor Happycat and Icanhascheezburger.com

I know what you're thinking... "A review? She's actually posting a review?" Haha, so funny. Yes, after a long break, I'm actually taking a few minutes to post a review. I literally have a stack of 50 or so books that really should be taken care of before this one, but I enjoyed this book so much I just had to share it.

For those of you who haven't heard of I Can Has Cheezburger?.com, let me tell you, you are missing out. This website collects funny pictures of cats, rabbits, squirrels and other animals and readers caption and submit them to be voted on by viewers. The best images are then placed on the homepage.

It sounds simple enough, but the brillance is really hard to explain without experiencing it firsthand. Some of them are funny, some are not funny, and some are roll on the floor gasping for breath funny.

As a follower of the site for about a year, I was exstatic when I found out they were releasing an I Can Has Cheezburger?book. My very own collection of Lolcats? I am so there! The book is an excellent collection of the best, funniest, and quientissential Lols found on (and off) the site. It's a quick read (mostly pictures with a few phrase captions) but it's a book I will read over and over, especially when you need a humor pick-me-up. I only had the guts to ask for one book this Christmas (since I have so many already), but I am so happy that this was the only book I got. It totally made up for a lack of books in other areas.

Just to give you a taste of what you've been missing, here are my some of my favorite Lolcats pulled from the site's blog. For your enjoyment, and to convice you how much you need this book, you may want to click on each picture to enlarge it and enjoy it fully. I'll catch you again down at the bottom.

So if that hasn't convinced you that you need this book, I don't know what will. If you've enjoyed these, head over to I Can Has Cheezburger?.com and check out the thousands they have over there.

I need to warn you, there's quite a few reoccuring phrases and jokes, which may take a bit to catch onto. And the grammar and spelling are horrible. But that's one of the things that makes it so funny. Besides, you'll be fluent in Lolspeak in no time! Of course, the book is great for explaning the jargon and reoccuring gags, if you're simply lost altogether. Bottom line: if you're in a humor slump, you need to order your copy of I Can Has Cheezburger? right away!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

I Can Has Cheezburger? is available to order on Amazon.com:

My Favorites: Dealing with Dragons

I’ve decided to start a feature where I review some of my absolute favorite books. These are usually ones that have been out for awhile, and most people have heard of them. This is my chance to convince you just what you’re missing if you don’t read these. So first up, here’s

Dealing with Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book One by Patricia C. Wrede

Cimorene isn’t your normal princess. In fact, she doesn’t look, talk, or behave like any normal self-respecting princess. So when Cimorene runs away and volunteers to be a dragon’s princess, it’s not completely unexpected. Well, for the reader anyway. But Cimorene’s parents refuse to believe anyone would choose to be a dragon’s princess.

But Cimorene has much more important things to think about than her parents. She’s too busy cooking Cherries Jubilee, sorting treasure, and learning the history of the dragons from her new dragon friend, Kazul. So when knights start showing up to “rescue” her, Cimorene is more than a little annoyed. Little does she know, things are about to get a lot more interesting, and pesky knights are the least of her problems!

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you know how much I adore retold fairy tales. This book turns them all on their heads! Think of every stereotype possible in traditional fairytales and be prepared to toss them all out the window while reading this one. In addition to the great new perspective caused by breaking these stereotypes, this book has the perfect blend of humor, adventure, and just enough suspense to keep you going. Everyone I’ve ever recommend this book to LOVES it, and it’s been one of my favorites for many years.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10 (Were you really surprised?)

Read the continuation of Cimorene’s adventures in the rest of the series:
Searching for Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Two
Calling on Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Three (my personal favorite of the series)
Talking to Dragons: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, Book Four

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Review: Flight Vol. 3

Flight, Vol. 3 by Various

Flight is the ultimate graphic novel meets fantasy anthology. Filled with several comic “short stories,” every reader is bound to find something to their liking. Read about a brave fox who confronts a vicious subterranean monster in “Underworld,” a cat who gets his comeuppance for terrorizing birds in “Hunter” and a mischievous cloud who gets overruled by his elders in the justly titled “The Cloud.”

Not only do the storylines differ, but there is a wide range of artistic styles from the traditional, to soft watercolors, to illustrations that look like they created with colored pencils. Many of the stories also contain limited or nonexistent text, letting readers delight in the simple art of the story. A great introduction into the world of comics/graphic novels, you’ll love this one!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Princess Bubble

Princess Bubble by Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb

It isn’t very often that I have the opportunity to read a children’s book that I know parents and teens will enjoy just as much as children. Fortunately, Princess Bubble is one of those books.

Princess Bubble has just graduated from college and takes a job as a flight attendant in order to travel the world. She buys her own castle, and invites all her princess friends over for all sorts of celebrations. Soon all her Princess friends are getting married and living “happily ever after.” But Princess Bubble just can’t seem to find her own Prince Charming. What’s a princess to do?

Offering a positive message for today’s girls, this book is a wonderful addition to any library. It teaches us that we can find “happily ever after” our own way, rather than by doing what others tell us to do. Parents are likely to enjoy the story just as much as their daughters, as well as girls of all ages. My favorite part was the illustrations, which are absolutely beautiful. The book also has several examples of artwork from real Princess Bubble fans, which gives it a personal touch.

Recommended for princesses of all ages, especially those age 8 and up!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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*Please note* This was originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below link will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to read the original review.

Review: Emma Vol. 1

Emma: Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori

Emma is a shy lady’s maid in Victorian London. Raised by her mistress because she had no family of her own, Emma is happy with her life. But when William, a former charge of her mistress’s governess days, comes to visit unexpectedly Emma’s life is about to take a turn.

Emma and William are instantly drawn together, even after their awkward fist meeting (she accidentally hits his face with a door). But William is a wealthy young businessman, expected to marry a young lady from good society. Likewise, Emma’s position prevents her from expressing any feelings for a member of upper-class society. Meanwhile, Emma is being showered with gifts from young men all over London. How do two people who can never be together ever have a chance?

Although this is a graphic novel, it is not like any you would expect. It really reads more like literature than a graphic novel, and it presents a fairly accurate presentation of Victorian London. Throughout it all, you want the two to be together, even though neither one will admit their feelings outright. The book ends in a bit of cliffhanger, so I’m rushing to get my hands on the next one. Read this one, you will not be disappointed!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Dramacon Vol. 2

Dramacon Vol. 2 by Svetlana Chmakova

I happened upon the world of Dramacon as a member of the Cybils nominating committee. If nothing else, this book was definitely worth the job! I must admit that so far I haven’t had the opportunity to read Volume one, but after this amazing book, nothing is going to stop me from getting my hands on it eventually.

Dramacon continues the story of Christy, amateur comic book writer as she enters her second year of the yearly anime convention. Much of Christy’s life has changed in the past year, including the addition of a new artist, Bethany, for her growing comic. In addition to some new faces, Christy also reunites with old flame Matt... who has brought his girlfriend. Christy isn’t sure what to do, but never fear. This is one convention that never gets boring.

This was definitely on my shortlist for the Cybils, and the rest of the nominating committee agree with me. Despite the fact that the book mostly centers on characterization as opposed to plot, it was extremely engaging and very hard to put down. Filled with great characters, humorous situations, and pun references to pop culture, this book was excellent. Pick this one up, you won’t disappointed. (but I suggest you read Volume 1 first… it makes more sense that way.)

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Oddly Enough

Oddly Enough by Bruch Coville

This is Bruce Coville’s first collection of short stories. Although some of these have been previously published in other anthologies, this book is worth reading just to have them all in one spot. These stories deal with the unusual and bizarre: from monsters and werewolves to unicorns, elves, brownies and so much more! My favorite story is called “The Language of Blood” which tells the story of a vampire who must save his country by ritually drinking blood. It sounds creepy, but trust me it really isn’t. I also like “Duffy’s jacket” where a monster visits Andrew, Marie and their cousin Duffy, but not for the reason you think.

This is a wonderful collection of short stories. Full of magic, believable characters, humor and suspense, this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss! I recommend it to everyone I know and my copy has been worn out with all the re-readings. With such a wide variety, you’ll find at least one you love, although I’ve found many more!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Castle Waiting

As you may know (or maybe you don't...) I was on the Cybils Graphic Novel nominating commitee this past two months. As a result, you get to be treated to reviews of my favorite books from this past experince. Lucky you! We start of with our first novel... Castle Waiting.

Castle Waiting by Linda Medley

Everyone knows that when Sleeping Beauty woke up from her 100 year sleep that she left the kingdom with her handsome prince. Well, what happened to the castle that was left behind?

Castle Waiting tells us the story we never find out: what the people who live at the castle do after their princess, and the only heir to the throne, leaves. Decades later, a small group of stragglers continues to live out their lives in the castle, a place that has become a safe home for all sorts of people. Follow the lives of the Groundskeeper (who also happens to be a stork), Lady Jain (who ran away from an abusive husband), a bearded nun, a crazy doctor obsessed with avoiding the plague, and a whole host of interesting characters.

Although this is a graphic novel, it really doesn’t seem like you are reading one. The characters, plots and storylines are just as developed as any book, and this 400-page fairytale-like story is no exception. Seasoned fairytale readers with be delighted with occasional references to fairy-lore, while newcomers are just as likely to be enchanted with this magical world. My biggest complaint about the book was that it ended! I sure hope Linda Medley is planning on writing more about the world of Castle Waiting, because I’m not ready to say good-bye to these characters yet.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: Stravaganza: City of Masks

Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Lucien has been diagnosed with cancer. Undergoing chemotherapy is very tiring, and soon he finds himself falling asleep while clutching a beautiful notebook. Unbeknownst to Lucien the notebook is from a parallel world called Talia, similar to Renaissance Italy. Lucien finds himself in the beautiful city of Bellezza, similar to our Venice. Ruled by the powerful and beautiful Duchessa, Lucien soon finds himself being drawn closer into the beautiful city. But all is not right in Talia. The powerful di Chimici family is determined to take over all of Talia, but the Duchessa is in the way. Can Lucien help save the Duchessa before it’s too late?

Part historical, part fantasy, part mystery, and part political intrigue, this book has everything. The author has crafted a wonderful mystery perfect for any fantasy lover. This book is truly too complicated to summarize in such a short amount of space. It is so involved that there is no way I can do it proper justice without giving parts away. You’ll just have to take my word for it, and go and read it yourself! This is the first of the Stravaganza series, make sure you also check out City of Stars and City of Flowers!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: The Blue Day Book

The Blue Day Book by Bradley Trevor Grieve

Have you ever suffered from a blue day? One of those “the world is against me” days? Well, here’s the solution! In this book Bradley Trevor Grieve has excellently combined a simple lesson on how to rid ourselves of life’s blue days with animal photographs that magnificently illustrate his points. From the causes of blue days to how to get rid of them, this book is classic. The text and photos go so well with each other, it is impossible to feel sad after reading this book. Whether you are in the mood for a pick-me-up or just a good laugh, check out The Blue Day Book! Let me tell you, it works! It’s the only thing getting me through finals this week!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: The Fairy’s Return and Other Princess Tales

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine

For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales yet, here’s your chance. And for those of you who consider these stories among your favorites already, now they are available in one magnificent volume. And the new cover’s pretty, which is always a plus!

The Princess Tales take us to the village of Snettering-on-Snoakes in the kingdom of Biddle. Each chapter takes a traditional fairy tale and turns it on its head until it emerges as a hilarious and charming new story, sometimes unrecognizable as the original tale.

What would happen if the fairy’s gift backfired as it does in “The Fairy’s Mistake”? How about a boy Cinderella (that’s Cinderellis to you!) and has to rescue his princess by climbing a glass hill (“Cinderellis and the Glass Hill“? What if the “princess” in The Princess and the Pea wasn’t really a Princess (The Princess Test”)? It’s all here in this book.

These tales are a true delight to read. I first discovered them several years ago, when “The Fairy’s Mistake” had just been published. To this day they remain some of my favorite fairy-tale retellings. Quick, easy reads full of laughter and fun, this is a book you will not want to pass up.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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