Set in Tehran, Iran, this quite original tale is a reminder that story themes are universal. At times it has the feel of Cinderella with a cultural twist. Other times, it is reminiscent of Charles Perrault’s tale of the kindly sister and the bad-tempered sister, whose deeds have different outcomes.
Month: March 2014
Spookles: Astral & the Higgles is just one book in a series of twelve that can be downloaded from an interactive website dedicated entirely to the Spookles. The Spookles are an unusual bunch of characters that would never require changing outfits or looks for Halloween.
The Children’s Book Review | March 29, 2014 About the Book Percy the Pug loves puddles—big puddles, small puddles, swamp puddles, stomp…
The Children’s Book Review | March 29, 2014 About the Book Jaleigh Johnson’s first book for middle-grade readers is the story of…
“I should start by saying that world building, where I get to create a fictional reality from the ground up, is one of my favorite parts of writing. It’s the foundation of a good story. Of course, you want a plot that keeps readers turning the pages—and amazing, memorable characters as well, but those characters also deserve a fully realized world to play around in.”
The Children’s Book Review | March 29, 2014 About the Book Fame, Fortune or Power: Which would you choose if you could have only one? Lords and brothers Fame, Fortune and Power decide how well all people will fare in life in the namesake realms of human desire they control. When they deem a woeful babe abandoned in a
This charming story is perfectly suited for reading at bedtime—and best geared to readers aged 7 and older. Young readers will enjoy reading the story on their own but its comedic styling also makes it fun to read aloud. It is a dangerously exciting story but has a soothing end. The rhythm of the words and the playful tone of the story help to put bedtime fears to rest.
This YA paranormal mystery/romance is a page-turner all the way. Told in the present tense, the action always feels immediate. The author captures Amelia’s grief over her mother, self-doubt over her paranormal abilities, and conflicting pulls of love for both the dead Matthew and the living Kip.
This book will appeal to middle grade readers who like stories about inventions, airplanes, famous people, overcoming difficulties, and life in earlier times.
So You Think You Babysit Monsters? (The Abercrombie Family Business: Totally True, Tir Griffin Story #1), written by Leslie A. Susskind.