Review - The Nixie's Song by Holly Black

Title: The Nixie's Song
Series:: Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles
Author(s):: Holly Black
Genre:: Children's Book

Summary: Two children find a mythical Nixie in a pond near their house. The nixie wants to find her sisters and needs help.

Finished: 03/1/09

Pages: 162
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009 (20)
Rating:

My Thoughts: A little creepy at times because the main characters couldn't really trust any of the magical creatures or the people involved. Humorous at other times. I especially liked the breaking of the fourth wall. I am not sure if I liked it better than the orginal Spiderwick Chronicles or about the same. In all, it was a good short story and I will be reading the rest of the new series.

About the Author: Holly Black has written 3 teen books, 1 graphic novel and 6 other children's books. She lives in Massachusetts.

Review - The Moose With Loose Poops by Charlotte Cowan M.D.

Title: The Moose With Loose Poops
Series:: A Dr. Hippo Story
Author(s):: Charlotte Cowan, M.D.
Genre:: Children's Picture Book

Summary: A little boy moose plans a camping trip with his father but gets sick and learns what happens when you have diarrhea.

Finished: 02/27/09
Pages: 32
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009 (19)
Rating:









My Thoughts: You may laugh at the title and the subject matter, but this is a very smart book. The story teaches kids what happens to your body when you have diarrhea. Speaking as a child who used to get tummy aches when she was sick, like the little moose, and did not know what was wrong either, I think that's a great thing to explain in a friendly little book. We have all had it and dealt with it at one point in our lives, so I think this is a story kids absolutely need to have at home. This book also comes with a little handbook for parents on how to take care of a child with gastroenteritis.

About the Author: Charlotte Cowan, M.D., is a pediatrician in Boston, MA, and a mother of three. She has written 4 other books in the Dr. Hippo series.

Review - A Day With My Dad At The Beach by Lance Waite

Title: A Day With My Dad at the Beach
Series:: A Day With My Dad Series
Author(s):: Lance Waite
Genre:: Children's Picture Book
Summary: A little girl spends a day with her father at the Beach.
Finished: 02/27/09
Pages: 32
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009 (18)
Rating:









My Thoughts: This book describes a charming day a little girl and her father spend at the beach. I am not sure the words needed to rhyme, but some of it was very clever and well done. I love the art work, it shows the personalities of the father and daughter very well. If I had kids, I think this would be one Dad could read to them and enjoy.


About the Author: Lance Waite has written one other book, A Day With My Dad, the first book in the series. He lives with his family in California.

Shannon's Review - Otis the Musical Owl by Joseph N. Chappelle

Title:: Otis The Musical Owl
Series:: None
Author(s):: Joseph N. Chappelle
Genre:: Children's Book
Summary: A owl in search of it's family finds friendship in humans, music and other animals.
Finished: 02/24/09
Pages: 49
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009(17)
Rating:









My Thoughts: This book is good until it switches perspective from a narrator telling the story about the owl, to the owl telling its own story. It's fine in the beginning, where it seems to be a tale set in something like real life. But then it gets plain weird. The owl is picked up by a family that thinks they are helping the owl, who they think is hurt. But the owl is really a baby and lost. Then the owl goes to a rehabilitation center, learns many things and comes back to where it was found to look for its family. I think I may be missing something in the story. Then all of sudden the Prince of Darkness and 41 Unicorns were mentioned... I had no idea what that was about.

About the Author: This is the first book by Joseph N. Chappelle. He also plays cello, and has served in the Peace Corps and in Malawi as an International Partner with Habitat for Humanity.asy, Children Book, 20 in 2009 Challenge, Free Book 4 Refer A Book Friday,

Shannon's Review - Scat by Carl Hiaasen

Title:: Scat
Series:: None
Author(s):: Carl Hiaasen
Genre:: Children's Book
Summary: Teacher goes missing, and two students try to solve the mysteries surrounding her.
Finished: 02/21/09
Pages: 304
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009(16)
Rating:









My Thoughts: This is the first book I've read by Carl Hiaasen, and I have to say I was not impressed. I liked some things in the book. For example the character Twilly, who apparently appears in one of Hiaasen's adult mystery books. I liked the character because he was smart, quiet and knew what he wanted out of life. I also enjoyed the side story about Nick and his father, who came back from the war in Iraq. You do not see books for children talking about the war that often, and I thought Hiaasen did well with the subject. But even though I felt the book had good funny parts and serious parts, the main story was too predictable.


About the Author: Carl Hiaasen is the author of many mystery novels, a few non-fiction books and 3 children's novels. He has had a few of his books made into movies, including Hoot and Strip Tease.

Shannon's Review - Zoe At Fairy School by Jane Andrews

Title:: Zoe at Fairy School
Series:: Zoe the Fairy series
Author(s):: Jane Andrews
Genre:: Children's Picture Book
Summary: It is Zoe's first day at fairy school and the queen of the fairies teaches the first lesson.
Finished: 02/18/09
Pages: 32
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009(15)
Rating:









My Thoughts: The story was only okay. Zoe goes to school and learns to wave her wand ... not much really happens. I guess the lesson in the book is to keep trying till you get it right, but then she turns the mean little elf that picks on her into a toad at the end. Turning the bully into a toad is wishful thinking I guess... The art is whimsical and quaint, but I really didn't enjoy the tale that much.

About the Authors: Jane Andrews has written 10 books in the Zoe the Fairy series and one not about Zoe.

Shannon's Review - The Dusk Fairy by Keith Faulkner

Title:: The Dusk Fairy
Series::
Author(s):: Keith Faulkner
Genre:: Children's Picture Book
Summary: A child's unkempt room attracts the dusk fairy, who decides to help clean the room.
Finished: 02/18/09
Pages: 12
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009 (14)
Rating:









My Thoughts: A short and sweet story about a fairy that comes and cleans up a little girl's room while she sleeps. I don't think it teaches kids anything, but that doesn't make the tale any less sweet. The artwork is beautiful and precise.

About the Authors: Keith Faulkner has written many children's books, most of which look like lift-the-flap books. He has no website that I know of.

Shannon's Review - Return to Zandria by Christine Norris

Title:: Return to Zandria

Series:: Zandria Series

Author(s):: Christine Norris

Genre:: Young Adult

BookSummary: Ivy returns to the magical land of Zandria with a friend this time. She must go on quest with her friends to find the princess of Zandria and save the magical land.

Finished: 02/03/09

Pages: 228

Challenges: 20 Book in 2009(11),

Rating:

My Thoughts: This a great sequel that also stands on it own. It has been years since Ivy was last in Zandria, and she had forgotten all about it. After running into her fairy friend, Kaia, memories come back to her. I don't think you need to have read the first book, Tailsman of Zandria, to read this one, since it's a different time period in Ivy's life and she doesn't remember about Zandria until she returns to the magical land. As with Christine Norris' other novels, this one is action packed, but maybe a little more captivating and harder to put down.

About the Authors: Christine Norris is the author of Tailsman of Zandria, The Crown of Zeus and Return to Zandria. You can visit at her website and blog at http://www.christinenorris.com/

Shannon's Review - Queen Vernita's Visitors by Dawn Menge

Title:: Queen Vernita's Visitors
Series:: Educational Series
Author(s):: Dawn Menge
Genre:: Children's Picture Book
Summary: Queen Vernita has 12 friends. Each comes to visit for a month of the year, and they spend each day having fun.
Finished: 02/02/09
Pages: 36
Challenges: 20 Book in 2009(10),
Rating:










My Thoughts: The illustrations are bright and colorful, wonderful for
children's eyes because that's just what they like. In this book, children
will learn the months and days of the week, which are repeated
continuously. For adults that might become a
little monotonous, but for children it might sound a little more
interesting in the right tones.

About the Authors: This is the first book for Dawn Menge. She has a Masters Degree in Special
Education and is working on a PhD. You can visit her here.

Shannon's Review - Chicken Soup for the Women's Soul by Various Authors

Title:: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul
Series:: Chicken Soup for the Soul Series
Author(s):: Various Authors
Genre:: Self Improvement
Summary: Short stories of strong women living out their dreams.
Finished: 01/28/2009
Pages: 367
Challenges:20 Book in 2009(9),
Rating:










My Thoughts: This book has good, inspiring stories of women who have done it all, from childhood memories to growing old and wiser. A couple of the stories had me tearing up.

I have a few favorites that stick out. One called "The Wind Beneath Her Wings" is a story about Jean Harper, one of the first three female pilots for United Airlines. The woman's dream was always to be a pilot, and first everyone told her she couldn't, or she didn't have chance. She Almost believed that, until one teacher told her to live the dream. Another one was "Mother's Day," about a woman who was in her 30's and thought she would never have children, but in her 40's did. It makes me feel a little hopeful about myself. All the stories definitely spark emotion in a person; I can't see how they could not.

About the Authors: This book has various author. I am not going to list them all because there are so many, but Chicken Soup for the Soul has a website you can go to, ChickenSoup.com

Shannon's Review - Jesus Freak: Martyrs by DC Talk and Voice of the Martyrs

Title:: Jesus Freaks: Martyrs
Series:: None
Author(s):: DC Talk and Voice for the Martyrs
Genre:: Christian
Summary: Stories of those who stood for Jesus.
Finished: 01/20/2009
Pages:368
Challenges:20 Book in 2009(8),
Rating:










My Thoughts: I think with a book like this, you can't help but compare yourself to the people in the book. It is part of the purpose of the book. I wonder about myself; whether I would have faith strong enough to die for it. Right now, I don't think I would. So it's interesting to me that all the people in this book have died or lived for there faith. Part of me wants to strive to be like them—living for my faith. Another part is confused.
I think this is a interesting book for most Christians to read because we all want to strive to be more faithful in life. If you are not Christian, I am not sure it will interest you. It might but I think it is a little strong for non-Christians.

About the Authors: DC Talk is a Christian rock band made famous by their most popular song, "Jesus Freaks". Visit them at DCTalk.com

Voice of the Martyrs is an organization serving the persecuted church. Visit them at Persecution.com.

Shannon's Review - The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John

Title:: The White Giraffe

Series:: The White Giraffe

Author(s):: Lauren St. John

Genre:: Children's Book

Summary: Martine recently suffered the loss of her parents, and now she must move to Africa with her grandmother. There she finds a connection with animals, especially a white giraffe that's only suppose to be a legend.

Finished: 01/17/2009

Pages: 192

Challenges: 20 Book in 2009(7),

Rating:









My Thoughts: There are good ideas in this story, like the mythology of the legend of the giraffe and the child, and Martine's powers over animals. But there were some things that just worked out to easily in the end. For example, all of a sudden the grandmother, who didn't seem to like Martine, says she knew everything that was going on and would help Martine save the giraffe. It just seemed very sudden for her to help in the end. So while I liked the ideas in this book, I think the story could have been done better in the end.

About the Author: Lauren St. John has written two other books in this series, with a fourth one due out soon.

Shannon's Review - Ralphina the Roly - Poly

Title:: Ralphina the Roly-Poly
Series:: None
Author(s):: Claudia Chandler
Genre:: Children's Picture Book
Summary: Ralphina the Roly-Poly bug wants to play with the neighborhood boy. She tries to get his attention, and teaches him about Roly-Poly bugs along the way.

Pages: 26
Challenges:20 Books in 2009(5)
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:









My Thoughts: Wonderful and colorful illustrations. Cute story. I am just not sure how interesting a story about a roly-poly bug is. I did learn some things about roly-polies that I didn't know. (For example, roly-poly bugs are related to crustaceans.) But the way the story was told didn't really flow right; it starts with no oomph and ends abruptly.

About the Author: Claudia Chandler is illustrator and educator of elementary students. I believe this to be the first book by her. To see more about her and her creations you may go to Claudiascustomcreations.com

Shannon's Review - The Bomb That Followed Me Home by Cevin Soling

Title:: The Bomb That Followed Me Home
Series:: Rumpleville Chronicles
Author(s):: Cevin Soling
Genre:: Humor,

Summary: Like a puppy dog, a bomb follows a young child home. The child hopes to keep it.


Pages: 32
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009(4)
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:









My Thoughts: Strange but humorous little book. Written out like a children's picture book, it's pretty absurd. I am not sure how I feel about it really. Yes, it was funny in some places, but also a little frightening to think about in others. I think for fact that a kid could mistake this for a children's book, and that could be confusing.
About the Author: Cevin Soling has written a number of books in the Rumpleville Chronicles, including The Jolly Elf and The Disciples of Trotsky. There will be at least 7 more books in the series.

Shannon's Review - When Wishes Come True by Gail Herman

Title:: When Wishes Come True
Series:: Fairy School
Author(s):: Gail Herman
Genre:: Children's Chapter Book

Summary: Dorrie Windmist is a fairy, but she just happens to be a very clumsy fairy. She accidentally falls and breaks her wing as her parents are planning a six-inch birthday party for her older sister, Arianna. Because everyone is getting ready for the party, no one is paying attention to Dorrie. She is so jealous of her sister that she wishes she didn't exist, and her fairy godmother shows her just what that would be like.
Pages: 71
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:










My Thoughts: This shows improvement from Herman's first book, Tooth Fairy Travels. The story is creative in showing what it would be like for Dorrie to have never had a older sister. The words flow nicely through out the book, and the characters are ones kids can relate to.

About the Author: Gail Herman has written many children's books, including a couple of the Disney fairies books. The fairy school series was her first original series of books.

Shannon's Review - Undone by Rachel Caine

Title:: Undone
Series:: Outcast Season
Author(s):: Rachel Caine
Genre:: Fantasy

Summary: Cassiel was one of the old Djinn, but she was unmade and is now human with the powers of a Earth Warden. Along with dealing with being humans, she must solve the mystery of who wants to hurt her and her friends.
Pages: 305 (ARC Copy)
Challenges: 20 Books in 2009
Finished: 01/13/2009
Rating:









My Thoughts: The Location gave a realistic feeling to the characters. There was always a new twist in the plot and that kept it exciting. I liked the way Cassiel and other Djinn where described as being different. Cassiel - with white, powder-puff hair and green eyes - was probably described as the most unusual.
I like Cassiel as a character. She was some times cold and violent, then other times vulnerable and kind. She had her quirks too, being a little vain with her clothing and motorcycle.
I went through this book in a 3 days, which is pretty quick for me. I enjoyed it all. Even though this was a spin off from Caine's other series about the Weather Wardens, it stands well on its own. This was the first time I read anything by this author, and I think I would pick up her other series given the chance. It was an interesting story with interesting characters and just enough magic thrown in.

About the Author: Rachel Caine is the author of two other fantasy series, one about the Weather Warden and the other a YA series about the Morganville Vampires. To find out more about her, you can visit her website RachelCaine.com

Shannon's Review - Fairy School: Tooth Fairy Travel by Gail Herman

Title:: Tooth Fairy Travels

Series:: Fairy School

Author(s):: Gail Herman

Genre:: Children's Chapter Book

Summary: BelindaDentalette wants to be a tooth fairy like ever other member of herfamily. Only trouble is, she tends to get lost. even in fairyland. Howwill she ever learn to find her way in the human world?

Finished: 01/10/2009

Pages: 85

Challenges:20 Books in 2009,

Rating:

My Thoughts: Cute book. I like pretty much anything with fairies, and thisone remind me of a story I wrote. Characters are a little cliche - onesmart fairy, one fairy who gets lost, one fairy who is clumsy andanother who is mean. I like that there arefairy crafts that you can make in the back of the book - magic wands or a star necklace. Thisauthor, Gail Herman, now writes some of the Disney Fairies chapter books, but this seriescame out before them. As a writer, you can see how she has improved with the newer Disney Fairies books. As a chapter book for young kids, Tooth Fairy Travel isn't bad, but I see it more for younger kids who read chapterbooks, maybe ages 4 to 6.

About the Author: Gail Herman has writtenmany books for children, including some of the Disney fairies chapterbooks. She lives in Boston with her family.

20 books in 2009 Challenge

I decided to sign up for challenged this year and hoping I will do better with it then I did last year, which was that I completely forgot I signed up for any. Doh!

Here are the Rules for this one. Click on the button to go to the site.


-You must have a website since you have to keep an online progress page. You can get free ones from wordpress.com or blogspot.com if you need to.
-You must create a progress page, which will be updated each time you complete one of your 20 books. For more information about progress pages and an example of how you can do them, click here.
-You can read as many books as you want by an author or in the same series.
-If the book is a re-read, it must be from a year ago.
-If you begin the book in 2008 and finish it in 2009, it does count for this challenge.
-The following do not count: comics, catalogs, manga, journals.
-You must link back to this challenge with the button provided or one that you make for your own personal use, or even a text link.
-If you intend to participate, leave a comment on the main entry stating so. You will then be added to the participants list.
-Everyone who successfully completes the 20 in 2009 challenge will win a small award graphic to display on their website