If Kids Ruled the World (9.1.14)

I read If Kids Ruled the World by Linda Bailey
I received a free ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley
4 stars



This is a delightful story about all of the fun things that might happen if kids ruled the world. Of course there would be no bedtimes, no making the bed, and no monsters in your closet. There would also be fun stuff like trampolines for sidewalks and pirate ships to take adventures in. Every day would be amazing, if kids ruled the world.

This is a fun one. I think it would go well in story time. There isn't really a lot to it, just fun stuff kids would probably like to do. I can see myself telling kids to think about what they would do if they ruled the world, then reading this, then discussing their ideas afterward. That would tie them into the story a bit more. Otherwise, it is just a long list of fun stuff kids would like.

I love the illustrations. The colors are fun. The pictures are full of details. They would help make this a great lap-read book as well a story time. I don't think the pictures are too busy to work for a large group. I will definitely try it out and find out for myself.

Sam's Pet Temper 9.1.14

I read Sam's Pet Temper by Sangeeta Bhadra
I received a free ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley
3.5 Stars



Sam picks up a pet temper at the playground when it chases everyone away, giving him the whole playground to himself. He takes the new pet temper home with him to see what fun they can get into. All they end up getting into is trouble! When he takes it to school, the same thing happens. His parents and teachers don't like hearing the excuses he keeps giving, that it was his temper. They tell him he must learn to control it. He uses everything he has learned to try to control his temper at the park, and he win!

I like the theory of this book. Books that teach kids coping skills and how to control their emotions are always a good thing. I am torn on how I feel about the "pet" idea though. For some kids, I think it will work well. For others, I would be afraid that it would just give them something else to blame. Some might take it as an excuse, they can just blame their temper when they do something wrong, and the might think that people won't think it was their fault. Hopefully that isn't the case.

The illustrations are interesting. They are definitely beautiful and intricate. I just don't know how I feel about them for a children's book. For older children, this might be good. If you have a preschooler with a temper that you want to help them work through, I don't think the illustrations will be effective. Still, I am hopeful that there are children out there that will find help with this book.

Stop, Thief! (8.1.14)

I read Stop, thief! by Heather Tekavec
I received a free ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley
4 stars



There is a thief on the farm, and Max must catch him! Someone is stealing all of the Carrots, berries, beans, and cherries. The farmer sends Max, the dog, off to find out who it is. He follows the buzzing to chase the thief, running into all of his friends munching on some treats along the way. Will he catch the thief and save the food?

This story was adorable. It seemed a bit long at first, but it flows well and reads quickly. It grew on me as I went. I can hear myself reading it in story time with the kids laughing about the fun animals chomping on the food the whole time. Older preschoolers and kindergartners will probably understand what is happening on their own, but I might have to explain the ending to young preschoolers. The illustrations throughout the book match the cover. It is not my favorite type of illustrations. I could see this one being cuter with more simple, sharper illustrations, but they still might appeal to some people. The illustrations didn't ruin the book for me, and I plan to try it out on a group of preschoolers as soon as I can get my hands on it.

Tickly Toes (8.1.14)

I read Tickly Toes by Susan Hood
I received a free ARC from Kids Can Press through NetGalley
5 Stars



A fun book about a tot discovering his toes, this one has it all. There are large, bright, colorful pictures to catch baby's attention. It is a rhyming story, one that makes it oh-so-easy to read aloud. The story shows Mommy and Daddy interacting with baby, and baby discovering on his own. It is perfect for parents, using fun words and pointing out the best parts of baby (tickly toes, pudgy knees.) Who can resist tickling the tiny toes of cute little babies? No one, and you won't have to when you read this book with your little one.

Goodnight, You (9.1.14)

I read Goodnight, You by Genevieve Cote
I received a free ARC through NetGalley from Kids Can Press
5 Stars



Piggy and Bunny are back in their fourth book, and this one is a nighttime winner. Camping out, Bunny is afraid of Piggy's shadow. Piggy persuades Bunny to not be afraid and brags about how he isn't afraid. In a fun twist, Piggy doesn't want the lights to go out, and Bunny ends up being the brave one.

The illustrations are adorable as always in this series. They are simple, colorful, and cute. The background is darker implying that they are outside at night. The story itself is short enough to read in a story time. It is about the perfect length for 3 year-old kids. I am sure it will be a winner in the nighttime story time at the library where I work.

Landline (7.8.14)

I read Landline by Rainbow Rowell (7.8.14)
I borrowed a coworker's ARC
5 Stars

Long story, short: Georgie McCool (the coolest name ever!) is married to Neal. They have two young kids, Alice and Noomi. Georgie helps write a television show with her long-time best friend Seth. The two of them are amazing together, and they know it. They are working on their own television show, and they have a short period of time to come up with 4 shows. It so happens that they have to do this over the week of Christmas, which is also when Georgie is supposed to be going to Omaha with her family. A story of a struggling marriage and a woman falling apart, in enters the weird part: Her landline (she's using it because her cell phone battery never works but she is too disorganized and doesn't really have enough time to get a new one) magically calls Neal in the past.

Yes, I just told a good amount of the story, yet I really didn't. It is so much deeper than that. So much is going on, and so much happens. I was really worried where this one would go when the phone started calling the past, but it was done so well. It didn't seem silly at all. It was a really realistic story with a strange, unbelievable twist that actually made sense and seemed believable. Also, I love Rainbow Rowell's writing. Her stories usually start so strong, are written so well, and end so blah. This one was strong the whole way through. It was a love story that didn't get on my nerves, which is awesome. Even though I was nothing like Georgie work-wise, I still related to her. I also somehow related to Neal. Overall, I have nothing but great things to say about this one. It is perfect for anyone in a marriage, good or bad. The writing is so perfect that those not in relationships will love it anyway. Everyone should read this book

I Am the Weapon (5.13.14)

I read I am the Weapon by Allen Zadoff
I received a free ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers through NetGalley
5 stars



Imagine being a trained assassin as a teenager. You get missions from your "parents." You complete your mission and move on to the next target. Normally, you don't feel any attachment or emotion. That's what you aretrained for. Then, suddenly, your next target is the mayor or New York, and your way in is his daughter, someone you instantly fall for. Will you be able to put feelings aside and finish the mission?

What an action-packed story. I was quickly drawn into this one. It was a quick read because I had a hard time putting it down. Yes, I am sure this isn't realistic. As an adult, that didn't bother me at all. I just enjoyed a fast-paced, adventure-filled story. It left me guessing the whole time, and the ending was a surprise. It was emotional, unpredictable, and well thought out. I would recommend this to any teen that likes adventure, and can see it as a great series for reluctant readers.