Recent Reads: The Spell Thief by Tom Percival

Source: From Sourcebooks Jabberwocky for review consideration. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Spell Thief by Tom Percival
Series: Little Legends #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication Date:  December 16, 2016

 

Format:  Paperback ARC

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

Meet Jack and his talking chicken Betsy, Red, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, and a host of other Little Legends as they have fantastic new adventures! Get to know your favorite fairytale characters like never before in this magical new book series.

Life for Jack is great ― he's got a magical talking hen named Betsy, he lives in a town where stories literally grow on trees, and all his best friends live there with him. That is, until Anansi, the new kid in town, arrives...

When Jack sees Anansi having a secret meeting with a troll ― everything changes. Trolls mean trouble and Jack will stop at nothing to prove that Tale Town is in danger. Even if that means using stolen magic! 

Review: 
I was very excited to have gotten the first few books of this series from the publisher - I am really enjoying Fairy Tale re-tellings lately and this is a great Middle Grade adaptation.

This is the first book in the series and we meet Jack, Red, the Twins - Hansel and Gretel, and the new guy Anansi. Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk) is having concerns about this newcomer and is very suspicious of him. This leads Jack down a very dangerous plan to find out what Anansi is hiding (if anything).

The books does a wonderful job setting but the strange meeting of Jack and Anansi, and portraying doubt about this new character. We follow Jack as he tries to decide how to find out what is going on and he sinks more and more into this belief. The story was very captivating and I loved seeing these characters in a new tale. 

Jack, who seems lovable and just mistaken in his original tale, might actually be a thief by nature...I enjoyed this about the book. It kept characters true to themselves and also made the reader really think about a lot of things. I believe that young readers will really enjoy seeing these characters in this new light and learning more about them after their tales happened. 

It was a lot of fun to read, and I am already reading the next installment.

Mini Review: Rebirth Harley Quinn #19 by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

Read Meat Part Three: Sucking the Marrow Out of the Party! by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Series: Rebirth Harley Quinn #19
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:  May 3, 2017

 

Format:  Comic
Source: Bought/ Own

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

“Deadly Sin” part one! The twisted Harley Sinn’s been released from prison, and she’s looking to hurt Harley in a whole new way…by going after somebody she loved and lost! And to make this issue extra-unmissable, a brand-new backup story begins, set in Harley’s earliest days with the Joker—and co-written by one of Harley’s original creators, Paul Dini! “Harley Loves Joker” kicks off as Harley makes the biggest mistake of her burgeoning criminal career…accidentally revealing the location of Mistah J’s hideout! 

Mini Review:  
I have been slow to pick up this installment of Harley Quinn, I am still a bit upset that we are getting half-issues because of the Harley Loves Joker pages at the end. I am not saying that I am not liking that tale too but I just want a full book of the comic I am reading at the moment.

In this installment we wrap up the issue of the missing homeless and there is a very violent and graphic battle between Harley and a bunch of cannibals. Red Tool tries to help, but really just gets himself into a bit of a pickle. Luckily, our trusty Harley doesn't need him to take care of herself.

This was a good wrap-up to this story. We are still waiting to see what is happening with Harley Sinn, and also the girl from the future - both highlighted in previous issues, so there are a few strings left to pull. Overall, I liked this issue but it didn't steal the show.

Building the Book Pile #149

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there :)

 

All the things started this week - my summer schedule at work, so I am off on Mondays and work 4 long days the rest of the week. This weekend is June Mini Bloggiesta and Thursday started Mini Blog Ahead. 

ALL THE BLOGGING!! 

 But I am excited about all of these things too and very excited that I have long weekends now.  

Today I am spending the day with my family for father's day - we are hiking then going to Long Trail Brewery for lunch :)

If you are interested in joining in for Blog Ahead - click the image for the sign-up link up.

 

How was your week? Any book recommendations for me?

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog!

Coming up on the Blog

Mini Review: Rebirth Harley Quinn #19 by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (Comic) - sorry I didn't get to this last week, it WILL be up this week.
Recent Reads: The Spell Thief (Little Legends #1) by Tom Percival (MG)
Recent Reads: The Secret Art of Being a Grown-Up by Bridget Watson Payne (YA, Adult)

 

Books Received this Week

   

Click'd by Tamara Ireland Stone from Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for review
Carson Crosses Canada by Linda Bailey and Kass Reich from Librarything and Tundra Book for review. 
Perspective in Action by David Chelsea from Blogging for Books for review.

And after I filmed...I got more books...so I filmed again.

   
The Secret Art of Being a Grown-Up by Bridget Watson Payne from Chronicle Books and Librarything Early Reviewers for review.
Slider by Pete Hautman from Candlewick Press and Armchair Book Expo- giveaway win.
The Threat Level Remains Severe by Rowena MacDonald from Emma at Words and Peace (Giveaway)
Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs from Quirk Books and Armchair Book Expo

Have you missed anything lately?

Week of June 11  - June 17

Recent Reads: Hello Stars (Lena in the Spotlight #1) by Alena and Wynter Pitts (MG)- 2.5 stars
Recent Reads: Of Cats and Men by Sam Kalda (Adult, Humor)- 4 stars
Recent Reads: The Sad Sad Monster by Dolores Costello (Youth)- 5 stars
Bloggiesta Plans - TO DO list 

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

Happy Reading!

Mini Bloggiesta June 2017: To Do List

"The idea behind Bloggiesta is to spend four days working on perfecting your blog and connecting with other bloggers who are doing the same thing. Spread the word and get all your friends to come and fiesta with us!"

-Join in using the Button Below-

The Mini Bloggiesta Runs June 17-18th.

There will be one Twitter chat during this Bloggiesta: Saturday June 17 at 2pm EST

So for my list I would like to do the following, as I complete items I will be using strikethrough:

• Back up the blog
  
• Update my "Reviews by Author" Tab - done yay! end of March through today :/
  
• Update my TBR spreadsheet for the summer and all the books I got from Netgalley recently.
• Clean up my inbox
• Cross post reviews to Goodreads/ Amazon/ Librarything as needed. - didn't get to this because I was with Dad on Sunday :)
• Participate in the Twitter party: Saturday June 17 at 2pm EST - missed it :/ I was working on my garden outside.
• Visit as many Bloggiesta blogs as possible (IF NOT ALL) to cheer people on :)  - visited up to #14 if I found your post :)

Added Items:
If there are any other things I think of or find on another bloggers list I will add them here :)

Recent Reads: The Sad Sad Monster by Dolores Costello

Source: From Netgalley and Xist Publishing in exchange for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Sad Sad Monster by Dolores Costello
Publisher:  Xist Publishing
Publication Date:  March 21, 2017

 

Format:  Ebook

Rating:


 


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A sad monster is sad at school. He is sad because he doesn’t have any friends. Is there someone who can make him happy? The Sad, Sad Monster is a cute book for monster-loving toddlers through beginning readers. Simple sentences make this a perfect first reader.

Review: 
This was a charming tale about a little monster who has no friends. All the other kids are afraid of him because he is a monster - until someone isn't afraid anymore. 

The story takes someone who feels alone and introduces him to a new friend. So it is a very cute book to share with young readers. It will teach about what it feels like to be an outsider (the sad sad monster) and what others can do to help them not feel sad. So there are both sides to this delightful tale.

The images throughout are bright and vibrant and the narration is fairly short so it would be a wonderful book to use for starting readers, plus it has a great message overall.

A very cute read!



 

Recent Reads: Of Cats and Men by Sam Kalda

Source: From Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Of Cats and Men" Profiles of History's Great Cat-Loving Artists, Writers, Thinkers and Statesmen by Sam Kalda
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publication Date:  April 2017

 

Format:  Hardback

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

A stylish, illustrated gift book from an award-winning artist that profiles
notable cat-loving men throughout history in words and pictures.

Of Cats and Men presents a fresh approach to cat entertainment that’s smart, sweet, and driven by beautiful art (instead of tacky photography, as many cat books are). Appealing to both men and women, the “cat men” approach is a fun twist on the “cat lady” stereotype and makes for a highly giftable book. The 30 men profiled range from writers and artists such as Haruki Murakami, T.S. Eliot, William S. Burroughs, and Ai Weiwei, to historical luminaries such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nikola Tesla, and Sir Issac Newton. In addition to the portraits, the book features beautifully hand-lettered quotes about cats by some of the men, including Twain’s “When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction.”

Review: 
I love animals, I have a dog and a cat and a bearded dragon at home and I would have more, but I have a husband to keep me reigned in. I was so excited to see this book available, it just seemed like a wonderful coffee-table book, something conversation-starting. AND it has been. I have been reading it and it has so much fun information.

The book has profiles of awesome cat-loving men, quote pages, and wonderful illustrations for each profile. There are great facts about each person and I loved sharing these with my friends and husband. YAY random facts!

The only downfall I think was that when it profiled artists the illustrations of them were not from them, so I wanted to see the works of cat-art they had created. I guess that is what Google is for. But this is kind of made up for by the fact that each profile is only a page and an illustration so you move on quickly to the next person/ information.

This is a great gift book, do you have a man in your life that loves cats? or a woman? this book is great for all sorts of cat-lovers and animal lovers too. Overall, this was such a fun book to read, I recommend it to everyone!


 

Recent Reads: Hello Stars by Alena and Wynter Pitts

Source: From Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Hello Stars by Alena aand Wynter Pitts
Series: Lena in the Spotlight #1
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Publication Date:  

 

Format:  Paperback

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

Lena Daniels never thought she’d get the chance star in a movie. Headstrong and determined, she has her life planned out to the minute. But when her best friends, Savannah and Emma, tell her about an audition, she knows there’s nothing else in the world she’d rather do. And now that she’s gotten her wish, Lena finds that being in the spotlight is harder than it sounds. She got everything she never wanted! Her face turns up everywhere she goes, and everything in her life is flipped upside down. Lena wonders if this is a dream come true or a horrible nightmare. Even a visit from her best friends during filming turns into a disaster.

With her little sisters—Ansley, Ashton, and Amber—and her mischievous pup, Austin, constantly at her side, Lena must face the challenges of everyday life while chasing her dreams of being a model and actress on the big screen. Lena tackles tough choices, learns the value of perseverance, and keeps her hopes high. She knows her faith and family will keep her feet on the ground and her eyes on the stars.

Review: 
I know that by working with Booklook Bloggers I am getting Christian Publishing. Up to this point, I have chosen books that either I feel will hold their own without religion being presented outright and in a prominent way - with values and morals versus scripture. On some occasions I have even reviewed books with bible verses shared before a story so that you know the moral going into the tale in books for younger kids. All that being said, I don't mind when there is religion in books, however I am not religious and with this particular book I had a few issues.

Lets start with the good stuff - I thought this tale overall was a pleasant one. The characters were interesting and the theme overall was pretty good. I also really liked that it is a youth writer with her mom. It is also a pretty short read and I liked that the main character journals - I think that is very important in a young persons life.

The issues that I had were not with the prominent prayer or things like that - it was that the parents are teaching the children that God is responsible for all lifes paths - they should try for things but everything is in God's hands. I can't really get behind that - why would your kid try to succeed at anything if nothing they do matters and God has already chosen anyway?... I know this is a huge debate, I am not trying to start anything, I am just saying how I feel. 

I think that prayer and motivation can be used to push people, I don't think that conveying 'God's got it' is the most important thing. There was even a moment when the parents told the girls that they "can't" make important decisions by themselves and would always have God and them around to help. Teaching kids that they can't do things ... that is not learning to me.

All that being said, I think that is you are religious and need a book for your middle grade reader this is a good one, they are just not beliefs that I share (sorry). 

Building the Book Pile #148

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Wooo. This week was a quick one. We had family in town Saturday-Tuesday, Tuesday we had a re-coop day, work was crazy Wed-Fri, and my mom's RV was picked up on Friday afternoon... and this weekend is graduation at the college so town is packed and people are in town visiting.

I am in the process of prepping for the Mini Blog Ahead that runs from June 15-30, to have 15 scheduled posts ready by the 30th and while doing that planning I got onto Netgalley to see what is coming out soon for Waiting on Wednesday posts and OMG I went a bit nutso and requested a bunch of things plus downloaded a bunch of 'read now' books 😣 why? not sure... but at the moment I needed them. So now I have load more things to read on the TBR list 😔like I didn't have enough already...📚📚.

If you are interested in joining in for Blog Ahead - click the image for the sign-up link up.

 

How was your week? Any book recommendations for me?

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog!

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Hello Stars (Lena in the Spotlight #1) by Alena and Wynter Pitts (MG)
Recent Reads: Of Cats and Men by Sam Kalda (Adult, Humor)
Recent Reads: The Sad Sad Monster by Dolores Costello (Youth) 
Mini Review: Rebirth Harley Quinn #19 by Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner (Comic)
Bloggiesta Plans - TO DO list

Books Received this Week

So...I went onto Netgalley and ... had a moment of spazz...

         

The Sad Sad Monster by Dolores Costello from Netgalley and Xist Publishing for review
Suit Your Selfie by Stephan T. Pastis from Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for review
Nick the Knight, Dragon Slayer by Aron Dijkstra from Netgalley and Clavis for review
Welcome Home, Beaver! by Magnus Weightman from Netgalley and Clavis for review
The Call of the Swamp by Davide Cali from Netgalley and Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for review
When a Wolf is Hungry by Christime Naumann-Villemin from Netgalley and Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for review
A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson from Netgalley and Capstone for review

Have you missed anything lately?

Week of June 4  - June 10

Early Reader Review: Lady Mechanica and the Lost Boys of West Abbey (Volume 3) by MM Chen and Joe Benitez (GN)- 5 stars
Recent Reads: Get It Together, Delilah! by Erin Gough (YA)- 4 stars
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Summer Reads w/ Giveaway! 
Recent Reads: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Adult) - 5 stars

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

Happy Reading!

Recent Reads: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Series:Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy #1
Publisher: Del Ray Books
Publication Date:  September 27, 1995

 

Format:  Paperback
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:
 


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

Seconds before the Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of-work actor.

Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through space aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travelers: Zaphod Beeblebrox--the two-headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a time zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.

Review: 
I am happy to say that I now know the answer to the ultimate question and I realize how important a towel really is and I have been severely lacking in that area.  

I bought this paperback a while ago with all intention in reading it and it sat on my shelf for a while. My husband picked it up and enjoyed it and then finally I decided it was a good idea to grab pick it up (then by happy chance it was also an online book club pick too).

This is probably the wackiest book I have ever read and I really liked it. It was crazy to be crazy but also crazy accurate in some things that in the time it was written were futuristic but we have these things an use them now - the biggest one being the Guide itself being a Nook/Kindle like contraption. I thought that by itself was a crazy and wonderful realization on his part.

I loved that Arthur Dent is very needy and complains the whole time, and normally I wouldn't say that but he is thrown into such a strange and crappy situation that I think it was necessary. Ford is hilarious and the other characters all live up to their parts well. I really enjoyed the book a lot more than I thought I would and can't wait to read the next installment.