March 30, 2017
The Swan Princess 7: Royally Undercover
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This story mostly follows Princess Alise as she goes on a grand spying adventure with one of her local friends to help Robert save Queen Uberta. It's cute, and only belongs in the Swan Princess series by virtue of the fact that Alise is their adopted daughter, though we see more of Derek overall, and more of Robert and Uberta than him. Unlike the original trilogy, Odette also manages to avoid actually becoming a swan, something that was last briefly seen in the Christmas movie.
March 24, 2017
Night Prince 4: Into the Fire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It seems like it's been a long time since I read the last Night Prince book. Still, I was excited when this one finally came out. There are still questions at the end, especially when it comes to Mircea and his relationship with Vlad, let alone his spell link with Leila. Veritas seems to be similar to both Mencheres and Leila when it comes to special abilities outside the normal vampire purview. We get some answers as far as Leila's heritage, and have seen bits of Mencheres story throughout both Night Prince and other Night Huntress world books. Regardless, it's interesting to see how Leila steps up to these challenges and just how well she fits with Vlad. In the end, can't help but just be glad they survived another fight and are still together.
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March 23, 2017
Blood Lite
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Otherworld Stories 8.2: The Ungrateful Dead by Kelley Armstrong
It would be nice to see this zombie tale play out to the end, likely after Jeremy has joined the party, but it doesn't. What you do get I'd a lot of ghost heckling, Jaime attempting to be patient and reasonable, with a healthy dose of Savannah's snark and humor added to the mix. Entertaining, but still lacking on a whole.
Mr. Bear by Joe R. Lansdale
What on earth did I just read? This is by far one of the most disjointed and generally disturbing short stories I have read in an anthology that I can currently recall (and I usually have a pretty good memory for my books). Mr. Bear is so far beyond anything remotely good or acceptable that it's not even laughable. Jim, on the other hand, is essentially a captive that willingly goes along for the nightmarish ride. He should have taken a clue after that horrible flight and ditched the bar the second he saw Bear there in the first place.
Hell in a Handbasket by Lucien Soulban
Yet another version of "what on earth did I just read?" Innocence is apparently embodied by the baby Eve and used in a joke war between an angel of Heaven and a demon of Hell. I'm sure the story could have been stranger, though I'm not really sure how at the moment.
The Eldritch Pastiche from Beyond the Shadow of Horror by Christopher Welch
I wonder if the protagonist here is actually the form of many a writer over the ages as they struggle to get that first publication approved. It would feel like a type of insanity to repeat the same process continually for the same result when that result yields nothing of value, wouldn't it? Otherwise, it's just another messed up "horror" story with no real humor or horror at all.
Elivs Presley & the Blood-sucker Blues by Matt Venne
In this alternate reality, Elvis is not only a rock star, but a vampire and self-proclaimed vampire hunter all rolled into one. Of course the story has to be told from his point of view to top it all off. No thanks. I prefer Elvis as the human he really was.
No Problem by Don D'ammassa
The only summary I can think of to this is "Frankenstein gone wrong." Instead of reanimation by lightening, we have a serum that essential makes them a type of zombie.... though apparently not as mindless as once presumed. So much for covering up all those murders.
Old School by Mark Onspaugh
I'm not sure this even qualifies as a short story as it's just over page on my e-reader. A zombie raising goes horrifically wrong, leaving a lot of mental lamenting over different things as the car of people messing with forces they don't understand ends up the center of a hungry zombie horde instead of just having one hungry zombie on their hands as intended. Though how they thought they'd deal with even just the one is a mystery to me. Ends up just feeling way to short and a little on the stupid side.
The Sound of Blunder by J.A. Konrath & F. Paul Wilson
This has got to be one of the strangest stories I have ever read. It took multiple tries to get through it despite how short it is. The repetitive names, constant abuse, rehashing of events/woes, and general bad air of the whole thing make it feel like you're wading through muck against a grinding stone to get through it. Could have done without this one.
An Evening with Al Gore by Charlaine Harris
This is Charlaine Harris, so the vampire angle really shouldn't have surprised me. I have read the entire Southern Vampires/Sookie Stackhouse series after all. Still, it feels more like a history piece until the last little bit. There's always that hint that there's something else going on, but there really are no definite tells as to what that something may be until the end. Well written in that respect, but still didn't really enjoy it like I'd hoped. This book is proving to be very difficult to wade through.
Dear Prudence by Steven Savile
Okay... this guy obviously hates his wife, and it sounds like she may not be entirely human if the list of ways to kill supernatural creatures is anything to go by. Seriously though, how many ways can you write an "I hate you, I want you to die, gone shopping" letter? I lost count and I don't think it was interesting enough to go back and try again.
A Good Psycho Is Hard To Find by Will Ludwigsen
So apparently surviving some psycho trying to kill them with a chainsaw wasn't enough excitement for their lifetime. They had to become the chainsaw wielding psychos. That definitely would not be a recommended way to keep a relationship alive.
High Kicks & Misdemeanors by Janet Berliner
This is one strange story after another, but an ostrich spirit guide and death squad masquerading as Rockettes? Pass.
PR Problems by Eric James Stone
A ghoul laments over vampires and werewolves getting all the good press, but then uses it to his adventure when the stupid vampire can't tell he's a ghoul (who can change into a hyena) and not a werewolf. Guess it's a good thing they killed the serial killer first or they wouldn't be "alive" to consider good or bad press.
Hellchaser 0.5: Where Angels Fear to Tread by Sherrilyn Kenyon
As if the name Ezekiel wasn't a hint, Zeke gets a new life/destiny thanks to a coin left to him by Michael. Gabriel is set to the task of informing him.... though personally I think there are still a lot of holes in how he's supposed to live his new life and exactly what he's going to be doing. Guess that's where the imagination comes in.
Harry the Book 3: A Very Special Girl by Mike Resnick
The names alone are so out there that it feels like I'm reading a bad comedy. Those names are supposed to be hints to the actual person, but sometimes they are just redundant (like Gently Gently). Bookie work and romance don't mix here, especially when the would-be romance is a mashup of too many problems to count.
Love Seat Solitaire by D. L. Snell
Never thought I'd read a story about a psychotic ghost goldfish. Since when could goldfish throw knives, play video games, write (albeit badly), or play card games?
I Know Who You Ate Last Summer by Nancy Holder
That escalated quickly. I guess it kind of had to for how short it was, but... wow. Looks like it'll end up the same way as Hamlet; everyone dead.
Bitches of the Night by Nancy Kilpatrick
This one hinges directly on Dracula lore, only we have Istvan instead. With the bad Dracula accent even written out, it made me cringe to read it. One poor vampire against three... make that four.... vampire wives. His misery is his own fault.
The Bell... From Hell by Jeff Strand
I really doubt something as simple as a bell would ever actually call Satan, even if you do have to ring it over 600 times in one go. Then there's the parting line: "love conquers all... but in a pinch, you can fake it." Yeah, that's real great pearls of wisdom to pass on there.
Dead Hand by Sharyn McCrumb
Apparently the media is more frightening than racing and potentially crashing cars if this zombie is any indication. I say zombie, because he's a dead star driver brought back to life who'd rather die on the track than do the media circuits. He's really not a zombie in the traditional sense though as he basically passes for human. Amusing overall, but as short and pointless as most of these have been.
The Dresden Files 10.2: Day Off by Jim Butcher
A quick bit of Dresden action to end off the book. Given that I actually do enjoy The Dresden Files and Butcher's brand of humor, this was a refreshing quick read after drudging through the rest of the book. A few highlights that I initially picked up the book for, but otherwise, this was only one I didn't really plan on that I enjoyed. Kind of sad, but also glad that this is the note they chose to end on.
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March 22, 2017
Sofia the First: A Magical Match
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
My son actually chose this for my daughter when we were grocery shopping while she was in preschool. Luckily, she likes Sofia the First, stickers, and books, so there was little doubt she'd like it. We meet Lucinda's rabbit, Hexlie, who ends up in a rather sticky situation with Clover thanks to some well meaning friends. Most of these books seem to follow a TV episode, which makes me wonder if we'll see this in the future. Currently, I haven't seen or heard anything about Hexlie or a TV episode similar to this story. Guess we'll have to wait and see, though it's nice to have something unique that isn't always just a copy cat.
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Paw Patrol: Rubble's Big Wish
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Of course my daughter wanted this for book month given it's a new Paw Patrol book. As a learning to read title, it is very overly simplified. As with most Paw Patrol books, it also very obviously follows the story of one of the TV episodes. Cute, but not really original.
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Frozen Northern Lights: The Right Track
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I'm not really sure what designates this as part of the Northern Lights series, but that's what it's marked as. Grand Pabi is missing, and Kristoff wants to help a little troll earn his tracking crystal with the rest of the group. Of course we see Elsa's powers in play since it's Frozen, but otherwise they don't appear to accomplish much. No glowing tracking crystal and still no Grand Pabi by the end of the story. I guess they had fun hiking and sledding on the mountain, and they were trying to help a friend, but that's about it.
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I Love Hugs & Kisses
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was my daughter's book pick for baby brother from the monthly book catalog. Each page spread is all about different times to give hugs or kisses, with the end conclusion that they're both pretty good just about anywhere. Cute and fluffy. Thought this would be fun for my son as he's recently gotten into giving kisses.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This has been on our wish list for awhile, so we finally got it for book fair. A simple and fun children's book describing the life of a caterpillar with vibrant pictures. This seems to be a fairly common staple for kid's collections these days.
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Disney Princess: Be Dazzling
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This was a Dollar Tree find, and it shows. As a very simple board book, it's fine, and my daughter still loves it since it highlights all the princesses. As a story book though, don't expect anything. It's literally just princess pictures and one liners. What do you expect for $1?
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March 20, 2017
Monster High 15: Electrified
Monster High 15: Electrified (2017)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This directly follows the events of the Welcome to Monster High reboot. Personally, I liked the original art better than this new almost clay-like 3D version, but this is what they're rolling with now. Cleo is noticeable nicer, though Clawdeen is still a fashionista, Draculaura is still the social butterfly, and Frankie is still the organized one, though she also has a heavy dose of scientist added in this time around that was more Ghoulia's territory before (who so far we haven't seen at all). This time there's a lot of electricity flying around, hence the title. Monster High is followed up by Clawdeen's new salon, and despite Moanica's attempts to ruin everything, it's a big hit with the "normies." Now if this new band could figure out exactly what it is they're doing.
March 18, 2017
X-Men 10: Logan
X-Men 10: Logan (2017)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
We start seeing Mr. Sinister here, though he goes by his real name still (Nathaniel Essex). Logan's healing abilities are fading and Xavier's Alzheimer leaves him with a spotty memory at best. When a little girl ends up dropped in their laps, it becomes apparent that she needs them as much as they need her... specifically she needs Logan's help. Being Logan's clone, she resembles him a lot, though there are some differences. In the recent Marvel spirit, this film upped the rating from PG-13 to R in order to stay more in context with the violence originally part of Logan's rage and "animistic" nature after the success of Deadpool with similar reasons.
5-Minute Minnie Tales
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We've been using the 5-Minute book series as bedtime stories. This is our second one going straight through each night. While it focuses on Minnie Mouse, you still get a healthy dose of all the other Mickey & Friends cast (Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy, Donald, and Donald's nephews). The kids always wanted "one more" every night, and I'm sure would have repeated that phrase until the book was over if allowed. We stuck to the one a night rule though, and it's been something short and fun that they've looked forward to each night, even though the still have plenty of other stories read during the day.
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March 15, 2017
Strawberry Shortcake 1: Sky's the Limit
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
As usual, something goes wrong, and it's up to Strawberry and her friends to fix it. Usually it's Strawberry who comes up with either the solution or the advice that leads to the solution. Even Strawberry's resolve gets tested this time around as the twins take over Berry Bitty Town in a not-so-nice way.
March 14, 2017
Mercy Thompson 10: Silence Fallen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This one has a lot of twists and turns in it - one that you won't get until the very end (and it's a great one)! The alternating POV can be a little confusing, especially since the chapter headings often say something along the lines of "this happened before/after/during the last chapter." The during/after makes sense, but I would have thought things happening before maybe should have been put first. Despite this, it's just as easy to get pulled into this new tale and not come up for air until it's over. Adam ends up with a rather interesting group helping him "rescue" Mercy (who at least got away from her original kidnapper before ending up in another cage). It's interesting to see how Adam works with all these different creatures for a change, despite his claims of not being diplomatic. There's a reason he's one of the most well known U.S. werewolves after all. Mercy ends up learning a bit more about her own abilities too, leading to a couple of new tricks that may or may not end up being all that great. Hopefully she can stay sane with them, unlike her troublesome brother who seems to exasperate even Coyote.
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Rain, Rain, Go Away
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This one is a little harder to sing along to as I've only ever heard this song more in a spoken rhyme than sung. Still, it's a common enough rhyme that it's fun to have a large print picture book to go with it that is sturdy enough for little hands to enjoy.
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You Are My Sunshine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Sing along with the song by the same title as you flip through this sturdy board book. Large pictures and big typography combine for easy reading. Easy to grip for little hands and big pictures that are easy to see.
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The More We Get Together
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another sing along children's board book following the title. Large pictures and a sturdy binding make this a fun book for kids to sing, even if they don't actually know how to read yet.
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Disney Baby: I Love You This Much!
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is Disney's spin on the I Love You This Much concept using their Disney Baby line. In a large board book format, it's easy for little hand to grip and turn pages, and hopefully sturdy enough to handle most abuse. My little man can still dig his fingers into cardboard if he's determined, but it should withstand the average child. Hopefully his love of reading, learning to be gentle with books, and fascination with Mickey will help keep this one intact for a good time to come.
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Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a cute little board book made to the popular children's song by the same title. We got it as part of a "sing along" board book pack from school. The large pictures are good for small children and the fact that it is a well known song means even my older toddler that is learning to read can follow along or "sing" it on her own as she knows the song. Good book series both for entertainment and learning to read as the words are familiar even if the children don't know how to read them yet.
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The Lion Guard: Unlikely Friends
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Once again following the learning/world of reading pattern - overly simplified short sentences to tell the story while severely shortening it. This one tells how Kion meets Jisari and learns that not all hyenas are bad. Cute, especially if you are familiar with the characters, but can be frustrating for more advanced readers or those who know how much is missing from the TV episode.
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Barbie in Rock 'n Royals: Sing It Out
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This follows the movie story by the same title (Rock 'n Royals). As with most learning to read books, it is over simplified and you lose a lot of the story in the process. Given that the culmination of this story is a concert, it also makes it more enjoyable to actually hear it in the movie than read about it. Still cute for kids who like Barbie and are learning to read, but not the best adaptation.
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Rapunzel & the Golden Rule/Jasmine & the Two Tigers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Rapunzel's story basically focuses on Flynn and Maximus learning to get along using the Golden Rule. Other than that, it's essentially the story of Tangled, just very simplified and focused on these two specific characters.
Jasmine's story is all about Rajah being lovesick. Even Abu appears to have found a match if you watch the pictures, though it's never actually mentioned in the story. Sweet that everything works out, though there doesn't seem to be much of any other purpose to the story unless you count "being happy."
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Equestria Girls: Legend of Everfree (Save Our Camp!)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
A little wordy for small children, but still a good kid's book. The major downside is that if your child loves the Equestria Girls movies like mine does, they will know that the book is not following the correct sequence of events. Enjoyable on it's own, but places things majorly out of order and even adds some things in that didn't exist at all (like the discussion to use magic or not at the beginning of the book when the girls didn't even know they would gain enhanced abilities at camp).
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Palace Pets Whisker Haven: The Cookie Boogie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Unlike Treasure's story, this is marked as a Whisker Haven Tale, and as such follows the story line of one of those episodes. As with most learning to read book, it uses very simple short sentences to tell a very abbreviated version of the story. Personally, I think it's much more fun watching Pumpkin and cookies dance, but that doesn't mean I don't still help this little gem will help my kids (who love animals) with their practice learning to read.
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Palace Pets: Treasure's Day at Sea
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Unlike many children's Disney books, this does not appear to specifically follow a movie or TV episode currently in circulation. This little book is about Treasure trying to spend a day living out at sea like a sea otter. She learns that maybe kittens and sea otters aren't made to live the same way, though she does still love the sea. Cute story, cute characters, some familiar faces from The Little Mermaid to tie it all in, and you have a good kid's book for little ones to enjoy.
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Paw Patrol: We Love Friendship Day!
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Another cute Paw Patrol book that is overly simplified. There is no mention of the Friendship Day competition, or Mayor Humdinger and the Catastrophe Crew causing problems along the way. Rather, the focus is on Marshall and Rubble overcoming their fear and making a new friend.
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Paw Patrol: Jurassic Bark!
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Like the other Paw Patrol books, this one follows one of the TV episodes. Most of this story takes place in Rubble's dreams. More descriptive than many of the learning to read books, but still short and simple for young readers. Mostly got this because my daughter loves Paw Patrol.
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March 11, 2017
Trolls: Poppy's Party
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Being a children's book, this is overly simplified, shortened, and only tells the story of Poppy's party. There is no mention of the bergens or how the party ends. You do see Branch, as he is included in the entire party invitation bit, but otherwise everything is just happy-go-lucky and positive in this little short. I guess it fits the title, but not exactly what you might hope for from a Trolls book that so obviously starts out following the movie's story line.
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PJ Masks: Save the Library!
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Another PJ Mask story based on a TV episode. Once again, it is Owlette not paying attention that causes all the problems. This time, instead of being overeager like in Time to Be a Hero, she's so focused on wanting to be like the hero in her book that she doesn't use the skills she has herself. Eventually she does snap out of it, but not until after several mistakes are made. As with other ready to read books, this is overly simplified and shortened for small readers.
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PJ Masks: Time to Be a Hero
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
PJ Masks is one of my daughter's newest interests. Still doesn't rank as highly as some of the others, but it gets decent attention. This story is written very simply for a learning to read book and focuses a lot on teamwork. Owlette is so focused on wanting to ride the train, that she keeps making mistakes until she works with her friends to solve the problem. The title comes from the teams popular phrase every time they finally buckle down and figure out how to save the day: "it's time to be a hero."
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The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was one my daughter wanted to put back but I insisted on picking up at only $1 resale. I'd heard good things about the book, especially for at the start of the school year. My daughter, and oldest child, is in preschool now but will start kindergarten next year, which I expect to be an entirely different kettle of fish. This, along with The Kissing Hand will be our big reads getting ready for the new school years. Good lessons in both that are very applicable and spot on given they are written specifically about school for young children.
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How To Train Your Dragon: Hiccup the Hero
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
How To Train Your Dragon is one of my favorite series that the kids have slowly joined in on. My daughter especially loves Toothless and Astrid. While we don't see much of any reference to Astrid in this book, it is essentially a very basic overview of the first movie. Several things are abbreviated or adjusted slightly that might not make sense if you're trying to fit the movie's events to it exactly. For a simple learning to read book though, this is a fun one for any Dragons fan.
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Princess Magic: First Look & Find
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dollar finds at baby resales are magical things, especially when they come with the Disney label attached. My daughter loves anything Disney, and especially the princess lineup, so of course this went in the basket. It has a brief description of each princess' situation at the time - cleaning, dancing, collecting treasure, going home, etc. that match with the character's story. The items or characters you are looking for in the picture correspond with this description and fit with the movies for the most part. I'm pretty sure some of the random dancers or shop keepers who are extras for Cinderella and Jasmine for example, may or may not have actually existed in the movie forms.
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Care Bears: Lucky Day
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
We love dollar finds of good book series the kid's are into at the time. This was another one. Grumpy keeps finding things that maybe aren't so happy. Good Luck keeps helping him find the silver lining to every "cloud." A good reminder to try and stay positive even when it might not be the easiest thing to do.
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Barbie & the Secret Door: A True Princess
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Another dollar find at the resale today. Given Barbie is a big hit with my daughter, of course she snagged this one pretty quickly. Surprisingly, it even still had some of the stickers and paper dolls promised on the cover. The story varies slightly from it's original movie form, but is close enough to still be familiar. Most of the changes appear to have been made to simplify and shorten the story for a young audience in a medium that might not hold wavering attention as well as moving pictures on a screen do. I don't mind reading these, even if I do get tired of Barbie personally, if for no other reason than the continued exposure to constant reading and fostering her love of stories.
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Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What kid doesn't know the song by the same title? They've asked for this one several times when it's been spotted at the store. So naturally, I couldn't say "no" again when we spotted it at the resale for $2. Even better, the song came on Pandora just as we were setting up to read, so my daughter quickly grabbed this one and followed along. The story and the lyrics alter slightly, but overall it's the same. A fun and familiar story for any child to see in print. Emphasis on the "no jumping on the bed!" This is huge with my kids lately as they like to pretend everything is a trampoline. There's a very legitimate reason why we say "no," and it involves not getting hurt like these silly monkeys!
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Minnie Mouse: Look & Find
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was another resale find that my daughter couldn't pass up. She loves Look & Find books, especially if they are Disney themed. This particular book follows Minnie through her day as she shops, gets her nails done, and goes to the pet show. A fun interactive story with a simple hide & seek theme that any child can get behind playing no matter their level of reading.
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That's Not My Monster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I've heard a lot about this series, so I was excited when we found this gem for under $5 at the local resale. The textures are different enough, and highlighted with the simple text story, that both my 19-month-old and 4.5-year-old enjoyed reading it. My daughter has especially had lots of concerns about "monsters" lately, so this was good to add to our library even though it's "baby brother's book" and he didn't want to let go of it this afternoon. Fun story with what might otherwise be considered a scary theme for small children.
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March 7, 2017
Strawberry Shortcake 07: Jammin with Cherry Jam
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Fame and fortune look like fun when Cherry Jam comes for a visit and a talent scout shows up in Berry Bitty Town. At the end of the day though, even the Berry Big City can't break up this group of friends. Still, we'll get lots of music as the talent scout tries.
March 1, 2017
PJ Masks
PJ Masks (2015)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I guess Disney didn't have enough superhero action with Marvel, so they had to start their own Disney Junior TV show as well. The idea is cute, but the stories aren't overly exciting for adults. I'm sure for kids the adventures seem like a much bigger deal and it's cool that they have costumes and vehicles of their own despite being nowhere near old enough to drive. Can't say it's my favorite Disney adventure, or even my kid's, but they do enjoy it as a change of pace from all the princesses if nothing else. The animal theme is a fun tie in since the kids love animals. I'm sure that's true for many children and precisely why they chose that theme.
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