The Wildcat Behind Glass by Alki Wei

(Thank you to Restless Books for providing with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

For Melia and her sister Myrto, summer means a break from Grandfather’s history lessons and weeks of running free at the seaside with their ragtag group of friends. Best of all, cousin Nikos will visit and tell his fabulous stories about the taxidermied wildcat, which opens its blue glass eye when it wants to do good deeds and its black one when it makes trouble. The black eye must be open lately because all the adults have been acting strangely, arguing about politics and fearful of the police. Soon even the children are divided—who can Melia trust? And can the wildcat help keep her family safe?

Set in Greece during the 1930s, when the nation was torn apart by fascism, The Wildcat Behind Glass is an unforgettable tale of family, humanity, and what it means to be free. From its 1963 release to the dozens of international editions and honors that followed including a Mildred L. Batchelder Award, the novel has enchanted generations of young readers. Now, a fresh English translation—the first in over 50 years—breathes new life into the timeless story.

my thoughts:

A marvelous and unforgettable story that I can't wait to read again and again. The Wildcat Behind Glass by Alki Wei is a wonderful children's book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone. It's a definite must-read!

I loved the story, the characters, the setting, and the writing - it was all superb! I found myself easily engaged right from the start and would not put the book down for anything. I enjoyed every second I spent with Melia, Myrto, Nikos, and the wildcat with a blue glass eye. Their summer adventures made for fun and wondrous storytelling.  And, that is all I will share about the book, because you must experience it for yourself. It's such a special treat to read - you will LOVE it!!

Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP - you won't regret it! And, make sure to tell your friends about this story, too - they are going to fall in deep, too. 

Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

First published in 1937, Genzaburo Yoshino’s enchanting novel HOW  DO  YOU  LIVE? is (Publication Date: October 26, 2021; $17.95) finally available in English for the first time. Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away,  Howl’s Moving Castle) has long referred to this coming-of-age classic beloved by millions of Japanese readers as not only a major influence on his work but also his favorite childhood book, and he has recently announced plans to base his final film on it. Brilliantly translated by Bruno Navasky and with a foreword by fantasy master Neil Gaiman, who wrote the English-language adaptation of Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, this new edition will introduce legions of new readers to Yoshino’s timeless tale. 

  

HOW  DO  YOU  LIVE? begins with fifteen-year-old Copper, who has recently suffered the loss of his father, gazing out over his hometown of Tokyo, watching the thousands of people below, and beginning to ponder life’s big questions. How many people are in the world? What do their lives look like? Are humans really made of molecules? The book moves between Copper’s story and his uncle’s journal entries, in which he gives advice and helps Copper learn pivotal truths about the way the world works. Over the course of a year in his life, Copper, like his namesake Copernicus, embarks on a journey of philosophical enlightenment, and uses his discoveries about the heavens, earth and human nature to determine the best way to live. Yoshino perfectly captures the beauty and strangeness of pre-war Japan – the changing of the seasons, the fried tofu and taiyaki stands, and the lush landscapes, as Copper explores the city on his bike and learns from friends and family what really matters most in life. “It’s funny and sad in a particularly Japanese way. As I read more of the book, I discovered that it contains lessons on everything: art, science, language, history, politics and philosophy,” translator Bruno Navasky writes. “It also contains a quiet but powerful message on the value of thinking for oneself and standing up for others during troubled times.”

“Books like this are important,” writes Neil Gaiman in the book’s foreword. “I’m so glad Mr. Miyazaki is making his film because it means that eighty-four years after it was written, Yoshino’s novel can be read in English, in Bruno Navasky’s gentle and winning translation, and that I got to read it.” Perfect for fans of The Little Prince and the Alchemist, as well as Miyazaki fans eager to understand some of his most important influences, HOW  DO  YOU  LIVE? is a whimsical and wise novel that will forever change the way readers think about their place in the world.

my thoughts:

Wow. What a beautiful story. I am absolutely enamored with How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino. It is the epitome of Japanese literature. Considered to be a classic within children's literature, this book is amazing. It's emotional, wise, entertaining, whimsical, and just brilliant. It has you questioning everything - art, politics, language, science. And, it inspires you to use your voice to speak up for others. Plus, it motivates you to contemplate your place in the world. This book makes for an excellent read. I loved it! 

Copper is fifteen years old and he's recently lost his father. He's dealing with the grief of such a monumental loss and soon finds himself questioning everything. With his uncle's journals and his best friends, Copper begins to explore the questions bombarding him and discover the life he wishes to live. Its fascinating reading about his life in pre-war Japan, his friendships, and his uncle's take on things. You can't help but enjoy this philosophical journey that Copper takes. How Do You Live? is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching read that you won't forget.

I would happily recommend How Do You Live? to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book to bits! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History by Tracey Baptiste

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In a richly designed work with maps, portraits, and graphics throughout, the award-winning author of the Jumbies series shows readers this underrepresented side of Black history and Black excellence.

Every year, American schoolchildren celebrate Black History Month. They study almost exclusively American stories, which are not only rooted in struggle over enslavement or oppression, but also take in only four hundred years of a rich and thrilling history that goes back many millennia across the African continent. Through portraits of ten historical figures—from Menes, the first ruler to be called Pharaoh, to Queen Idia, a sixteenth-century power broker, visionary, and diplomat—African Icons takes readers on a journey across Africa to meet some of the great leaders and thinkers whose ideas built a continent and shaped our world.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a terrific children's book about African history. It is superbly written, chock full of history and illustrations, and focuses on ten important individuals who shaped history - what more could you want from a book, right? I absolutely LOVED African Icons by Tracey Baptiste!

Talk about an informative, engaging, and important book. I just loved the way that Baptiste writes about history - her enthusiasm is effusive. And, she writes about queens, poets, and military leaders - providing a large and varied scope of African people.  This book makes you want to seek out more information about the history, people, and culture of Africa - it is fascinating and inspiring. African Icons makes for an excellent read. I would happily recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for children's books to read - you won't want to miss out on this important tome - check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Egg Marks The Spot: A Skunk and Badger Story by Amy Timberlake with pictures by Jon Klassen

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Buried in the heart of every animal is a secret treasure. For rock scientist Badger, it’s the Spider Eye Agate he found as a cub, stolen years ago by his crafty cousin, Fisher. For Badger’s roommate, Skunk, the treasure is Sundays with the New Yak Times Book Review. When an old acquaintance, Mr. G. Hedgehog, announces his plan to come for the Book Review as soon as it thumps on the doorstep, Skunk decides an adventure will solve Badger’s problems as well as his own. Surprisingly, Badger agrees. Together they set off on an agate-finding expedition at Badger’s favorite spot on Endless Lake.

But all is not as it seems at Campsite #5. Fisher appears unexpectedly. Then a chicken arrives who seems intent on staying. Something is up!

Indeed!

Secrets, betrayals, lies

. . . and a luminous, late-Jurassic prize.

my thoughts:

Love, love, love! Egg Marks The Spot is a wonderful children's book that I absolutely LOVED reading - it was funny, sweet, and just a delight. It's the second book in the series (A Skunk and Badger Story) and it is just fantastic! I can't wait for the next one to be published. I am a HUGE fan!

Timberlake has created another terrific story about Skunk and Badger. This time round the two roommates have agreed to go on a rock hunting adventure - they are looking for secret treasure! How fun! Only, things start to go badly right from the start. Soon, the two are battling a bully, helping out a chicken, and is that a dinosaur egg they are protecting? Say what?! Talk about a rock hunting misadventure!

Oh, and did I mention the illustrations? They were amazing! I especially LOVED the black and white ones - they were my favorite! I felt like the visuals added to the atmosphere of the story by depicting the characters and certain scenes so clearly. They were just awesome!

Overall, Egg Marks The Spot is an excellent children's story that will make you smile, laugh out loud, and crave more books about Skunk and Badger. I just LOVED it!! And, I would happily recommend it, along with the first book in the series, Skunk and Badger, to anyone looking for a new children's book series to dive into - you will LOVE these books to bits!!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

All Pets Allowed: Blackberry Farm 2 by Adele Griffin

(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

More than anything else—even more than the best birthday party ever—Becket Branch wants a dog for her tenth birthday. But her twin brother, Nicholas, has secretly been wishing for a cat. Lucky for Becket and Nicholas, their animal-loving parents have an animal-loving surprise for them: they’re going to the local shelter and adopting both a cat and a dog. It should be the biggest BEAUTIFUL ALERT ever, but Becket’s dream dog, Dibs, turns out to be a super-shy scaredy-pooch who is going to need a lot of training. Meanwhile, Nicholas’s cat, Given, is more outgoing and attention-seeking than the just-for-him pet he was expecting.
 
Laugh along as Becket fishes mice out of Nicholas’s slippers, puts bullies in their place, and tries, and tries again, to train Dibs—all while learning new life lessons and keeping up with her other farm chores.
 
With black-and-white drawings throughout by award-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham (Real Friends), this second volume of the Blackberry Farm series offers a gentle message about embracing new friends who may not match preconceived expectations.

my thoughts:

Delightful and fun, All Pets Allowed: Blackberry Farm 2 by Adele Griffin is a must-read for kids everywhere. Chock full of terrific illustrations and a terrific story, this book will captivate children right from the start. 

Becket and her twin brother, Nicholas, live on a farm with their parents. They are about to turn ten and are each vying for a new pet. Becket wants a dog, while Nicholas wants a cat. Luckily, their parents have agreed to gift them each a pet of their own from the local animal shelter. Talk about an exciting birthday gift! Becket chooses Dibs, a shy dog that definitely needs training; while Nicholas picks Given, an extremely sociable cat.  The twins definitely have their work cut out for them - training their pets, adjusting to their pet's personalities, and all of the other happenings that life throws at them (think, chores on the farm, bullies, etc.).  

Griffin has created a fantastic story chock full of life lessons, relatable kid issues, and laugh out loud moments. All Pets Allowed: Blackberry Farm 2 is a must-read for all kids - they will LOVE this book!! I know I can't wait to gift this story to my cousin's kids - they are going to have so much reading it!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Stocking Stuffer!

Here's an idea for the perfect stocking stuffer:

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

The deluxe paperback edition of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery is out now and makes a darling gift for fans of the beloved classic and for anyone who loves to read.  This new edition is chock full of great additions - a foreword by J. Courtney Sullivan ( author of Maine and Commencement) and an introduction by an L. M. Montgomery scholar, Benjamin Lefebvre.  Plus, there are early writings by Montgomery herself that describe the creation of this coming-of-age tale, starring the literary icon, " Anne with an e".   And that cover - wow!  Look at the colors - so vibrant and cheerful. And those fun illustrations depicting images from the story.  You can't help but want to pick up this story and start reading - I know that I did. I absolutely LOVED reading all about "Anne with an e" - the clever, scrappy girl who gets sent to a farm by mistake.  The owners (a pair of siblings) wanted to adopt a boy to help out on their farm, not a little girl.  Yet, they soon find themselves warming up to our quirky little heroine, the precocious redhead named Anne.  Soon, she is settling in at the farm and in town - seems that no one can help but fall in love with "Anne with an e". 

What a fun story! I can't believe that I'd waited so long to read it - what was I thinking!?! At least now I know which book I want to share with my little cousins and friend's kids this holiday season - they are going to just LOVE getting to know "Anne with an e". 

Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz

(Thank you to Blogging For Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

From the authors of the New York Times bestselling book Rad American Women A-Z, comes a bold new collection of 40 biographical profiles, each accompanied by a striking illustrated portrait, showcasing extraordinary women from around the world.

Rad Women Worldwide tells fresh, engaging, and inspiring tales of perseverance and radical success by pairing well researched and riveting biographies with powerful and expressive cut-paper portraits. From 430 BCE to 2016, spanning 31 countries around the world, the book features an array of diverse figures, including Hatshepsut (the great female king who ruled Egypt peacefully for two decades) and Malala Yousafzi (the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize) to Poly Styrene (legendary teenage punk and lead singer of X-Ray Spex) and Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft (polar explorers and the first women to cross Antarctica). This progressive and visually arresting book is a compelling addition to women’s history and belongs on the shelf of every school, library, and home.

Together, these stories show the immense range of what women have done and can do. May we all have the courage to be rad!

my thoughts:

Wow! Talk about an awesome, informative, and inspiring book! I just loved Rad Women Worldwide. As a feminist, I'm all for promoting and supporting the women who help make this wonderful world go round.  I'm talking about strong, smart, courageous and determined women who are set on making changes in sports, history, politics, and the world.  Schatz has written about women from all walks of life and shares their stories with us on who they are, what they've done, and how far they've gone.  It makes for quite an eye-opening and thought-provoking read.  I loved getting to know all of these amazing and brilliant women through this book - it was so much fun.  Plus, the paper cut illustrations that accompany each essay are just fantastic!  They are bold, creative and provide a clear image of these woman and what they do.  And, I loved the quotes that are highlighted at the top of each essay - just perfect!  Such a great book!

Rad Women Worldwide is a must-read!! Its an empowering book that will engage and teach its readers so much about some of the "rad" women in this world.  I can't wait to share this book with friends and family - they are going to LOVE it!!  And, I would happily recommend this book to fans of women's history, fan's of feminist nonfiction, and anyone looking for their next great read. 



I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review.

Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

After foiling a gang of kidnappers and fending off an army of robots, 11-year-old siblings Nick and Tesla Holt could use a little rest! But as their third mystery opens, they discover there’s a spy in their midst, searching for secrets in the home of their beloved (and slightly crazy) Uncle Newt.

Is it the new laboratory assistant? The exterminator? The housekeepers? Or someone completely unexpected? To expose the mystery agent, Nick and Tesla must engineer all kinds of outrageous contraptions, from code wheels and fingerprint powder to spy cameras and burglar detectors. Best of all, instructions are included throughout the story, so you can build the projects, too!

my thoughts:

Danger, Will Robinson!  In the latest installment of the Nick and Tesla series, the brother-sister duo are in DANGER!!  They have been mulling over a message they received from their mother - sounding a bit harried, she tells them that they were sent to their Uncle's for safety, but it didn't work and now they have to be on the lookout and they can't trust...that's where the message ends. Ack!  What are they going to do?  Who is after them and why?  And so begins the mystery of Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle.  

With the help of their friends, Silas and DeMarco, the foursome finds themselves keeping watch over the new, uninvited guests at their Uncle Newt's home.  Well, uninvited in the sense that they all somehow managed to appear (via unannounced drop-in, suspicious new adverts, etc.) on their doorstep on the same day - right after Tesla and Nick's mother's message!  There is the M.A.D. Scientist intern, Oli, who claims to be from Australia, but clearly isn't - although he throws in "G'day" for good measure.  Skip the Verminator who is investigating every nook and cranny in the house for bugs - Uncle Newt found a brown recluse spider, nope a black widow spider the other day, so looks like the house needs to be sprayed for insects ASAP!  And, then there are the women from Maids-to-Order, Gladys and Ethel, who are having trouble cleaning the hoarder house filled with dust bunnies the size of rabbits.  Looks like Nick and Tesla have some sleuthing to do!

An irate neighbor, mud-splattered bike, broken gnome, and missing pendants make for quite an interesting story.  Plus, it doesn't hurt to have the instructions for so many cool gadgets this time round - codex wheels and booby-trap balloons!  In Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle we get mystery, danger, and so much more!  I absolutely loved reading all about the plans, fake-outs, and spy methods employed by this smarty-pants duo - it was fun and exciting.  Of course now I can't wait for the next installment.  I just have to find out what misadventures Nick and Tesla will get involved in - and, what exactly are their parents up to?

I would most definitely recommend this book to fans of the series and anyone looking for a new children's book series to get lost in - you will absolutely enjoy reading all about Nick and Tesla Holt.

Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Nick and Tesla's Robot Army Rampage by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

When a rash of robberies hits the town of Half Moon Bay, 11-year-old sleuths Nick and Tesla are determined to catch the criminals - but to do so, they'll have to build a host of new gadgets and gizmos!  In this robot-themed follow-up to Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab, the brother-and-sister duo build four different droids out of ordinary household objects - and illustrated instructions are included throughout the story, so you can build them, too!  Can Nick and Tesla catch the criminal mastermind - and foil his army of rampaging robots - before it's too late?

my thoughts:

Fun. Fun. Fun.  Nick and Tesla's Robot Army Rampage was an absolute treat to read.  In this new adventure, we find Nick and Tesla settled in at their Uncle Newt's home.  They've started a routine of eating spaghettios, tinkering around in the basement lab, and checking the answering machine for messages from their parents (its mainly Nick that does this bit, as he can't understand why his mom and dad haven't called them yet).  Life isn't bad, but its nothing to get excited about...until the local comic book store gets robbed!  Looks like Nick and Tesla's super sleuthing skills are needed once again in the town of Half Moon Bay.  Except this time round, they may be biting off more than they can chew - DANGER in the form of robots!!!  Seems that this case may be a bit more complicated than they had originally thought.  Plus, their Uncle Newt has fallen in love and the woman may or may not be Nick and Tesla's prime suspect.  What are Nick and Tesla to do?  Sounds pretty exciting, eh? Well it is!  The latest book in the series not only brings back familiar characters, but it steps up the game with more mysteries, more intrigue, and more gadgetry.   Plus, who doesn't love a book that includes an army of rampaging robots? 

I would definitely recommend Nick and Tesla's Robot Army Rampage to fans of the first book, Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab and fans of children's fiction.  This is a terrific book to read with your kids, as it also includes the instructions on how to make the fantastic gadgets that Nick and Tesla created in the story.  Pick up a copy and enjoy!

Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of the book!

Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab by "Science Bob" Pflugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

(Thank you to the Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

WARNING: CONTAINS MYSTERY, ADVENTURE, AND EXPLOSIVE PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF!

An abandoned house at the end of the block.  A mysterious girl in an upstairs window.  A strange
black SUV lurking around every corner.  When Nick and Tesla Holt are sent to live with their eccentric Uncle Newt, they find their new neighborhood is full of secrets.  What the heck is going on?

To unravel the mysteries (and save their skins), Nick and Tesla must use everyday household objects to build electromagnets, rocket launchers, and other crazy contraptions - and instructions are included throughout the story so you can build them, too!

my thoughts:

Fun. Fun. Fun. That is how I would describe, Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab.   Filled with incredibly smart characters, an intriguing mystery, a girl (or ghost) in a window, and loads of awesome creations, this book makes for quite the afternoon read.  I absolutely loved getting to know Nick, Tesla, and their kooky Uncle Newt.  Sent to stay with their Uncle at his hoarder-like house stuffed with dangerous experiments and rotting food, Nick and Tesla try to make do.  They don't understand why their parents had to suddenly rush off and leave them for the summer, but what can they do - its already been done.  Anyhow, as they settle into their new digs and surroundings, they somehow find themselves involved in a rescue mission that is dangerous, adventurous, and scary.  And that is all I will say about this fantastic book, with the exception of these words:  Read It!!  Did I mention that the book includes the instructions on how to make the rocket launcher (and the other inventions) that Nick and Tesla create?  Well, it does and I just know that you will have fun building them all - I know that my little cousins will get a kick out of building some of these contraptions and I can't wait to help them.  So, grab a copy and enjoy reading all about Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab.

Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Who's On First? by Abbott & Costello

(Thank you to Quirk Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Who's on first?

A.  The funniest comedy routine of all time
B.  A new children's book by Abbott & Costello
C.  Yes,exactly!  You've got it!
D.  All of the above

Abbott and Costello's hilarious comedy routine is now a hilarious children's book, complete with whimsical full-color illustrations from acclaimed artist John Martz.  It's sidesplitting fun for children, adults, and baseball fans of all ages!

my thoughts:

LOL!  This hilarious children's book is the perfect read for kids of all ages. Heck, its the perfect book for adults looking for a good laugh.  Believe me, I guffawed my way though this short tome as it took the idea of miscommunication to a laugh riot level.  Based on the famous comedy skit devised by iconic comedians, Abbott and Costello, this book takes a fresh spin on a classic by pairing it with baseball and superb illustrations.   The whole story is about Abbott joining Costello's baseball team.  He starts off by asking who plays which position and from that point on miscommunication ensues, along with your loud chortles as you flip pages.  You will definitely have a ball reading this book with your kid!

In fact, I think this book is going to make a terrific gift for my friend Becca's son.  He's still got a few months before he makes his entrance into this world, but I'm thinking its never too early to start buying him books.  Plus, she loves baseball, so I'm thinking her kid is going to as well. What do you think? Anyhow, here's the link for the book on Quirk's site: Who's on first? - check it out! 

Oh, and for those of you parents who want some ideas of fun things to do with your kids, Quirk has released this great new summer sampler that is filled with crafting, cooking, outdoor, rainy day, and on-the-go activities for you and your kids.  Here's the link: Quirk Books Entertains Your Kids! - pretty awesome, right?






And now, I'm off to go through my NetGalley picks - there are so many good ones to choose from!!  Happy reading!!

Teacher's Pest: Tales From Lovecraft Middle School #3 by Charles Gilman

about book:

Don't be fooled by his friendly smile, his perfect manners, or his shiny red apple.  Student council president Howard Mergler is actually a sinister bug-monster in disguise - and he's summoning swarms of roaches, wasps, fleas, and head lice into the corridors of Lovecraft Middle School!  Twelve-year-old Robert Arthur is the only student who can stop him, but he'll need help from his best friends: the school bully, the school ghost, and an extremely courageous two-headed rat.

This third novel in the Lovecraft Middle School series begins right where The Slither Sisters ended - with more action, more adventure, and more outrageous monsters!

my thoughts:

Guess what I got my hands on?  A copy of the latest book in the Lovecraft Middle School series:  Teacher's Pest.  Woo hoo!  How awesome is that?  I was so excited when the book arrived that I actually whooped for joy.  Its true!  That is just how much I love these books.  They are short, fun, and filled with adventure.  Plus, they always make me smile.  Charles Gilman's books are the perfect cure for a rainy day, which is precisely how the weather was when I sat down to read.  The sky was dark and gloomy, thunder was rolling and the rain was pouring - definitely a day to stay in and read. 

I picked up Teacher's Pest and dove right into a story filled with roaches, fleas, lice and all sorts of icky bugginess.  I swear I felt like I had creepy crawlies all over me the whole time I read the book - not a nice feeling.  Anyhow, I was back at Lovecraft Middle School hanging out with Robert Arthur and his gang of misfits and I loved it!  Although this time round, things weren't as peachy keen between the motley crew.  Seems like people are getting on each others' nerves, keeping secrets, and just remaining very distant.  To top it all off, the newly elected class president, Howard Mergler isn't exactly himself anymore.  In fact, he has a pretty big secret - a bug-tastic one!  Okay, so that's a lame hint, but its got you interested, right?  Well, I'm not going to tell what happens in this book, except that Robert Arthur is going to have to save the day and school, again!  And, he's going to have deal with it all on his own - or is he?  Well, maybe half on his own.  Anyhow, all you need to know is that this book is AWESOME!! You are going to tear right through it just like I did and love every minute of it!

Of course now I have to wait for the fourth book to come out, which according to my sources will be in September and it will be titled, Substitute Creature.  Exciting!!  I can't wait!!  Until then, I may just re-read the series - after all, who doesn't love a good re-read, right?  As for you all, you should definitely check out Charles Gilman's Lovecraft Middle School series: Professor Gargoyle, The Slither Sisters, and Teacher's Pest.  I promise that you will love them!  Just beware that they are so good, you might get addicted to them - like I did!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Illustrated by Maurice Sendak, and Translated by Ralph Manheim

about book: 

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years.  It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of the wonder we all share.

Maurice Sendak designed brilliant sets and costumes for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Christmas production of Nutcracker and has created even more magnificent pictures especially for this book.  He has joined with the eminent translator Ralph Manheim to produce this illustrated edition of Hoffmann's wonderful tale, destined to become a classic for all ages.

The world of Nutcracker is a world of pleasures.  Maurice Sendak's art illuminates the delights of Hoffmann's story in this rich and tantalizing treasure. 

my thoughts:   

Okay, so I'm going to admit to never having read Nutcracker before, or even seeing the ballet version of it either.  I know, its crazy, considering that every year around Christmas time there is mention of Nutcracker on the telly, but I just never got round to picking it up or even wanting to watch it.  And, I always thought it was called The Nutcracker, not just Nutcracker.  Just goes to show how out of the loop I was.  Anyhow, I was expecting to read about a lot of dancing and mice and sugarplums, but that wasn't the case.  Whilst I did read about mice and there was some dancing and plenty of candy at one point, the story was definitely not what I expected - it was even better!

Basically, the story is about a little girl named Marie who finds herself in love with a Nutcracker toy she receives as a gift.  The toy comes to life and is soon battling the Mouse King, who is terrifying Marie - what with his requests for all of her candy, dolls, dresses, etc.  After defeating the Mouse King once and for all, Nutcracker gives Marie all seven crowns that the Mouse King had worn in order to show her he was victorious in battle.  And then he asks Marie to join him in a magical kingdom, where she will be his queen and enjoy a life filled with toys, candies, and anything she desires.  Marie accepts and takes off with Nutcracker.   The end.

How crazy is that?  A Mouse King bullying a little girl?  A Nutcracker battling a Mouse King? What the what? Seriously though, I really enjoyed reading this story.  It was a bit odd at times, but I think that has to do with the fact that its an older story (think 1816) and it's been translated - so, there were times when I had to re-read a passage or three.  However, the formal language didn't detract from the engaging and entertaining aspects of the story at all.  The characters were fantastic:  I loved Marie as this precocious little girl who finds herself involved in this battle between Nutcracker and the Mouse King;and her Godfather Drosselmeier is this eccentric old man who is beyond talented at toy making, and also a rather gifted storyteller.  Oh, and Nutcracker was as loyal and brave as any true soldier would be, whilst his foe, The Mouse King, was as wicked and evil as could be.  These characters are what made the story such fun to read.  The story itself is a story within a story - you see, Marie's godfather Drosselmeier makes the toys that Marie and her siblings have fallen in love with, but he is also the one who shares the story of how Nutcracker came to be.  He shares how Nutcracker was once human, but found himself turned to wood after an awful curse by the Mouse Queen.  In order for Nutcracker to be turned human, he needs to find someone who will love him just as he is. Pretty interesting, eh?  I thought it was.  I found myself caught up in this tale of revenge, loyalty, and love.

Nutcracker is a book I would definitely recommend - its a great book for kids and their parents, or for fans of children's literature.  Check it out! You will not be disappointed!  Plus, you will also enjoy all of the amazing illustrations by Maurice Sendak - they are excellent!

Thank you to Crown Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!