Hurray for a new series from Erin Entrada Kelly. A boy named Felix discovers a magical blanket at at thrift store. Here are five things I loved about Hurray for a new series from Erin Entrada Kelly. A boy named Felix discovers a magical blanket at at thrift store. Here are five things I loved about this one:
Chances are you have seen a bit by Leanne Morgan by now. She'll tell you stories about her sweet little mama and daddy or about her husband of few worChances are you have seen a bit by Leanne Morgan by now. She'll tell you stories about her sweet little mama and daddy or about her husband of few words. She also loves to talk about her darling children and grandchildren. And she'll tell you how cute she used to be in the 80's.
My husband showed me her Netflix special last summer. We laughed so hard we cried. Then we shared it with our kids and our friends -- and laughed at the same parts as before. Her comedy does not get old. Her facial expressions and gestures are the perfect complement to her comedy. This woman definitely has a gift for comedic timing. If she ever has a show anywhere close to where I am -- I am there!
What I didn't realize until I read this book was that I had heard about her many years ago. World magazine had an article about Dry Bar Comedy which featured a photo of Leanne. See this link https://wng.org/roundups/the-new-face...
Another interesting fact about that Dry Bar bit was her lamenting how going to concerts was not fun anymore. It reminded me of a story my husband likes to tell. He was working off-duty to provide security for an event at the Sprint Center in Downtown Kansas City. An urgent call came over the radio for help securing a Handicap space for a concertgoer. Another officer commented, "Everyone wants a Handicap space. It's a Neil Diamond concert." We get it, Leanne! ...more
Cat-lovers and dog-lovers alike will delight in this interactive picture book. We first meet three cats: Tiny, Moonpie, and Andre. They are sure they Cat-lovers and dog-lovers alike will delight in this interactive picture book. We first meet three cats: Tiny, Moonpie, and Andre. They are sure they smell somebody else in the book -- a dog somebody! Flaps on the ensuing pages show where the cats try to hide from the dog and vice versa. Once they are all friends it is the reader's turn. Tips for petting a dog help move everyone toward the happy ending.
There are three cats and a dog in this book. They are all your friends....more
If they won't let the pigeon drive the bus, he is going to BE THE BUS. This little book is a colorful pick-me-up and a reminder of just how cheeky thaIf they won't let the pigeon drive the bus, he is going to BE THE BUS. This little book is a colorful pick-me-up and a reminder of just how cheeky that little pigeon can be. Here are a few of stand out pieces of advice:
I dare any catlover to read this book and not fall in love with Linney, Lucy Knisley's beloved and former cat. The many panels inside are so true to lI dare any catlover to read this book and not fall in love with Linney, Lucy Knisley's beloved and former cat. The many panels inside are so true to life. Some of my favorites were the nighttime antics of Linney (shown below) and her attempts to keep a visiting dog from being her friend. The dog is not deterred in the least. So determined! My most favorite panels involved Lucy finding the cat in her closet. She apologizes for coming to find a sweater and makes sure to turn off the light AND shut the door for Linney. Admit it. You have done the same kind of thing for your cat. I know I have. ...more
Our favorite under-the-sea duo is back. Narwhal has a problem. His is pretty wiggly. Jelly digs down to the root of the problem -- too many sugary snaOur favorite under-the-sea duo is back. Narwhal has a problem. His is pretty wiggly. Jelly digs down to the root of the problem -- too many sugary snacks being stored up there. They go to shark for some expert toothbrushing. The puns abound as with every book in this series. Shark has a fangtastic bite, for example, and is an enthusiastic entoothiast. ...more
A cat, a rat, and a bat move into a house. . . This colorful, humorous chapter book will have early readers anxious to read the next chapter. Each of A cat, a rat, and a bat move into a house. . . This colorful, humorous chapter book will have early readers anxious to read the next chapter. Each of the animals has its own role in the household. Cat is the responsible one. Rat is the prankster. Bat is the peacemaker. The chapters have them choosing their own space in the home, putting up with Rat and his fake spider (Bat turns the tables), and learning to read from Cat. The final image shows them all snuggled up for bed with Bat hugging a teddy bear. Cozy and engaging. Looking forward to the next set of stories about these three roomies....more
It's Tuesday. Guess what Pete the Cat and his family are having for dinner? Tacos! Oh, no. Their favorite taqueria is closed. Back home they go to makIt's Tuesday. Guess what Pete the Cat and his family are having for dinner? Tacos! Oh, no. Their favorite taqueria is closed. Back home they go to make their own. Everybody in the family has a job starting with homemade taco shells. Yum! When it is time to fill up those shells, they all make their own combos. This book helps kids learn about being more flexible and adventurous with their food. Although I don't think I'll be eating Pete's specialty anytime soon. Not a big fan of anchovies....more
You may be wondering why this is called 'The Scarlet Shedder?' Picture Dog Man bathing in tomato juice for hours to get rid of skunk funk. Yep, you seYou may be wondering why this is called 'The Scarlet Shedder?' Picture Dog Man bathing in tomato juice for hours to get rid of skunk funk. Yep, you see where this is going. The juice stained him red! Then on top of all that a power-hungry team made up of the substitute chief (who is not a Dog Man fan) and a corrupt City Hall official puts our hero in jail convicting him of "Moral Turpitude" and sentencing him for Infinity (in dog years it is shorter). When super villain Dr. Scum starts to take over the town with his AI robots, it is time for the Supa Buddies to save the day: Mecha Molly, Ninja Shark, and the Firecracker Kid are ready to help their scarlet buddy. Pilkey includes a list of Notes and Fun Facts at the end as usual (one of my favorite feature) and includes a quote by Dolly Parton that was a critical part of the plot: We can't control the wind, but we can adjust our sails
What a delightful new cast to enjoy in this year off from reading a new Thursday Night Murder Club mystery. I do think I actually like this cast even What a delightful new cast to enjoy in this year off from reading a new Thursday Night Murder Club mystery. I do think I actually like this cast even better than TNMC. Can it be true?
The story of the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion (quite the tongue twister) is a reminder that truth can be stranger than fiction. Dave Eggers tellThe story of the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion (quite the tongue twister) is a reminder that truth can be stranger than fiction. Dave Eggers tells the story of how a mansion was moved using logs and horses so the owner could raise her pigs without violating Bellevue, Idaho ordinances prohibiting the odors of said animals within city limits. His humorous delivery will have you smiling to yourself and laughing out loud. But don't worry. No pigs or horses or dogs were harmed in the moving of the mansion. They all lived happily ever after . . . until the pigs got eaten. ...more
It's the last of the Aunties books. I am a little sad to see them go. Snuck this one in under the wire on pub day. Here are four reasons for liking thIt's the last of the Aunties books. I am a little sad to see them go. Snuck this one in under the wire on pub day. Here are four reasons for liking this last book in the trilogy:
Take one minibus. Add a 50-something activity director. Then a dog named Margaret Thatcher or M or Maggie (depends on the caretaker at the time). NextTake one minibus. Add a 50-something activity director. Then a dog named Margaret Thatcher or M or Maggie (depends on the caretaker at the time). Next mix in four seniors, a teenage single father with his baby, and two other kids from the daycare at the center. Have the police stop the bus and hilarity ensues. Clare Pooley's Prologue is comedy gold. This should be made into a film. Would you go see a movie if it had the following elements?
1) A community center on the chopping block 2) An audition for a reality show with dogs 3) A Banksy-like yarn bomber 4) A connection to a real-life jewelry robbery 5) A payback plan for a cheating spouse 6) A washed up actor who shoplifts to feel alive 7) A teenager taking care of his daughter in the projects 8) Cake and so much more. . .
This madcap ensemble drama is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hilarious. The outcome of the first meeting of the seniors club was a scene stealer and Clare Pooley was just getting started. While there are some issues I had with plot choices (like a gender-neutral nativity play), this is without a doubt my favorite from Clare Pooley. Iona Iverson fans will be thrilled that she gets a shout out.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
As I had hoped, San Francisco is a star in this new mystery from Michelle Chouinard. The mystery is neatly layered and Capri, our main character, esseAs I had hoped, San Francisco is a star in this new mystery from Michelle Chouinard. The mystery is neatly layered and Capri, our main character, essentially has two mysteries to solve and both have affected her family.
Here are some things I really liked about this new release:
What happens when Harry meets Sally? Just like the iconic film, it takes some time for them to realize that they are MFEO. Along the way they act out What happens when Harry meets Sally? Just like the iconic film, it takes some time for them to realize that they are MFEO. Along the way they act out some iconic romcom moments -- your favorite will most likely be in there. Such a fun premise and I loved all the references to some of my favorite films. Both say they are in it to monetize the Tiktok account, but anyone with eyes can see there is more going on. How will they know when it's love? Harry does not believe in the concept and Sally is waiting to literally hear bells. Could be never at the rate they are going. The steam level in this title was cranked up to high for my tastes. As Phoebe of "Friends" fame once said, "My eyes! My eyes!" I do think this does show us quite a bit about love and successful relationships. Here's a hint: fantastic sex may just be chemistry. All that "smushing of bodies" (thanks for that term, Marilyn) is just activity and may not really engage the heart and soul. What's your love language? Sally's is most definitely "words of affirmation" while Harry seems like he might be a combo of "words" and "quality time." Why do I say that? Well, despite the hot S-E-X happening in this book, that is not what essentially seals the deal on the relationship.
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
Welcome back to the world of the rich and famous. This will most certainly be popular with fans of the 'Crazy Rich Asians' trilogy. The three elaboratWelcome back to the world of the rich and famous. This will most certainly be popular with fans of the 'Crazy Rich Asians' trilogy. The three elaborate weddings in this latest title from Kevin Kwan will give the nuptials of Colin and Araminta a run for their money. I would love to see Countess Arabella from this latest book match wits with Eleanor Sung-Young. And if you adored Rachel Chu, just wait until you get to know Eden Tong. One of my favorite bits was the visit to Marfa, TX. My husband and I were just there! Filled with OTT extravagant living and Kwan's signature tongue in cheek jabs at the jet set, this will be the perfect read for your spring or summer getaway.
Thank you to Doubleday and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review....more
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