Storytime: Elizabeth Olsen reading "Disney 5-Minute Easter Stories"

This storytime video features actress Elizabeth Olsen reading Disney 5-Minute Easter Stories and I think these videos are wonderful because it's a good way to promote the love of reading to young readers. While at the same time, promoting new and old books.

Happy Easter!

Book Review for the Book Girl's Book Club for December: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen

Book: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery book #1) by Vicki Delany

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In Rudolph, New York, it's Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone's holiday cheer...

As the owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That's why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoo-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry's flat is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there's a Scrooge in Christmas Town.

Merry isn't ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph's Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter's body on a late-night dog walk and police suspect he was poisoned -- by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky -- Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who's really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa's naughty list...

The Book Girl's Book Club Pick for December: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen

I can't believe it's already December, time really does fly by. And since it is December, I decided to pick something a bit more holiday inspired for this month's book club pick. I just wanted to end the year with something festive and Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen seems like it'll be an interesting cozy mystery.

Book: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery book #1) by Vicki Delany

Description:

In Rudolph, New York, it's Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone's holiday cheer...

As the owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That's why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoo-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry's flat is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there's a Scrooge in Christmas Town.

Merry isn't ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph's Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter's body on a late-night dog walk and police suspect he was poisoned -- by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky -- Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who's really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa's naughty list...

Book of Interest: Squirrel's New Year's Resolution

Although, I may not be writing any resolutions, this little squirrel is. I would like to read this book, I think this story seems really cute as Squirrel tries to find out about resolutions and to make some.

I know this year I didn't review as many children/middle grade books as I wanted to but next year I will. And hopefully this will be one of the children's books I'll review first.

Book: Squirrel's New Year's Resolution by Pat Miller with illustrations by Kathi Ember

Description:

"Do you know how to make a resolution?" Squirrel asked Bear. "Is it like making a snack?

"Bear laughed. "Resolutions are more important than snacks."

"More important than snacks?" said Squirrel. "What is a resolution?"

Squirrel knows that New Year's Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year's resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own...

Book of Interest: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen

I love reading cozy mysteries especially if the book/series has an interesting theme. Which is why I want to read Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen. It's the first book in a Christmas cozy mystery series that I just found. Since I'm not sure when I will get around to buying this, I'll add it to my wishlist for now.

Book: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen (A Year Round Christmas Mystery book #1) by Vicki Delany

Description:

In Rudolph, New York, it’s Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone’s holiday cheer in the first Year-Round Christmas mystery.

As the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That’s why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoe-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry’s float is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there’s a Scrooge in Christmas Town.

Merry isn’t ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph’s Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter’s body on a late night dog walk—and police suspect he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky—Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who’s really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa’s naughty list…

Book of Interest: A Family For Christmas

I can't believe there's only a few more days until Christmas, I haven't even had time to buy any new Christmas books. Thankfully I have good friends, I was recommended this earlier today. Even though the description reminds me of some of those Hallmark movies where there's a faux relationship that eventually becomes the real thing I'm still interested in reading it. 

Book: A Family For Christmas by Jay Northcote

Description:

Shy, inexperienced Rudy has a crush on Zac from the moment his new colleague walks through the door. On an office night out before Christmas, Rudy finds the courage to make a move, and they form a tentative bond. When he discovers Zac will be alone at Christmas, he invites Zac to come home with him.

Zac prefers to keep people at arm's length. Yet when Rudy offers him a family Christmas it's impossible to resist. With no parents of his own, Zac is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by Rudy's. The only drawback is that everyone assumes they're a couple. Unwilling to disappoint Rudy's mum and make Christmas awkward, they decide not to deny it.

It's not a chore for Zac to pose as Rudy's boyfriend, but the pretense makes him want things that scare him-things like a real relationship with Rudy. Zac's suffered enough rejection in his life already and is afraid to risk his heart. If he can get over his past rejection and let Rudy inside his armor, he might get more for Christmas than he ever imagined.

Book Review: The Christmas Dolls

Book: The Christmas Dolls by Carol Beach York with illustrations by Victoria De Larrea

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Florabelle is an old rag doll without shoes. Lily doesn't have any shoes either, and her head is on backward. A little girl, who can talk to dolls, sets out on a dark, snowy night to find a way to make them beautiful again.


Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This is a wonderfully written story that takes place two days before Christmas as everyone at The Good Day Orphanage for Girls are getting ready for the holiday. As the caretakers Miss Lavender and Miss Plum were wrapping the gifts, a donated box of dolls for each girl, they found two extra dolls that were not in the best condition. No one had any idea that the dolls could speak even though no one could hear them. One of the dolls was a rag doll named Florabelle who had seen better days and had no shoes while the other was a doll named Lily who unfortunately had her head on backwards, no shoes and was missing her hair. With how shabby the dolls were the ladies couldn't imagine giving them to any of the girls. Until they can figure out what to do with them, they put the poor little dolls on top of an out of the way bookcase.

They had no idea that one of the girls named Tatty would see the dolls and would want them despite how bad they looked. She's also the only one who could hear and speak to the dolls. However, Miss Lavender and Miss Plum didn't think they would make good gifts especially in their current state. Later going back to see the dolls, Tatty had an idea to get them both repaired.

Inspired she went out alone in the cold snowy night without telling either of the caretakers but she was determined to get the dolls fixed. She was able to find a kindly toy store owner who repaired them but on her way back home Tatty and the dolls couldn't remember how to get back. Meanwhile at the orphanage, Miss Lavender and Miss Plum were frantic with worry over Tatty being gone. Lost and wandering around in the cold Tatty, Florabelle and Lily found some unexpected help in getting back to the orphanage.

This was such a cute story because Tatty really wanted to help the dolls and I like that she wasn't doing it for selfish reasons either. This is one of those stories that I could easily see being turned into a movie. It's heartfelt and it has a bit of drama added on with Tatty being lost in the cold trying to get back home. And there's also an Ebenezer Scrooge like character in this as well.

The Christmas Dolls is a book I found at the thrift store and I only paid 50 cent for it. The story was originally published in 1967, this is the 1993 paperback edition. I can't believe it's in such good condition. Other than a little wear and tear to a few pages it's not a bad find.

Book Review: The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl

Book: The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil with illustrations by Mike Lawrence

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Alba loves her life just as it is. She loves living behind the bakery and waking up in a cloud of sugar and cinnamon. She loves drawing comics and watching bad TV with her friends. The only problem is she's overlooked a few teeny details. Like, the guy she thought long gone has unexpectedly reappeared. And the boy who has been her best friend since forever has suddenly gone off the rails. Even her latest comic book creation is misbehaving. Also, the world might be ending -- which is proving to be awkward. As doomsday enthusiasts flock to idyllic Eden Valley, Alba's life is thrown into chaos. Whatever happens next, it's the end of the world as she knows it. But when it comes to figuring out her heart, Armageddon might turn out to be the least of her problems.

Happy Earth Day! (Plus 7 Simple Green Living Tips & Four Earth Day! Children's Books)

I know that Earth Day is a great way to do something really special for the environment. However, everyday I try to do a little something even if it's recycling what I can or carrying my tote bag(s) with me when I go shopping.

Looking for simple everyday going green tips you can find a lot of them by searching online. Here are a few more that I like to do:

1. Turn off the lights and TV when not in use.

2. Use a reusable water bottle.

3. Feed the birds.

4. Donate my old stuff.

5. Although I buy new books, I also buy books from the thrift store or used bookstores.

6. I walk whenever possible instead of driving. I'm also looking into getting a bike.

7. Turn off the water when I brush my teeth.



Four Earth Day! books for children

Book: It's Earth Day! by Mercer Mayer

Description:

Little Critter is on a mission! After watching a film about climate changes at school, Little Critter decides to do his part to slow down global warming. With the help of his family and friends, Little Critter begins to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Together they learn about the importance of not wasting water or energy. Join Little Critter as he plants a tree, makes a climate control machine, and helps the polar bears.

Book: Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard with illustrations by Xiao Xin

Description:

On Earth Day, we find ways to help the Earth. Trina plants trees with her class. She forms an Earth Day club with her friends. What can you do to make every day Earth Day? Do your part to be a planet protector! Discover how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and more with Tyler and Trina in the Planet Protectors series, part of the Cloverleaf Books collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!

Book: Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day by Jane O'Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser

Description:

Being green is important to Nancy—so important that she wants her family to take care of the Earth morning, noon, and night!

Book: The Berenstain Bears Go Green by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Description:

The Berenstain Bears live in a wonderful place filled with green grass, blue skies, and lots of furry friends. But on a fishing trip at the creek, the Bear family discovers that the town dump is overflowing. It's spilling garbage into the water! Can the Berenstain Bears find a pollution solution before their beloved county is filled with garbage?

Book Review: Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas

Book: Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas by A.V. Sanders

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Reid, an American shark research scientist, is in Perth, Australia working to develop a mobile app that may revolutionize shark safety practices. But even the company of his boyfriend, Graham, isn't enough to stave off homesickness as Christmas approaches, and a missing shark and Graham's struggling business seem set to ruin the holiday for good.


Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

I'm glad I gave this author a second chance because although the first book I read Percolation, Poetry, and Passion was good, it felt a bit rushed and underdeveloped especially near the end. Meanwhile, I found this book to be much more well thought out and well-written.

In this short story, Reid an American research scientist was trying to enjoy the Christmas holiday in his newly adopted city of Australia. However, despite having a wonderful boyfriend (Graham), he still can't quite shake his Christmas blues.

Reid has been in Australia for a year studying sharks and testing his invention, a surf safe app that can both track sharks and be a warning system when they get too close to shore. Reid's work with sharks and trying to test out his shark detecting app are helping to keep his mind off of the fact that Christmas won't come with snow and many of the other things he's used to seeing. Lying around on the beach in hot sunny weather doesn't feel like the Christmas season to him.

Meanwhile, native Australian Graham had been waffling when it comes to his career. After his father died, the party planning business Celebration Hall was left to him and his mother. But his heart really wasn't into the business.

Adding to Reid's homesick troubles is that his favorite shark Molly has gone missing. He hasn't been able to track her whereabouts and is starting to fear the worse. Meanwhile, Graham while trying to avoid his family obligations is trying to find different ways to show Reid how Australians celebrate Christmas.

However, Graham may have unexpectedly found a new career opportunity that may make it possible for him to continue working in the family business but add something new to it.

I really like this story, it was nice and fluffy and there was no unnecessary relationship drama. But there was some shark drama near the end that added a little suspense to the story. Reid and Graham are two 30-somethings already in an established relationship and you get to see these sweet and romantic moments between them in this interesting story. I really like the characters, despite being a short story, I found out a lot about Reid and Graham. The author also included a lot of interesting information about sharks and the Australian ecosystem.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! (Plus Four Books)

Whether you're at work or already celebrating, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Here are a few books to help you enjoy the holiday a little more:

Book: St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons

Description:

In addition to the story of St. Patrick's life, here is information about how St. Patrick's Day is celebrated. There are decorations from shamrocks to shillelaghs. People give cards, share meals, and wear green to honor Ireland, the Emerald Isle. And there are parades! Included are six legends about Patrick. Full color.

Book: Hooray for St. Patrick's Day by Joan Holub with illustrations by Paul Meisel

Description:

It's Saint Patrick's Day, and time to join in the celebration. Children can lift the flaps for interactive fun as they see the children in this book make holiday crafts, taste traditional Irish food, perform a play about Saint Patrick, and even march in a Saint Patrick's Day parade. As an added bonus, they can search for the hidden leprechaun on each spread. A great way for young readers to learn about and enjoy the holiday.

Book: The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing with illustrations by Amy Wummer

Description:

Natasha Wing puts an Irish twist on a Christmas classic. It's the night before St. Patrick's Day, and Tim and Maureen are wide awake setting traps to catch a leprechaun! When they wake the next morning to the sound of their dad playing the bagpipes and the smell of their mom cooking green eggs, they're shocked to find that they've actually caught a leprechaun. But will they be able to find his pot of gold?

Book: A Berry Lucky St. Patrick's Day by Mickie Matheis with illustrations by Laura Thomas

Description:

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this special St. Patty's-themed 8x8 featuring Strawberry Shortcake and all her friends and a berry lucky four-leaf clover!

Happy Presidents' Day! (Plus Books)

Happy Presidents' Day!

When I was younger my mother used to say "everyday is a learning opportunity". Well, I've modified her saying by deciding to celebrate the holidays with a learning opportunity of course with books.

So for Presents' Day, I picked three books for children and one for adults



Children's Books

Book: The New Big Book of U.S. Presidents: Fascinating Facts About Each and Every President by Todd Davis and Marc Frey

Description:

Updated for 2013, readers can easily relive the course of American history through a detailed timeline, more than 50 vivid photographs and illustrations, information about each president's term in office, and the major political issues of each era.

Book: Arthur Meets the President (Arthur Adventure book #14) by Marc Brown

Description:

Arthur is off to Washington D.C. to meet the President of the United States and recite his winning essay in front of everyone. But a gust of wind blows Arthur's trusty note cards away! Who can help him?

Book: Smart About the Presidents by Jon Buller, Susan Schade, Maryann Cocca-Leffler, Dana Regan and Jill Weber

Description:

Kids will love discovering the floor plan of the White House, a list of presidential perks, and lots of interesting info about all the presidents, from George Washington to Barack Obama. (Did you know he is the only president born in Hawaii?)

Each page is jam-packed with trivia, fun facts, and information on the historical events of each presidency.



Adult Nonfiction

Book: The Presidents Fact Book by Roger Matuz with editing and revising by Bill Harris and Thomas J. Craughwell

Description:

In time for the 2015 presidential election cycle, this revised paperback edition is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide on the presidents and includes the milestones of Barack Obama's first and second terms.

The Presidents Fact Book is a complete compendium of all things presidential and a sweeping survey of American history through the biographical lens of every president from George Washington to Barack Obama.

Organized chronologically by president, each entry covers the major accomplishments and events of the presidential term; cabinet members, election results, groundbreaking legislation, and Supreme Court appointments; personality and personal habits; career before the presidency; a behind-the-scenes look at the wives, families, friends, and foes; and much more, including hobbies, odd behaviors, and outlandish penchants. Major primary documents from each administration—from the Bill of Rights to Barack Obama's speech on race in America—provide a glimpse into the crucial moments of America's storied past in the words of those who were at the helm.

Perfect for students, history buffs, and political junkies, The President's Fact Book is at once an expansive collage of our nation's 44 individual presidents and a comprehensive view of American history.

Book Watch: 8 Childen's Valentine's Day Books

I hope everyone is enjoying Valentine's Day. I love this holiday but maybe it's because I'm a romantic. Gifts are not necessary for me to enjoy the day but that's probably because I'm a very cheerful and happy person.

Tomorrow, I will be posting a couple of book reviews but until then here are some really cute children's Valentine's Day books. I had a hard to time making a selection because there are so many cute book out there.

Book: Happy Valentine's Day, Curious George! by N. Di Angelo with illustrations by Mary O'Keefe Young

Description:

George and his friends celebrate Valentine’s Day with decorating, baking, card making and some unexpected hilarity along the way! Just how much mischief can a curious little monkey get into when balloons, frosting, and glitter are involved? Fold-out flaps on each scene reveal lively surprises in this humorous celebration of friendship. Sparkly red foil shines on the cover and throughout the book

Book: Valentine's Day by Anne Rockwell with illustrations by Lizzy Rockwell

Description:

There's lots to love about Valentine's Day, and Mrs. Madoff's class is ready to celebrate. Everyone is making valentines for their friend Michiko in Japan. Jessica writes a poem, Charlie draws an airplane, and Eveline uses lace and lots of shiny stickers. No matter how far apart Michiko and her friends are, making valentines can bring them together!

Book: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz

Description:

Love is in the air! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Peanuts gang, and see if Charlie Brown will finally talk to the little red-headed girl. This beloved story is now available in an exciting format as an 8x8 with stickers.

Book: The Valentine's Day Mix-Up by Amy Ackelsberg with illustrations by MJ Illustrations

Description:

Strawberry Shortcake and all her friends are planning to have a berry special Valentine's Day. But when the mail arrives on Valentine's Day, Strawberry doesn't get a single card. Did all her friends forget about her? This friendship-themed storybook comes with sparkly valentine cards.

Book: Doc McStuffins My Huggy Valentine by Sheila Sweeny Higginson and Disney Book Group

Description:

Valentine's Day is Lambie's favorite holiday! She has worked hard decorating the clinic and planning activities for the party, and she can't wait to share it with Doc. But when Doc gets Val, a stuffed heart toy, as a Valentine's Day gift, Lambie is afraid that she has been replaced in Doc's heart. This sweet storybook teaches kids about love and friendship, and comes with sparkly holiday stickers for even more Valentine's Day fun with Doc and the gang!

Book: Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart by Jane O'Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser

Description:

Almost everything about Valentine's Day is fancy . . . especially with Fancy Nancy!

Mystery is in the air when Nancy receives a valentine from a secret someone. Join Nancy as she follows the clues to find out who it is—all in her trademark fabulous style, of course. Gorgeous stickers included!

Book: Snowy Valentine written and illustrated by David Petersen

Description:

Almost everything about Valentine's Day is fancy . . . especially with Fancy Nancy!
Mystery is in the air when Nancy receives a valentine from a secret someone. Join Nancy as she follows the clues to find out who it is—all in her trademark fabulous style, of course. Gorgeous stickers included!

Book: The Night Before Valentine's Day by Natasha Wing with illustrations by Heidi Petach

Description:

All the kids are getting ready for the sweetest holiday of the year! Join in on all of the card-making fun, and then come along to school the next morning for a day of parties and games!

New Book Purchase: Mr. Miracle

You never know where you might find your next new book. I've found books at bookstores, comic book stores, thrift stores, library book sales, discount stores, big box stores, drugstores and more. Yesterday, while browsing around Walgreens looking at nail polish, however I didn't buy any since I didn't quite find the color I was looking for. So, from there I walked over to the magazines and books and found Mr. Miracle.

Over the holiday season, I had watched the movie on the Hallmark channel and I liked it. Which is why when I saw the book I figured I would give it a read.

Book: Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Description:

Harry Mills is a guardian angel on a mission. Posing as a college professor, Harry intends to help twenty-four-year-old Addie Folsom get her life back on track—and, if the right moment strikes, help her find love. Addie is planning to earn her degree. What she doesn't plan to do is run into her next-door neighbor, Erich Simmons. Growing up, Erich never missed an opportunity to tease her. So when they're suddenly forced to spend Christmas together, Addie braces for trouble. Perhaps it's the spirit of the season or the magic of mistletoe, but Addie and Erich soon find they have more in common than they thought—and that two people who seem so wrong for each other may actually be just right. With a little prompting from a certain angelic teacher, the two are in for a holiday miracle they'll never forget.

Currently Reading: A McClendon Thanksgiving

I like finding holiday books to read. I had three Thanksgiving books, the first one I read was the children's book Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey.

This is the second book I will be reading A McClendon Thanksgiving which according to the description centers around two old friends possibly finding romance. Hopefully it will be a nice read.


Book: A McClendon Thanksgiving (The McClendon Holiday book #1) by Sean D. Young

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

For a perfect fit, sometimes you have to make a few alterations.

The McClendon Holiday Series, Book 1

Faith McClendon put her promising fashion career on hold to support her investment banker husband’s climb to financial success—only to be dumped for another woman.

The thirty-year-old fashion designer has come home to Chicago to start over, this time on her own terms. Amid the lingering sting of betrayal, there’s one bright spot. A renewed friendship with childhood buddy Michael Montgomery.

For years, Michael pretended to be Faith’s husband to fend off unwanted attention, gave her a shoulder to cry on, and cheered the loudest when she left home for fashion school. Through it all, he never stopped loving her.

Time hasn’t dimmed the spark between them, but when another man hits on her, Michael realizes it’s time to stop hiding his true feelings. This thirty-one-year-old professional photographer is ready to pose for his own family portrait—with Faith as his wife.

Warning: Contains a photographer who’s through being pictured in a brother-ish light, and a fashionista who’s not sure her heart is quite mended enough to risk further alterations.

Book Review: Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey

Book: Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey by Bill Harley with illustrations by Adam Gustavson

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication Date: Available now

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

In this very funny story, Charlie Bumpers learned a thing or two about the importance of family during Thanksgiving break.

Sometimes family can be a pain which Charlie knows first hand from his older brother Matt and younger sister Mabel constantly teasing him. But that's nothing compared to his little cousin Chip. Chip will be visiting for Thanksgiving but causes many problems for Charlie by following him around, pestering him and getting him in trouble for things he didn't do. For some reason, none of the adults see how awful Chip is they think he's a perfect little angel so it's safe to assume that Charlie is not looking forward to Chip's visit.

Thanksgiving will be a busy one for Charlie and his family because there will be 10 additional guests which includes family: Grandma and Grandpa (Charlie's mother's parents), Aunt Sarah (his mom's sister) her husband Brandon and their children Chip and Tilly and last is Uncle Ron (his dad's brother). Also attending will be their grumpy neighbors the Gritzbachs and nice Mrs. Walcott (one of his mom's patients).

During the break Charlie has to work on an assignment his 4th grade teacher Mrs. Burke assigned about family. But if his family is driving him crazy how can he truly see the importance of them.

I like this story, it has a National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation feel to it especially with so many things happening or going wrong in this story. What I really like about this story is that Charlie learned that family can surprise you and before you realize it, you come to appreciate them even if you still think they're a total pain.

This is the second Charlie Bumpers book that I've read and I think the author does a good job of conveying Charlie's feelings and experiences. This is a very well written book and I love the illustrations that are seen throughout. I'm sure readers of all ages will be able to relate to Charlie and his family's hectic holiday.

Currently Reading: Avatar: TLA: The Search part 1, Her Royal Spyness and Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey

Here are three books that I will be starting soon: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search part 1, Her Royal Spyness and Charlie Bumpers vs. the Perfect Little Turkey.

I don't know why but somehow I always wind up reading random books around the same time.

Book: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Search part 1 by Gene Luen Yang with illustrations by Gurihiru

Description:

For years, fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra have burned with one question - what happened to Fire Lord Zuko's mother? Finding a clue at last, Zuko enlists the aid of Team Avatar - and the most unlikely ally of all - to help uncover the biggest secret of his life.

Book: Her Royal Spyness (A Royal Spyness Mystery #1) by Rhys Bowen

Description:

The Agatha Award winner debuts a 1930s London mystery series, featuring a penniless twenty-something member of the extended royal family.

Her ridiculously long name is Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, daughter to the Duke of Atholt and Rannoch. And she is flat broke. As the thirty-fourth in line for the throne, she has been taught only a few things, among them, the perfect curtsey. But when her brother cuts off her allowance, she leaves Scotland, and her fiancé Fish-Face, for London, where she has:

a) worked behind a cosmetics counter-and gotten sacked after five hours
b) started to fall for a quite unsuitable minor royal
c) made some money housekeeping (incognita, of course), and
d) been summoned by the Queen to spy on her playboy son.

Then an arrogant Frenchman, who wants her family's 800-year-old estate for himself, winds up dead in her bathtub. Now her most important job is to clear her very long family name.

Book: Charlie Bumpers vs. The Perfect Little Turkey by Bill Harley with illustrations by Adam Gustavson

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication Date: Available now

Description:

Its Thanksgiving in the Bumpers household and Charlie has to be the perfect host to his annoying little cousin, Chip. Chip makes everything hard for Charlie gets him in trouble, ruins his things, and generally makes a nuisance of himself. On top of that, for homework, Mrs. Burke has assigned Charlie the task of writing what a family is to him. How will Charlie be able to see past his turkey of a cousin to understand the real meaning of family?

Halloween Art of the Day: Trick-or-Treating

Artwork from the book Otter Loves Halloween! written and illustrated by Sam Garton

Book Watch: Five Children/Middle Grade Books

Book Watch is a new post I started to put a spotlight on books I find interesting. I'm starting the first post by showcasing several children/middle grade books.

Book: For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai's Story by Rebecca Langston-George with illustrations by Janna Bock

Publication Date: Available now

Publisher: Capstone

Description:

She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban's rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl named Malala changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference.

Book Review: Hawkeye vol #2 (Marvel Now)

Book: Hawkeye volume #2: Little Hits (issues #6-11) by Matt Fraction

Illustrations by David Aja (issues #6, 8-11), Francesco Francavilla (issue #10), Steven Lieber and Jesse Hamm (issue #7), and Annie Wu (issue #8)

Color by Matt Hollingsworth (issues #6-9 and #11) and Francesco Francavilla (issue #10)


Edition: Trade

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This series continues not to disappoint. The second volume starts with issue #6 featuring both Hawkeyes Clint Barton and Kate Bishop separately dealing with the aftermath of a flood. Clint went with his neighbor Gil "Grills" to help secure Grills' dad's house while Kate was in New Jersey attending an engagement party. Both had to use some quick thinking to solve very immediate problems.

The 7th issue takes a humorous look leading up to Christmas. Clint was trying his best to take some time off and relax but everything kept getting in the way from his outdated TV recording system (in which Tony Stark was absolutely no help in fixing) to the tracksuit guys causing trouble. This was not the holiday he was looking forward to.   

Issues #8 and #9 had Clint helping out his favorite troubled red head again. It must be her looks because I seriously can't understand why he keeps helping her since it always lands him in big trouble. Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff), Mockingbird (Clint's ex-wife Bobbi Morse) and Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) also appeared in these issues as they try to see how they can help Clint get out of his latest bout of trouble. Kate didn't exactly score any hero points with the three heroes as she did sort of help Clint at one point. Also shown were various criminals and villains trying to figure out a way to get rid of Hawkeye (Clint) and it also ends on bit of a sad note with something happening to Grills.

In issue #10, the tracksuit guys' trained killer Kazi is going after Clint but earlier he and Kate became acquainted at a party for her father. Not sure if anything romantic is going to happen between Kate and Kazi but I'm sure she's in for a shock once she finds who he really is.

Issue #11 was interesting, it was shown from Clint's dog Lucky's point of view where he tries to sniff out some clues as to what happened to Grills. His investigation had him running into the tracksuit guys and Kazi. There also seems to be some kind of problem growing between Clint and Kate and although it seems unclear what they said since Lucky only understood a few words, it's clear to see that Kate and Lucky are taking off for a little bit of fun and adventure in California.

I can see why this series has been praised by fans, it's awesome. It well written with the writing being both simple and complex. There's humor commingling with drama as the Hawkeyes go from one situation to the next. I can't wait to read the third volume to see what will happen next.