Lia Brent's Blog, page 7
January 8, 2018
Goodreads review: Sodbury Season: Books 1 – 3
Sodbury Season by David Miadovnik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The world the author creates is not unfamiliar to me (bicycles, ambulances, barbecues, etc.) so that in the magical realm of a garden cherub civilization, I can relate to Nili as if she is a human girl. I can put myself in Nili’s place and feel how she must feel being the new garden cherub in town. The details of their world are rich and imaginative and the adventure story that emerges is packed with action and peril. I would recommend...
January 6, 2018
Goodreads Review: Gianna the Great
Gianna the Great by Becky Villareal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book exceeded my expectations for a middle-grade chapter book. The little details that Gianna notices about her teacher. How Gianna relates to the “smart” kid in the genealogy club. The way the author wove multiple languages into the text (Gianna is bilingual). The real photos of genealogical “evidence.” I confess I did download the other two books in this series because I loved the character of Gianna and I just couldn’t wait t...
Goodreads Review: Aspy the Squirrel
Aspy the Squirrel: The Great Escape by James Newman II
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love all the color and movement in this first book with Aspy the Squirrel. A great read for all young kids, but especially for the ones who, like a few of my kids, aren’t always fans of the messy loudness of an everyday schoolroom.
January 3, 2018
Review: The Trick to Being Fearless and other Sally Huss books
The Trick to Being Fearless by Sally Huss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t the first book we’ve read from Sally Huss and it won’t be the last. She always has such imaginative stories and gorgeous illustrations! When reading The Trick to Being Fearless, my kids and I all identified with the family that had to be with Josiah everywhere he went in the house. This book requires you to use your imagination and “swallow” good thoughts to make you braver than you thought you could be. My oldest...
January 1, 2018
Goodreads review: Not a Stick
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Of course, a stick is never just a stick either. (See my review for the first book: Not a Box) My son was disappointed a mechanical weapon used to fight the bad guys was not a choice we see the little pig explore, but as a mom, that was fine by me! An adorable read that reminds me of the illustrations and imagination in
Harold and the Purple Crayon.
Lia
Goodreads review: Not a Box
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I saw the title, I couldn’t resist putting this on my “to read” list. My kids have big imaginations just like the little rabbit in the story. We had two huge boxes at the same time last year and of course, they insisted I help them cut out eye holes and arm holes and they had bumper box wars! After we read this book together, my son said in his serious explaining-to-grownups voice, “A box is never just a box, Mom.”
Goodreads review: Wonder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I watched the movie first with my daughter. Then I read the book because she had read the book before we watched the movie and she said the book was “just like” the movie, which we both loved. So I expected to like the book and I was not disappointed!
What I liked the most about this book (and film) is the simple message “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” I think that is an almost impossible feat for any human with the gift of sight. It’s just ha...
December 24, 2017
Goodreads review: Christmas Jokes
Although Christmas Jokes by Arnie Lightning is marketed to the 10 and under set, all ages will enjoy these puns and jokes. Some did require me to explain certain items to my child so that he would “get” the joke. (Kids nowadays are unlikely to have (view spoiler) next to their (view spoiler) and (view spoiler) in their closets!) But isn’t that what reading is supposed to do? Sneak in some learning with the entertainment? Great family fun!
December 21, 2017
Free eBook Dec. 22 and 23 on Amazon!
Tess the Princess Dress is available as a free eBook from Amazon on Friday, December 22, 2017, and Saturday, December 23, 2017.
Happy Holidays to all! Lia
