Heather James's Blog, page 32
July 12, 2017
Why We Love: Use Your Imagination
I had been eyeing this one up in Waterstones for a while, so was pleased when I found it in the library. Use Your Imagination is the story of a bored little bunny rabbit and the wolf who offers to help entertain him with a story. A story where rabbit is the hero and wolf is the bad guy. Can rabbit use his imagination to get himself out of a tricky situation before it's too late?
We had a lot of fun reading Use Your Imagination. We especially liked the end and the large, pull out page.
Noisy Crow also includes a QR at the front of the book which will take you to an audio version of the story. This was a really interesting way to enjoy the story and was useful after I'd already read so many books that my voice was beginning to go!
July 5, 2017
Why We Love: Rain
Rain is a story about patience, and learning that waiting for the right time to enjoy something can make it even more fun. It is a story that any child who has been stuck inside watching rain pour down the window outside will be able to relate to and the beautiful artwork makes it a real treat to read.
July 1, 2017
The Crown
The Crown by Keira Cass
When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined. {goodreads summary}
The final novel in the selection series was everything I hoped it would be.
As with the Heir, I really enjoyed seeing the selection process turned on its head. Eadlyn is a great character and the outcome of her selection is exactly what I wanted. I'm really disappointed that this series has come to an end, but I can't wait to see what Cass works on next.
“Maybe it's not the first kisses that are supposed to be special. Maybe it's the last ones.”
The boys in the selection were well developed and even though I had a strong favourite, I still really liked the rest and cared about what happened to them at the end. Probably due to the change in perspective, it felt as though there was less animosity in the group than in America's selection.
“I’m Eadlyn Schreave, and no one in the world is as powerful as me,” I blurted without thought.
He nodded. “Damn right you are.”
I also enjoyed Eadlyn's character development in this book, although she was still flawed at the end (which is great because perfect YA heroines can get a bit annoying - I like someone I can find fault with).
“It was a delicious feeling, falling in love. I'd had so many luxuries in my life, and I thought I'd had a taste of this before, but I realized now it was merely a cheap imitation of something not meant to be imitated in the first place.”
The world building and politics is really strong and had me thinking about the way realms are ruled in YA novels for some time after I'd finished reading. I wonder what the obsession with monarchies is? Interestingly, fantasy seems to be the home of kings and queens, while dystopia and sci-fi are normally ruled by dictators. Politics is such an integral part of so many YA novels, which is one of the reasons I love YA books so much, but it would be great to see more democracies represented in YA fiction - especially as they can have just as many flaws as monarchies and dictatorships, and I think discussing these would be of real value to teenage readers; particularly in the current political climate.
When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined. {goodreads summary}
The final novel in the selection series was everything I hoped it would be.
As with the Heir, I really enjoyed seeing the selection process turned on its head. Eadlyn is a great character and the outcome of her selection is exactly what I wanted. I'm really disappointed that this series has come to an end, but I can't wait to see what Cass works on next.
“Maybe it's not the first kisses that are supposed to be special. Maybe it's the last ones.”
The boys in the selection were well developed and even though I had a strong favourite, I still really liked the rest and cared about what happened to them at the end. Probably due to the change in perspective, it felt as though there was less animosity in the group than in America's selection.
“I’m Eadlyn Schreave, and no one in the world is as powerful as me,” I blurted without thought.
He nodded. “Damn right you are.”
I also enjoyed Eadlyn's character development in this book, although she was still flawed at the end (which is great because perfect YA heroines can get a bit annoying - I like someone I can find fault with).
“It was a delicious feeling, falling in love. I'd had so many luxuries in my life, and I thought I'd had a taste of this before, but I realized now it was merely a cheap imitation of something not meant to be imitated in the first place.”
The world building and politics is really strong and had me thinking about the way realms are ruled in YA novels for some time after I'd finished reading. I wonder what the obsession with monarchies is? Interestingly, fantasy seems to be the home of kings and queens, while dystopia and sci-fi are normally ruled by dictators. Politics is such an integral part of so many YA novels, which is one of the reasons I love YA books so much, but it would be great to see more democracies represented in YA fiction - especially as they can have just as many flaws as monarchies and dictatorships, and I think discussing these would be of real value to teenage readers; particularly in the current political climate.
June 28, 2017
Why We Love: Fabulous Pie
We first discovered Fabulous Pie on CBeebies story time, where it was read by Nadiya Hussain. This funny, repetitive story appealed to my little girl straight away and we watched it every night that it remained on iPlayer. I was really excited when I found it on my next trip to the library, so we could continue to read it during the day.
Fabulous Pie tells the story of a very bad bear, who bakes a very big pie. But what is he planning to put inside it? The berries, honey and fish collected for him by helpful woodland animals, or something much more sinister?
Fabulous Pie is really fun to read aloud and for weeks afterwards, you'll find yourself quoting it every time someone mentions pie!
June 14, 2017
Why We Love: Archie
This one is a bit different to the sorts of picture books I'd normally get and was actually one my daughter picked out by herself. Archie doesn't have many words, leaving you to discuss the pictures as you go to tell the story. My husband's expression quickly changed from puzzled - when he opened the book and realised there was nothing to read - to dismayed when I told him he needed to talk about what he could see happening and discuss it with our daughter! However, I found it made a refreshing change, as I sometimes feel like the rhythm of a story is so strong you can't keep breaking it to talk about the pictures.
Archie is the story of an anthropomorphic dog who is sent a sewing machine and becomes an instant success as fashion designer for all of the other dogs (and their pets) in the area. By the end, he is exhausted and in need of a holiday, but on the final page he gets a call from a client far too important to refuse!
June 7, 2017
Why We Love: Nothing
Whenever Lila's mother asks her what she's up to, Lila replies 'nothing'. She might look like she's messing with a scarf and mittens, but she's really battling a sea monster, and when she's whizzing along on her scooter, she's actually a fearsome charioteer travelling faster than the wind. Nothing is a beautiful look into a child's imagination, and a brilliant reminder that you don't need fancy toys to have fun.
This is our second Yasmin Ismail picture book, as we already have (and frequently read) I'm a Girl. The art work is very similar and the words have a familiar rhythm and flow. I think I prefer this to I'm a Girl as it's a bit easier to read aloud - I sometimes stumble over quite how I should be saying all the 'I'm a Girl's and would love to see a YouTube video of someone else reading it.
Nothing is another library book we'll be disappointed to return. I have a horrible feeling our library trip is going to have turned into research for a big book order!
May 31, 2017
Why We Love: The Lion Inside
Another brilliant library book! The Lion Inside is one that has popped up in my Amazon recommendations a few times, so it was great to get to read it.
The Lion Inside follows a quiet, often overlooked, mouse on his quest to speak up and be noticed - and who could teach him to be loud better than a lion?
It has cute artwork and a lovely rhythm, which makes it a lot of fun to read. I like the varied use of typography too, as it places emphasis on certain words. Bravery, friendship and self-confidence also all play an important role in bringing depth to this lovely story.
It's been the favourite of the books my daughter borrowed from the library and we will be very sorry to return it.
May 30, 2017
Crooked Kingdom
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Welcome to the world of the Grisha.
After pulling off a seemingly impossible heist in the notorious Ice Court, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker feels unstoppable. But life is about to take a dangerous turn—and with friends who are among the deadliest outcasts in Ketterdam city, Kaz is going to need more than luck to survive in this unforgiving underworld. {goodreads summary}
Brilliant heists, amazing characters and a curve ball at the end that I didn't see coming.
“You aren’t a flower, you’re every blossom in the wood blooming at once. You are a tidal wave. You’re a stampede. You are overwhelming.”
Crooked Kingdom follows Kaz and his band of criminal teenagers as they attempt to rescue Inej, reclaim the money Van Eck swindled from them and bring down Pekka Rollins. And they attempt it all with schemes, teamwork and a healthy dose of magic.
“Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too. They don’t forget. They tell each other who to look after and who to watch out for.”
It was really interesting to see the subtle progression in Kaz and Inej's relationship. Their final chapter together was sweet and also felt realistic given everything they have gone through. Crooked Kingdom had romantic plot lines without the romance having to be at the centre of its characters every action. They were free to act on their individual dreams and wishes as well as forming relationships.
“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together-knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting.”
I really liked the inclusion of characters from the Grisha trilogy and the part they played in the narrative. Bardugo has brought her two series' together seamlessly and Crooked Kingdom is a spin off which is faithful to the original world, but moves the story in an entirely fresh direction.
“Jesper couldn’t quite believe he was having a conversation with the Sturmhond. The privateer was a legend. He’d broken countless blockades on behalf of the Ravkans and there were rumors that… “Do you really have a flying ship? blurted Jesper.
“No.”
“Oh.”“I have several.”“Take me with you.”
Spoilers ahead: Veronica Roth and George RR Martin have a lot to answer for. However, I do love that I no longer read YA expecting all of the major characters to make it through to the end of the series.
Welcome to the world of the Grisha.
After pulling off a seemingly impossible heist in the notorious Ice Court, criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker feels unstoppable. But life is about to take a dangerous turn—and with friends who are among the deadliest outcasts in Ketterdam city, Kaz is going to need more than luck to survive in this unforgiving underworld. {goodreads summary}
Brilliant heists, amazing characters and a curve ball at the end that I didn't see coming.
“You aren’t a flower, you’re every blossom in the wood blooming at once. You are a tidal wave. You’re a stampede. You are overwhelming.”
Crooked Kingdom follows Kaz and his band of criminal teenagers as they attempt to rescue Inej, reclaim the money Van Eck swindled from them and bring down Pekka Rollins. And they attempt it all with schemes, teamwork and a healthy dose of magic.
“Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too. They don’t forget. They tell each other who to look after and who to watch out for.”
It was really interesting to see the subtle progression in Kaz and Inej's relationship. Their final chapter together was sweet and also felt realistic given everything they have gone through. Crooked Kingdom had romantic plot lines without the romance having to be at the centre of its characters every action. They were free to act on their individual dreams and wishes as well as forming relationships.
“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together-knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting.”
I really liked the inclusion of characters from the Grisha trilogy and the part they played in the narrative. Bardugo has brought her two series' together seamlessly and Crooked Kingdom is a spin off which is faithful to the original world, but moves the story in an entirely fresh direction.
“Jesper couldn’t quite believe he was having a conversation with the Sturmhond. The privateer was a legend. He’d broken countless blockades on behalf of the Ravkans and there were rumors that… “Do you really have a flying ship? blurted Jesper.
“No.”
“Oh.”“I have several.”“Take me with you.”
Spoilers ahead: Veronica Roth and George RR Martin have a lot to answer for. However, I do love that I no longer read YA expecting all of the major characters to make it through to the end of the series.
May 26, 2017
CBeebies Bedtime Stories
My daughter doesn't really watch kids TV yet, but recently we decided to introduce CBeebies bedtime stories into her evening routine, as it seemed like a good way for us to discover new books without having to spend a small fortune buying them all! Here's a quick round up of the one's we've enjoyed best so far:
You're All My Favourites A great message for siblings. Three bears question which of them their parents' loves the most, and the mummy and daddy bear have some great answers.
Captain Jack and the Dragon Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (We're Going on a Bear Hunt) so the art work is adorable. I loved this story and it was great hearing it read aloud by Simon Callow.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days This one I might actually buy so we can keep reading it. It's a great story about having out of control emotions and how to deal with them - perfect for toddlers with a tendency to throw dramatic tantrums!
We've also loved the Very Busy Spider and My Mum has X-Ray Vision.
This week, they've actually done two stories we own - Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo, and Marmaduke the Very Different Dragon. It's really interesting getting to hear stories you've read on repeat in a different way, with different emphasis and voices.
You can catch up on any stories you've missed on the CBeebies website. If you watch them too, which ones have been your favourites?
You're All My Favourites A great message for siblings. Three bears question which of them their parents' loves the most, and the mummy and daddy bear have some great answers.
Captain Jack and the Dragon Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (We're Going on a Bear Hunt) so the art work is adorable. I loved this story and it was great hearing it read aloud by Simon Callow.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days This one I might actually buy so we can keep reading it. It's a great story about having out of control emotions and how to deal with them - perfect for toddlers with a tendency to throw dramatic tantrums!
We've also loved the Very Busy Spider and My Mum has X-Ray Vision.
This week, they've actually done two stories we own - Zoe and Beans: Where is Binky Boo, and Marmaduke the Very Different Dragon. It's really interesting getting to hear stories you've read on repeat in a different way, with different emphasis and voices.
You can catch up on any stories you've missed on the CBeebies website. If you watch them too, which ones have been your favourites?
May 24, 2017
Why We Love: Tidy
Last week I finally managed to get the little ones registered at our local library and we borrowed a selection of lovely picture books while we were there, one of which was Tidy, by Emily Gravett.
This is the second Garvett picture book we have read, as we got Where's Bear in a Bookstart pack.
Tidy is a funny, clever story that follows a badger called Pete on his quest to make the forest tidy. It wasn't at all what I expected from its title, however, as Pete is interested in tidying far more than just litter! As a result, the story contains an important message about the vital role trees and natural spaces play in allowing the world around us to thrive.
Tidy is a really lovely book and I would definitely recommend it.
