Living life as a bumbling breadbox with fur, was hardship enough for Theodore the Corgi, but when the young dog finds himself cold and alone in a frightening animal shelter, it’s clear that his struggles have only just begun. Labeled “unadoptable,” by shelter staff, Theodore mires in the gloom until a kind-eyed stranger with a pocket full of handcrafted jerky and a quirky smile, rescues him with the intent of making Theodore the newest addition to his curious Bookstore. Though overwhelmed at first, Theodore soon finds both his new friend and the odd bookstore are welcoming hosts, despite the Corgi’s run of clumsy mishaps. And while Theodore’s formerly dull and lonely life fades to memory, a new, adventurous one blooms before him—for hidden amongst the dusty stacks of books and things at the Enchanted Bookstore, waits a peculiar little man with a set of the most magical, Spectacular Spectacles imaginable.
Kristine Kibbee is a Pacific Northwest native with a love of language, nature, and animals. Kristine’s passion for creative writing began in her early youth and led her to Washington State University, where she earned a degree with a concentration in professional writing. Kristine has since had works published in The Vancougar, The Salal Review, S/tick Literary Review, and she is a featured columnist in the nationally syndicated magazine, Just Frenchies.
From the small town of Castle Rock, Washington, nestled among 22 acres of towering fir trees, Kristine relishes time spent outdoors with her two French bulldogs and one husband. She dreams of making the everyday world more magical with her fantasy novels.
Whole in the Clouds is her first middle grade novel.
Review: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles: Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore (book one) by K. Kibbee
A most lovely and delightful tale (not just for children) about a special Corgi and the special bookstore owner who adopts him. When Theodore the Corgi is taken to a shelter by an owner who no longer tolerates his joy and exuberance, he is distraught and depressed. But a young shelter worker brings a kind bookseller to visit Theodore. The results are spectacular!
Corgis are my favourite dog breed. I had to read this book when I saw one on the cover!
Theodore is a very cute puppy. I felt so sorry for him when he was left at the shelter. His owner thought he was too clumsy so she didn’t like him anymore. But luckily he was adopted by Sam, who owns a bookstore.
The narration was third person. But sometimes it gave Theodore’s perspective. Theodore noticed some things that he probably wouldn’t have recognized. For example, he saw girls walking down the street and he knew they were selling girl guide cookies. There was no reason for him to know what they were when he could just see them from across the street. It would have been funnier if he had to guess what different things were. That kind of confusion can create humour in kid’s books.
The story ended very abruptly. The “enchanting” part had just begun, and then the story ended. I was disappointed that there wasn’t more enchantment in the story since it was promised in the title.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.
I really enjoyed Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore: Tale of the Spectacular Spectacles by Kristine Kibbee. The illustrations by J H Winter were adorable.
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore is about Theodore a corgi that is abandoned at a humane shelter by his owner. Theodore was the once adored corgi living in a household without children and then one day a baby arrives. The owners do not take the time to help Theodore adjust to his new sibling, so Theodore is out. Theodore is not thriving in the shelter, however a shelter volunteer knows the right home for him. The local bookshop is looking for a 'reading dog' for children's story hour. The bookstore owner agrees that Theodore is the dog for the job and thus his happy new live begins.
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore is a chapter book for young readers. Kibbee does an great job of keeping the story moving along so the young readers stay interested in Theodore. The illustrations portray what is happening in the story and are comical.
I would highly recommend Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore by K Kibbee to readers who like: chapter books that move along at a good pace, stories about dogs, great illustrations and well written stories with an interesting plot.
Theodore is a corgi who has been given up by his owner to the shelter. He is so sad. He doesn't understand why he was given up. However, Theodore is adopted by a bookshop owner as the owner wants a reading dog. When he gets to his new home, he can't believe all the space he has to run in! However, he still runs into stuff, knocking it down but his new owner doesn't mind. Why does Theodore run into things?
I enjoyed the story as the writing was well done and the plot was good. However, I have one complaint, I didn't like the abrupt ending. I suppose it was done for the reason to make me want to read the next book which I do. Still, I can't help but think it could had ended not so abruptly. Therefore, I am giving it four stars instead of five.
Hello my lovely readers! Today’s review is of an absolutely adorable book called Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore. I received an advance reader’s copy of this and it’s probably the cutest book I’ve read this year. The writing is humorous and touching at the same time, and Theodore will certainly wadle his way into your hearts, just like he did to mine.
When Theodore, a clumsy corgi, is put in an animal shelter by his cruel owner he is heartbroken. He refuses to eat and simply relives sad memories until one day a mysterious man from a book store comes along and changes everything. Theodore is taken to the bookstore where he will be a reading dog. For the first time he has a loving home and a caring owner. Then, something truly magical happens.
This book is perfect for any young reader making the leap to chapter books. It has all the best elements of a story- love, home, magic, and cute dogs. It even has adorable hand-drawn illustrations! To any parents reading this, I suggest you head over to amazon and pick up a copy for your kid.
Final rating- 5/5
Thanks for reading my review everyone! Until next time, happy reading :)
This is delightfully cute. As an animal lover this pulled at my heart strings. I can well imagine my grandchildren enjoying the tale (tail - suitable pun!).
Theodore was a loved puppy and learned to adore his mistress. But her live changed, leaving little time for the young dog. And when a young human joined the family, Theodore found himself relegated to the cold garage. Then his human drops him off at a shelter without a backward glance.
Luckily for Theodore, a kind man find him and rescues him to be a companion in a bookstore. Theodore learns he can trust this new master and he is going to get to enjoy roaming a bookstore and sharing with children at Storytime. And that is just the beginning of the adventures for Theodore and his new friend Sam.
This is a quick read that I think would be good for children (as well as adults who are young at heart and love dogs). Theodore is thoroughly lovable and I love the idea of the spectacular spectacles introduced in this first book. I am ready for the next adventure!
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore starts out with Theodore being put in an animal shelter once his owner brings a human (a baby) into the picture. Theodore is clumsy and runs into things like his water bowl and makes messes which his owner gets upset about. While in the shelter Theodore misses his owner and lies around and won't eat because he is depressed. A worker at the shelter finds the perfect home for Theodore and his world becomes brighter. The story moves forward in a positive way and Theodore has many friends at his new home. A cute story the kids will love. I received my book in the mail in a box which I thought was cute and in line with the story. I got this for free in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Oh, goodness. I am not sure how any reader couldn't fall in love with Theodore. He is only looking for love and adoration. After experiencing an impatient owner, he finds himself in a cozy bookstore with Sam, the owner. I think these two, human and corgi, are a perfect fit. These two embark on an adventure.
I found all of the little characters in this story to be bright and wonderful. As a 38-year-old adult, I was mesmerized by the ending, so I can only imagine how it will make young readers feel. A sweet and enchanting story for sure! The illustrations are a perfect touch.
This was a Goodreads giveaway winner. The story was very cute. The dog was sent away to the pound because his human had a baby and was to busy for the little dog in her life. Theadore was heart broken. The attendant notice how sad the little dog was and tried to make friends with him. He went to the book store and told the store keeper about Theadore and how he would be a good story time dog for his shop. Magic happens that day and the dog is adopted into the mans life and the adventures begin.
I love books about dogs, I love books about books and bookstores, and I love books about magic. This book was not for me.
It seemed to be written for middle grades, although the maturity level vacillated from easy reader to adult. I just could not get interested in the book, and can not recommend it.
This review is of an advanced reader copy, so perhaps there is still some finishing that will help polish the rough bits.
Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore is a wonderful children's book written by K. Kibbee.
Theodore is a lovable character. From the moment you meet him your heart goes out to him. He faces many obstacles including finding a new master. Once he has overcome these, that's when the real adventure begins.
Truthfully, I only read this because the main character was a corgi. The book starts out rather sad with Theodore left at the shelter by his owner who just doesn't want to be bothered with him anymore. The artwork is rather juvenile, but the story segued into something bordering on cute, especially when Theodore received his magic glasses.
Adorable, heart-warming, charming, find it all in "Theodore and the Enchanted Bookstore." It is also a good read for early chapter readers, especially if they love dogs.
Wonderful book for story time. I loved reading to my children when they were little and this book is a great one for that. Grandchildren are just as good at loving story time as were their parents. This would also be a great book for those children who love to read. It would make a perfect gift.
This is a charming, short story about a Corgi. It turns out he was clumsy because he needed spectacles. The pictures in this book are adorable. My 9 year old also loved the book!
I received a complimentary copy through netgalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.
A book for those who like dogs and books. Human's best friends.
This is a story for dog lovers. If you like books, it's a plus.
The beginning of the book is heartbreaking: Theodore yearns to be loved but remains a neglected dog who is later abandoned by his owner. This is told on the dog's perspective and you can't help fell his sorrow. He is left sad and lonely in a shelter.
Then he is adopted by Sam who owns a bookstore. Later in the book, we understand that the fact that Theodore's clumsiness is due to his lack of eyesight. His thoughtful owner gets him glasses and the world changes for this lovable dog.
In the bookshop, Theodore is finally loved by Sam and the children in his reading group. With them, this wonderful corgi discovers not only his owner's kindness and patience, the children's joy, and care but also the love of books. There is also a hint of magic.
This is just the beginning of an adventure that continues in the following books.
This is a chapter book, of considerable length, not intended for very young readers. The illustrations are few and black and white, complementing the larger text. A good read for those kids transitioning from picture books.
MY THOUGHTS: I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is an amazing story. It’s one of those hidden gems that you stumble across and wonder why you’ve not heard much about it. Well, you’re in for a real treat.
A book about a sweet dog seems to be my thing lately (see Coop). When you find a book like this, you want only good things to come out of a bad situation for the main dog character. The way the author unravels this premise for the reader is so wonderful. Add a bit of magic to the fold and you have this incredible journey of discovery. I highly recommend this series to all.
The ending could have had a bit of a lead-in and rounded up a bit smoother, even if it meant adding twenty-five pages or so. The hand-drawn, black and white pictures are so beautiful and perfect for the story, I’d add five more.
The only thing I didn’t like was the blurb on the back cover. It’s hard to read in the font chosen.
You’ll fall in love with this Corgi and want more from the author, so read the next books due out.
Firstly, I received a copy of this book by winning one of Goodreads’ giveaways! So thank you for that!!
Secondly, this little book was beautiful. It was cute and heartwarming, and being a librarian myself, I found it a very applicable and relatable read :)
It’s short and to the point, and yet filled with compassion, hope, and love.