Monday, June 30, 2014

Review: Meg Mackintosh and the Case of the Curious Whale Watch by Luncinda Landon (Book 2)

Synopsis: On a whale watch, Meg tries to solve a puzzling case involving a stolen treasure map. The reader is asked to solve the mystery before Meg, using clues found in the text and illustrations.

Review: This is a clever premise. As the story progresses, the reader gets to answer questions about the clues to see if they can solve the mystery along with Meg. The story is simple enough for a young reader, but will challenge them to remember details and think about the clues. The story is a bit cheesy, but that's expected due to target age group for the book. In all, I would recommend for your kids who are into mysteries. 

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 1-8886-9501-3
Date Finished: 6-27-2014
Pages: 44

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Review: Good Children by Miao Yin-Tang


Synopsis: This is a book published in 1974 in China, under the clear direction of the Communist Party. It's an illustrated how-to manual for children on correct and proper behavior.

Review: I found this book at a thrift shop and snatched it up. It's both hilarious and terrifying. Thin and long, it has few words but many pictures, simple drawings for children done in bright colors and clear lines. Each pages has a lesson about how to behave - kindness, helpfulness, sacrifice - illustrated with a sentence and the pictures.

For example:
 

This is SO clearly communist propaganda, and yet, who can disagree with teaching kids these sort of things? Other than the message, I also enjoyed the different structure of the book - the shape, the semi-comic strip format, the use of pictures to tell a story. It's a interesting book and I'm glad I picked it up.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: N/A
Date Published: 1974
Date Finished: 6-27-2014
Pages: 9


Friday, June 27, 2014

Review: Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall

Synopsis: The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn't be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide -  quick -  comes to the rescue with her wand, some face paint, and a bucket of worms. Will they end up in trouble? Maybe. Will they have fun .Of course! (from the back of the book)

Review: This was a delightful book! Bean is a rowdy, active, wild child, while Ivy is thoughtful, imaginative and gentle. I adored the contrast! I enjoyed how the two meet, the adventure that ensued and their friendship. I laughed out loud at least twice - always a good thing. I highly recommend this book for the 5-7 crowd.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

Date Read: 6-19-2014 
ISBN: 978--8118-4909-8

Pages: 120

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Review: 100 Fathoms Under by John Blaine (Rick Brant Electronic Adventure, Book 4)

Synopsis: Rick and Scotty accompany Rick's father and the other Spindrift scientists on a mission to study and document an underwater Temple. But a treacherous crew, murderous natives and stormy waters may end the mission - and their lives!

Review: I enjoyed this one. Less cheesy that the others, it felt more mature. My only qualm is the stereotyped natives - the cannibals, the jolly cook, stowaway - but considering the book was published in 1947, it makes sense. As for the plot, it actually made sense. I enjoyed how the characters used science to get out of several situations - and it actually felt legitimate! In the end, I enjoyed this novel.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: None
Date Published: 1947
Date Finished: 6-16-2014
Pages: 209



Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Review: Sea Gold by John Blaine (Rick Brant Electronic Adventure, Book 3)

Synopsis: Rick and Scotty take a summer job at a new factory on the coast - one that promises to use science to harvest much needed minerals for seawater. But someone doesn't want the factory to succeed, turning to town against the owner and sabotaging the plant. Can Rick and Scotty find out who is responsibility - before that person kills them?

Review: Once again, I enjoyed this cheesy adventure. The outlandish antics, the improbably plot line, the do-daring and dashing heroics - all splendid! The only part I found a bit - odd - was the part where Rick and Scotty were set adrift in the ocean. It felt a bit dark and yet, unrealistic. However, it was a fine B-adventure story.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: None
Date Published: 1947
Date Read: 6-2-2014
Pages: 207

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Review: The Lost City by John Blaine (A Rick Brant Electronic Adventure, Book 2)

Synopsis: Rick Brant and company are off to Tibet to set up a radio relay. But someone doesn't want them to complete their project. They will face the dangers of foreign customs, sabotage, mountainous terrain and other dangers untold. Will they succeed in their mission or are they doomed to fail!

Review: The second in the Rick Brant series is just as delightfully cheesy as the first. The stereotypes of the people in India, the lost city of ancient Mongols, the gold and danger and narrow escapes using science and the timely intervention of the ever loyal boy from India. I enjoy reading these books if for no other reason than that cheesy goodness.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: N/N
Date Published: 1947
Date Finished: 5-31-2014
Pages: 209

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Review: The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo by Judy Blume

Synopsis: Lately second grader Freddy Dissel has that left-out kind of feeling. Life can be lonely when you're the middle kid in the family who feels like "the peanut butter part of a sandwich," squeezed between an older brother and little sister. But now for the first time it's Freddy's chance to show everyone how special he is and, most of all, prove it to himself! (from the back of the book)

Review: I read this book once many years, but didn't remember until I saw the pictures. Amy Aitken's delightful illistrations enhances the story. I enjoyed ready about how Freddy Dissel found a way to be himself and to come to terms with being the overlooked one. This is an excellent book to read to young kids who may feel they get lost in the shuffle. I highly recommend.

Bookmark: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 0-440-46731-4
Date Finished: 5-31-2014
Pages: 39

Monday, June 2, 2014

Review: Wonder Woman: Contagion by Gail Simone, Nicola Scott and Fernando Dagnino

Synopsis: Gail Simone continues her acclaimed run on WONDER WOMAN with this collection! Gail Simone and fan-favorite artist Nicola Scott reunite for this explosive tale featuring the stunning return of a star-spanning threat from Diana's past! Meanwhile, five mysterious young men with a dark and terrible secret have arrived on Paradise Island with one mission: To kill Wonder Woman! Guest-starring the Green Lantern Corps

Review: This is one of my first Wonder Woman graphic novels. While the stories where good, the way they were presented left too many holes, too many lose ends and unanswered questions. The coloring and drawings were excellent and I enjoyed the characters and the plots. If not for the loose ends, these two stories would be excellent.

Bookmarks: 6 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1-4012-2920-7
Date Finished: 3-26-2014
Pages: 68