Review: Dragons are the Worst! by Alex Willan

 

DRAGONS ARE THE WORST!

by Alex Willan

Simon & Schuster

Picture Book

ages 4 to 8

40 pages

COMING TOMORROW...

SEPTEMBER 7th!!!

Mo Willems meets Bob Shea in this uproariously funny picture book about Gilbert the Goblin from the creator of Unicorns Are the Worst!.

Gilbert the Goblin is absolutely, definitely, one-hundred-percent certain that dragons are the worst.

They burn down everything in sight and they hoard all the gold. They melt every ice cream cone within a mile radius, and everyone is afraid of them. But really, it’s the dragons who should be afraid of Gilbert and his tremendous goblin power!

…right?

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MY TIDBITS

Snorts, giggles and eye rolls are guaranteed when reading these pages!

This goblin has had enough when it comes to dragons. Everyone thinks they are scary and impressive, and they tend to forget how frightening and awe-inspiring goblins are. So, Gilbert the goblin is going to explain and prove how dragons aren't quite as great as everyone thinks. And while his plan backfires, it might not backfire after all.

Dragon lovers beware because this book tries to undermine everything you find awesome about the fantastical beasts. And to be honest, Gilbert is amazing in his own, little way. Humor is big in this book as the small Gilbert does his best to explain...and these are pretty logical...why dragons haven't earned their reputation. It's funny and cute and ends in a very unexpected way.

The illustrations are bright, bold and oh-so-dragon but for the intended audience level. They keep the atmosphere light and help build out the subtle humor. Goblin as well as dragon lovers will enjoy gazing through these.

Of course, there is an obvious message in these pages about learning to like yourself and embracing your own version of wonderfulness. While Gilbert explains why dragons aren't so cool, it's obvious that he's just trying to build himself up, and that his arguments really don't stand up as well as he might want them too. But this book also adds a fun twist at the end, which really raises Gilbert up and shows that anyone is capable of being amazing.

It's a fun read for more than just little dragon fans.

Review: One Tough Cookie by Sean Cusack

It's always fun to dive into something unexpected and different...and this book is exactly that. While using desserts as main characters is already a twist, this one packs messages, and then dives into a completely different direction. Is it something for everyone? Nope, but I know some readers who found the quirkiness fun.

Curious? Then, let's take a look! 

ONE TOUGH COOKIE

by Sean Cusack

Indigo River Publishing

54 pages

ages 4 to 8

Unlike his brothers and sisters, Chip— the youngest and only chocolate chip cookie in his family— doesn’t have any fun or special job like they do. Without a career to enjoy, Chip finds it hard not to be upset when each of his siblings has something that makes them special and happy. Chip grows tired of being teased by his brothers and sisters for not having a fun job, so he decides to find a job that he isn’t just good at but better at than his siblings! Unfortunately, by focusing on what he thinks he should be based on his siblings’ careers, Chip struggles to belong in any job that he tries. With the support of his mother, Éclair, Chip makes the decision to focus on himself and his dream in order to transform into what he always imagined he could be, and to show his siblings what one lone chocolate chip can do. By choosing his own path and staying more dedicated to his dream than any sibling in his family, Chip is truly able to become One Tough Cookie!

GOODREADS   /   B&N    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY    /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With bright, bold illustrations, this book inspires with a large amount of quirky fun.

Chip is a chocolate cookie and is one of many dessert siblings, but unlike his siblings, he can't seem to find his real place in life. Each of them has an awesome job, and he tries his best to see if he fits into one, too. After all, they won't stop making fun of him until he does. But none of their jobs fit him.

This is an original book with a slightly ridiculous twist, and yet, I know some young boys, who find it fun. It offers adventure, superhero amazingness, good messages, inspiration, and...well, who doesn't like a dessert? So, expect odd because this book is odd, but that's what makes it fun.

The illustrations are bright and bold and present Chip nicely. Each scene pops, is simple, and very direct. They let Chip shine and make it clear what's going on...so, kids can flip through these on their own. I was a little disappointed that Chip's siblings weren't shown in their jobs along with Chip, since it would have been nice to get to know more about them to. But it's still a colorful adventure.

The text is simple enough for the younger end of the audience. A couple pages do hold more text, which makes this one good as a read-aloud. Thanks to the larger font and placement away from the illustrations, the text is simple to find and read to a group.

Plot wise, this one packs a bunch. It begins with Chip being bullied by his siblings and wishing he could do more. He doesn't fit in and is easy to sympathize with. His desire to try to make things better is inspiring. The book, then, takes on a second level as Chip decides to become a hero...almost like two stories in one. This sudden direction will thrill superhero lovers, while those accustom to traditional books will find it different and not necessarily enjoy the sudden twist. It is original, adds a bit of excitement, and adds the amount if quirkiness to make young kids want to put on their own superhero capes and save the day.

And here's more about the author...

Sean C. Cusack, native of Chicago, IL. 

Facebook:  Sean C. Cusack

Instagram:  kal_czk81

email: ebolamania@sbcglobal.net

Book link The Lost Sock: The Lost Sock: Sean C. Cusack: 9781480954182: Amazon.com: Books

Book link One Tough Cookie: One Tough Cookie: Cusack, Sean, Hintz, Sam: 9781948080163: Amazon.com: Books

Review: Have You Seen Gordon? by Adam Jay Epstein and Ruth Chan

I'm sure more than a few of you remember the Find Waldo books, and today's review heads in a similar direction. Since I've enjoyed searching for things in pictures since my first book days, I was thrilled to get my hands on today's read.

Are you eyes ready? 

HAVE YOU SEEN GORDON?

by Adam Jay Epstein 

Illustrated by Ruth Chan

Simon and Schuster

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 28th!!!

Packed with vibrant and dizzying artwork, this hilarious story cleverly riffs on classic seek-and-find books and will have young ones laughing out loud as the narrator struggles to get the characters to play along.

Have you seen Gordon? Oh. There he is. Gordon isn’t very good at hiding, is he?

The narrator wants to play hide and seek with Gordon and the reader, but Gordon just wants to stand out. This madcap, fourth wall–breaking picture book is packed with humor and full, zany spreads with details kids will return to again and again.

GOODREADS   /    AMAZON    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY   /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

It's time to find Gordon! 

This is a search-and-find book, which offers bright and detailed illustrations with tons of looking fun. The scenes range from amusement parks to city streets, and offer all sorts of things to gaze at and find. While the first part of the book starts with simply finding Gordon (a cute, little monster-like character), it soon spreads into more.

I found it wonderful that this book grows and spices things up on the search end. While it starts with finding just Gordon in the various, packed places, it then shifts gears and has kids looking for more. Later, it ups the game again and describes different things which need to be found. This adds a bit more variety and keeps the entire thing from becoming boring. Plus, the illustrations carry lots of other surprises to keep readers coming back for more.

And there are words. Just a few short phrases introduce the pages and give beginning readers something to discover on that end...or it works to make this into a bit of a read-aloud. Plus, the ending wraps it up with warmth and a sense of friendship. This was really nice, since it made it into more than just a search book

I enjoyed reading and gazing at this one and can imagine kids will do the same...over and over again.

“Find me on Twinkl’s list of best children’s books of 2021!” 

Review: Wash Your Hands! by Margaret McNamara

 

WASH YOUR HANDS!

Robin Hill School

Ready to Read, Level One

by Margaret McNamara

Illustrated by Mike Gordon

Simon Spotlight

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 7th!!!

The first-grade class at Robin Hill School learns the best way to get rid of germs in this story of the bestselling series!

Mrs. Connor's classroom learns about washing their hands and the importance of keeping germs away! 

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

With the idea of washing hands and killing germs, this book definitely hits a current theme. But it also stretches beyond that.

The children are catching colds left and right, and they're tired of it...as is the teacher. So, she informs them that one way to help is simply to wash the hands. So, they all march to the bathroom and do exactly that.

This book is aimed at beginning readers, who are just getting a handle on their first sentences. The text is printed in a large, easy to read font with only a short sentence or so on each page. The words aren't too difficult, but a couple do encourage readers to expand their vocabulary just a little bit. Or it does work well as a read-aloud.

The illustrations are cute and bring across a lovely atmosphere. I had to smile at how dirty the kids appear (and wondered), but it adds to the theme. Each of them is cheerful, and the teacher is encouraging and supportive. 

It's a cute read, easy to identify with, and a great way to encourage reading.

Happy Book Birthday, Don't Forget To Breathe by Cathrina Constantine with Giveaway!

 This is one book I really want to shout-out to the world! It happens to come from a very sweet, author friend, who is an extremely talented writer. I haven't read a book from her yet, which I didn't enjoy.

And yep, I'll be picking this one up, too, and sharing it on here sometime before the end of the year.

DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE

by Cathrina Constantine

Publication date: September 1st 2021

YA Mystery

 

Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind. And everything fades to black.

Leo has been battling personal demons after a year of retrograde amnesia. She’s been having vivid dreams of that day. And her dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. Two more bodies are discovered and they are oddly linked to her mom’s unsolved homicide.

Leo befriends her new neighbor. He’s eager to visit Star Hallow’s notorious haunted mansion. It’s located on a deserted cul-de-sac where she once lived and where her mom was murdered. But it’s the Lucien Estate, the mansion next door to her old home, where they happen upon misty ghosts, ghosts that just might help to unravel the homicides.

Will Leo’s memories send her reeling into a relapse, or will she be able to overcome her demons to find her mother’s killer – only to become the next victim?

Goodreads / Amazon

SNEAK PEEK

The black corners of my room softened into a silvery gray. I turned my head to check the alarm clock, 4:45. I begged the heavens, “Please, let me sleep,” and smothered my head underneath my downy pillow.

A nanosecond after slamming my eyelids closed, I was immediately transported to a year ago…”

My walk down the hallway to my parents’ bedroom became sluggish. She’d been complaining of not feeling well and had stayed home from work today. Was she sick and needed to rest and forgot about the boiling water? The door was shut. I knuckled the frame softly. “Mom?”

My hand twisted the knob and inched it open. I gagged on the smell.

An awkward, half-naked body draped the mattress—porcelain skin sliced apart, and silky blonde hair fanned the floor. Dripping red blood—gobs of blood. Eyes filled with terror watched me. Dead eyes. My jaw moved. Mommm—but no sound. I shuffled a foot forward and doubled over, spewing lunch. That was when I noticed a bloody dagger next to her fingers. Forged in a peculiar camber design like something I’d see in a museum.

Arms swallowed me from behind, “I’m not going to kill you. Not yet.” Then everything faded to black.

I woke with a start and gasped. My heart ached. Struggling upright I crisscrossed my arms over my chest and gripped my shoulders. Tears sprinkled my face—sorry for my loss, sorry for myself.

And here she is...

Cathrina Constantine is an International Best Selling and Award Winning Author. Her books have won Reader's Favorite International Book Awards. New Apple Medalist Award. Literary Classics Gold and Silver Award. Literary Classics Seal of Approval. And recently 1st Place Top Shelf Award for YA/Mystery.

Cathrina loves to immerse herself in great books of every kind of genre, which helps her to write purely for entertainment, and hopefully to inspire readers. When not stationed at her computer you can find her in the woods taking long walks with her dog.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub

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