Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Book Review- LaRue Across America

By Mark Teague
Illustrated by Mark Teague
Published by Scholastic
Released on March 1st, 2011
Source- Book from publisher to review
Ages 4 & up
4 stars- It's A Fun Read

Ike's plans for a peaceful cruise with Mrs. LaRue are thwarted when their neighbor, Mrs. Hibbins, falls suddenly ill from heat stroke. Mrs. LaRue suggests that she and Ike care for her cats while Mrs. Hibbins is in the hospital, inviting them along on the cruise. But cats aren't allowed, and Mrs. LaRue decides to take them all on a week's vacation of road-tripping.

Ike begs and begs for bus fare in his letters to Mrs. Hibbins, but why does she not respond? As they drive farther and farther from the coast, his wistful dreams of a cruise fade into desperation over the desert horizon. Ike complains he is low on bones, and Mrs. LaRue is almost out of patience. It now seems that nothing short of an empty gas tank can bring this horror show of a road trip to a haulting stop. But then what?

Join Mark Teague on this wonderful romp of a road trip across America's immediately recognizable tourist destinations. Teague masterfully drives us to the story's very satisfying ending through his hilarious text and slyly smart paintings. We are left with one profound question: Can cats and dogs really be friends?! (quoted from Goodreads).

LaRue across America is a fun story that both my kids enjoyed reading. Not only does Ike have to come to terms with settling for a road trip across America vs taking his cruise with Mrs LaRue, but both of Mrs Hibbins cats are now coming with them. We all now what it's like when cats and dogs are together.... The constant bantering between Ike and the cats is comical and the illustrations that accompany each page are great.

Thank you to Scholastic, we have 1 copy of LaRue Across America we're giving away. Please fill out the form below to be entered to win-

Beyonders by Brandon Mull

Brandon Mull has a new series and book 1, Beyonders is out TODAY!

Beyonders A World Without Heroes
By Brandon Mull
Published by Aladdin (Simon and Schuster)

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable--until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.
In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.


Brandon will be at Book People on Monday, March 28th at 3 pm! I hope you see you guys there!

WINNERS!

Congratulations to our recent winners!!

#6- Sara, who won a copy of Lost on Spirit River

#19- Nancye Davis who won our Children's Box of Books giveaway!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered. We've got some more great giveaways coming up. All winners have been contacted and have 48 hrs to respond or new winners will be picked.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~