Wednesday, September 28, 2016

PERIWINKLE'S JOURNEY by Judy Peterson-Fleming and Suzy Spafford


By: Judy Peterson-Fleming
Illustrated by: Suzy Spafford
Published by: Blue Sneaker Press
Released on: September 9th, 2016
Ages: 4 & up
Purchase from: Amazon 
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review


Periwinkle has lived her whole life in Australia, surrounded by other blue penguins just like her. However, when she gets an invitation to her cousin Crystal’s birthday party in Antarctica, she realizes she looks different than the rest of her black-and-white cousins. With some encouragement from her mother, who tells her “it’s what’s inside that matters”, Periwinkle sets out on an adventure to Antarctica to meet the rest of her family and learns to appreciate what makes her unique along the way.

Children will want to cuddle up with the adorable animals depicted in Spafford’s full-color illustrations, from penguins to koalas to albatrosses to whales, as they read this entertaining and educational tale. Young readers will learn about the 17 types of penguins, illustrated by Periwinkle’s numerous cousins, as well as discover fun facts such as their inability to fly, penchant for rock collecting, and variety of habitats from Australia to Antarctica to the Galápagos (but not the North Pole, where the polar bears live!). Periwinkle makes many new friends on her journey to the South Pole, and along the way discovers the depths of her own bravery as well as the important truth that what makes us different also makes us special.

PERIWINKLE'S JOURNEY is simply adorable! It's cute story with beautifully illustrations, and a great message about being different and the importance of being happy with who you are. Did I mention it's cute?  After all this is a story  about a cute little blue penguin named Periwinkle (and possibly a few other penguins). 

Out of the 17 different species of Penguins that live around the world, Periwinkle is not only the smallest, she's the only one that's blue. When she receives an invitation to attend her cousins's birthday party in Antartica, Periwinkle will not only meet other family members, and new friends, you'll realize that being different is not only a wonderful thing, it's what makes her special. She doesn't need to look like her famous black and white cousins to fit in. She also realizes that her family and friends love her just the way she is. 

The wonderful thing about this book is that it's not only a great story, it's also educational. When Periwinkle goes on her journey around the globe to pick up various family members on her way to Antartica, readers get to learn about the 17 different species of penguins found through the world, and where they live. And yes, I learned something new too. Periwinkle's family is real. Not only are they smallest penguins in the world, they really are blue, and they live in Australia. 

We loved reading this story! The illustrations are as adorable as the story itself. Which didn't surprise me, because all of Suzy Stappford's illustrations are cute, and it's nearly impossible not to fall in love with Periwinkle. With it's cute story, heartwarming message, and education elements, this is one book we'd recommend adding to your own personal library. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Jim Henson's LABYRINTH Tales by Cory Godbey / Book Review #Labyrinth


Written & Illustrated by: Cory Godbey 
Published by: Archaia, an imprint of Boom! Studios
Released on: September 27th, 2016 - TODAY
Reading Level: 1st grade & up
Purchase from: the PublisherAmazon | B&N | The Book Depository 
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 stars - We Loved It
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

In this children's storybook, experience the endlessly imaginative world of Jim Henson's Labyrinth, through the eyes of it's most fantastical and beloved characters! 

Witness a day in the life of Sir Didymus, the recklessly heroic fox-terrier; Ludo, the lovable oaf; Hoggle, an ever-loyal companion; and others as they play games, work together, and revel in the magic of the Labyrinth. 

Written and gorgeously illustrated by acclaimed children's book illustrator Cory Godbey, Jim Henson's Labyrinth Tales, takes readers deep into the adventure where magic knows no bounds. 

Now fans can relive the magic, adventure and wonder of Jim Henson's Labyrinth world, over and over again. This book is not only a great way to introduce readers to this beloved world and characters, it's wonderful being able to revisit this world through each of the tales. 

This book is a visually stunning! Godbey did an amazing job at bringing this book to life not only in the way he wrote it, but with his beautifully illustrations as well. He captured the look, and feel of not only the world of Labyrinth, but each of the characters as well. This book is a stunning compliment to the movie.

I love that each tale is told from the point of view of each of the characters. I think I may have fallen in love with them even more. What a beautiful tribute to the 30th anniversary of Labyrinth. This book is a must have for Labyrinth fans all ages! Now I need to go rematch this movie. 

I'd highly recommend this book, which is out in both book stores and comic book stores.

Monday, September 26, 2016

THE INQUISITOR'S TALE by Adam Gidwitz / Blog Tour: Book Review


Hello and welcome to the first stop in THE INQUISITOR'S TALE blog tour, hosted by Penguin Kids. I'm so thrilled be to be apart of this tour. This book is so good! If you're looking for a great MG book to pick up, pick up this one!

ABOUT THE BOOK 




By: Adam Gidwitz
Illustrated by: Hatem Aly
Published by: Dutton
To Be Released on: September 27th, 2016
Ages: 10 & up
Purchase from: the PublisherAmazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Stars - I Loved It
Source: signed arc received from publisher at BEA

1242. On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children. Their adventures take them on a chase through France: they are taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. On the run to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned, their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, where all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints.
 
Join William, an oblate on a mission from his monastery; Jacob, a Jewish boy who has fled his burning village; and Jeanne, a peasant girl who hides her prophetic visions. They are accompanied by Jeanne’s loyal greyhound, Gwenforte . . . recently brought back from the dead. In a style reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales, our narrator collects their stories and the saga of these three unlikely allies begins to come together. 

Beloved bestselling author Adam Gidwitz makes his long awaited return with his first new world since his hilarious and critically acclaimed Grimm series. Featuring manuscript illuminations throughout by illustrator Hatem Aly and filled with Adam’s trademark style and humor, The Inquisitor’s Tale is bold storytelling that’s richly researched and adventure-packed.


A must read! Adam Gidwitz is a masterful storyteller. He effortlessly combines medieval history with a daring adventure, humor and unforgettable characters. This is one of those books that not only appeals to it's targeted middle grade audience, it's a great read for older readers as well. 


This book took my on a journey, and I loved it! I went on a journey with some incredible characters. I felt their sorrows, their hope, loved watching their friendships blossom, and saw them over come so many trials. Things aren't easy for these three. They dwelt with a lot, and grew tremendously in the process. I loved every moment I spent with them. 

I love the way Gidwitz wrote this story. He has woven together history, and philosophy in a very appealing way. This book has it all, and I seriously loved it! It's apparent Gidwitz definitely did a lot of research with this book. 
Being a huge history fan, I love the detailed historical notes and bibliography that Adam has included at the end of the book. 


The voice in this book is awesome, or should I say voices. The multiple points of view narrative is fantastically written! I've not read another book told from so many points of views, and done so, so perfectly. Each point of view adds so much to this story. I love the characters in this book. They're well rounded, three dimensional characters. The narration of the story was definitely one of my favorite things about this book. 


flew through this book, it was so good! It's definitely one of those addicting reads. Once you pick it up, there's no putting it down. The way the tales are all intwined is fantastic. I'm going to be shocked if this book doesn't receive some sort of medal. It definitely deserves one. I for one, loved it! Definitely worth picking up!




BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, 9/26: Green Bean Teen Queen (Review)
Monday, 9/26: MundieKids (Review)
Tuesday, 9/27Books 4 Your Kids (Review)
Tuesday, 9/27Novel Novice (Guest Post)
Wednesday, 9/28Read Write Reflect (Review)
Wednesday, 9/28The Reading Nook (Guest Post)
Thursday, 9/29Imagination Soup (Review)
Thursday, 9/29Middle Grade Mafioso (Guest Post)
Friday, 9/30All The Wonders (Podcast) 
Friday, 9/30: Book Blather (Review)

Friday, September 23, 2016

FRAZZLED: Everyday Disaster and Impending Doom by Booki Vivat / Blog Tour: Book Review


Hello and welcome to the next stop on the FRAZZLED blog tour! I am so thrilled to share my review for this fantastic middle grade book! Seriously, if you haven't already, add this one to your TBR lists! Check out my 5 star review below, and don't forget to enter the giveaway below. 

ABOUT FRAZZLED


By: Booki Vivat
Published by: Harper Collins
To Be Released on: September27th, 2016
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I LOVED It!
I received an arc of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

Meet Abbie Wu! She’s about to start middle school and she’s totally in crisis.

Abbie Wu is in crisis—and not just because she’s stuck in a family that doesn’t quite get her or because the lunch ladies at school are totally corrupt or because everyone seems to have a “Thing” except her. Abbie Wu is in crisis always.

Heavily illustrated and embarrassingly honest, Frazzled dives right into the mind of this hilariously neurotic middle school girl as she tries to figure out who she is, where she belongs, and how to survive the everyday disasters of growing up. With Abbie’s flair for the dramatic and natural tendency to freak out, middle school has never seemed so nerve-racking!

Packed with hilarious black-and-white illustrations and doodles throughout, Frazzled takes readers through Abbie Wu’s hysterical middle school adventures.


It doesn't matter if you were in middle school over a million years ago (you'll get why I said that when you read the book), or only a few years ago, there's something about Abbie Wu that you'll love. She'll make you laugh about the things you thought were earth shattering when you were in MS, and if you're just entering MS, than this book is most definitely for you! Abbie will make you feel like you're not alone. Trust me, her story is packed with humor, truth, and maybe a little advice. 

Abbie Wu isn't the only thing I loved about this book. I not only loved the way Vivat wrote her debut book, I absolutely love Vivat's sketches. 


This book is fabulous! I wish I had, had Abbie Wu's story when I was entering middle school. I can't wait for my middle schooler to read it. 

ADVICE FROM THE BOOK



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Booki Vivat has been doodling somewhat seriously since 2011 and not-so-seriously since childhood. She grew up in Southern California and graduated from the University of California, San Diego. She currently works in publishing and lives in Brooklyn, New York. This is her first novel. Follow her on Twitter @thebookiv and on Instagram @bookibookibooki.

LINKS: Website | Twitter | Instagram


ENTER TO WIN

We're giving away 3 Finished Copies of FRAZZLED (US Only) during the tour!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e29d475191/

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Week 2:

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

OTTER GOES TO SCHOOL by Sam Garton / Book Review


By: Sam Garton
Published by: Balzer & Bray
Released on: June 14th, 2016
Ages: 3 & up
Purchase from: the Publisher | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - We Loved It!
* I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review

Otter—the irrepressible picture book character from I Am OtterOtter in Space, and Otter Loves Halloween!, sure to be adored by fans of Llama Llama—goes to school for the first time!


In Otter Goes to School, Otter starts her own school for Teddy, Giraffe, and the rest of her friends. They have a great teacher and do lots of fun things together . . . until Teddy says he doesn’t like school anymore. Luckily, Otter Keeper comes to the rescue and teaches everyone the best lesson of all! 


This book is simply adorable! It's perfect for Otter fans of all ages, whether they're in school or not. It's a great book for readers of all ages. Here on Mundie Kids, we're huge big fans of Otter's stories, but this is one just may be our favorite Otter book yet. We loved it. Imaginative play, a few laughs, a great message, and really cute illustrations make this book a must have!

After learning about school from Otter Keeper, Otter decides she wants to play school with her friends Teddy, Giraffe and Piggy. They learn math, music, have lunch, and do art. When they do something really good, Otter teacher gives them gold stars. Something is wrong with Teddy. When Otter can't figure out how to help him, she decides to it's time to have a parent-teacher conference with Otter Keeper. During that conference she learns something really important. Everyone is good at something.


Not only did we really enjoy this story, we loved the illustrations. Otter and friends are getting cuter and cuter with each book. This book is one readers will love spending time looking at the pictures, as much as they will love having the story read to them. If you haven't yet met Otter, I'll warn you now, Otter is a lovable, unforgettable character who will always puts a smile on our face. 



Otter Goes To School is a book that's perfect for all libraries, including those at home, and in the classroom. I'd highly recommend picking this one up! There's much more to learn about Otter and friends, here.


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

THE BFG by Roald Dahl / Blog Tour: Book Review / Giveaway #RoaldDahl100


Today marks the 100th birthday of beloved author, Roald Dahl. I'm thrilled to team up with Penguin Kids to celebrate Roald Dahl all month long here on Mundie Kids. Today I'm thrilled to be the next stop in the Roald Dahl blog tour. Today's feature is my review for one of my childhood favorites, THE BFG. Below you'll find my review, and a giveaway! First, here's a little bit about the book:


By: Roald Dahl
Illustrated by: Quentin Blake 
Published by: Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux
Released on: November 1st, 1982 (1st published on)
Ages: 8 & up
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
Source: I received book from publisher in exchange for my honest review

'Human beans is not really believing in giants, is they? Human beans is not thinking we exist.' On a dark, silvery moonlit night, Sophie is snatched from her bed by a giant. Luckily it is the Big Friendly Giant, the BFG, who only eats snozzcumbers and glugs frobscottle. But there are other giants in Giant Country. Fifty foot brutes who gallop far and wide every night to find human beans to eat. Can Sophie and her friend the BFG stop them?


The BFG was one of my favorite books as a kid. I remember when my 5th grade teacher first read this book out loud to us. There was something about this story, and it's pairing of two unlikely friends, and the imaginative world Dahl created, that really stuck with me. He created this 'what if' scenario that intrigued me. I also loved that out of all the dreadful giants, there was one who not only wasn't like them, he proved to be so much more than they saw in him. It was easy to like the BFG as much as Sophie did.


Reading this book now as an adult, was just as fun as reading it when I was a kid. It brought back some of the initial thoughts I first had when I had the book read to me. The BFG is a classic. Dahl combines humor, imagination, wit, and a message we can all take to heart. This book has been enjoyed for generations, and I hope will continue to be enjoyed for many more generations. 


A masterful storyteller, Roald Dahl's stories are ones that resonate with readers of all ages. His stories are ones that if you grew up reading as a kid, you love reading with your children now. In celebrating Roald Dahl this month, I highly recommend picking up one of your favorite Dahl books to read, whether for your own enjoyment or to introduce a young reader to. 



About ROALD DAHL


Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was one of the world’s most imaginative, successful and beloved storytellers. He was born in Wales of Norwegian parents and spent much of his childhood in England. After establishing himself as a writer for adults with short story collections such as Kiss Kiss and Tales of the Unexpected, Roald Dahl began writing children's stories in 1960 while living with his family in both the U.S. and in England. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated. 

Roald Dahl’s first children’s story, The Gremlins, was a story about little creatures that were responsible for the various mechanical failures on airplanes. The Gremlins came to the attention of both First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who loved to read the story to her grandchildren, and Walt Disney, with whom Roald Dahl had discussions about the production of a movie. 

Roald Dahl was inspired by American culture and by many of the most quintessential American landmarks to write some of his most memorable passages, such as the thrilling final scenes in James and the Giant Peach - when the peach lands on the Empire State Building! Upon the publication of James and the Giant Peach, Roald Dahl began work on the story that would later be published as Charlie and the Chocolate Factoryand today, Roald Dahl’s stories are available in 58 languages and, by a conservative estimate, have sold more than 200 million copies. 

Roald Dahl also enjoyed great success for the screenplays he wrote for both the James Bond film You Only Live Twice in 1967 and for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, released one year later, which went on to become a beloved family film.  Roald Dahl’s popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans.  


Two charities have been founded in Roald Dahl’s memory: the first charity, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, created in 1991, focuses on making life better for seriously ill children through the funding of specialist nurses, innovative medical training, hospitals, and individual families across the UK. 

The second charity, The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre – a unique cultural, literary and education hub – opened in June 2005 in Great Missenden where Roald Dahl lived and wrote many of his best-loved works. 10% of income from Roald Dahl books and adaptations are donated to the two Roald Dahl charities. 

On September 13, 2006, the first national Roald Dahl Day was celebrated, on what would have been the author’s 90th birthday. The event proved such a success that Roald Dahl Day is now marked annually all over the world. September 13, 2016 is Roald Dahl 100, marking 100 years since the birth of the world’s number one storyteller. There will be celebrations for Roald Dahl 100 throughout 2016, delivering a year packed with gloriumptious treats and surprises for everyone.


ENTER TO WIN
1 winner can pick 5 books from the Roald Dahl collection! US Only.

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Don't miss tomorrow's stop at Stuck In Books.

Monday, September 12, 2016

THE BRONZE KEY by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black / Book Review


By: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Published by: Scholastic
Released onSeptember 6th, 2016
Series: Magisterium #3
Ages: 9 & up
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
Rating: 5 Owlets - I Loved It
Source: purchased

Magic can save you
Magic can kill you
It should be a time of celebration. The Enemy of Death is dead; a severed head proof of his downfall. The magical world has no reason to believe otherwise, and Callum, Tamara and Aaron are celebrated as heroes.
But at a party held in their honour, things go horribly, brutally wrong. A fellow student is callously murdered, and it seems Call’s worst fears are confirmed: there is a spy in the Magisterium.
No one is safe.
Now, using the powerful magic they’ve been taught, the trio must risk their lives to track down the killer. But magic is dangerous – in the wrong hands it could bring terrible destruction. And reveal the deadliest secret of all . . .

Guest Review from Emmaly

I am not a large reader of Middle Grade any more, my kids are now both teens. But I still like to read it when I can, especially when I’m a fan of the author.  Holly Black is the queen of Middle Grade. She just seems to get that age of limbo between childhood and adolescence, when everything is awkward and the relationships between boys and girls is often confusing.  Cassandra Clare has an amazing way with with words and the conversations her characters have are LOL hilarious. The magic comes when you put the two together! (did you see what I did there - magic!)

This is book 3 in the series picking up where we left off with Call and his friends about to start their 3rd year at the Magisterium.  Call and Aaron are special Chaos Mages so they are attracting a lot of attention from both kids and adults alike.  This isn’t alway positive attention with a student dead and a spy at the Magisterium trying to hurt Call. The trio with the not always welcome help of Jasper, set out to find out who the spy is.

I love the characters in this story, and how Call Tamara and Aaron look out for each other and help each other, even if they have doubts. This is a strange time for them, someone is trying to kill Call and they are still coming to terms with their powerful magic. And to complicate things a girl might like Call, but he isn’t sure if he likes her back or what to do about it.  A lot of stuff for MG readers to relate to here! I love how funny some of the dialogue is. How we have characters like Jasper who we don’t like so much but also can’t help but love at the same time. And you have to love Tamara. She doesn’t let not being a Makar get in her way,  in fact she uses it to her advantage.

Although the world at first glance seems like one we have read before in many books, Black and Clare still put their own spin on it and then turn it on it’s head. I did promise no spoilers here but the ending is a real game changer for the series, Just when it looked like we have settled into routine years at the Magisterium, the world gets turned upside down.  Now I can’t wait for book four!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

THE VERY FLUFFY KITTY, PAPILLON by A.N. Kang / Blog Tour: Book Review / Giveaway


Hello and welcome to today's stop in the PAPILLON blog tour. I am so thrilled to share my review for this must read, adorable picture book. Before I share my review, here's a little bit about the book. Don't forget to check out and enter the giveaway below!

ABOUT PAPILLON


By: A.N. Kang
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Released on: September 6th, 2016 - TODAY
Ages: all
Purchase from: Amazon | B&N
Add it to Goodreads
* I received an arc of this book from the publisher to review, in exchange for my honest review

Papillon is a very fluffy kitty. So fluffy that he's lighter than air! His owner tries to weigh him down, but Papillon just wants to fly. 

One particularly sunny day, he floats right out the window! Exploring the wide world is exhilarating, but it's also a little scary. Will his new friend, a bird, be able to help him find his way home?

Whimsical art and airy text come together seamlessly in this delightful debut by A. N. Kang.

This is one purrrrfect picture book! From the whimsical story to the adorable illustrations, it's not hard to fall in love with Papillon. This fluffy kitty is one cat lovers, and non cat lovers will have a hard time not falling in love with. Plus, there are costumes! Now I'm not a fan of dressing animals up, but Papillon definitely looks in a hat. 

This is one picture book that young readers will love. Between the story and the illustrations, this book is a must have! Not only is the cover adorable, wait till you slip the jacket cover off and look at the cover. This is one picture I'd recommend picking up!

ABOUT A.N. KANG

 A. N. Kang (www.annakangdesign.com) was born in a little town in South Korea, with endless rice fields around her house. She grew up entertaining herself with picturebooks, and drew constantly. After moving to the United States as a teenager, she graduated from art school and began to design jewelry, greeting cards, and holiday installations all over New York City. She now lives and works in New Jersey with her sassy cat, Papillon. This is Kang’s debut.


ENTER TO WIN!


3 Finished Copies of PAPILLON (US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW THE TOUR


9/8: Vi3tbabe

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians #5: THE DARK TALENT by Brandon Sanderson / Book Blitz


The fifth book in Brandon Sanderson's ALCATRAZ vs THE EVIL LIBRARIANS is out today! I'm thrilled to be apart of today's book blitz for THE DARK TALENT! This is a series middle grade readers have loved. If you haven't read about the series, find out more about here. Check out more about THE DARK TALENT below:

ABOUT THE BOOK




By: Brandon Sanderson
Published by: Macmillan
Released on: September 6th, 2016- TODAY!
Ages: 9-12
The Dark Talent is the fifth action-packed fantasy adventure in the Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series for young readers by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson. This never-before-published, fast-paced, and funny novel is now available in a deluxe hardcover edition, illustrated by Hayley Lazo.
Alcatraz Smedry has successfully defeated the army of Evil Librarians and saved the kingdom of Mokia. Too bad he managed to break the Smedry Talents in the process. Even worse, his father is trying to enact a scheme that could ruin the world, and his friend, Bastille, is in a coma. To revive her, Alcatraz must infiltrate the Highbrary—known as The Library of Congress to Hushlanders—the seat of Evil Librarian power. Without his Talent to draw upon, can Alcatraz figure out a way to save Bastille and defeat the Evil Librarians once and for all?

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

“Like Lemony Snicket and superhero comics rolled into one.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BRANDON SANDERSON is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Rithmatist and Steelheart, both of which were selected for the American Library Association’s Teens’ Top Ten list. He’s also written many popular and award-winning books for adults. His middle grade series, Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians, is now available in deluxe editions.
Author’s Website: http://brandonsanderson.com

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 ~