Missing the Boat

By Justin Shady, Wayne Chinsang, Dwellephant

I picked up this graphic novel because of the cover (and let's face it, that's one of the main draws of a book, and publishers know it). It did not disappoint! This is one of the funniest graphic novels I've read in a while. It may have to do with the unusual tale. It tells the fictional story of the Churamane, a species that lived long ago and are now extinct. It focuses on a husband and wife, George and Gladys, who find out they've won a free 40-day and 40-night cruise trip on Noah's Ark. As many of you are aware from the Bible story, while the animals are on board, the entire earth will be under water. The plan is when the flood is over, the animals will have to repopulate the planet with their species. The only problem is, George and Gladys like to nap...A LOT! One of the characteristics of the Churamane is they are very lazy. So, George and Gladys sleep through the date they were supposed to be on board the "cruise ship." They eventually get to the ark, but are locked out! And Noah won't let them get on! Needless to say, that is the story of how the Churamane became extinct.

This story is hysterical, I absolutely loved it! George and Gladys are perfectly suited to each other in their laziness and love of napping. Noah is a hoot, as well! The humor and silliness is matched in the illustrations. This graphic novel is perfect for children and adults. Prepare yourself for lots of laughter!

Eleven

By Lauren Myracle

I had the pleasure of hearing Lauren Myracle speak at last year's New York Library Association Annual Conference. She is a great speaker and so in tune with kids. Shamefully, I had never read any of her books. I finally did, and wow! - she definitely knows kids and tweens!

This is the first book in a trilogy. It is a year in the life of Winnie, who has just turned eleven. Turning eleven is really cool, but Winnie notices that her other friends are changing, while she seems to be staying the same. Her best friend, Amanda, seems embarrassed to play the games they used to, and would rather hang out with stuck-up Gail Grayson and talk about boys and make-up. As she and Amanda grow apart, Winnie struggles with the changes in their friendship, and in the process learns about herself and others. The year is full of ups and downs, and Winnie reflects on them with honesty and enthusiasm.

I listened to the audiobook version, and I was immediately transported back in time when I was eleven years old. NOT that I want to return to that particular period of my life, but I was amazed how the writing was so true to the pre-teen experience. There are embarrassing moments, feelings of insecurity, and not knowing where you truly fit it. I felt the exact same things Winnie did, and it connected me in a such a positive and powerful way to this book. I highly recommend this book to young girls. I think they will feel an immediate kinship to Winnie, just like I did. I can't wait to read the next two books, Twelve and Thirteen, which continue Winnie's journey through the tween years.

The Espressologist

By Kristina Springer

TEEN FICTION

What's your coffee drink of choice? Iced Vanilla Latte? You're sweet and loyal - a good friend. Pumpkin Spice Latte? You're fun and sassy. And according to Jane Turner, she can determine your personality based on the coffee drink you order. It's called Espressology. Jane Turner is a 17 year-old barista at Wired Joe's coffee shop. She keeps a notebook of coffee drinks ordered and the type of person behind the drink. She's so good at it, she can predict the type of drink before the person even orders it, like Small Nonfat Latte for Melissa, an obnoxious girl who made Jane's life miserable in school.

One day, she decides to hook up a couple of her customers based on their drink orders and compatibility. It works so well, she decides to hook up Em, her best friend, and Cam, her friend from school. Her boss, Derek, finds out about "Espressology" and her notebook, and decides it would a great promotion for the store. So Jane becomes a dating guru at the coffee shop, and it is a huge success. Profits are through the roof, and people are genuinely happy with their dates. So why is she getting upset that Cam is dating Em, especially when she matched them up herself? This is a light, fun read. It's perfect if you're looking for a cute romance and a fast read. Beware: you will crave coffee while reading this. That being said, excuse me, I must jot off to Starbucks. There's a White Chocolate Mocha with my name on it! I wonder what Jane would say about me....

Belated Resolutions

Since I haven't posted in such a long time, you're probably wondering if I stopped reading books. That would never happen! I have been reading lots of books, but I have been so busy with work, that my blogging has gone to the bottom of my "to do" list. I gave myself a New Year's goal of posting at least once a week, which I think is manageable. If you're wondering what I've read lately, check out my Goodreads page. I put a widget on the right hand side.

Also, you may have noticed (or not, since not many people follow this blog), my "facelift" to this site. I made some changes in the hopes of making this look a little prettier and easy to follow. Another change is including teen books in my reviews. I read alot of YA fiction, and I thought it would be a good addition here.

I hope you like the changes and look for a new posting soon (like later tonight)!

The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-Ween

The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-na-ween by Ruth Sawyer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A really beautiful Irish tale set during Christmas time during The Great Famine. The illustrations are beautiful and have a softness to them which complement the story. This would be wonderful read aloud by someone with an Irish accent. I'd love to share it with children at storytime, but I think my Central New York accent just won't do it justice.

View all my reviews >>

Giddy About Graphic Novels

In case you haven't noticed, I love reading graphic novels for kids! I know I review alot of them, but that's because I really think these books are fabulous. They are quick reads, so they are perfect for kids who may be daunted by long chapter books. Also, they are packed with hilarious, snappy dialogue, which makes kids (and let's face it, adults!) laugh. They also have really great graphics, which are part of the overall story. I've gotten alot of kids who "hate to read" hooked on this genre, which makes me a happy librarian. Here are some recent picks of mine, which I think you'll really love!

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute, Volume 1

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians, Volume 2

by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Hector, Dee and Terrence have always wondered what their school Lunch Lady does outside of the cafeteria. Little do they know, she along with her sidekick Betty are serving up more than chicken nuggets...they are serving justice! In the first volume, Lunch Lady becomes very wary of the new substitute math teacher. She decides to follow him home one night, the same night Hector, Dee and Terrence decide to follow Lunch Lady to see what she does when she's not at school. Lunch Lady discovers the substitute teacher is a robot! And the kids discover Lunch Lady is more than just your average lunch lady. In the second volume, Lunch Lady and the kids think something fishy is going on with the school librarians. Instead of being friendly and helpful, they have closed the library and become very secretive. Will Lunch Lady serve justice to the cyborg substitutes and league of librarians? You'll have to check out these books to find out!

Salt Water Taffy: The Seaside Adventures of Jack and Benny
A Climb Up Mt. Barnabas, Volume 2
by Matthew Loux

Jack and Benny are back for another adventure on Chowder Bay in Maine, where anything can happen. In this volume, Jack and Benny decide to hike up the very steep mountain, Mt. Barnabas in search of Barnabas, the Great Golden Eagle, who also has a wee problem with stealing hats. After their father's favorite cap was stolen, the boys head out to tackle the mountain. Along the way, they encounter Dan, the talking wolf, a giant rock-climbing turtle, and of course, the talking lobsters from Volume 1 (The Legend of Old Salty). Hey, I said anything can happen in Chowder Bay! Will the boys ever make it to the top and will they get their dad's hat back? Check out this series for some fun and silly adventures!

Sylvie

Written and illustrated by Jennifer Sattler

PICTURE BOOK (ages 3 and up)

The familiar saying "you are what you eat" proves to be very true in this quirky picture book. Sylvie is a curious flamingo who asks her mom "why are we pink?" Her mother replies "because the little shrimp we eat are pink." Quickly, Sylvie looks around at the other things on the island and decides to change things up. She discovers that eating some palm leaves turns her green, licking a striped towel turns her orange and white, and chewing on a flower-pattern hat turns her into a bouquet. After all this adventurous eating, she gets a pretty bad tummy-ache and doesn't feel like herself at all. She also doesn't look anything like her family! She goes back to eating shrimp, but dessert is a different palate of colors. Children will giggle at the changes in Sylvie and enjoy seeing what else she tries out. This is a cute book about being yourself, but also trying out different things.