Jane Austen by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book lovers would definitely know who Jane Austen is, may they have read one or several of her works or not. All of her novels have movie adaptations already, therefore people are more aware of her and her writings. In this Little People, Big Dreams' installment, those who are not familiar with Jane Austen's life story will now have a brief chance to read about her. I didn't know that her own love story didn't prosper and this gave her an idea to write a similar story.

One of the notable lessons that young readers will get from this children's book is if you set your heart into something, you will achieve it as long as you have the dedication to do it just like Jane Austen's hope to be a writer someday. Another great message is that turn the negative into positive or try to make something good from a setback.

Jane Goodall by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane Goodall's dedication to anthropology and respect to animals, especially to chimpanzees, is a great influence to everyone, notably to the young readers of this children's storybook. Her passion and dedication to fulfill her dream to study animals are also quite inspiring. Despite that she can't afford to go to a university, she did everything she can to accomplish her goals even to this day.

A beautiful person, inside and out, Jane Goodall is one of the role models that young kids should look up to. Her vision to set awareness on the African jungles starting to disappear, and the protection of the wildlife animals and their natural habitat are the vital information that this book wants to impart to all readers. Undoubtedly, this is another great book in the Little People, Big Dreams book series that parents and teachers should grab for their children and students.

Anne Frank by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Diary of Anne Frank is the very first book about the Holocaust that I've read when I was still young. I was already in my adolescence years when I read it and her life story made an impact on me. When I saw that the Little People, Big Dreams has dedicated a children's story book about this remarkable young lady, I immediately grabbed the chance to check it out.

I love how this particular book is different from the other book in the series because of how it was vividly illustrated by Sveta Dorosheva. The images of Anne Frank, her family, and Adolf Hitler was drawn in detailed, and looking at them is like seeing their real photos. The story of Anne Frank was also beautifully summarized and narrated by Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This children's storybook is a great introduction to discuss to young readers about what is the Holocaust and what happened during World War II.

Harriet Tubman by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though Little People, Big Dreams is a children's storybook, I'm a fan of this series because it's not only eye-catching and entertaining to read, but it is quite informative. And who says that children's storybooks are for young kids only, right?

I never knew who Harriet Tubman is but through this picture book, I learned about how an important person she is in freeing slave people and standing up for equal rights for her fellow African-Americans. Her story tells us that we should fight for what we believe and to never give up to achieve what we dream. Educational material and also an inspirational, not only for young readers but also for adults.

Georgia O'Keeffe by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thanks to this brilliant children's book series, I was introduced to the marvelous artworks by Georgia O'Keeffe. I was not aware who she is but through this picture book intended for kids, I discover how great an artist she is. Also, her dream of showing to the world that beauty is all around us, even in a tiny flower, sets an inspiration to everyone, This is another lovely story in the series that will be cherished by both young and adult readers.

Joy by Corrinne Averiss

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fern and on how she wants to collect all the "joy" in the world and give back it to her Nanna, her grandmother, will touch anyone who reads this astounding story. Those colorful illustrations done by Isabelle Follath are very eye-catching also.

The collaboration of the author, Corrinne Averiss, and the illustrator made this book simply amazing because the story and drawings truly connect with each other. I'm a young adult and has no children of own, but I'm quite fond of reading children's story because of how they exude positivity and will leave you smiling after reading. And I hope that the story of "Joy" may also bring happiness to anyone who will read it.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came across this when I was checking out last year about the upcoming Disney movies. Based on the synopsis, it was based on the award-winning children's book written by Katherine Applegate and famous actors will be the voice of the characters in the story. I scheduled to read this on the very first day of 2019 and I was really delighted that I made this my first read of the year.

I didn't expect that this was quite good and hopefully the movie adaptation will be as great just like the book. I know that Ivan's story will make an impact on anyone who will either read this or those who will go watch the film because of how heartwarming and it is an eye-opener to wildlife animal preservation.

This is a light read and I'm pretty excited to see this is the big screen; I'll just need to be prepared once the sorrowful parts are shown because I was teary-eyed when I've read those in the book. I want a lot of people to be aware to take care and be the voice of all animals, either domesticated or wildlife, hence, I highly recommend this to everyone.

Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet by Stacy King

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm a fan of the Manga Classics that's why I'm already aware that the publisher, Udon Entertainment, always use the original text from the book they were adapting. I know Romeo and Juliet but I still haven't read the book either watch any stage play or movie adaptation, hence, I'm eager to check out this manga adaptation.

This is the first time that I've rated a Manga Classics low because of it's not that easy to comprehend what the characters are saying because they are in Early Modern English. Just like what I've mentioned, I'm fully aware that the publisher never makes any alterations to the dialogues because they use the original format. I could understand some of the conversations in the story however, I fail to grasp several parts. Thankfully, I still got to follow the story through the illustrations.

If there would be any future plans of Udon Entertainment to adapt other works of William Shakespeare, hopefully, they will try to make the dialogues easy to understand because I'm positive that it will be more marketable even to middle-graders.

Blood Will Out by Jo Treggiari

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The animal torture and abuse part were just some of the biggest disappointment, hence I didn't finish reading this book. There's no outstanding character or part in the story that will awe readers, and the flow of the story is too dragging and quite common. Ari, the main character, is irksome and her point of view is too bland; the conversation between the characters is also quite annoying to read.

I had high hopes before reading this because I was really intrigued by the synopsis; I even pushed myself on finishing it but I just can't seem to find any sense of why should I do it. I should not have set any expectations just because of how I love reading young adult fiction and just because of the plot of the story.

The Golden Maple Tree by Marc Remus

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in the Magora Series, The Golden Maple Tree, continues the adventure of Holly and her friends in the magical world of Magora. When I was given the chance to read the first and second installment in this series, I can't help but compare it to the Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter series, much more to the latter.

When I've read the term "Unfinished" in this second installment, I reckon that the author's inspirations are the Muggle-born and the dementors in the Harry Potter series ; I distinguished a lot of similarities or sort of influence from J.K. Rowling's re-known book series. Holly O' Flanigan reminds me of Harry because their life story is quite the same and that they have friends who help them through thick and thin. Not to mention that their personalities are pretty much similar because of how determined they are on helping, even if their safety is at stake.

Although that there might have some resemblances to other novels, the books in the Magora series still has its own identity and a quite surprising middle-grade series that will readers find really enjoyable.

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story of Marjorie Glatt and Wendell in this graphic novel is quite entertaining to read. While reading this, Wendell reminds me of the famous Casper not only because they are both young ghosts but also for their personality and the way they try to help as much as they can. However, I was torn on the rating between 4 and 5 stars; I am hoping that there would be a second volume because I like how there was a panel that shows that Marjorie and Wendell might have met already when he was still alive.

The story of grief, loneliness, depression, moving on and remembering our departed loved ones were all tackled in this fast-paced story. The colorful illustrations are also highly appealing that makes the story charming and delightful to read. A must-read if you are looking for something that is a light-read yet still captivating.

Hotel Transylvania Graphic Novel Vol. 3: Motel Transylvania by Stefan Petrucha

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second time that I was given an opportunity to receive a reading copy of the Hotel Transylvania Graphic Novel from the publisher. The 50-page comic book is another amusing installment in the story of Drac and his family. I like how Jonathan, Drac's son-in-law, wants to help his in-law on trying to make it easy for everyone to enjoy the exact pleasure that Hotel Transylvania provides by setting up motels near people.

However, it is not easy to expand a business just like what Jonathan has planned. They faced a lot of troubles trying to provide a good service because of some creatures who always create mischief in the motel. Jonathan may be silly but his unwavering perseverance makes him a good person. There are several funny portions in the story, especially in the latter part of this issue.

The Little Book of Pocket Spells: Everyday Magic for the Modern Witch by Akasha Moon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Little Book of Pocket Spells is a highly recommended read for those who are still new with New Age or Wicca. This 150-page is filled with interesting information and I learned a lot from perusing this small book. I discover about the power of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender; even garlic and onions are also helpful in cleaning an area. Furthermore, some spells were written in this tiny book such as charms for wealth, grief, and protecting a child.

The Boy from Tomorrow by Camille DeAngelis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've watched several movies before that have the same theme just like in this novel, such as the Hollywood movies Frequency and The Butterfly Effect, and Korean movies Ditto and Il Mare. Thus, I was not expecting much when I've asked for the reading copy of this from the publisher.

This book really did exceeds my expectations because of how impressive Camille DeAngelis in writing it. Readers will be hooked once they start reading the story of the incredible friendship of Alec to the Clifford sisters, Josie and Cassie, even there's a 100-year gap. And in spite of the fact that they will never all get to meet at present time, the ending is still absolutely great and heartwarming.

The Boy from Tomorrow may be categorized as a children's fiction or a middle-grade book, but adult readers will surely enjoy this amazing novel — it is a great and highly recommended for light-reading. Lastly, it is so easy to decide that this is one of the books that I can put into my favorites this year because how I really enjoyed reading it.

The Gallery of Wonders: Books for kids: A magical children's fantasy series. by Marc Remus

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holly O' Flanigan lives with her distant relatives, the Smorall's, in Donkleywood; her parents died in an accident when she was still a baby so she never got the chance to know them. She used to live with her grandfather, Nikolas, but she was taken from him by the government because they perceived that he was unfit to take care of Holly. Instead of a relative, the Smoralls treat her like a maid and they made her sleep and always hide in the attic after she's done with her chores.

Her grandfather is a painter and lives alone in his studio and Holly inherits her grandfather's passion for painting. However, she thought that she is not good because she lacks the skill and talent. Unfortunately, there was a fire in her grandpa's studio and he jumped out of the building. Prior to that, Holly and her friend, Brian, saw a peculiar man and creatures outside. The next day, Holly received a package with a letter and it contains several things: a jar of white powder, a gadget with a funnel-like attached in the side, and a book that is an Encyclopedia of Magora written on it.

Holly's life changed once she received the said package. Unexpectedly, Holly and her friends Brian and Rufus; together with her obnoxious classmate Amanda; and nosy neighbor, Ms. Hubbleworth, they were all transported to Lake Santima in Cuspidor when a painting became a portal in Holly's attic.

The Gallery of Wonders is the first book in The Magora Book Series, and while reading, it greatly reminds of the well-known classic book series of Chronicles of Narnia. Moreover, I can't help but compare it to the Harry Potter series because there's a Cliffony Academy of the Arts, prophecy, talking tree house, and animated creatures such as trolls and griffins in the story. I reckon that Marc Remus' huge inspirations for writing are C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling because of the flow of the story and several similarities in some instances. Despite that, middle graders, young adult readers, and those who are fond of fantasy and adventure stories will enjoy this novel.

The Lion and the Bride #1 by Mika Sakurano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I've requested a reading copy of this manga from the publisher, I knew that the plot might be a just like some romcom TV series. But I what I didn't expect is that even though that it's like that, reading has taken me by surprised me because of how entertained I was on reading the banters between Yua and her stepson/classmate Subaru.

As for me, I think Yua's hasty decision of accepting Ryo's marriage proposal is a big no-no. And I bet that there's no love involved when Yua decided to get married. Meanwhile, Subaru mentioned that Ryo, his father, only pity Yua because she's already an orphan and that no one's there to take care of her. A bit harsh but I think I agree with Subaru's opinion.

In addition, it's quite predictable that there would be a love triangle in Ryo, Yua, and Subaru's setup. But what's not foreseeable is whether Yua and Ryo will divorce in the end because Yua chose Subaru, or Yua will stay with Ryo. And I reckon that is what readers are anticipating in the succeeding volumes to be released in this manga series.

In general, if you like reading the romantic-comedy genre, The Lion and the Bride is a great manga and good for light-reading.

Black Women Who Dared by Naomi M. Moyer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kudos to Second Story Press for coming up with kind of book that lists down some of the notable Black women and groups that made a mark as feminists and fighting bigotry, slavery, as well as improving the society. Ten of these remarkable Black women and groups are The Coloured Women's Club in Montreal, Quebec; Nashville-born musician Jackie Shane; Sylvia Estes Stark; The Hour-a-Day- Study Club that was formed by 15-Black mothers in Windsor, Ontario; the first Black woman who established a business in Vancouver; Jamaica-born Sherona Hall; the Black Cross Nurses in 1920; Mary Miles Bibbs; Chloe Cooley; and the group Blockorama.

This marvelous and colorful 10-page collection is both written and illustrated by Naomi M. Moyer. The book may appeal more to middle graders who are aged 10 to 12, and young adults because of its serious content and that it could also set as an inspiration to them. It would be great if there is any plan for the second volume of this book because I believe that kids should be inspired more by the story of other noteworthy feminist personalities.

The Forbidden Harbour V1 by Teresa Radic

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Forbidden Harbour was first published in Italy in 2015 and is divided into four parts. Europe Comics has finally made it possible for a lot of readers to understand it by releasing the English version of the graphic novel. It is about the story of a teen boy, Abel, who was rescued in the ocean one night after the disappearance of Captain Stevenson from the navy ship, Explorer.

When Abel was saved, he can't remember anything aside from his name. William Roberts, the first officer of the ship, took him under his care by making him a cabin boy. When they returned to England, Abel saw the so-called Forbidden Harbour. One of the crew told him that not everyone could see it and that only a few could see and enter it.

When they got in the town, William introduced Abel to the three daughters left by the missing Captain, who also owns the Albatross Inn. Abel stayed in that family lodge and look for jobs to pay to for his accommodation. The second daughter of the Captain, Heather, introduced Abel to Rebecca, the one who manages the brothel in town. Later, he does some errands for Rebecca such as buying supplies in the market and reading her poems. It is Rebecca who told Abel what is happening to him and that they are in the same situation. She slowly makes Abel aware that he has some tasks to do and it's up to him to know what he should do.

I like the story of Forbidden Harbour, however, the poems in the story is a bit hard to comprehend and that it could be much better if the penciled illustrations were colored to make them livelier. The ending of this first part is a huge cliffhanger also which is a great dismay to me. Overall, I'm giving this a 3-star rating, but I'm still hopeful that the second installment would be much better and is action-packed.