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.

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.

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.

Today I'll Be a Unicorn by Dana Simpson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I didn't expect that this graphic novel is just a 6-pages storybook for young kids. If you are familiar with the author Dana Simpson and her Heavenly Nostrils series, you knew already that the books target middle graders and young adults. As for "Today I'll Be a Unicorn," it is intended for kids ages 7 and below. Although this latest book by Simpson is for younger readers, fans of the graphic novel series will still love this release.

The Cozies: The Legend of Operation Moonlight by T.L. Fischer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The title of this middle-grade fiction book caught my attention; hence I took the opportunity to request for the reading copy of this in Netgalley. So who or what are the Cozies? According to Thursby, an English black-furred lop rabbit and the storyteller of this book, Cozies are based on nursery figments. They are visible only to small children, cats and dogs; they were born when moonlight enters a home and touches a child’s happy dreams. Also, they will be visible only to adult humans if they are bathed by moonlight.

The life of Cozies revolves on the children in the house; their fundamental mission is to keep them contented at night and on how to keep them entertained when they are awake. Aside from Thursby, there are other cozies in the family where he lives: Musetta, originated from great-grandmother; Gubbins; the twins Gracie and Ruby, who came from Mother’s imagination; and an elephant-like cozie, Rumple, and the youngest of the group. They are responsible to guard for the one-year-old boy named Benjamin or Bingo as they all called him in the house; Rumple is his cozie because he was born from his thoughts.

Aside from the cozies, there is the family dog Dandie or short for Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and the mouse named Pudding; this odd group is in charge of the wellbeing and safety of Bingo. But an unfortunate event happened when the new nanny Agnes arrived in the household. Bingo was gone, or rather kidnapped, and Agnes is one of the perpetrators. Now, the Cozies must do everything they can just to save Bingo and to keep him safe from his captors.

Reading The Cozies will keep you entertain because of how appealing the story was told. It is a well-written, family-oriented, and adorable story; it is jam-packed with adventures and creativity of the characters that will amuse readers.

Queen Moonlight & Other Royal Stories 月光王后以及其他王室的故事 by Esther Thien

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A children's book but adults could also enjoy the fabulous stories in this book. I think adults just like me will greatly appreciate this and will be reminded of the moral lessons in this kind of books.

There are eight stories in this lovely book and are both narrated in English and Mandarin Chinese. Each story has beautifully illustrated drawings drawn by Jyn Yip, that makes it more appealing to readers, especially to young ones. And at the end of every tale, there is a brief explanation where it states about the moral of the story.

Tales of the Buddha’s Former Lives Stories 1-50 by Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is aimed at all ages especially those who are still new to Buddhism. The stories included here are common teachings such as filial piety, humility, and charity that sets as a reminder for everyone to remember and practice them.

The Caterpillar by Errol Fern

The Caterpillar by Errol Fern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a message from the author, Errol Fern, asking if I'm interested in reviewing his children's book. My Goodreads friends and followers are aware that I regularly love to check out children's books, so I didn't hesitate to grab the opportunity being offered by the author.

Readers might have read a similar fable story but what I like in this book is that I assume some readers could relate to this fictional tale. The narrative is intended for younger kids but if we, older readers, could think beyond the story, there are several issues that were discussed in it. At the beginning of the story, having low self-esteem and depression were clearly talked about. Even the issue of eating healthy food was also mentioned; it could be associated with several eating disorders such as Selective Eating Disorder or Avoidant/ Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and bulimia.

Several of the millennials are experiencing one or some of these problems right now, and I like how the author, unconsciously or not, has incorporated them in this children's book. Trusting and having your friends (family and loves ones) around to help you during the dark times, which was depicted by the firefly, is the best way of dealing with these ordeals. Also, I love how the firefly helped and became the light, both literally and figuratively speaking, of the caterpillar in the story.

The author is apparently has a lot of potential as a writer and I really hope that this book and his future works will make it big.

View all my reviews

All Aboard The Discovery Express: Open the Flaps and Solve the Mysteries

AUTHOR: Emily Hawkins
ILLUSTRATOR: Tom Clohosy Cole
PUBLISHER: Wide Eyed Editions
PUBLICATION DATE: September 7, 2017
PAGES: 32

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Welcome on board the Discovery Express! The year is 1937 and a conundrum is afoot: a professor on the verge of a brilliant discovery has disappeared. Can you help to solve the clues on this time-traveling adventure and track down the missing scientist? On your voyage, you'll travel the world, see some of the most important moments in the history of transport, meet the most brilliant engineers of all time, and ultimately unveil the design of the world’s first jet engine! With clues to solve on every page, this interactive lift-flap adventure is sure to spark the imaginations of aspiring scientists and engineers everywhere, as you travel back in time to discover the history of transport.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ The Discovery Express is one brilliant book, that kids from ages 12 and below, will definitely enjoy.  Most probably, boys would appreciate this book more than girls because of the concept of mystery and sleuthing; and the history of the invention of the wheel was also incorporated to the story that makes it more suitable for boys. In addition, there are a lot of facts and figures that kids will be delighted to devour.  The final print of the book has dimensions of 10 x 12 inches, and I'm not sure if the texts in the published version are readable enough because some italicized fonts and typeface in the digital format provided by the publisher is not readable. Nonetheless, the construction of this book is well developed and thoroughly researched, that's why the end-product is undeniably magnificent. If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

A World Full of Animal Stories: 50 favourite animal folk tales, mythsand legends

AUTHOR: Angela McAllister
ILLUSTRATOR: Aitch
PUBLISHER: Frances Lincoln Children's Bks
PUBLICATION DATE: October 5, 2017
PAGES: 128

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

Discover a menagerie of animals with this book that brings together 50 best-loved tales from all around the world!Meet the Big Bad Wolf, the Ugly Duckling, and many other favorite characters from classic stories, myths, and legends in these fresh and vibrant re-tellings. Perfect for reading aloud!

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MY RATING:
The publisher sent a sample of this book which includes three stories: two from Europe, and one from North America. The illustrations done by Aitch are beautifully drawn and the young readers would absolutely love them.

When I'd read the title of this book, some of the Philippine fables crossed my mind. One particular animal fable that is really popular here in our country is the story of The Turtle and The Monkey. Hence, I was really expecting that story, which was popularized by our national hero Dr. José Rizal, will be included in this book. I'm a little disappointed that it is not; nevertheless, I still enjoyed reading the ARC/sample copy that the publisher provided.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

The Baker Street Four Vol. 1

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Olivier Legrand, J. B. Dijan, David Etien
PUBLISHER: Insight Comics

PUBLICATION DATE: May 2, 2017

PAGES: 112
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS: Based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, The Baker Street Four provides an inside look behind the infamous Baker Street Irregulars.
Billy, Charlie, and Tom are inseparable, and for good reason. Filled with con men and scoundrels, London’s East End is not easily survived alone. Fortunately, the three friends—and their faithful feline companion—can count on the protection of Sherlock Holmes, for whom they sometimes act as spies.
When Tom’s girlfriend is kidnapped, the Baker Street Irregulars must put their budding sleuthing skills to use. Then, when a Russian immigrant is framed for a Jack the Ripper–inspired crime, our heroes set out to discover the truth and uncover a conspiracy that may go deeper than they ever imagined. Armed with only their quick wit and street smarts, the Baker Street Irregulars must work together to solve mysteries in the nick of time. Make way for the youngest detective team of the Victorian era!
Hailed by critics and audiences, The Baker Street Four has received numerous awards and was featured at Angoulême in 2012. Insight Editions is proud to continue to bring this exciting story to English audiences worldwide.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ I admit that I still haven't read any Sherlock Holmes' story/book that is why I'm not familiar with the Baker Street Irregulars. I'm still looking for the leather hardbound version of the Sherlock Holmes' book, which is always out of stock in our local bookstores here in our country. I guess this comic is a good way to get acquainted with some of the characters in Doyle's famous detective. This graphic novel's detailed illustrations and the stories, The Blue Curtain and The Rabukin Case, made this worthy to read. If you love reading Sherlock Holmes' detective stories, you might also enjoy reading this. Just don't expect a lot because Holmes has a small exposure only to both stories in this comics.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Korgi: Short Tails

AUTHOR: Christian Slade
PUBLISHER: Top Shelf Productions
PUBLICATION DATE: July 19, 2017
PAGES: 50

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

Korgi: Short Tails is a 48-page comic book collecting all seven Korgi stories from Free Comic Book Day, together with a brand-new adventure called "Cloud Cat." A robot loses its head, finger-puppets battle, a dragon learns to breathe fire, and Sprout the Korgi (of course) stuffs himself with delicious treats! Slade's lovingly detailed pen-and-ink drawings bring his fantasy world to live in small slices, all bound up within a new fully-painted cover.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ I'm giving this a perfect 5-star rating because the drawings are indeed detailed. Moreover, I like how the readers' mind will be stimulated because it's up to the reader's understanding how to comprehend the drawings.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

The Backup Bunny by Abigail Rayner

 
AUTHOR: Abigail Rayner
ILLUSTRATOR: Greg Stones
PUBLISHER: NorthSouth Books
PUBLICATION DATE: March 6, 2018
PAGES: 32 
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS: 
Everybody needs a backup plan, especially when you lose your favorite toy.When Max loses his favorite toy—Bunny—his clever mom brings out the "backup bunny"—Fluffy—to save the day. Fluffy is thrilled to have the chance to play with Max, but is soon rejected by the observant child who notices that his ears are too new and perky. Can Fluffy find a way into his favorite boy's heart

The Backup Bunny will keep you laughing and inspire you to make room for another favorite story.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ If you have already a kid, niece/nephew or a godmother, this book by Abigail Rayner is a good present to give them. I always give books to my niece on her birthday and on Christmas; so I'm considering this children's book to add to my list that I want to give her this year.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Honey Moon: Dog Daze by Sofi Benitez

AUTHOR:  Sofi Benitez
ILLUSTRATOR: Becky Minor
SERIES: Honey Moon
PUBLISHER: Rabbit Publishers
PUBLICATION DATE: May 31, 2017
PAGES: 240
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

WANTING TO START A BUSINESS together to earn some spending money, Honey Moon and her friends have a magical idea. In the town where every day is Halloween night, Honey and friends start a dog–walking service called the Sleepy Hollow Howlers. But when the business becomes more than the girls can handle, dog–walking suddenly takes on a new leash and fur flies with disastrous and entertaining results.

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MY RATING: If you are a dog lover like me, you will also love this book by Sofi Benitez. Honey Moon rescuing the dog she later named Stormy is the start of her and her friend Becky to start a dog walking business. Along the way, they also met Isabela who happened to be a volunteer in the animal shelter, where Honey Moon and her mom has to surrendered the dog Storm. The story of friendship and the funny antics of the dogs the Sleepy Hollow Howlers has to walk are just few of what this book made a worthwhile reading. Not to mention that young readers will also got learnt a lot from this including being responsible, compassionate and helpful.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Harry Moon: Halloween Nightmares

AUTHOR:  Mark Andrew Poe
SERIES: The Amazing Adventures of Harry Moon
PUBLISHER: Rabbit Publishers
PUBLICATION DATE: September 5, 2017
PAGES: 186
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

This 2nd book from the Harry Moon series recalls the predictions to Harry when he was still a baby; and readers will be able to know on what is really happening behind the Sleepy Hollow's success after Mayor Kligore governed the town. It is a fight between with good and evil; in a more subtle way.

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MY RATING: This 2nd book from the Harry Moon series recalls the predictions to Harry when he was still a baby; and readers will be able to know on what is really happening behind the Sleepy Hollow's success after Mayor Kligore governed the town. It is a fight between with good and evil; in a more subtle way. I guess, as the story develops on each book in the series, not only Harry's skill will improve but his duel with evil will became huge as well. I am not only fond of books that has a theme of magic or witchcraft, but this book series is really magnificent. I'm quite sure that kids ages 10 and above will also love this series. .

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Harry Moon: Wand-Paper-Scissors

AUTHOR:  Mark Andrew Poe
SERIES: The Amazing Adventures of Harry Moon
PUBLISHER: Rabbit Publishers
PUBLICATION DATE: August 15, 2017
PAGES: 206
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

Harry Moon is up to his eyeballs in magic in the small town of Sleepy Hollow. His archenemy, Titus Kligore, has eyes on winning the Annual Scary Talent Show. Harry has a tough job ahead if he is going to steal the crown. He takes a chance on a magical rabbit who introduces him to magic. Harry decides that the best way forward is to DO NO EVIL and the struggle to defeat Titus, this battle turns epic.

 

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MY RATING: When I started reading this first book in the Harry Moon series, I can't stop turning the page because the author, Mark Andrew Poe, did a good job on making this a page-turner.Harry Moon is an 8th grader who loves magic and he joined the annual talent show in their school. But it's not that easy to win if you are competing with Titus, the son of the Mayor of their town. Not to mentioned that Titus is always trying to bully Harry whenever he can just to scare him from no longer joining. But due to a turn of events, Harry and Titus made peace at each other in the end. I was able to finished this book within an hour and I'm really satisfied with what this book contains.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon: