Book Review: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (The Twilight Saga, #3.5)
by Stephenie Meyer
It is definitely interesting to see this completely different perspective into the vampire world of Twilight. I like that it broadens the world-building and creates even more meaning behind the way the Cullens choose to live without killing humans. I think that Bella doesn’t quite realize just how unique the Cullens are in their morality. Seeing this other perspective of the way other vampires live is definitely eye-opening.
Continue readingBook Review: Eclipse
Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, #3)
by Stephenie Meyer
I love all the extra backstories and world building that we get in this book. Just when you think you know everything about vampires and werewolves, we get Jasper’s backstory about the vampire wars in the south, and we get to hear the Quileute legends about how werewolves first came to be. I just love these imaginative and compelling stories within the main story!
Continue readingBook Review: Death at Dusbar College
Death at Dusbar College
by Laura DiNovis Berry (Goodreads Author), Lee Thompson (Illustrator)
Cristiano is visiting his aunt at the magical Dusbar College, where he hopes to learn more about magic. When the Grand Magician of the college dies, he leaves behind a riddle. Whoever solves the riddle will win the Grand Magician’s amazing sorcerer’s hat. Cristiano begins to investigate, looking for clues in the Grand Magician’s office.
I love how imaginative and funny this book is! The people and creatures in Dusbar College are so interesting and weird. The writing style is really funny and had me laughing!
Continue readingBook Review: Oceanarium
Oceanarium
by Teagan White , Loveday Trinick
This book gives a lot of interesting information about the ocean and the animal that live there. There are sections all about whales, fish, reptiles, and every type of weird creature you can imagine!
Continue readingPicture Book Review: All Around Bustletown Nighttime
All Around Bustletown: Nighttime
by Rotraut Susanne Berner
Everywhere in Bustletown people are settling in for the night. The cops are on the lookout for crime, children camp out for a sleepover, commuters catch a late train, and people gather for the fireworks show. Everywhere you look there is something interesting happening and a story line to follow!
Continue readingPicture Book Review: What’s Cooking in Flowerville?
What’s Cooking in Flowerville?
by Felicita Sala
People all over the city are harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs from their gardens. There are rooftop gardens, community gardens, window ledge herb gardens, and fruit trees in the apartment square. Each month of the year, something is being harvested and used in a special recipe. With a list of fresh ingredients, the reader can also make each recipe following the instructions.
Continue readingBook Review: New Moon
New Moon (The Twilight Saga, #2)
by Stephenie Meyer
I am always amazed at this author’s writing style. There is something so immediate and emotional in her scenes. Even if Bella is just doing something boring like eating cereal, there is an emotional undercurrent that makes every action meaningful. It captivates me every time.
This book is not perfect, but I really loved it. The flaws were not severe enough to ruin my enjoyment, and all the good things and the wonderful characters made it so satisfying to read.
Continue readingNon Fiction Book Review: Olaf Hajek’s Fantastic Fruits
Olaf Hajek’s Fantastic Fruits
by Olaf Hajek, Annette Roeder
This book pairs whimsical artwork of fruit together with history and myths about each fruit. Did you know that when pineapples were first introduced to Europe only the very wealthy could afford them? Legend says that spirits inhabit cherry trees. There is a story that a starving woman prayed for food, and the beads of her necklace were turned into blueberries for her to eat.
Continue readingBook Review: Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun (The Twilight Saga, #5)
by Stephenie Meyer
Midnight Sun is a retelling of Twilight, but from Edward’s perspective, instead of Bella’s. I really liked that the dialogue and main plot remain the same, but we get all these insights into what was happening with the Cullen family when Bella was not around. We get to hear Edward’s inner thoughts and feelings, and his reactions to everything that happens.
I really enjoyed the scenes of the Cullen family, and all of Edward’s flashback memories of his earlier days as a vampire. It was so cool to get this background and more depth to the story. All these extra facets made it almost feel like a whole new story!
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