Book Review: The Ogress and the Orphans

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

The Ogress and the Orphans
by Kelly Barnhill (Goodreads Author)

4.5 out of 5 stars

When an ogress moves in just outside of town, the townspeople begin to blame her for everything that has gone wrong for years, even before she arrived! Their bad luck had all started years before when the Library had burned down. Thank goodness for their wonderful Mayor who is working to restore the town and get rid of the Ogress. But there are a few children in the orphanage who begin to wonder if the Mayor is really so wonderful and if the Ogress is really so evil. Anthea is good at problem-solving. Bartleby is a philosopher who asks the hard questions, and his sister Cass is quiet but brave. These three children look at their crumbling town and decide to finally do something to help.

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Book Review: Little Town on the Prairie

Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Little Town on the Prairie (Little House, #7)
by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Garth Williams (Illustrator)

5 out of 5 stars

This book has always been one of my favorites of the Little House series, because it focuses a lot on Laura’s schooling. I’m a teacher, so stories about school are very near to my heart. Laura is studying to be a teacher, so that she can make some money to help her sister Mary stay in college.

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Book Review: Marilla of Green Gables

Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy

Marilla of Green Gables
by Sarah McCoy (Goodreads Author)

3.5 out of 5 stars

Marilla is growing up on the Avonlea farm before the gables were ever built or painted green. Her family are excited for a new baby to arrive soon, and Marilla’s aunt arrives to help out. But Marilla is unsure about these new additions to the family. Will it change their peaceful lives to have their aunt taking over the kitchen? Marilla is also determined to keep homeschooling and studying so that she can pass the examinations to finish school. She is needed at home to help her mother, so she can’t attend school, but a neighbor boy, John Blythe, agrees to tutor her after school and help her pass her exams. There is a flirtation with John Blythe, but all that changes when disaster strikes the Cuthbert family.

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Board Book Review: Where’s the Bunny?

Where's the Bunny? by Ingela P. Arrhenius

Where’s the Bunny?
by Ingela P. Arrhenius (illustrator)

5 out of 5 stars

This adorable board book asks the reader to find different animals at spring time, and the baby must lift a flap of felt fabric to reveal the missing creature! You have to find a puppy, a mouse, a duck, and a bunny. At the end of the book, the reader lifts the flap to find themselves reflected in a little mirror!

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Picture Book Reviews: Alma Series #1-3

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal

Alma and How She Got Her Name
by Juana Martinez-Neal (Goodreads Author)

3 out of 5 stars

Alma has a very long name. Alma Sofia Esperanza Jose Pura Candela. It’s so long that it won’t even fit on the paper when she tries to write her name! She asks her father why she has such a long name, and he explains that Sofia was her grandmother. Esperanza was her great-grandmother. Jose was her grandfather, and Pura is her great-aunt.
Alma shares special things in common with all her family. She loves to paint like her grandfather. She loves flowers and birds like her grandmother. The heritage that she shares with them is a part of who she is, so her name fits her just right.

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Book Review: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler’s Life List
by Patricia Schultz

4 out of 5 stars

This book is so interesting! Just reading it makes me want to travel the world. I like that there are plenty of photos of exotic places, and a list of hotels, restaurants, and other attractions with addresses and phone numbers so that you can book your stay and find your way around. The sections for each country are well-organized by region, so that it is easy to find everything. This book is attractive but also useful and full of good information.

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Book Review: Waiting for the Stars

Waiting for the Stars by Jonny Lambert

Waiting for the Stars
by Jonny Lambert

5 out of 5 stars

Mouse gets to stay up past her bedtime to see the stars appear in the sky. She is very impatient, but her animal friends help her to stay awake. They pass the time by telling stories and munching on snacks. Mouse sees a few stars for just a minute, but then a cloud hides them from view. The fireflies come up with a plan to make the night shine with starlight (or firefly light) for Mouse!

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Book Review: The Quickest Bedtime Story Ever!

The Quickest Bedtime Story Ever! by Louise Fitzgerald

The Quickest Bedtime Story Ever!
by Louise Fitzgerald, Kate Hindley (Illustrator)

5 out of 5 stars

This bedtime story is only ten words long. But first we have to warm up our voices to read the story. Then we have to remember to give a big stretch and a yawn. We have to make sure we are comfy in bed with all our pillows. Then we have to double check that we have all our stuffy toys. Our story needs a special fanfare with a little drum and a toy horn. Once everyone is snuggled up, we can finally hear the ten-word story. And we can finally sleep tight.

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Book Review: The Egg Incident

The Egg Incident by Ziggy Hanaor

The Egg Incident
by Ziggy Hanaor

5 out of 5 stars

Little Humphrey is terrified of everything. His parents have told him the story of his Uncle Humpty Dumpty. They have warned Humphrey not to run or jump or climb trees, and especially to NEVER climb up a wall. Humphrey meets a rambunctious Princess at the park who encourages him to be brave and take risks. Can Humphrey find his courage when it matters the most? Or will his new risk-taking end in disaster?

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Book Reviews: Penguin and Panda Series #1-2

The Adventures of Penguin and Panda by Brenda Maier

The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: Surprise!: Graphic Novel (1) (Volume 1) (The Surprise! The Adventures of Penguin and Panda)
by  Brenda Maier (Goodreads Author), Fanni Mézes (Illustrator)

5 out of 5 stars

Penguin is trying to surprise Panda with a special picnic, but Panda keeps guessing all the surprises before Penguin can reveal them. Penguin is worried that Panda is not having fun because all the surprises are ruined, but Panda is just happy to be hanging out with Penguin.

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