The Emperor’s Ostrich
by Julie Berry (Goodreads Author)

3.5 out of 5 stars

Begonia is searching for her lost cow, when she meets a strange man riding an ostrich. There are rumors that the emperor has gone missing with an ostrich from the royal zoo. The strange man refuses to tell anyone his name, so Begonia assumes that he is a traveler like herself. She meets a boy named Key, and they travel together, trying to return the cow home. However, the cow and ostrich have their own ideas, and lead them all into many adventures.

The writing is well done, the plot is wild and hilarious, and the world building is a strange mixture of cultures. The story is very silly and funny, but not quite my style of humor. But I did find it, enjoyable and fun to read!

Begonia is a very responsible character, so it was interesting to see her forced out of her comfort zone, thrown into wild situations where she has to expand her own limited perspective.
I also liked the character of Key, who is whimsical and happy go lucky in any circumstances.

Basil and the Royal Dare (7) (The Great Mouse Detective)
by Cathy Hapka, Catherine Hapka, David Mottram (Illustrations)

4 out of 5 stars

Basil and Dawson are called to the royal palace to track down a group of teen royal cousins who have gone missing. The teens have a habit of daring each other to dangerous feats, teasing a ferocious dog and barely escaping from its jaws. Now they have disappeared, and the royal parents call on Basil to find them. Could they have been eaten by the horrible dog, or is there something more nefarious at work?