Mom and Me Reviews: Once Upon a Dragon’s Fire

This is the story of a dragon, and two children– Sylas and Freya. No one has ever seen the dragon, but there are many stories about him; stories to put fear into the minds of most. Freya and Sylas are not afraid, though. When the town says the dragon is at fault for their latest plight, the two children set off to make things right… and discover something new about the dragon.

First Line: “Once upon a magic kingdom, before fire ever existed, there lived a terrifying dragon near a village.”

Summary: This is the story of a dragon, and two children– Sylas and Freya. No one has ever seen the dragon, but there are many stories about him; stories to put fear into the minds of most. Freya and Sylas are not afraid, though. When the town says the dragon is at fault for their latest plight, the two children set off to make things right… and discover something new about the dragon.

Ratings:

                Maggie: 5 stars

                Conor: One big smile

                Mama Lala: 4 stars.

Their Thoughts: Conor was mostly uninterested in this story. He did, however, LOVE the giant fold out picture of the dragon!

Maggie enjoyed this story. She said she enjoyed the adventure, and the “moral of this story” ending. She believes the lesson to be learned here is not to judge a “dragon” by the words other people say about him. She says because of this lesson, it is a good story for all ages.

My Thoughts: The illustrations of this book are beautiful and vivid. I, also, enjoyed the giant fold out picture of the dragon. I also, as a parent, appreciate the teachings this book holds. Maggie was correct about the moral of the story, but there was one more: friendship can warm any heart.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Midnight Library

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

First line: Nineteen years before she decided to die, Nora Seed sat in the warmth of the small library at Hazeldene School in the town of Bedford.

Summary: Nora Seed has decided to die. Everything is falling apart around her. She is single, her cat died, she lost her job, her parents are dead and her brother won’t talk to her. What’s the point anymore? As she dies she finds that there is a library filled with possible other lives that would have existed had she made different choices. The librarian directs her to the books of these alternate lives where she can decide if she would rather live in those instead. Which one will she choose?

“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices . . . Would you have done anything different, if you had the chance to undo your regrets?”

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. At the beginning it can be depressing as Nora keeps having her world fall apart around her. It almost seems like an It’s a Wonderful Life situation. But this is more inventive and adds another dimension to story. Rather than seeing the world without her, it looks at the world if she had made different choices.

I liked how different each life was because of one small choice. It’s the Butterfly Effect. One decision can change so much for you and every person you come into contact with. But we also see that what may appear to be perfect can still have its challenges. Nothing is perfect.

Everyone has things that they regret. I know I do. I wish I had spent a year abroad in college. But if I did that I would never have gotten my dog, Winston. I regret not staying at K-State in order to save money on college but if I hadn’t I would not have traveled around Europe with a group from Tabor College. There is always something that could be different but with every regret there is something good you would lose too.

Even though this sounds like a depressing book, it is really uplifting. It has a great message to anyone who is struggling with life choices and how to make the best of what we are given. Find joy in the small things.

FYI: Trigger warnings: suicide, drug overdose, language.

Xochitl’s Book Thoughts: All We Knew But Couldn’t Say

All We Knew But Couldn’t Say by Joanne Vannicola

First line of the book: I never know what condition she’ll be in when I arrive at the hospital – if she’ll lucid, rambling, awake, sleeping, in an altered state, or gone.

Summary and Thoughts:

Joanne Vannicola went through a life of trauma and pain before reaching stardom. All of her childhood resurfaces once her abusive mother is on her deathbed. Vannicola’s life was a tale of eating disorders enabled by her mother, abuse from both of her parents, and sibling bonds torn apart from everything going on. Vannicola also delves into her sexuality, especially when she is entering young adulthood, from small crushes to the people she dated. She doesn’t leave out any part of her life so one can see the bad choices she makes in her life and how her upbringing influenced her growth. Vannicola goes back and forth between the past and present. The little things that her mother says or does currently sourly reminds Vannicola of her troubled family life.

I found myself to be easily lost in her world as Vannicola goes into deep detail of her setting and her strong emotions at the time. Anyone who has had a difficult upbringing will relate to the several ways that Joanne Vannicola tried to forget her living situation, especially during her younger years. My favorite one was the children’s obsession with music and always listening to it together in secret since I like to lose myself in music. I also did find some parts difficult and uncomfortable to read as I am a sensitive person. I believe this read is necessary for that reason; when I felt uncomfortable, I realized the points she was trying to make. If I felt horrible or angry then no doubt Vannicola felt it tenfold and would explain her problematic behavior, which I often got frustrated with. Overall, this book brought me a perspective that I usually find hard to think about.

FYI:

I caution others that there are strong themes of abuse (self or to others), prostitution, sexual references, underage-drinking, and drugs. The author doesn’t hold back detail when it comes to these things.

*This book can be found via Hoopla or through Interlibrary Loan.*

Mom and Me Reviews: Red Riding Hood

This classic fairy tale is retold in graphic novel form for elementary aged readers. This version of the story includes the woodsman, red, grandmother, and red’s mother. Red’s mother asks her to deliver moon cakes and steamed buns to her grandmother, but a tricky wolf distracts her and tries to lead her off the path.

First Line: “Once upon a time there was a girl named Red.”

Summary: This classic fairy tale is retold in graphic novel form for elementary aged readers. This version of the story includes the woodsman, red, grandmother, and red’s mother. Red’s mother asks her to deliver moon cakes and steamed buns to her grandmother, but a tricky wolf distracts her and tries to lead her off the path.

Ratings:

                Maggie: 5 stars

                Conor: One laugh (for mama’s funny reading voice)

                Mama Lala: 4 stars

Their Thoughts: This story was different from the other versions Maggie has been told. We haven’t heard of a woodsman in this story before. Grandmother’s role is also different from the version we know. She liked the telling of this story in graphic novel form, though, and didn’t think it strange to be both graphic novel and read aloud.

My Thoughts: This is a fantastic introduction to the world of graphic novels. Aside from the story, there is also an instruction on how to read graphic novels, panels, and word bubbles– perfect for the age group who would be attracted to this book.

The book also included an introduction to the characters and some atypical words within the story (before the story began), and hosted some review and writing prompts at the end of the tale. Those things alone make this book worth reading.

I agree with Maggie that the story was well transferred into a graphic novel. I liked the delivery.

The story itself was nothing new, so it didn’t hold my attention especially well. However, if tried-and-true fairy tales are your “bag”, this is a great option for you!

FYI: This is a part of a series! There are a total of 6 books in the series. Derby Public library currently has two: Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

What’s Ashley Reading?: Mother May I

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson

Summary: Bree Cabbat has the perfect life; a loving husband, beautiful children and a nice home. But one night she sees a witch at her window and the following day her baby son is stolen from her car with a mysterious message containing instructions on how to get her little boy back. As she follows “the mother’s” instructions she finds that there is more to this diabolical plan than she first thought. Racing against the clock Bree tries to find the secrets that could lead them to her son and “the mother”.

My Thoughts: This is my first book my Joshilyn Jackson. I really enjoyed it. It started off with a bang and continued to have the same high drama throughout which can be hard to maintain. As the story progressed I didn’t know how the author was going to continue because the end seemed so imminent but then whole new mystery appeared. As more layers were added the suspense got even higher until the last chapter. I will finally read her other thriller, Never Have I Ever, which I have checked out numerous times but never read yet.

Listening to the audio book I was a little annoyed at the readers voice. It was rather whiny but that could be because of the playback on the app. I liked the reader’s interpretation of “the mother’s” voice. It was witchy and creepy. And you need to stay focused while listening or you may miss something.

FYI: Great thriller!

Monica’s Musings: I Tried to Change So You Don’t Have To

I Tried to Change So You Don’t Have To by Loni Love

“There’s a saying a lot of people live by: ‘Fake it till you make it.’ For me, it’s always been ‘fake it, and then have the whole thing blow up in your face.’” -Loni Love, I Tried to Change So You Don’t Have To: True Life Lessons

Loni Love is one of my favorite comedians and talk show hosts. I have watched her talk show The Real for almost two years. I am always interested in what Loni is going to say because she is honest and funny. When I saw her book sitting on the shelf, I immediately knew I had to read it. It is safe to say I was not disappointed.

This book goes through the author’s life growing up in Detroit and her struggles of making it in Hollywood. Her life was not easy, and despite her comfortable life now, she has not forgotten her roots. She touches on subjects from fake friends, homelessness, to racism that she has experienced. Her life story is not typical, which made this such an interesting read. She is able to use comedy to make her story light, but she does not skirt around the tough details.

I ate this book up from cover to cover. Not only because I am a fan of Loni, but because her life story was so different than anything I have ever had to deal with in my life. Love’s perspective is so optimistic despite some of the cards she has been handed. I admire someone who is able to take their rough situation and use it as motivation to change their life. This book made me feel even more grateful for everything I have, and it also motivated me to be kind and keep working hard for what I want out of life.

Mom and Me Reviews: Wonder Walkers

A brother and sister go on a “wonder walk”. A Wonder Walk is what it sounds like, a walk where you voice the things you wonder about as you walk.

First Line: “Wonder Walk? Sure.”

Summary: A brother and sister go on a “wonder walk”. A Wonder Walk is what it sounds like, a walk where you voice the things you wonder about as you walk.

Ratings:

                Maggie: Five Stars

                Conor: One Sigh

                Mama Lala: Three stars

Their Thoughts: Conor wasn’t very interested in this story. He sat still for the reading, but nothing gripped his attention.

Maggie did not appear to pay attention, but at the end of the reading I was proven wrong about that assumption. It seems she was listening intently, but not looking at the illustrations.

She said she thought it was as good book, especially for preschool and elementary aged kids. Then said it was a good bed time or relaxing book. “It’s a good book to let you get away from the world for a little bit.”

My Thoughts: This is not an exciting book. It is a beautiful concept, though. I wish it were more memorable. I do not have words for what would take it from this level to the next. Do not mistake me, its a good book… it’s just also, unfortunately, forgettable.

The book DID provide for a wonderful discussion between my kids and me. We, like the main characters, played “I wonder”. We wondered if the leaves were the tree’s clothes, and if humans felt like tics or fleas to the world.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Hunger

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

First line: Everyone agreed it had been a bad winter, one of the worst in recollection.

Summary: A wagon train of settlers head out from Independence, Missouri, who would later be known as the Donner Party. They are bound for the bountiful lands of California. Among them is Tamsen Donner, who some believe to be a witch. And when strange things start to occur along the trail many look towards her for someone to blame. As they cover the long miles over prairie, desert and mountains, members of the party begin to change. Will the group be able to make it to the promised land of California or die trying to take the shortcut?

My Thoughts: Practically everyone has heard of the ill-fated Donner Party. They spent a long winter in the mountains on their way to California. After several of the party are rescued there has been rumors and debate about if the survivors resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. The story is such a dark piece of history which I think is what makes it so fascinating to so many people.

This book was recommended to me and I used it as part of my Traveler’s Reading Challenge. I had really high hopes of a spooky story mixed with cannibals. But I felt that there was a lot of build up to an ending that wasn’t as good as I had hoped. I expected to spend a lot more time in the mountains and the cold months. But this only was a small portion at the very end. It was a fun read for someone interested in a twist on history.

FYI: The author’s next book is The Deep which gives a twist to the story of the Titanic.

Terese’s Thoughts: What is the What

What is the What by Dave Eggers

First line: “I have no reason not to answer the door so I answer the door.”

As a kid, I had a book of science experiments and interesting facts about the world. One page contained a pie chart with a spinner. You had the same odds of landing that spinner in a tiny, designated sliver of the whole pie as you did being born in the United States. At the time, this was a new concept to me. I would spin it over and over again, wondering how life might be different had I been born somewhere else.

Summary

The title page calls the book both the autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng and a novel by Dave Eggers. As Achak Deng writes in the preface, “this book is a soulful account of my life.” Eggers spent years interviewing Achak Deng in order to tell his story using as authentic a voice as possible.

Although the story begins with Valentino as an adult living in the United States, we are quickly transported back to his happy childhood in a southern Sudanese village. Through Valentino’s six-year-old eyes, we watch as his village is overtaken by militiamen. Homes are set ablaze and people attempting to flee are murdered. Valentino manages to escape but does not know the fate of his parents. He spends the next several years of his life on the run, evading armed forces (and occasionally wild beasts), battling disease, and struggling to find enough food and water to survive in the African desert. His journey begins alone, but he soon meets up with a group of newly orphaned boys like himself, the so-called “Lost Boys” of Sudan. As they make their way toward a refugee camp in Kenya, the boys encounter unspeakable horrors, but there are also moments of laughter and the teasing typical of young boys.

Once Valentino reaches the refugee camp in Kenya, his troubles are far from over. While learning to navigate the politics of the camp, Valentino is also going to school and improving his English. Eventually, Valentino is chosen as one of the Lost Boys who will be given a chance at a life in the United States.

Now a grown man and full of optimism, Valentino flies to Atlanta to start his new life. Although he has the support of a generous and caring host family, Valentino faces a whole new set of obstacles, including discrimination, isolation, loneliness, racism, and the sense of defeat that comes with toiling day after day to still just barely get by. A deeply religious man, Valentino’s faith is shaken by the sheer amount of loss and misfortune he has endured. Despite this, he never loses his belief in the power of education and the good of humanity.

My thoughts

The story is compelling, but it’s also Valentino’s rare introspective voice that kept me from putting the book down. Through it all, he never loses his wry sense of humor and quick wit. Reading his story felt like growing up with him–seeing what he sees, his thoughts running through my head. I came to feel very close to Valentino; I wept and raised my fist to the sky with each new tragedy he suffered. It is a special soul who can cross this sea of violence, loss, and indifference to human life and come out on the other side with his faith in people intact.

This book is absolutely heartbreaking. It is also eye-opening and inspirational. It is a reminder to me the power of positivity and endurance. Reading Valentino’s story has helped me put my own life and struggles in perspective and keeps me from taking for granted some of the privileges afforded to me simply by being born where I was.

F.Y.I.: This book contains descriptions of graphic violence.

Mom and Me Reviews: Where the World Ends

First Line: “It was a sunny and sleepy afternoon.”

Summary: One day three friends ponder where the clouds go when they cannot see them anymore. Flip suggests the clouds go to where the world ends, and the friends decide to go on an adventure to find that place.

Ratings:

                Maggie: Two and a half stars

                Conor: Zero smiles, but a general keeping up with the pages being turned

                Mama Lala: Two stars.

Their Thoughts: Maggie had trouble coming up with anything to say about this story. She did suggest that it would be more relatable for her if the main characters were kids instead of animals. She said, as it is, she kind of felt “meh” about this story… which is why she gave it a rating exactly half way between zero and five. Conor didn’t seem very interested in this book, and rarely interacted with it. The illustrations did catch his attention occasionally, but rarely held it.

My Thoughts: I like the focus of friendship and adventure. The story felt incomplete, though. It’s alluded to that they find the end of the world, but the illustrations do not show it. The story didn’t really conclude at all. The title also suggests there are multiple adventures amongst these characters, but I could not find any others on goodreads… and if this is the first book in a series they did a poor job of introducing the characters. I have no idea which character is which. Hopefully their next adventure will land a little better with my two readers.

Happy Reading our friends,

Mama Lala, Maggie, & Conor