BOOK NEWS: February 14, 2017

Happy Valentine’s Day week! Whether you are celebrating with the love of your life, or you think of Valentine’s Day as “Black Tuesday,” here are some new books that you might fall in love with!

Books for Kids


 

Obi-123 – I’m reviewing book one in this series tomorrow. I loved ABC-3PO and I hope the new book is just as awesome.
A Perfect Day – A perfect day for bear becomes a not-so-perfect day for other animals. The cover of this one really grabs my attention
Animal Ark – You can hardly go wrong with an animal book for kids. This one combines pictures and poetry (by Kwame Alexander!). Looks like a winner!
Bob Not Bob – This may be the top book on my (LONG) wish list of books coming out this week. The book trailer is darling and the premise – a boy with a cold calls for his mom and gets his dog, Bob, instead – is brilliant.
Not Quite Narwhal – Frankly, it’s the cover that makes me want to read this book! It’s beautiful! And the core story is about identity – one of my favorite themes. I am looking forward to reading this one.
You Don’t Want a Unicorn – A boy who wishes for a unicorn learns to be careful what you wish for.
Get a Hit, Mo! – About a small boy who loves sports. I love Early Readers for kids who are growing as new readers. This one looks cute.
Ms. Joni Is a Phony! – Book 7 in the My Weirdest School series by Dan Gutman
Lego Batman: The Making of the Movie – A behind the scenes look at the new Lego Batman movie, including concept art.
Before Ever After (Junior Novel) – Junior Novel for the Tangled TV series coming to Disney Channel

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


  

Calico Girl – The story of a young slave girl and her family in the Civil War. I’m curious to read where this story fits in the larger historical story of the Civil War.
One Amazing Elephant – A girl and a circus elephant mourn their loss. This is recommended for fans of The One and Only Ivan. This sounds like a lovely story.
Last Day on Mars – The human race, living on Mars after the destruction of Earth, is moving to another new home as Mars is about to be destroyed as well. Two teens among the last to leave Mars make startling discoveries. This sounds fantastic!
The Playbook – Illustrated book of inspiration by the author of The Crossover, Kwame Alexander
Addie Bell’s Shortcut to Growing Up – Twelve-year-old Addie Bell gets her wish to be 16. I can’t wait to read this one!
Last of August – Book 2 in the Charlotte Holmes mystery series, after A Study in Charlotte. I enjoyed book 1 and I am looking forward to reading this one!
X Files Originals – Graphic Novel about Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as teens investigating two separate mysteries that may have a common thread
Civil War II – Hardcover graphic novel of comics 0-7 of this series that asks if it is right to arrest people based on what they MIGHT do in the future. I have enjoyed this series of comics. There are also several sideline series that take place in this timeline in some of the other Marvel universes (X-Men, Spiderman, etc.).

Books for Adults


Death in the Dales – Book 7 in the Kate Shackleton mystery series
Redeeming Grace – Based on the Biblical story of Ruth
This Life I Live – The story of Joey and Rory Feek. This will be a moving and inspiring read, I’m sure!

BOOK NEWS: February 7, 2017

February is here! I choose to believe Staton Island Chuck who said spring is  right around the corner rather than Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter! So, my fingers are crossed for spring, spring, spring!

Here are some books to help you fill the time until the temperatures rise and the sun makes a more regular appearance.

Books for Kids


Bunny’s Book Club – A bunny who misses outdoor storytime when the weather gets cold, decides to go into the library through the book drop. I have been looking forward to reading this book for months! I hope it is as fun as it looks.
Duck, Duck, Dinosaur and the Noise at Night – A dinosaur and his two duck friends hear a scary noise in the night. This looks adorable. I can’t wait to see it in person.
Fancy Nancy and the Missing Easter Bunny – Nibbles the bunny goes missing in this new story with stickers starring Fancy Nancy.
Little House Book of Wisdom – An illustrated collection of thoughts from the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Mr. Lincoln’s Way – The latest book by Patrica Polacco about school principal, Mr. Lincoln and a student struggling with racism.
Samson the Piranha Who Went to Dinner – Samson longs to try out the three new fancy restaurants in his neighborhood, but piranha can be kind of scary….
Alexander Hamilton – With the popularity of the musical Hamilton, I expect we will be seeing lots of new books about this Founding Father this year. Our family loves the musical, and I am eager to see what parts of Hamilton’s life are covered in this early reader.
What’s Your Favorite Favorite? – Book 3  in this hilarious series staring Ballet Cat. I can’t wait to read this one!! Book 1, The Totally Secret Secret, is one of my all time favorite books for kids.
Light in the Lion’s Den – Book 19 of this Christian series that is a lot like Magic Tree House. In this book the kids head back in time to the Biblical events of Daniel being thrown in the lion’s den.
Mae and June and the Wonder Wheel – Early chapter book about new friends and the adventures they have each day based on the spin of their Wonder Wheel. This looks darling!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults


  

Blueberry Pancakes Forever – Book 3 in the Tuesday McGillycuddy series (Finding Serendipity). I loved the first two books in this series about a girl who can enter the world of written stories.
Castle in the Mist – A magical fantasy set in the English countryside
Dragon Captives – A new story arc begins in the world of The Unwanteds. I started the original series but never finished it. I might have to go back and take another run at it!
Jasper and the Riddle of Riley’s Mine – Two brothers set off for Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush
Pinch of Powder – Book one in the new “Pulvology” series. This book sounds fun – two kids helping out a neighbor who is a “pulvologist” and makes special powders in her lab. I can only imagine the trouble that can start with some of those special powders!
Squirrel Meets World – This new Squirrel Girl book from the fabulous Shannon Hale is at the TOP of my wish list this week!
Who Is Sonia Sotomayor? – Biography of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Who Was Cesar Chavez? – Biography of activist Cesar Chavez
Who Was Lucille Ball? – Biography of entertainer Lucille Ball
King’s Cage – Book 3 in the Red Queen series. This is one of the most highly anticipated books of 2017.
Romeo and What’s Her Name – The unprepared understudy has to go on stage – with her crush – in Romeo and Juliet
Wanted – Book 2 in the fairy tale Spelled series. The description of this one makes me want to dig book one off my shelves and start reading right away!

Books for Adults


Blown Away – First in the new Kite Shop Mystery series
Bookman Dead Style – Book 2 in the Dangerous Type Mystery series
A Measure of Murder – Book 2 in the Sally Solari Mystery series
Mission Impawsible – Book 4 in the Paws and Claws Mystery series
Snowed in with Murder – Book 3 in the Otter Lake Mystery series
War and Peach – Book 3 in the Georgia Peach Mystery series
Wee Homicice in the Hotel – Book 3 in the ScotShop Mystery series
Comfort Detox: Finding Freedom from Habits that Bind You –  Christian Living book about pushing beyond the habits you use to keep you comfortable and finding true comfort in Christ.