{Review} Dinosnores by Sandra Boynton

Page Count: 24

Published On: September 3, 2019

Published By: Workman Publishing Company

Genre(s): Children's, Picture Book

Source: board book provided by publisher and Bookish First
Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

“Honk SHOOOOOO! Honk SHOOOOOO! . . .”     

The snoring goes on, on and on through the night. They never stop snoring till the first morning light.
 
Ah, all those dinosaurs look so cute in their pajamas. See them yawn and stretch and brush their teeth. Soon they’ll be sound asleep, and . . . OH NO! SNORING!!!
 
Little kids love big dinosaurs. They also love the sublime silliness of Sandra Boynton books. So what better way to wind down at the end of the day than with DINOSNORES, a rhyming and rhythmic ritual of getting ready for bed—featuring a pile of loudly snoozing dinos.

~~~

Hey, guys!

This was such a wonderful little board book. Once again, Sandra Boynton has created such beautiful art and a story that will captive the youngest readers. i absolutely adored this little story and I was so happy to revisit the author that is such a lovely part of my childhood. 

This story is so freaking delightful and I cannot recommend it enough for the little readers in your life. I cannot wait to read Sandra Boynton stories to my own future kids. 

This book is recommended for readers 0-8, is printed as a thick board book that will withstand any sticky, little fingers. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} The Chupacabras of the Rio Grande (The Unicorn Rescue Society #4) by Adam Gidwitz and David Bowles

Page Count: 224

Published On: April 16, 2019

Published By: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Fantasy, Children's, Middle Grade

Source: ARC provided by Dutton

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 3 stars 

Goodreads synopsis

The fourth book in the fully illustrated, globe-trotting middle-grade fantasy-adventure series about mythical creatures and their cultures of origin, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale.

Elliot and Uchenna have only just returned from their most recent Unicorn Rescue Society mission when they (along with Jersey!) are whisked away on their next exciting adventure with Professor Fauna. This time, they’re headed to the Mexican border to help another mythical creature in need: the chupacabras!

The Chupacabras of the Río Grande is co-written with David Bowles, author of the Pura Belpré Honor-winning book, The Smoking Mirror!

~~~

Hey, guys!

I was sent this ARC for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own. 

      The fourth installation of The Unicorn Rescue Society series follows Elliot and Uchenna as they travel with Professor Fauna to the Texas/Mexico border in search of the mysterious chupacapbras. 

      I really enjoyed this addition to the Unicorn Rescue Society series. It's such a great way to educate kids about important issues and immerse them in other cultures. I absolutely adored the setting of the Texas/Mexico border. The issues that were touched upon -- border relations -- are written in a way that children will understand and create their own opinion about the matter. In this story, Elliot and Uchenna head to Laredo, Texas with Professor Fauna to save the chupacabras and preserve their homes. As they are investigating the scene, they meet former members of the Unicorn Rescue Society, a young chupacabras, and the stinky Schmoke Brothers. This was such a great addition to the series -- definitely one of my favorites-- and I'm eager to see where Gidwitz and Bowles take this series. It's so freaking fun, powerful, and relevant. These books are the stories that I hope young readers find and read...I'll definitely be reading these to my future children.

      It's really fun to get ARCs of this series because I get to share these little stories with my younger sister, Bailey. We love magical creatures and we really love to discuss the Unicorn Rescue Society books. 

Other Unicorn Rescue Society Reviews:

• The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society #1) by Adam Gitwitz, Jesse Casey, Christopher Smith, & Hatem Aly
• The Basque Dragon (The Unicorn Rescue Society #2) by Adam Gidwitz, Jesse Casey, Christopher Smith, and Hatem Aly

Happy reading,

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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{Graphic Novel Series Review #25-28} Picture Books

Hey, guys!

I read three picture books this year and I thought they were just so much fun. Here are my thoughts on these books. I definitely recommend them for younger readers. 

Page Count: 40
Published on: September 12, 2017
Published by: Simon Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Education (Language and Writing), Fiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

From E.B. White Read Aloud author Adam Lehrhaupt comes an inspiring new picture book that takes apart the pieces of a story—hero, heroine, setting, conflict—and asks the reader to put the story back together again. This is a good story…or is it?

As a child takes her pencil and begins to draw pictures for a story, the narrator takes her and the reader through a rollicking sequence of events in this classic tale of bad guys and townsfolk and dungeons. With simplicity and flair, Adam tells a story and then a meta-story of the parts of the story at once! This Is a Good Story is a wonderful primer on the parts of a story and an imaginative way to encourage creative thinking, writing, and storytelling.

~~~

This was such a fun book for educational use. My sister, who is studying to become a teacher, was gushing about the concept of this book and I had to check it out. This story basically breaks down the parts of a story in a way for children to learn about them in an engaging and entertaining way. As an English major, this book made me so happy. I loved this book. I think that it should be used in school curriculum regularly. 

Page Count: 32
Published on: April 1, 2006
Published by: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Set during the devastating tsunami of 2004, MAMA is the touching true story of a baby hippo that was separated from his mother when the wave hit. After struggling alone for several days, the baby was rescued by Kenyan wildlife officers and brought to live in an animal refuge. There, all by himself, he adopted a new "mother"--that just happened to be a 130-year-old giant male tortoise. And they've been inseparable ever since.

Although MAMA takes place against the backdrop of a terrible human tragedy, at the heart of this story is a moving and original tale of adoption--and of finding love and companionship in the least likely of circumstances. 

~~~~

I picked this picture book up on a whim while on my break at my job at the library. I thought this was so touching. I loved the art style and the overall story. I loved the story of the baby hippo and I loved the pictures at the end of the book that tied it all together. The art style was so nice and the color scheme was probably my favorite part of the book.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

Page Count: 32
Published on: April 1, 2006
Published by: HMH Books For Young Readers
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A book with no pictures? 
What could be fun about that?
After all, if a book has no pictures, there's nothing to look at but the words on the page. 
Words that might make you say silly sounds... In ridiculous voices...
Hey, what kind of book is this, anyway?

~~~

I picked this book up for three minutes at a super market and quickly zoomed through it. I thought that this was a super fun and quirky children's book. I know B.J. Novak from the Office and from some videos on YouTube, but I was really suprised to see his name on a children's book. I'm actually quite impressed with the cleverness of this book 

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

Page Count: 40
Published on: April 8, 2014
Published by: Little Brown Books For Young Readers
Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Fiction, Fantasy
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

My Rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Dan Santat combines classic storytelling with breathtaking art, creating an unforgettable tale about friendship, imagination, and the courage to find one's place in the world.

~~~

This story is super cute. Beekle reminded me of the little creatures from Doctor Who that were made up from fat in humans. This story is so colorful and beautiful. I loved the illustrations. I love the focus on the imaginary worlds of children and the real-life world. This was just really lovely and delightful. I recommend this for bed-time reading for younger readers (and older readers too!)


Which picture books are you jazzed about this year?

Happy reading and happy holidays!
Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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{Review} The Last Kids on Earth and the Cosmic Beyond (Last Kids on Earth #4) by Max Brallier

Page Count: 240

Published On: September 18, 2018

Published By: Viking Books For Young Readers

Genre(s): Children's, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy

Source: paperback ARC provided by publisher

Age Rating: 7+

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 3 stars 

Goodreads synopsis:

The newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series introduces new monsters, new bad guys, and tons of new laughs!
It's the first winter after the Monster Apocalypse. For Jack and his buddies, that means sled catapults, epic snowball battles, and one monstrous Christmas celebration. But their winter wonderland turns dark when a villainess begins hunting them. And this villainess is different--she's a human.

When the villainess steals Jack's prized monster-slaying tool, the Louisville Slicer, he vows to get it back. But it won't be easy. Jack and his friends soon discover that the Louisville Slicer is the key to a dark plan that threatens the entire world--and beyond...

~~~

Hey, guys!

For some reason, my original review has gone missing, so I guess I'm rewriting it. 

This book was sent to me via ARC by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

     This book follows a boy named Jack and his best friends during the winter after the Monster Apocolypse. After a mysterious villain shows up, the kid's progressing monster world is turned upside down when Jack's weapon is stolen. Jack and the gang vow to get his weapon back and defeat their new nemesis.

     I thought that this story was just so super cute. I wish I had been able to read the first 3 books, but I felt like it was still super easy to follow the plot even if I hadn't read the previous installment. I really enjoyed the main group of characters. They had a really fun dynamic and their teamwork is so fun to read about. I think that the characters are going to be a great team of role models for younger readers. 

      I also really enjoy the science fiction/fantasy elements of this story. The monsters are so much fun and the magical/dystopia elements really add a sense of depth to the world. I'm really interested in reading the first three books. They just look like so much fun. 

I hope you guys enjoyed this review! It's such a good book for kids ages 8-12. They're really going to love it! 

Happy reading!
Olivia 

~Liv the Book Nerd~

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{Review} The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society #1) by Adam Gitwitz, Jesse Casey, Christopher Smith, & Hatem Aly

Page Count: 176

Published on: April 10, 2018

Published by: Dutton Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Children's, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Source: Paperback ARC - provided by publisher

Age Rating: ages 8+

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

My Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

Elliot Eisner isn't exactly excited about starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new town; he'd much rather stay at home and read a book. But things take an unexpected turn when he finds out his weird new teacher, Professor Fauna, has planned a field trip for Elliot's very first day. Along with a new friend--brave, outspoken Uchenna Devereaux--Elliot gets caught up in a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world's mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.

~~~

Hey, guys!

     An advance reading copy was sent to me for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Penguin/Dutton for sending me this adorable book. 

     The Creature of the Pines follows Elliot Eisner as he begins his first day of school. His first day starts out quite oddly, as his class is going on a field trip to the Pine Barrens. On the way to the Barrens, Elliot befriends an outspoken little girl named Uchenna Devereaux who dresses like a rock star and makes up songs about what all goes on around her. They become fast friends when Uchenna runs off to investigate a mysterious rustling. Elliot and Uchenna are soon caught up in a wild and mysterious group called The Unicorn Rescue Society. A secret group that is dedicated to taking care of and defending mythical and magical creatures. Together, with their whacky teacher Professor Fauna, they go on an rescue mission to save one of the coolest mythical creatures from the greedy and evil Schmoke Brothers. 

      This little book was just so freaking cute. I think it's a great introduction to the characters, the Unicorn Rescue Society, and to the little world that is being created. This book is full of some great characters that I think will be a great introduction to new and young readers. I love love love love Uchenna's character. She is so cool and I think she has the potential to become a great role model for the children that read the stories. Elliot is such a sweet dude. I love how intelligent and caring he is and how his character is already beginning to develop and grow. Uchenna and Elliot butt heads, but their personalities really work together and I think they complement each other quite nicely. 

     I'm excited to see where they go next and I'm quite excited for the next few books in the  series. I think this is going to be a great series for kids and adults, alike. It's so imaginative and fun. 

Thank you Penguin/Dutton for asking me to be a part of this blog tour. This book was adorable and I'm so excited for it to be out in the world!

The Creature of the Pines comes out April 10!

In celebration of the release of The Creature of the Pines, I was asked to share my favorite mythological creature. My favorite mythological creature is a:

Faery/Faeries

I love how intricate each fairy/faery world is. I'm particularly fond of the malicious fae who harm humans. I love how rich the worlds are and how diverse each faery kingdom is. I'm currently in love with Sarah J. Maas's fae world and Holly Black's fae worlds. I cannot get enough of them.

AUTHORS

Adam Gidwitz is the author of the critically acclaimed, New York Timesbestselling Grimm trilogy. He spent six years researching and writing his Newbery Honor-winning The Inquisitor's Tale, including a year living in Europe. Adam lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY. Find Adam online at adamgidwitz.com or @AdamGidwitz. 

Chris Lenox Smith is the Creative Director and cofounder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Chris is a two-time winner of the ADC Young Guns Award for animation and music composition, his work spans across media, from short films and commercial work to musical scores that marry influences from the precomputer era with modern techniques. 

Jesse Casey is the Managing Director and cofounder of Mixtape Club, an award-winning audiovisual creative studio. Mixtape works with a range of brands and artists, including Google, HBO, ESPN, Spotify, Primus, and They Might Be Giants, to create memorable, narrative-driven films. Drawing from his twin backgrounds in computer programming and printmaking, Jesse's work embraces contemporary technology as a means to recreate the craft and artistry of classic film and animation.

ILLUSTRATOR

 

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured on television and in multiple publications worldwide. He currently lives in New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. Find him online at metahatem.com or @metahatem.

Happy reading, guys!
Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Q&A/Review with Bailey}: Ramona's World by Beverly Cleary

Page Count: 240

Published on: August 25, 1999

Published by: Harper Collins

Genre(s): Childrens, Fiction, Realistic Fiction
Source: Paperback 

Age Rating: Young Adult

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

Bailey's Rating: 3 star

Goodreads synopsis:

Ramona Quimby can't wait to start fourth grade. With a new baby sister to brag about, new calluses to show off, and a new best friend to get to know, everything's going to be great!

Or is it? When Ramona's spelling is atrocious, her teacher, Mrs. Meacham, is firm about her needing to improve. Then a scary incident at a friend's house leaves Ramona feeling at fault. Who knew growing up could be filled with such complicated situations?

~~~

Hey, guys!

     Bailey and I finally sat down and reviewed a few books and I'm so happy with the content that we've compiled for you. Bailey is currently 9 years old and so freaking smart. She loves to read. She's so hilarous and she has the best commentary about the books she reads. 

I loved doing this interview/review with her. She's so passionate about what she reads. I hope you enjoy this review! In the next year, we're going to start writing full on reviews and get her writing skills to develop. 

~~~ 

Q: What is Ramona's World about? Can you summarize it a bit?

B: It's about Ramona's fourth grade year and all the ups and downs that she goes through. 

      She has a baby sister now and she falls through a ceiling at a friends house and scrapes up her legs. At the end, her classmate Susan comes to her birthday party but cries because the book her mom read was made fun of because it said that you shouldn't eat birthday cake because someone might spit on it. Which I think is offensive because it isn't the book's fault. It's the author of the book's fault not Beverly Cleary. 

Q: What would you rate this book? Why?

B: 3 stars. Because I don't like how she calls "10" 'zero-teen' and "11" 'one-teen'.

Q: What did you like about this book? What did you dislike?

B: I like Ramona, except I don't have a baby sister and she only has one big sister. I have three. I like how they call Beatrice "Beezus" and how when they're taking care of a cat named Claude that they have a two story cat tower. I like that the baby get's its head stuck in the cat tower, but Ramona helps figure out how to get the baby out without hurting her. 

Q: Are you going to continue with more Ramona books?

B: I already have. Ramona books are good. I've read Ramona Forever, but I don't remember anything and I really want to read it and I'm screaming! AHHH!

Q: Do you have anything else to say to the people reading this?

B: I like chickens. If a chicken and a dragon had a baby I'd call it a Cragon and it's name would be Ramona or Roberta...depends....maybe even Beatrice. I don't know. I'll figure it out....

(Bailey is looking through Ruby and Olivia by Rachel Hawkings) "WHAT IF I CUT YOU!"

Happy reading!

Olivia & Bailey

~LivTheBookNerd & Beetle~

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{Q&A/Review With Bailey} Ruby & Olivia by Rachel Hawkins

Page Count: 240

Published on: October 24, 2017

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Mystery, Paranormal

Source: Paperback ARC - via publisher -- given to her by me

Age Rating: PG

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository

Bailey's Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis:

A spooky middle-grade story that's full of fun, friendship, and humor--perfect for fans of Ingrid Law and Lisa Graff.
Ruby is best friends with Emma, but she and Emma's twin sister Olivia are definitely not friends. Unfortunately, Emma will be away for the summer, while Ruby and Olivia are going to be stuck at a community service day camp for troublemakers--together. 
To kick off the spirit of service, the campers are outfitted with bright pink polka-dotted t-shirts with smiley faces on the front, then tasked with cataloging the contents of an abandoned mansion. Sorting through objects in an old house sounds boring, and working with each other is that last thing the girls want to do, but the stuff is actually pretty cool. There's everything from mink stoles to golf clubs to stuffed deer heads . . . and . . . wait . . . is that stuffed deer head watching them? 
When the taps run freezing cold and doors slam inexplicably, Ruby and Olivia wonder if the other campers are having a bit of fun, or if the abandoned mansion is looking for new residents. To solve the mystery, Ruby and Olivia will have to put their grudges aside and figure out how to be a team with or without Emma.

~~~

Hey, guys!

Today Bailey and I are bringing you an amazing Q&A review for Rachel Hawkin's Ruby and Olivia. Back in late October, I recieved an ARC for Ruby and Olivia and I reviewed it. It wasn't one of my absolute favorite middle grade novels and Bee wanted to read it, so I just gave her the ARC. In the past few weeks, Bailey has read and reread this book...she loves it...so we had to review it! I hope you love this review. We worked really hard to make this great and I'm so proud of how far she's come. Enjoy!

My Review of R&O: {click here}

~~~

Q: What is Ruby & Olivia about? Can you summarize it a bit?

A: It's about these kids who go to a mansion because Olivia's sister, Emma, is shoplifting and steals lipstick and Olivia takes the blame. Ruby did a prank at a different school where she did something with glitter in the hallways, so both of them are sent to Camp Chrysalis. They are sent to the Live Oak House mansion to clean up and they went to creepy rooms and creepy things kept happening, like a kid got bit by the house. 

      The reason that it's called the Live Oak House is because the house is built around a live tree. The tree actually almost killed Ruby and Olivia because it was kind of possessed by the spirits of Mr. Rexhall's dead twin sisters. 

Q: What would you rate this book? Why?

A: 5 stars. It's a good book! I like how it has an actual plot and the characters are cool. I like how it's a mystery...like one of the kids' hands gets bit and it was the end of the chapter!...I was like.... (holds up hands in awe) woah, I gotta keep reading! Olivia reminds me of you because she's respectful and well behaved and you might take the blame if Sarah stole a cactus or something. I don't think she would, but if she did I think you'd take the blame so she could go to a cool camp. 

[Sarah is actually my twin sister. She's a lover of plants, baking, and skincare. She would never steal anything, but she sure does love plants.]

Bailey continued to reread passages of this book to creep me out. She succeeded and I had to take the book from her so we could finish this interview review. 

Q: What did you like about this book? What did you dislike?

A: I liked that there were creepy dolls involved. That is the best kind of story. [Me: why??] I just like creepy dolls. I like their horrifying faces. It reminds me of when I look in the mirror.  [GUYS I'M NOT KIDDING SHE LITERALLY SAID THAT AND GIGGLED! WHO IS THIS CHILD???]

I didn't like how silent Wesley is. He barely said anything. I don't like it when other people give other people the silent treatment in books...and I don't like how he hides behind his hair. 

Q: So this book is a standalone. If it had a sequel would you read it? Do you think it needs a sequel?

A: Definitely. There is no way I'm saying no to a sequel. I think it needs a shorter sequel or something. You can't just end the story with the house disappearing. What happens next? I need to know!

Q: Do you have anything else to say to the people reading this?

A: I think this book was amazing....and I like chickens. 

Q: Why do you like chickens??? Why???

A: They supply you with food and they make noises like "quak" or "BOCK"

~~~

Thanks for reading this review! We hope you enjoyed it!

Happy reading!

Olivia & Bailey

~Liv & Bailey the Book Nerds~

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