Picture Book Review: Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer

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Book received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Ben loves his dog, Buster and thinks he's the best dog in the entire world. His parents think otherwise. Buster has a knack for leaving messes wherever he goes and gets too excited about things that move like squirrels and especially the postman.

Sadly, Ben must leave Buster behind with Grampa when he goes away on vacation. But how will he know how to take care of him? Ben makes sure he leaves lists, diagrams and pictures for him but it's not enough. He frets that he has forgotten something and writes letters and postcards. The only problem is that he still forgets to tell Grampa not to take Buster to the post office and when Grampa makes the mistake of dragging him along, Buster wrecks havoc. Grampa sets out to change Buster's bad behavior but will it work?

Dog lovers will love the playful antics of the slightly naughty, Buster, and will love the humor in the quirky notes Ben leaves behind. A fun and visually stimulating look at what dog ownership is all about.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (Sept. 2015)

Written and Illustrated by Alex Latimer

ISBN: 978-1-56145-884-4

Ages: 4-8

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

Book Review: Out of Bounds by Fred Bowen

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Book received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Nate Osbourne loves playing forward on his U-14 soccer team, the Strikers. He and his teammates want nothing more than to beat their nemesis, the Monarchs, for the championship title. All season, Nate and his friends play their hearts out hoping they will make it to the championship game.

When the game is on the line, Nate faces a difficult decision between winning or showing good sportsmanship. Will his teammates understand the choice he makes and is it really the right one?

While Bowen's descriptions of the sports action will draw the reader in, it's the real life examples of sportsmanlike play in actual games that got my attention. Out of Bounds is a solid read for the soccer fan.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (Aug. 2015)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-845-5

Ages 7-12

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull and Illustrated by Brandon Dorman: BOOK REVIEW

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Ebook received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

A walk into Fablehaven opens to a world of magical creatures and artifacts and someone must take care of them. Each of the five preserves, including Fablehaven, has a caretaker With so many different artifacts as well as creatures from trolls to fairies, it's hard for those caretaker's to keep them straight. The knowledge that has been passed down from generations of caretakers finally appears in print, giving Fablehaven lovers a chance to sort through all things magic and learn the backstories of some of their favorite magical beings.

With fabulous illustrations and detailed definitions, it's easy to visualize the magic inside the preserves. Handwritten notes add humor and insight. Especially funny was the warning to Seth about not exchanging batteries with the satyrs for gold. The Kindle version does not transfer the illustrations or the handwritten notes well. In fact, there were many spots where there would be random notes in the middle of sentences. This reference book is definitely one that works best in print form. I would not recommend the electronic version. However, the print version would be the perfect companion to the Fablehaven series. Pay careful attention to references for the new sequel and be prepared to meet some new creatures.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (Oct.13, 2015)

ISBN: 9781629720913

Pages: 128

Ages: 9-12  

 This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

Book Review: Stanley's Diner Written & Illustrated by William Bee

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Disclosure: Book received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

A visit to Stanley's Diner will take the reader inside the busy kitchen where Stanley cooks eggs, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Stanley's friend, Hattie, works with him in the diner. Together they feed the hungry customers. When it comes time to celebrate, Stanley cooks up a special cake. Keep the pages turning to find out why.

Digitally rendered artwork with clean lines set the tone for the simple yet charming look at what it takes to work in a diner.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (September 2015)
ISBN: 978-1-56145-802-8
Ages: 3-7

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands: Book Review

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Disclosure: Book received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Lucky to escape the orphanage to become an apprentice apothecary, Christopher Rowe realizes he has it better than other apprentices. His master, Benedict Blackthorn, treats him with kindness while teaching him how to solve codes and puzzles and how to create complex medicines and potions. 

The murder of his master by the Cult of the Archangel turns Christopher's world upside down. With the help of Tom, the baker's son, he determines to find his master's killer. Armed with a cryptic clue left in haste by his master, Christopher must use the puzzle solving skills he's learned before it's too late.

A brilliant debut by Sands brings together a smart and brave protagonist with an intriguing plot and a breathtaking adventure that will have the reader glued to the pages with nervous anticipation. In addition to the action, the historical background and touches of humor add to an already outstanding story.

Rating ★★★★★

Publishing Information:
Publisher: Aladdin (Septemter 1, 2015)
ISBN: 978-1481446518
Ages: 8-12

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

Blog Tour: The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact Filled Maps!

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 Disclosure: Information provided by the publisher. No product or monetary compensation received.

Love to explore the United States?

Start by learning some fun facts about every state. I started with my favorite, my home state of Utah also known as the Beehive State. Why the Beehive State? Because the beehive is a symbol of work and industry.

A few fun facts about Utah:

Salt Lake City was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The state boasts several national parks including Canyonlands, Zion's National Park and Lake Powell.

Take a peek of one my families favorite, Lake Powell.

Lake Powell was formed when the hydroelectric dam flooded the beautiful red rock of the Glen Canyon. Not only does the reservoir supply water and electricity to thousands of people, it provides an endless summer playground for boaters and water sports enthusiasts.

Book Publishing Information:

Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions (Oct. 1, 2015)

ISBN: 978-1847807113

Ages: 7-10

Pages: 112 Hardcover

This book can be purchased from the following retailers: