Book Review - The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Calpurnia Tate is smack dab in the middle of six brothers, and the only girl. She loves to float in the river and walk through the woods. When she confesses studying the surrounding flora and fauna to her oldest brother, Harry, he gives her a journal to "write down (her) scientific observations." With this she embarks on a whole new journey into scientific discovery. It isn't too long before Callie Vee finds a fellow naturalist in her grandfather. But this is 1899 Texas, where girls are supposed to cook and sew, boys are supposed to hunt and get dirty, and no one is supposed to look at, let alone read, Darwin's The Origin of the Species. With a little help from her grandfather, Calpurnia enters this forbidden world.
Boys and girls alike will enjoy this book, especially if they love nature and discovery. Adults will enjoy seeing the relationship between Calpurnia and her grandfather grow and blossom through the course of the book. The late 1800's and early 1900's was a time of wonder and discovery, with new inventions happening everyday. The telephone, automobile and even a simple window fan are all exciting and new for the characters in this book. Seen through Calpurnia's eyes, the reader get a taste of the wonder and awe that discovering something new inspires.

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Book Review - Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner

Skippyjon Jones by Judith Schachner


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful book about a small Siamese kitten who imagines he is a chihuahua dog. Not only is he a chichuahua, but he is a great sword fighting chihuahau. Skippyjon Jones will entertain kids and adults alike. The children will like Skippyjon's ability to imagine so completely. Parents will like how his mother deals with Skippyjon's imagination.

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Book Review - The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French

The Robe of Skulls: The First Tale from the Five Kingdoms by Vivian French


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Gracie Gillypot lives with her mean stepfather, Munge, and her even meaner stepsister, Foyce. It was said that Foyce is as mean as Cinderella's two stepsisters rolled into one, she just isn't ugly. Gracie herself is a bit like Cinderella: kind; loving; hard-working; and very, very downtrodden. When we first meet Gracie she is shut in the cellar for being cheerful. But with a little help from a bat friend, Gracie sets out on an adventure that will take her farther than she knows. Add a scruffy prince, an evil sorceress and a troll, and you have the makings for a delightful fairytale.

This book is an interesting retelling of several different fairytales and myths rolled together. There is the princess and the frog; Cinderella; and the myth of the three fates who weave the fabric of life. The characters are enjoyable and you find yourself wondering how their lives went after the end of the book. I think my favorite character is the poor little troll who keeps losing his head, Gubble. Gubble is loyal and only tries to do his best to please the evil sorceress, Lady Lamorna, but never quite manages to do so He just wants to stay in his dark cupboard and sleep. Gubble adds the bit of humor that any good fairytale needs. I recommend this book for lovers of fairytales and for anyone who wants a light read with a little humor and a lot of fun.

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Book Review - Ted by Tony DiTerlizzi

Ted by Tony DiTerlizzi


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ted is a pink, raspberry loving, game playing creature who might or might not be real. But he is real enough to the little boy he befriends. They play Monopoly Twister and have fun with everything they do. Too bad the boy's father does not believe in "imaginary" friends. Or does he?
I loved this book. It is short and simply but strikes right at your heart. You quickly get the just of the story - a little boy greatly in need of some fun and a friend and whose father is too distant for either.

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Book Review - The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Freddie T. Burch, better known as Fredde the Great, is a down-n-out ventriloquist working his way through Europe 3 years after the end of WWII. He is not a very good ventriloquist, his lips keep moving. Then he runs into a dybbuk, a Jewish spirit or ghost who's troubles keep him from moving on. This dybbuk is named Avrom Poliakov and he is a 12 year old boy killed by the Nazis before his bar mitzvah. And now Avrom wants something of Freddie. What Avrom wants just might be the last thing Freddie ever does.
I liked this book. The subject matter is heartwrenching - the killing of Jewish children by the Nazis, often as sport. However, the whole time I was reading the book I felt like it was just skimming the surface. I kept wanting more depth - to the characters and to the plot. I don't know if Fleischman kept it shallow because he was writing for kids, but even so, it only seems to touch the surface of the story.

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Book Review - So Few of Me by Peter H. Reynolds

So Few of Me by Peter H. Reynolds


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you work and how long, there is always more to do? Well, take some time; sit down and read So Few of Me by Peter H. Reynolds. It will help give you perspective on the overwhelming feelings we often feel in a fast pace world. Leo is a busy lad, and his list of things to do keeps growing and growing. As his work load grows, so do the number of Leos, until there are 10 Leos who each brings more work with him. Does adding more Leos help the original get the work done, or is there truly another solution to the problem? You will just have to read the book to find out, but it is worth the time out to do so!

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Book Review - Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson

Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Step by step a young boy tells us about making applesauce with his grandmother. From bright red apples to golden ones, they buy 6lbs. of apples for the sauce, and more for “eating out of hand.” This is a beautifully illustrated book about family tradition and, of course, how to make home-made applesauce. The delightful and colorful illustrations further the experience and warmth of the story being told. The enjoyment of family, tradition and love is felt as the boy not only tells us of applesauce, but of spending time with his family. The illustrations are done by Caldecott Medal winner Mordicai Gerstein. He and Eden Ross Lipson do not let us down with this beautiful, charming story full of heartfelt warmth. It even includes a recipe readers can follow to start their own family tradition of applesauce making.

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