153. The Unusual Suspects (Sisters Grimm #2)

The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Suspects. Michael Buckley. Illustrated by Peter Ferguson. 2005. 292 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: "Let's get this party started, already" Sabrina complained under her breath as she rubbed the charley horse in her leg. She and her seven-year-old sister, Daphne, had been crouching behind a stack of Diaper Rash Donna dolls for nearly three hours. She was tired, hungry, and more than a little irritated. For a week, they had been on this "stakeout" and it was beginning to look as if they had wasted another perfectly good night of sleep. Even Elvis, their two-hundred-pound Great Dane, had given up and was snoring on the floor next to them. Of course, how Sabrina wanted to spend her time wasn't really considered, she had learned, especially if there was a mystery afoot. 

Premise/plot: The Unusual Suspects is the second in this mystery-fantasy series by Michael Buckley. This line from the opening chapter sums up the series (and this title) quite nicely. "In most towns, the police do not rely on an old woman, two kids, and a sleepy dog to solve crimes, but Ferryport Landing was no ordinary town. More than half of its residents were part of a secret community known as the Everafters. Everafters were actually fairy-tale characters who had fled Europe to escape persecution. Settling in the little river town almost two hundred years ago, they now used magical disguises to live and work alongside their normal neighbors. Ogres worked at the post office, witches ran the twenty-four hour diner, and the town mayor was the legendary Prince Charming. The humans were none the wiser--except the Grimms. As fantastic and thrilling as it sounded to live among fairy-tale characters, it wasn't a dream come true for Sabrina Grimm. Being the last in a long line of Grimms (descended from the famous Brothers Grimm), she and her sister had had the family responsibility of keeping the peace between Everafters and humans thrust upon them no less than three weeks ago. And it wasn't an easy job."

Our story begins roughly three weeks after Fairy-Tale Detectives concluded, the two sisters are still adjusting to their new home. Still adjusting to living with 'the big, bad wolf' in his disguise as Mr. Canis. Still adjusting to their new stepbrother of sorts, the infamous Puck. But even more change is on the way: the two must begin attending school OR they'll be taken back into foster care and into the care of the dreaded Ms. Smirt. Changing schools is difficult for most kids, but it becomes even more challenging in Ferryport where some of the staff are Everafters...and some of the students are children of Everafters.

Sabrina had been to a lot of schools in the last year and a half, and they all had a few things in common. Every one of them had a couple of grouchy teachers, a bully, a bully's punching bag, a weird cafeteria lady, a bathroom that everyone was afraid to go into, and a librarian who worships something called the Dewey Decimal System. None of those schools, however, had a teacher-killing monster scurrying through its hallways. And they said New York City had everything. (90-91).

Even with all of the new adventures and mysteries to solve, Sabrina cannot and will not forget her most important mission: she's determined to find her missing parents and the Everafters responsible for their disappearance. But is her anger and frustration even more dangerous than she knows??? Find out in this second exciting installment of The Sisters Grimm.

My thoughts:  I am enjoying rereading this series. It has been over a decade (closer to fifteen years) since I first read this series. It is so enjoyable! I love the humor. I love the characters. This series started long before Once Upon A Time (the show) began. It is a super fun concept or premise. While it is highly unlikely the series would ever be adapted into a television show, I still think it would be fun.

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

143. The Sisters Grim: The Fairy-tale Detectives

The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives. Michael Buckley. Illustrated by Peter Ferguson. 2005. 284 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence (of the prologue): The dense forest branches scratched at their faces and arms, but Sabrina and Daphne couldn't stop running, though they had long since passed the point of exhaustion. Fear was fueling each step now. Another thunderous bellow rang in the distance, followed by the terrible sound of falling trees and shrieking animals.
"We have to find a way to stop it," Daphne cried between gasps. Sabrina knew her little sister was right. But how? They were two children versus a vicious monster.
"I'll think of something," Sabrina said, dragging her sister behind an enormous oak tree for a much-needed rest. Sabrina squeezed her sister's hand to reassure her, while she forced oxygen into her burning lungs. Her words were empty. She didn't have a plan. The only thing going on in her head was the thumping of blood roaring through her eardrums. But it made no difference. It had found them. Splintering wood and damp soil rained from the sky as the tree they stood next to was violently uprooted. The two girls looked up into the horrible face above them and felt hot breath blow through their skin. What's happened to our lives? Sabrina wondered. When had their world become unrecognizable? And what had happened to her, the eleven-year-old girl who only two days ago had been just an orphan on a train? 

 Premise/plot: Sabrina and Daphne are young sisters with a legacy or heritage about to catch up with them. When their parents disappeared over a year ago, the two had been placed into foster care or social services. Bounced from home to home, now the girls are on their final journey to a new home. A mysterious relative has stepped up to claim them. Now Ms. Smirt, their social worker, has only to deliver them to Ferryport Landing and her work will be done.

Smirt had made a mistake when she chose a career with children, Sabrina thought, especially since she didn't seem to like them. Ms. Smirt complained whenever she had to touch their sticky hands or wipe their runny noses, and reading bedtime stories was completely out of the question. She seemed to especially dislike the Grimm sisters and had labeled them rude, uncooperative, and a couple of know-it-alls. So, Sabrina was sure it was Ms. Smirt's personal mission to get the girls out of the orphanage and into a foster home. So far it had failed miserably. She'd sent them to live with people who were usually mean and occasionally crazy, and who had used them as maids, house sitters, or just plain ignored them. But this time she had gone too far. This time Ms. Smirt was sending them to live with a dead woman. (2-3)

This 'dead woman' is their grandmother Grimm. Eccentric, yes. And the environment is odd at best. And their are certain rules the girls will have to adjust to...but it soon becomes clear...at least to the reader that this will be a loving, adventure-filled home.

Here is a description of the house beginning with the living room: (can you guess why I like it???)
It was enormous, a much larger room than seemed possible in a cottage so small. Each wall was lined with bookshelves, stuffed with more books than Sabrina had ever seen. Stacks of them also sat on the floor, the tables, and every other surface. A teapot perched precariously on a stack that looked as if it would fall over at any moment. Books were under the couch cushions, under the carpet. Several giant stacks stood in front of an old television, blocking any chance that someone could watch cartoons. On the spines Sabrina read the strangest titles: BIRDS OF OZ, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF AN EVIL QUEEN, and SHOES, TOYS, AND COOKIES: THE ELVISH HANDCRAFT TRADITION. Mrs. Grimm led them through another door where a dining room table sat littered with books, open and waiting to be read. Sabrina picked one up and rolled her eyes when she read the title: 365 WAYS TO COOK DRAGON. (15)

And it doesn't take long for the adventures to begin....but I won't spoil them here!!! This is one you'll have to read for yourself.

My thoughts: I have always meant to reread this series. I have. I remember absolutely loving it. I enjoyed rereading it. It was just a delight. And it's definitely been long enough--fifteen plus year--that it's like reading the book for the very first time. 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Young Readers

4. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid. (Stink #1) Megan McDonald. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. 2005. 112 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Shrimp-o! Runtsville!    Shorty Pants! Stink was short. Short, shorter, shortest. Short as an inchworm. Short as a . . . stinkbug!

Premise/plot: Stink is the little brother of Judy Moody. (I recently reviewed the first book in that series.) He is SHORT and perhaps a wee bit gullible. When his older sister, Judy, tells him that he is in fact shrinking, he believes it and begins to see proof of it everywhere. But is he really shrinking? And is being short so horrible? (After all, he's just in second grade.) The book presents scenes at home and at school. There are a handful of illustrations throughout. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! I may have even liked it a little bit better than the first Judy Moody book. I liked seeing Stink become interested in history--even if it did start out as a homework assignment. Stink's newfound interest in James Madison was just fun to see! 

Stink and James Madison were a lot alike. James Madison was from Virginia. Stink was from Virginia. James Madison had the name James. Stink had the name James! James Madison wore pants. Stink wore pants! Same-same!

I would recommend this one. 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Chicks and Salsa

Chicks and Salsa. Aaron Reynolds. Illustrated by Paulette Bogan. 2005. Bloomsbury. 32 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: There were grumblings in the henhouse of Nuthatcher Farm. The chickens were tired of chicken feed. The rooster took it upon himself to solve this problem. Mrs. Nuthatcher, the farmer's wife, had started watching cooking shows in the afternoons. The rooster was perched on a fence post outside the farmhouse window when he discovered the solution to his problem...salsa!

Premise/plot: Things at Nuthatcher Farm are about to get SPICY. It all begins with chickens who are BORED with their chicken feed. But this discontent soon spreads far and wide...will the Rooster be able to keep saving the day?!

My thoughts: I absolutely LOVED this one. I did. It was cute and funny. I loved the narration, the writing.

Led by the rooster, the chickens crept into the garden, where they took tomatoes and uprooted onions. That night, the chickens ate chips and salsa--though nobody was quite certain where the chickens got the chips. The tasty tang of tomatoes and onions hung over the barnyard. And the rooster said, "Olé!" 

This is a treat of a book.

Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mercy Watson to the Rescue

Mercy Watson to the Rescue. (Mercy Watson #1) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. 2005. 80 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson have a pig named Mercy.

Premise/plot: Can a pig save her human 'parents'? That is the question raised in Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson To The Rescue. Why do Mr. and Mrs. Watson need to be rescued? Well, Mercy herself--if she could do more than oink--might tell you if you could get her mind off food. You see, it all starts one night when Mercy becomes frightened. She runs and jumps in the Watsons' bed. And there the trouble starts. All three are sleeping, dreaming busy little dreams, unaware that danger is lurking!

What does Mercy dream of? Whether asleep or awake, Mercy's mind is always, always on food. In particular, her favorite food, lovely buttered toast. But can Mercy's weakness lead to some saving strength?

My thoughts: I enjoyed rereading this first book in the series. It has been nine years since I first read through the Mercy Watson chapter book series for young readers. Mercy is certainly a memorable character with a one-track mind. She loves, loves, loves buttered toast. If she can't have that treat, then another may do just as well.

I enjoyed meeting the neighbors as well. I liked that they inadvertently help save the day.   

© 2019 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Zoo's Who

Zoo's Who. Douglas Florian. 2005. HMH. 56 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence:

The Lizards
Lizards laze
And lizards bask.
What's their favorite food?
Don't ask!

 Premise/plot: Zoo's Who is an animal-themed poetry collection by Douglas Florian. There are twenty-one poems in all. Each poem is accompanied by an illustration--a painting--also by Florian. The poems are short, quite a few include word play. For example, "The Eagle."

I'm not a seagull.
I'm royal.
I'm regal.
All birds are not
Created eagle.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I must admit that "The Eagle" is probably my favorite from the whole book. But there were plenty of other poems that I enjoyed as well. (I also really, really loved his poem about pigs.)  I would recommend this one.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 7

© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Mr. Putter Makes a Wish

Mr. Putter & Tabby Make a Wish (Mr. Putter & Tabby #14). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Arthur Howard. 2005. HMH. 44 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It was a beautiful morning. Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, were eating raisin crumpets and apple jam and reading the morning paper. Mr. Putter looked at the date of the paper: October 2. "Good heavens, Tabby!" said Mr. Putter. "It's my birthday!"

Premise/plot: It is Mr. Putter's birthday. At first he tries to be practical and sensible. He is much too old to want to CELEBRATE his birthday. He's "too old" for balloons and cakes and presents. Isn't he? But the more he thinks about birthdays gone by, the more he wants to celebrate THIS ONE. Perhaps a little celebratory tea with his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry would be just the thing...

My thoughts: I love, love, love Mr. Putter and Tabby. In this one, readers get another chance to glimpse a YOUNG Mr. Putter--with his adorable red hair. Readers also get to see Mr. Putter struggling with waiting patiently. I think everyone can relate to that! Mr. Putter has to wait and wait and wait and wait for Mrs. Teaberry to come over. Though readers might suspect that she's busy planning something special for his birthday, something that takes TIME.

This one was a JOY to read.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Case of the Desperate Duck

Case of the Desperate Duck (High-Rise Private Eyes #8) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Brian Karas. 2005. 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: One day Bunny and Jack were putting together a puzzle in Jack's apartment. "This is hard," said Jack. "It's supposed to be hard," said Bunny. "But it's a brown pyramid in a brown desert," said Jack. "Right," said Bunny.

Premise/plot: Frustrated over a puzzle--and the increasing sarcasm of one partner--the two decide to go to high tea together. But while there enjoying their tea--and DESSERTS--they get a new case to solve. Someone has stolen a box of sugar cubes?!?!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one well enough. I must say I identify more with Jack in this one when it comes to puzzles!!! I would recommend this early chapter mystery series.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Llama, Llama Red Pajama. Anna Dewdney. 2005. Penguin. 40 pages.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney is one my favorite favorite picture books. The reason I haven't blogged about it is simply that I hadn't started my blog yet when it was released. And sometimes it does take a little while to go back to old favorites when there are so many new books being released each month.

Baby Llama with some separation anxiety issues. As his mother is putting him to bed, he is happy and soothed. But as soon as she leaves the room, he begins to miss her.

Llama llama
red pajama
feels alone
without his mama.

Baby Llama wants a drink.
Mama's at the kitchen sink.

Llama llama
red pajama
calls down to
his llama mama.

Mama says
she'll be up soon.
Baby Llama hums a tune.

But as the Mama Llama becomes distracted with household tasks and phone calls, Baby Llama goes from a little fretting to a full-out llama drama. But soon all is calm once again as Baby Llama is reassured of his mama's loving care as he drifts off to sleep.

I love the rhymes. I love the rhythms. I love the flow of it all. It's just so fun to read aloud. So fun. And I love the illustrations.

© 2011 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Click, Clack, ABC

Click, Clack, ABC. Doreen Cronin. Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 2005/2010. Simon & Schuster. 24 pages.

Animals awake
Beneath blue blankets.
Clickety-clack!
Duck dashing,
Eggs emptying,
Flippity-flip!
Goats grooming,
Hens helping,
Inchworms inching.

The animals are getting ready for another adventure. An alphabetical adventure. What does the day hold in store for our clever farm animals?

Are you a fan of Doreen Cronin? Do you have a favorite character? A favorite book? From this series. I'd have to say the original, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type and Dooby, Dooby Moo are my favorites! I love the typing cows! And I really love the duck! There's just something so fun, so playful, so silly about these books!

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

I'm A Pig

I'm A Pig. Sarah Weeks. Illustrated by Holly Berry. 2005. HarperCollins. 32 pages.

I'm a pig, I'm a pig,
and I don't give a fig
if you call me a pig,
'cause that's what I am.
I'm a pig, I'm a pig...

Our little pig is so so happy to be what she is, a pig. It's a celebratory picture book about being yourself, about loving life. It's a cute book. A bit silly perhaps. But fun. I'm not completely sure the rhymes always work, or that the rhythm always work, but for the most part I think it does. I just love the illustrations!

© Becky Laney of Young Readers

Punk Farm

Krosoczka, Jarrett J. 2005. Punk Farm. Knopf.

Punk Farm is almost too fun for words. Almost. It would be awful to say nothing about this one. To just assume that you know about this one. Some may already love it, may already have it memorized even... but if I can introduce at least one or two people to the book--that wouldn't have known about it otherwise--I can walk away with a sense of satisfaction.

Farmer Joe may be your typical farmer. But his animals are far from the ordinary. These are animals that know how to rock and roll. Boy, these animals know how to work a crowd! Pig plays electric guitar; goat plays his bass guitar; cow's on drums; chicken's on keyboards; and the leader of the band? The star of the show? The sheep, who's the vocal genius of the bunch. Can you guess which song they're rockin' this time? If you guessed Old MacDonald....you're right! You'll probably have to read this one yourself to see just how fun it is. But it's a party of a book.



© Becky Laney of Young Readers

He's Got The Whole World In His Hands

Have I mentioned lately how much I love and adore Kadir Nelson? Oh, I have? In my review of All God's Critters. Well, it's something worth repeating. Again and again. Maybe my enthusiasm will encourage you to seek out his works for yourself, to share his works with your children or grandchildren. They're just beautiful books. So amazingly detailed, so magically right. Looking at his books make me feel--and in this instance, it makes me feel happy. I mean how could you look at this book--even just the cover--and not smile in response???

Published in 2005, the book is a picture book of the popular spiritual song "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands." You can find the lyrics on the web, I'm sure. The brilliance of this book are the illustrations of Kadir Nelson.

Here are two page-spreads from the book:



I just love this book. The richness of the details. The charm and magic of how he has captured snapshots of humanity, of family, of life itself.

© Becky Laney of Young Readers