282. Dory Fantasmagory: Can't Live Without You (#6)

Dory Fantasmagory #6: Can't Live Without You. Abby Hanlon. 2023. [September] 160 pages. [Source: Library]

 First sentence: My name is Dory but everyone calls me Rainbow. "Nobody calls you Rainbow," says my big brother, Luke. "Remember?" I whisper. "I'm a teenager named Rainbow." "It's hard to remember you're a teenager when you have syrup all over your face," says my big sister, Violet. I feel my face. It is very sticky.

Premise/plot: Dory returns for her sixth adventure. In this one she becomes extremely clingy to her mother. Not that that keeps her from imagining her best life ever. OR from making great friends with the new babysitter. This one, like previous titles, features MANY adventures and misadventures--a blending of real and imaginary play. This one continues on the stories of her imaginary friends and enemies. 

My thoughts: This one was so funny. It has been a while since I read one of these books. I loved the writing/narrative voice. For example, we learn that Saturday is NIGHTGOWN day and naturally Dory doesn't want to leave the house to go to Creative Dance. I also love the line where Dory offers both the pennies and the PIG to her mother in an effort to persuade her to keep on being a stay at home mom. 

 I do wish my library had the fifth book. I've read the first four and the sixth.

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

139. Anne Dares

Anne Dares (Anne #5) Kallie George. Illustrated by Abigail Halpin. 2023. [October 17?] 72 pages. [Source: Review copy] [early chapter book; illustrated chapter book]

First sentence: It was over a year now since Anne had first come to Green Gables. And, oh, how she loved it there. Today was especially wonderful. Diana Barry, Anne's best friend and kindred spirit, was having a party at her home, Orchard Slope. Anne loved parties! Even if she didn't have a party dress with puffed sleeves like the other girls had. Marilla, who, along with her brother Matthew, had adopted Anne, believed in plain and sensible clothing.

Premise/plot: Kallie George has been adapting the classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, into an illustrated chapter book for young readers. This one covers two episodes from Anne of Green Gables. Anne walking the ridgepole of the roof. Anne participating in a Christmas drama and receiving a dress with puffed sleeves from Matthew. 

My thoughts: I haven't read the original in a number of years. I don't remember the order of the incidents in the book perfectly perfect. Part of me thinks the books might be placing these events out of order. But then again, the other part just isn't sure at all. Even if they are out of order, kid readers wouldn't know any different. It would be completely fine. I enjoy her adaptations. I love the characters from the original. These are straightforward adaptations. Nothing weird is being added. It's all good. I do enjoy the illustrations. 

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

102. Astrid Astronaut: The Astronomically Grand Plan

The Astronomically Grand Plan (Astrid the Astronaut #1) Rie Neal. Illustrated by Talitha Shipman. 2022. [July] 112 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: I tapped my clock for the millionth time: 12:06 a.m. The numbers flashed off like they always did. As if they were mad I'd woken them up.

Premise/plot: Astrid, the protagonist, dreams of being the first astronaut in space with hearing aids. Space is literally all she thinks about. Okay, not fair exactly. She also emphatically wants her friend, Hallie, to be equally obsessed with space and to share the exact same hopes and dreams--Shooting Stars club, Space Camp, Space. But this third grader is to be disappointed in part. Her best friend wants art club, not the Shooting Stars. And she doesn't seem interested at all--not even a little bit--in listening to her friend talk about space. (Did she ever?) So if friendship is important to Astrid, perhaps it's time to make new friends in Shooting Stars.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It has potential. I don't regret my time reading it by any means. I would probably check out other books from the library in this series. I'm not sure I'd be terribly upset if the library didn't order them all. But it was enjoyable enough. I think future books might have more story.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers

75. Henry, Like Always

Henry, Like Always (Henry #1) Jenn Bailey. Illustrated by Mika Song. 2023. [January] 48 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Henry always liked Classroom Ten. His friends were there. Gilly was there. And Mrs. Tanaka was there.

Premise/plot: Henry is starring in a new early chapter book series. He first appeared in A Friend for Henry, a picture book. Henry--who decidedly, definitely does NOT like change--is upset that 'share day' is being moved from Friday to Thursday to make way for a [loud, noisy, bothersome] parade. He does not like it one little bit. Parades ARE not regular. The book chronicles one school week--Monday through Friday.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. I love and adore Henry. I absolutely do. Henry and I are like peas in a pod. I found this book to be a delight. I loved the narrative, the story, the characters. Everything was perfect. I want MORE, MORE, MORE. 

I have not read the picture book yet, but I will soon.

Quotes:

Tuesday was Art Day, just like always. Henry wore his orange shirt on Art Day.
“Why?” asked Katie.
“Because Art Day is messy,” said Henry. “And I do not like orange.”

© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers