136. The Becket List

The Becket List: A Blackberry Farm Story. Adele Griffin. 2019. 208 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Today we're moving to Blackberry Farm. My parents are taking over the Old Post Road Animal Clinic, and we'll all help Gran run Branch's Farm Store.

Premise/plot: The Branch family is moving. Caroline, the oldest, is sad to be leaving her best, best friend. Nicolas, Rebecca's twin brother, is anxious and hesitant. And Rebecca, our hero, well she's super excited and adopted a new nickname: Becket. She is making (and making as she goes) a bucket list of everything a *real* country girl would do and doing it. The summer is full of changes...some great...some not so great. But it's packed with adventures and misadventures for the whole family.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I liked the writing. I loved the illustrations by LeUyen Pham. She's one of my favorite, favorite illustrators. The pace of the story is good.

I would just remind readers to be careful and OBSERVE the cover. NOTICE the dog on the cover. Question if you should read a book with a dog on the cover. Look for reviews (like this one) that may contain advice about reading books with dogs on the cover. Look for SPOILERS that alert you if the book is safe or not safe to read BECAUSE OF THE DOG ON THE COVER. Don't be like me and go in unprepared....

In other words....THIS BOOK IS NOT AT ALL SAFE FOR THOSE AVOIDING BOOKS WHERE DOGS DIE.

Quotes:

• But I know Gran likes loud truth more than soft politeness. That's why we get along.
• In the beginning, I figured if I did ten things that I hadn't ever done, it would make me into a real country kid. But this summer didn't follow my list. I never knew what I needed to learn next.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

135. See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat. David LaRochelle. Illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka. 2021. [September] 64 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: See the dog. 

Premise/plot: See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat is a companion book to LaRochelle's See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog. In this early chapter book (or early reader???), the cat has a bit of fun with the narrator. The narrator is still being BOSSY, but the cat can hold her own.

The cat is substituting for the dog... The three stories are "See the Dog," "See the Lake," and "See the Sheep." By the end of the book, the cat is ready to QUIT.

My thoughts: I really LOVED both books. I especially loved, loved, loved the first book. But both books are fun, fiesty, silly, wonderful, delightful. I really enjoyed the humor and the simplicity. You don't need a lot of words in order to laugh.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

134. Ivy Lost and Found

Ivy Lost and Found (Book Buddies #1) Cynthia Lord. Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. 2021. [September] 80 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Ivy's first memory was the birthday party. There was music and bright balloons. A girl's face lit up with joy.

Premise/plot: Ivy's owner is all grown up and a librarian (named Anne.) Ivy has spent many, many, many lonely years (well, it felt like forever) packed away and forgotten. Now that she's been rediscovered, she's joining other toys (dolls, stuffed animals) at the local library. Ivy finds herself one of "book buddies" that can be checked out for two weeks at a time. But she is NEW to this and a bit hesitant. Does she want to be checked out? Is being played with again worth the risks of the unknown dangers?

My thoughts: I really LOVED this one. I did. It was a tiny bit sad--that she spent years forgotten and packed away--but this time makes up such a small part of actual text. And the story is just wonderful! I really enjoyed getting to know Ivy and some of the other toys. And we do spend time with the family (the young children) that checks her out of the library. Ivy *is* needed in this home. And it's good to be needed again.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

133. Trailblazers: Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda: Raising Theater to New Heights. Kurtis Scaletta. 2021. [January] 192 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On May 12, 2009, Lin-Manuel Miranda decided not to do what the president had asked.

Premise/plot: This is middle grade nonfiction--a biography of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The book focuses on his life--birth to present--and his career--from early days to present. The book provides background and context to musical theater and Broadway. It includes mini-biographical sketches on those that have worked and collaborated with Miranda.

My thoughts: I found this a quick, informative read. I liked learning a few new-to-me details. I hadn't heard that he was reading at 3 years old! (Just one example). I would definitely recommend for fans of Hamilton or In the Heights.

It is always refreshing to see new and contemporary biographical offerings for students to choose from.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers

132. The Magical Bookshop

The Magical Bookshop. Katja Frixe. 2021. [May] 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: If your best friend tells you that she's moving away, it is time for Red Alert.

Premise/plot: The Magical Bookshop is translated into English from German. This middle school book stars Clara, our heroine, who is mighty upset that her best, best friend, Lottie, is moving away. Her new teacher, Ms. Rose, happens to be the "other woman" and the cause of her best friend's abrupt removal.
But no matter how many things--big, little, medium--seem to go wrong, there's always Mrs. Owl's MAGICAL bookshop. It will always, always, be there, right????

Clara LOVES to spend all her free time at the bookstore. There's a TALKING cat and a TALKING mirror--both always giving advice. And Mrs. Owl's always kind and super-helpful.

My thoughts: This one is definitely light on actual plot but stars plenty of interesting characters. It depends on what you're looking for in a book. I liked the lightness of it. And it has a slightly old-fashioned feel to it.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Young Readers