One More Hug: Picture Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

A scary tapping on the window elicits the call of "One more hug" from a boy to his Mama. A broken sword gets one more kiss, and waiting for the school bus gets one more tight squeeze. As the boy grows and learns to ride a bike, climb a wall, and run track, his mama is always there and ready for that " one more hug."

 The sentiment of a mother's deep love bursts from every page, reassuring not just children but grown-ups, too, that there will always be a bond. Young readers will relate to the illustrations of getting older. However, it's adults who will really connect and will want to read it as that one last bedtime story.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (Nov. 12, 2019)
ISBN: 978-1-5344-29710
Pages: 40
Ages 4-8

This book can be purchased HERE

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Book Review: The Revenge of Magic: The Last Dragon by James RileyBo

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Six months after the attack in Washington D.C. that took his father from him, Fort Fitzgerald battles constant nightmares. In every dream, the Old One wants the location of the last dragon. Fort has never even seen a dragon and has no idea what it all means.

In the meantime, Gabriel, the new kid at the Oppenheimer school has been assigned Fort's roommate. Fort must keep Gabriel with him at all times. The weird thing is that this new kid,  has the same nightmares as Fort. He also holds secrets that Fort must uncover if he wants to save his father. He will need the help of his friends, Jia, Cyrus, and Rachel to keep the Old Ones from returning to earth.

A magical fantasy that will have readers wondering what twist will end with the thrilling resolution. An action packed story with an ending that will leave the reader excited for the next installment. 

Rating: ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (Oct. 8, 2019)

ISBN: 9781534425729

Ages 8-12

This book can be purchased from the following retailer.

Order of the Majestic by Matt Myklusch: Book Review

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Joey Kopecky didn't expect his test scores would cause an uproar at his school and home. Nobody suspected he would test at a genius level. At twelve-years-old, all Joey wants to do is escape into his comic books, not be sent to a special school where they don't even break for summer. However, his parents convince him he must jump at the opportunity for a full scholarship at the school for budding intellectuals.

His visit to the school requires one last test. To Joey's surprise, he lands mysteriously into an old theater where he meets Redondo the Magnificent, a magician from earlier decades whose last act included the disappearance of a child and a fire at the theater. Joey finds himself finding the truth means he must fight to keep magic alive. However, the dark forces of the Invisible Hand who want to use magic for evil try to thwart him.

What starts out as a gripping middle grade novel into the magic forces of good and evil gets bogged down in places by the length of the novel. However, the novel will strike a chord for Harry Houdini and magic fans for those who are patient enough to make it through.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (May 7, 2019)

Ages 8-12

ISBN: 978-1-534-42487-6

Book Review: Bounce Back Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream by Hena Khad

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Zayd can't wait to take over as captain of the Gold Team. What he didn't plan was getting injured and watching his team from the bench.

With his family focused on his uncle's wedding, Zayd can't get sympathy from home. Instead he must find a way to lead on his own from the bench. But maybe the wedding is the diversion he needs to get his mind off how much he hates his crutches.

Will Zayd get back into the game before the season ends? Will he become the leader his team needs? Basketball fans will love following Zayd on the court while others will relate to the strong family ties off the court. Relatable characters make for a solid story in the series.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date:  October 2, 2018
ISBN:  9781534412047
Pages: 144
Ages: 7-10

Book Review: The Boy, the Boat and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark

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What wonders would the world hold if one day you woke up not knowing who you are? When a boy wakes up on the beach in a world he doesn't recognize, he struggles to discover why he's there and who he is. Food and water comes easily to him but his bigger desire to know his place in the world doesn't come easy. An eerie feeling for a young boy.

It doesn't help that an unknown voice occupies his mind. A voice he nicknames "the bully" because of the negative thoughts it fills his brain. As if the bully isn't bad enough, a monstrous beast sits ready to devour him if the water doesn't pull him under first.

The boy focuses his energy into building a boat in an attempt to get back to his parents. The boy's adventure captivates the reader though the melancholy tone makes for slower reading. Perhaps slowing down is a good thing as it helps the reader catch the allegories of the story and appreciate the lyrical writing. A solid fantasy for those who love solving mysteries.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (June 26, 2018)

                                                                              ISBN:  978-1-5344-1255-2

Pages: 256

Ages: 8-12

Check by Cynthia Kadohata Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Conor MacRae's whole life revolves around hockey. Both he and his dad make sacrifices so that Conor can play on an elite hockey team. Even though almost every waking minute involves hockey, loves everything about it. When his dog, Sinbad gets sick with cancer, Conor has to choose between payments to the vet for chemotherapy sessions or hockey lessons.

Once Conor steps back from everyday lessons, he has time to notice things he hasn't noticed before like his dad's crying and somber moods and even the lack time with his mother's Japanese family. Maybe, just maybe he the hockey rink isn't the only place Conor belongs.

The elite athlete will relate to the time spent perfecting the sport but the heart of the story lies with the relationship outside of the rink.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Teddy's Favorite Toy by Christian Trimmer & Illustrated by Madeline Valentine

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Teddy never has a dull moment in his room with all of his cool toys ranging from hula hoops to fire trucks. One toy takes center stage as his all time favorite, Bren-Da, Warrior Queen of the Pacifica. Bren-Da has the best manners and the sickest fighting skills.

When Bren-Da's leg snaps off, Teddy tries to no avail to fix her. Instead, he leaves her wrapped in bandages and heads off to school. He returns to find Bren-Da missing. Seeing his dismay at losing his favorite toy, his superhero mom pulls out her special skills to go for the rescue. Can she do it? 

A touching look and what it means to get past gender stereotypes. Great for those who aren't afraid of what others think.

★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (February 27, 2018)

ISBN: 978-4814-8079-6

Hardcover: 40 pages

Ages: 4-8

This book can be purchased on Amazon.

Books for Father's Day: If I Didn't Have You by Alan Katz

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When he sees a fancy car drive by, Mike asks his dad why he doesn't have a car like that. In jest, his dad points out that the car only seats two and they have a family of three but if he didn't have Mike then he could have a car like that. Mike joins the playful antics by declaring that, "I could eat candy for every meal... if I didn't have you." But his dad one ups him, "I could take sky-diving lessons...if I didn't have you."

Through wit and humor the father and son admit having each other is better than joining a circus and following a dream to join a rock band. The playful story takes a hilarious turn when Mom arrives to join the teasing. The bright colors of Robertson's digital illustrations enhance the light-hearted family relationships woven by Alan Katz. A perfect Father's Day addition to the family library.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 10, 2018)

Pages: 32

Age: 4-8

Purchase this book on Amazon

Book Review: Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol: The Haunted House Next Door

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Moving to a new house is hard enough. But for a normal kid like Andres, his move proves far from normal. In fact, he discovers his house is haunted after weird things start happening like silverware flying out of drawers and furniture rearranging itself. Andres' parents don't see what he sees, leaving Andres scared and alone. Alas! Along comes his not so weird neighbor, Desmond Cole, Ghost Patrol with his ghost gadgets . Together they discover Zax, a friendly ghost living in the basement. Andres can't help feeling sorry for the ghost after he gets sick eating lasagne and strikes an agreement with him. Will it be enough to calm Andres' fears? Stay tuned.

Andres Miedoso's Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol Series strikes a new friendship and a new chord for young readers making the transition from picture books to chapter books. Short chapters with simple words and plenty of illustrations make the transition smooth. An engaging storyline helps encourage the reader to follow through to the very end and will hook the reader with anticipation for the next book in the series.

Rating:★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Little Simon (December 12, 2017)

ISBN: 9781534410428

Ages: 4-6

This book can be purchased HERE ON AMAZON.

Outside Shot by Fred Bowen: Book Review & Giveaway

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After spending years shooting hoops in his driveway, Richie Mallon's practice finally pays off when he makes his middle school basketball team. He looks forward to being the team's shooter but is disappointed when he is not a starter. His friend and team manager, Camila (Cammy), encourages Richie to step up his game by pointing out that though he may be great at shooting baskets, he lacks other important skills on the court. Her team stats back up her assertions that he could improve.

Cammy convinces her dad, who is the school custodian, to let them practice in the gym. Here she helps Richie work on his rebounds. She also joins Richie on runs. Thanks to Cammy's attention to detail and persistence, Richie finds ways he can improve but will it be enough to make a difference for this season?

Author Fred Bowen's knack for capturing action in play by play scenes will keep the sports fanatic glued to the pages. Solid character development by way of the coach's insistence that the players are family and Richie's realization that he has it a lot easier than some of the other boys on the team help expand the reader's world beyond basketball. A brief history of some of basketball's great shooters help cement the story as a solid read.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing (March 1, 2017)
ISBN: 978-1561459551
Pages: 144
Ages: 8-11

This book can be purchased at the following retailers:

Book Giveaway Details:

Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the form. Winner will receive a copy of Outside Shot by Fred Bowen from the publisher.  Giveaway ends 4/11/2017 at 11:59 EST.

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