Book Review: Charlie Bumpers Vs. The Perfect Little Turkey by Bill Harley and Illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Tweet

Book received at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

Thanksgiving at the Bumpers' house looks to be a grand event. With fifteen people slated to attend, Charlie Bumpers can only imagine the incredible feast. Nothing can go wrong. At least that's what Charlie thought until he finds out his bratty cousin Chip will be staying at his house and sleeping in his room. What ensues nearly destroys Charlie's Thanksgiving.

Harley adeptly handles family relationships with humor through Charlie, the middle child who never seems to catch a break. However, this time he does when his older brother quits picking on him long enough to help him out and his annoying sister sticks by him for once without trying to get him in trouble. A heartwarming look into family life with Charlie finding a new definition for family. The reader can't help but relate to the real life scenarios and characters while they learn tolerance and acceptance.

Rating ★★★★☆

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers (Sept. 1, 2015)

ISBN: 978-1-56145-835-6

Ages 7-10

This book can be purchases from the following retailers:

Book Review:The Templeton Twins Make a Scene by Ellis Weiner & Ilustrated by Jeremy Holmes

Tweet

Arc copy received at no charge to facilitate review.

Warning: If you have not read the first Templeton Twins book, the narrator would definitely warn you to be very wary of this review. In case you don't know what wary means to be characterized by caution. So if you choose to read on, do so with caution or at least write the narrator a note of apology before proceeding.

Luckily, The Templeton Twins Make a Scene offers a humorous stand alone novel regardless of whether one has read the first (though don't tell the narrator that). The twins, John and Abigail return when their brilliant father accepts a job at the Thespian Academy of Performing Arts and Sciences (TAPAS). He has set out to invent a device which will allow audience members to see close ups of stage actors. It's not long before the villanous Dean brothers show up to create havoc in their attempts to get their hands on the invention.

Though the story line with the Templeton Twins ends up as predicted, it's the narrator who nearly steals the show. Some may find his story interruptions, for things like word definitions, annoying. However, his ridiculous questions and quizzes at the end of each chapter bring an aspect of slapstick humor and sarcasm that many readers will find irresistible. After all, having the narrator as a character really is the point so if you don't like snarky humor, don't say I didn't warn you.

Rating:  Recommended ****

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Chronicle Books (Oct. 2013)

Pages: 272

ISBN: 978-1-4521-1184-1

Ages: 8-12

Book can be purchased from the following retailers:

**FTC disclosure: I received an ARC book of no value at no charge to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received.

Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows - ARC Book Review

Tweet

Publication date:  October 2011

Spartacus Ryan Zander is convinced his mom, Athena the human cannonball, was kidnapped by Bartholomew’s World Renowned Circus of the Incredible. Nobody believes him. Even his dad and brother, Will, think his mom ran off with the circus. In order to save his mom from the evil ringmaster, Bartholomew, Spartacus does the only thing he can think of -- he runs away.

If Will hadn't named him "poop lip" and wasn’t such a bad brother, Spartacus would have invited him on his journey. Instead, he goes alone armed with his mom’s postcard clues and his best friend, Eli’s, internet expertise. Too bad Eli could only help from summer camp and not in person. Otherwise, he may have thought twice about the questionable, but hilarious travelers he sends to help Spartacus along the way.

During his quest to find save Athena, Spartacus learns the truth isn’t as he thinks.

Molly E. Johnson’s debut novel, Spartacus and the Circus of Shadows is a humorous novel with unforgettable characters and an unpredictable ending. I loved the travelers Spartacus ends up with. Spartacus’ quest is hilarious and even a bit heartbreaking. It’s a fun novel that is hard to put down. I loved the twist of a not so happily ever after ending. Anybody who has ever had an older brother will love the sibling dynamics. The author does a great job with the theme of loving and accepting others, especially your own family. My twelve year old and seventeen year old sons like the novel as well.  Highly recommended for the middle school reader or ages 10-14. 

Release Date October 2011

Click here to purchase. 

**Disclaimer: Though I did receive a copy of  Spartacus and the Circle of Shadows by the publisher for review, my opinions of the book were not influenced in any way by the publisher or the author. I did not receive monetary compensation for review nor do I accept monetary compensation for any book reviews.