Stanley The Mailman by William Bee: Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Stanley knows what it's like to work hard and he's at it again. He's getting up before the sun to sort through letters and packages. He drives off on his scooter to get the mail delivered. First stop is Myrtle's house to drop off her order from Paris. Little Woo gets a present from his grandparents Stanley delivers a lot of love letters to Charlie. You go Charlie!  But not everyone is happy with what Stanley brings.

Through bright illustrations and cartoon like characters, toddlers will delight in learning what it takes to be a mailman. Read it aloud enough and those toddlers will be waiting on the porch for their very own package from their mailman. A charming look at what comes in the mail along with what it takes to get it there.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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The Brownstone by Paula Scher with Pictures by Stan Mack BOOK REVIEW

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review

With winter coming, Mr. Bear and his family must prepare for their long winter nap. Just when they turn off the light they hear, "DO-RE-MEOW" from across the hall. With Miss Cat across the hall, the Pigs and Mice on the second floor and Mr. Owl and the Kangaroos on the top floor, it's nearly impossible for the Bear family to sleep at all.

Faced with a plethora of problem neighbors, the Bear family realize moving away isn't an option. Instead the neighbors try compromising by changing places in the Brownstone. It takes a lot of tries to get it right.

Keeping track of  humorous scenarios and constant reshuffling feels like putting together a puzzle. The cartoon like illustrations adds to the zaniness. Besides creating plenty of snickers, The Brownstone perfects the importance of compromise.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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This Side of Wild: Mutts, Mares and Laughing Dinosaurs by Gary Paulsen: Book Review

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ARC received at no charge to facilitate review.

When author, Gary Paulsen, rescues an elderly poodle named Corky from animal shelter, he discovers a spunk and lack of fear that makes the dog an amazing guard dog who returns the favor of saving a life. Gretchen, a dog who drinks from a mug, convinces the author that animals have an understanding and way of communicating that goes beyond what our minds can fathom. Who knew a mare would actually have the capability of protecting a jackrabbit from coyotes or that a bird could not only mimic a president but maybe even feel lonely? Some fascinating insights into the relationships animals have with humans.

Overall, the book felt like a compilation of notes about animals that didn't quite make it into Paulsen's adventure novels. While not Paulsen's best work, the reluctant reader may love the different anecdotes on animals relation to man. With each chapter being a different experience, the older middle grade reader can merely enjoy the short stories rather than think through a plot.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor BOOK REVIEW

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

Marty can't imagine his life without his beloved beagle, Shiloh. Rescuing Shiloh from the cruelty he endured while living with Judd Travers was the best thing he ever did. Now it's just a matter of time before he gets the debt to the veterinarian he incurred to rescue his dog paid off. In the meantime,  Judd works to improve his reputation.

While Marty watches Judd struggle to become a better person, he meets Rachel, the new girl at school and the preacher's daughter. As he slowly gets to know her and her family, he can't help but wonder why she seems fearful of her father. When someone sets fire to the woods, Marty can't help but notice the stark difference between those who blame Judd in parallel to the fire and brimstone teachings of the preacher and the those who band together to help each other. Will the search for Judd's dogs and the rebuilding of lost homes unite the family and community?

While A Shiloh Christmas is less about the dog and more about the love of family and a person's ability to change, the bond that Marty shares with his dog keeps him grounded when he can't control what goes on around him. Though the story delves into the serious subject of abuse, themes of love, acceptance and the willingness to change will tug at the heartstrings of the mature middle grade reader.

Rating ★★★★★

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