animals – Page 60 – Cannonball Read 17

Mom, red wagon and apple pie

Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda

March 21, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Interactive books that are not necessarily an interactive book are hard to find. But they are the ones that work the best for me. Call it my imagination but I can usually make an interactive book out of anything. Not always, but thankfully there are books like Hungry Bunny where you do not have to “make up” the action/play. Claudia Rueda’s signature format is steady throughout most of her books by allowing you to interact with her main character, this time a Bunny, as they […]

Why are chemists great for solving problems? A: They have all the solutions.

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Camille Andros

March 13, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

First, I consider myself a feminist and for girl power and helping kids be their best. However, I also believe do not make things an “us and them” situation. The not subtle fact that our title character Charlotte, in Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure, is a girl doing science is great, but subconsciously it might turn off boys. Therefore, putting itself solidly in the “this is a girl book” category and boys might be less likely to pick it up. Camille Andros has created […]

Bark once for yes, wag twice for no

The Dog Diaries: Ginger by Kate Klimo

March 5, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The Dog Diaries follow the lives of different breeds throughout their lives. With the first book (though I am assuming you do not have to read in any order), Ginger, we see a Golden Retriever narrating her life from her puppy mill birth to her various homes. The modern language shows how some people act/feel/treat pets. The use of “Rainbow Bridge” for the death of dogs was a bit heavy-handed for this reader, but most people should be fine. The other part was the reference […]

What do you need more? A good book or a good hug? How about a book ABOUT a hug?

I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey

January 23, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

I Need a Hug is a year-round reading book, but also a great book for the upcoming holiday of President’s Day! (Oh wait, wrong kind of snake). Kidding aside, it is a sweet Valentine’s Day book. That “prickly thing” (a porcupine) wants a hug! Just a little cuddle! But all the other characters (Joe and Ken and such) rhyme their very strong No! Along with running away. Quickly! But at the end they are all just as quickly coming back! Do they want a hug […]

Abner and Ian try to get it right (side up)

Abner & Ian Get Right-Sided Up by Dave Eggers

January 9, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Dave Eggers has at least two new books for kids this year with Abner & Ian Get Right-Sided Up is the second one I read. The first, Most Likely Tomorrow was not a huge hit for me story wise, but I enjoyed the illustrations greatly. However, I enjoyed the story immensely more than Abner & Ian. I was amazed that both books were done by the same author considering how radically different the stories are. Plus, they are being publisher by two different publishers and […]

When you have Yeti Crabs

Sea Creatures by Seymour Simon

Elephants by Seymour Simon

December 31, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Seymour Simon is a genius. I have been recommending him for years without really having read a book cover to cover. The other night I found two reader copies just laying around, waiting to be read. I figured I had a few minutes to skim them. I have no idea how many hours later I have not only read Elephants and Sea Creatures, but I am sharing an online video of a Vampire Squid. I will also be checking out Yeti Crabs as well. Simon’s […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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