This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis
This way to a sweet story about friendship and how even the least likely pair of friends can help each other when in need. This Way, Charlie is a story of a horse and a goat who both live at a rescue farm. Some animals are able to be released or find new homes, but others stay there. And Jack, a cranky ol’ goat who likes keeping to himself, is one of the forever ones. And when Charlie comes, a horse who seems nice enough […]
Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry
A young girl and her grandmother move next door to one ol’ poop of an ex-sailor in Swashby and the Sea. And while that sounds horrible, things turn out for the best with humor, much love and the sea providing only what is needed. On the surface the book seems serious, but the overall atmosphere is light-hearted. The antics of the girl and ol’ sea dog will amuse. I found this story of love and friendship sweet and comforting with a dash of not sadness, […]
Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige
I have not decided why the cover of Mera: Tidebreaker turned me off to the book. In fact, the whole story turned me off. I have never been an Aquaman fan, so maybe that was why. Maybe I was afraid that Danielle Paige would make her too “Girl Power-She-Woman-Man-Hater.” Maybe I was just really envious of her red hair. Regardless of my misgivings, when I finally found a copy of this graphic novel, I was willing to give it a shot. And I am glad […]
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo
I read Kate DiCamillo’s Three Rancheros series out of order. I read Louisiana’s Way Home a few years back and just finished Raymie Nightingale yesterday afternoon. You can read them out of sequence, but it helps a little to know what happened in Raymie’s world first. Because of this order of reading, I think Louisiana’s story was stronger. Maybe it was because I was introduced to her first, or maybe because I have heard Raymie’s story before: the father leaves his family for another woman. […]
Noise: A graphic novel based on a true story by Kathleen Raymundo
Awhile back, I was looking at a list of graphic novels. One that stood out was Noise: A Graphic novel based on a true story. It sounded interesting. I was expecting this 100 plus page book about how the noises around us affect us. Or how the main character has issues with noise (who doesn’t? But sometimes a noise, or too much/too many noises can really overstimulate the system). I figured the main character might be autistic and too much noise/stimulation does not usually end […]
With a Little Help from My Friends by John Lennon & Paul McCartney
There is no question that With a Little Help from My Friends is the John Lennon and Paul McCartney song. It is right there in the title. What I did not expect was Henry Cole’s illustrations. I expected the classic song, but not how it was illustrated. I did not expect two friends, who are their own true selves, find each other. I did not expect some lovely coloring and a combination of minimal and just the right amount of details. The story comes from […]
