So Kailana (The Written Word) and I are teaming up again...this time to celebrate CHRISTMAS. 25 days of answering questions! You are definitely welcome to join in on the fun!

Today's question: Where do you do your shopping? Online or in store? Do you love or hate shopping? Do you have a plan and stick to it?

A bit of both. I am not strictly one or the other. I have a hard time finding everything I want in the store. Sometimes the only option is online. That being said, I do love coming home with things to hide away.

I like shopping. I don't love, love, love it. I don't loathe it. It can certainly be frustrating and time-consuming!

I rarely have a plan. I have fuzzy, in-general ideas. I think somewhere between giving someone an exact, exact list and I saw this and thought of you is right way to go.


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard. Jonathan Auxier. 2016. Harry N. Abrams. 464 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It has often been said that one should never judge a book by its cover. As any serious reader can tell you, this is terrible advice.

Premise/plot: Peter Nimble has come to Bustleburgh in search of the Bookmender. Her name, he learns, is Sophie Quire, and she has grown up in a bookshop. Her mother was a world-famous bookmender. Sophie has come into the trade mostly by chance and love. Peter comes with a book. Not any book but The Book of Who! It is one of four magical books. Each one is protected by a different Storyguard. The book chooses Sophie to be its storyguard, and the LAST storyguard whatever that means! An adventure awaits her, Peter, and Sir Tode...and a treat awaits readers!

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one so much. I loved getting reacquainted with Peter and Sir Tode. But I really loved getting to meet Sophie. This one had me hooked from the beginning. Not just the characterization but the quality of the writing as well. The story is intense and exciting! This book made me FEEL things. Like when her dad threw the book into the fire! Definitely one I'd recommend no matter your age!

Quotes:

If one hopes to live in a world of wonders, he had better locate himself in a place where wondrous stories abound (147).

Stories are more than the sum of their words (150).

Stories lived inside those who read them (439).

Magic cannot be removed from the world, because the world--every speck of it--is magical. It is simply a matter of whether or not we can see it (439). 

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I are teaming up again...this time to celebrate CHRISTMAS. 25 days of answering questions! You are definitely welcome to join in on the fun!

When do you begin listening to Christmas music or watching Christmas movies?

As soon as it starts getting cooler. Definitely in the first week or two of November. I am not one of those who have to wait until after Thanksgiving. There are too many albums, too many movies to try to fit into just three or four weeks.

Is there an album or movie you like to listen to or watch first? 

Yes. The first album I listen to is BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD by Andrew Peterson. This is my "Silmarillion" album. It is such a great album I don't even think of it as HOLIDAY music. I could listen to it any day of any month. And I have. Trust me!

Because it isn't all Santa Claus is coming TOMORROW, it is one that warms you to the season at just the right pace.

As far as movies, I really love to watch Holiday Inn early on. It covers three Christmases and three New Years--plus the holidays in between. Plus it is one of my favorites, one that I'll gladly watch more than once a year.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Saving Red. Sonya Sones. 2016. HarperTeen. 448 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Why Am I Out Here/ In the middle of the freaking night/ wandering the streets of Santa Monica/ looking for homeless people/ when I could be lying in bed/ watching videos of babies eating lemons/ and soldiers reuniting with their dogs?/ Because I need four more hours/ of community service this semester./ That's why./ And/ I need them/ by tomorrow morning.

Premise/plot: Molly narrates this newest verse novel by Sonya Sones. If you've read Sonya Sones' past books, chances are you'll need no persuading. (Anytime I see she has a new book coming out, I admit I squeal a little.) What is this one about? In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Molly makes it her project to reunite her new friend, her homeless friend, her zany yet troubled friend, Red, with her family by the holidays. In the process, she falls in love (well, at least in LIKE), worries her family a bit (to be fair, she spends equal amounts of time worrying about them), and comes close to losing her best friend in the whole world--her dog Pixel.

My thoughts: In a way, you could classify this as a "problem" novel about mental health or about America's homeless situation. But it's so much more than that! This is one emotional roller coaster that feels genuine and authentic perhaps not from page one but close to it!!! Red is not predictable, and, Molly has her own (secret) internal struggles. I felt this one was realistic, for the most part, and the holiday setting was a nice touch for me!

I would definitely recommend this one!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Stand-Out Books in November 2016

1. Because of Thursday. Patricia Polacco. 2016. Simon & Schuster. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
2. March Book Three. John Lewis and Andrew Aydin. Illustrated by Nate Powell. 2016. 246 pages. [Source: Library] 
3.  If You Give A Mouse A Brownie. Laura Joffe Numeroff. Illustrated by Felicia Bond. 2016. HarperCollins. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
4. The Seventh Wish. Kate Messner. 2016. Bloomsbury. 228 pages. [Source: Review copy]  
5. Won Ton. Lee Wardlaw. Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. 2011. 40 pages. [Source: Library] 
6. Raymie Nightingale. Kate DiCamillo. 2016. Candlewick. 272 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

5 Places "Visited" in November 2016

1) England
2) Florida
3) Prince Edward Island
4) New York
5) Germany

Board books and picture books:

1. Board Book: Bum, Bum. Taro Miura. 2016. Candlewick. 24 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. Board Book: There, There. Taro Miura. 2016. Candlewick. 22 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. If You Give A Mouse A Brownie. Laura Joffe Numeroff. Illustrated by Felicia Bond. 2016. HarperCollins. 32 pages. [Source: Library]
4. Because of Thursday. Patricia Polacco. 2016. Simon & Schuster. 40 pages. [Source: Review copy]
5. Nanette's Baguette. Mo Willems. 2016. Disney-Hyperion. 40 pages. [Source: Library]
6. We Found A Hat. Jon Klassen. 2016. Candlewick. 56 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. They All Saw A Cat. Brendan Wenzel. 2016. Chronicle. 44 pages. [Source: Library]
8. The Christmas Story. Robert Sabuda. 2016. Candlewick. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
9. Bears and a Birthday. Shirley Parenteau. 2015. Candlewick. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]
10. Won Ton. Lee Wardlaw. Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. 2011. 40 pages. [Source: Library]
11. Won Ton and Chopstick: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku. Lee Wardlaw. Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. 2015. 40 pages. [Source: Library]
12. How To Be A Good Cat. Gail Page. 2011. Bloomsbury. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]
13. Bedtime Book. Mabel Watts. Illustrated by Florence Sarah Winship. 1963. 28 pages. [Source: Bought]
14. The Purple Pussycat. Margaret Hillert. 1950. 31 pages. [Source: Bought]
15. The Very Best of Friends. Steffi Fletcher. 1963. 27 pages. [Source: Bought]
16. The House My Grandpa Built. Geraldine Everett Gohn. Illustrated by Bonnie and Bill Rutherford. 1971. Whitman. 30 pages. [Source: Bought]
17. Trumpet. Patricia Lynn. Illustrated by Bernice Myers. 1953. Whitman. 30 pages. [Source: Bought]
18. Jiggers. Joy Muchmore Lacey. Illustrated by Marge Opitz. 1963. 28 pages. [Source: Bought]
19. Two Stories About Kate and Kitty. Lee Priestley. Illustrated by Alice Schlesinger. 1968. Whitman. 30 pages. [Source: Bought]

Early readers and early chapter books: 0
Contemporary (general, realistic) fiction, all ages:

1. Raymie Nightingale. Kate DiCamillo. 2016. Candlewick. 272 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. Falling Over Sideways. Jordan Sonnenblick. 2016. Scholastic. 272 pages. [Source: Library]

Speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, etc.) all ages:

1. The Seventh Wish. Kate Messner. 2016. Bloomsbury. 228 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. Half Magic. Edward Eager. 1954/2016. HMH. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Historical fiction, all ages:

1. Five Children on the Western Front. Kate Saunders. 2014. 318 pages. [Source: Library]
2. Raymie Nightingale. Kate DiCamillo. 2016. Candlewick. 272 pages. [Source: Review copy]
3. A Breach of Promise. (William Monk #9) Anne Perry. 1999. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
4. The Royal Nanny. Karen Harper. 2016. 384 pages. [Source: Library]
5. The Matchmaker. Thornton Wilder. 1954. 120 pages. [Source: Library]

Mysteries, all ages:

1. A Breach of Promise. (William Monk #9) Anne Perry. 1999. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Classics, all ages:

1. The Matchmaker. Thornton Wilder. 1954. 120 pages. [Source: Library]
2. Anne of Ingleside. L.M. Montgomery. 1939. 274 pages. [Source: Bought]
3. Rainbow Valley. L.M. Montgomery. 1919. 256 pages. [Source: Bought] 
4. Half Magic. Edward Eager. 1954/2016. HMH. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]
5. A Child's Geography of the World. V.M. Hillyer. 1929/1951. 472 pages. [Source: Bought]

Nonfiction, all ages:

1. The Plot to Kill Hitler. Patricia McCormick. 2016. 192 pages. [Source: Library]
2. March: Book One. John Lewis, Andrew Aydin. Illustrated by Nate Powell. 2013. 128 pages. [Source: Library]
3. March Book Two. John Lewis. Andrew Aydin. Illustrated by Nate Powell. 2015. 189 pages. [Source: Library]
4. March Book Three. John Lewis and Andrew Aydin. Illustrated by Nate Powell. 2016. 246 pages. [Source: Library]  
5. Speaking American: How Y'all, Youse, and You Guys Talk: A Visual Guide. Josh Katz. 2016. Hougton Mifflin Harcourt. 224 pages. [Source: Library] 
6. A Child's Geography of the World. V.M. Hillyer. 1929/1951. 472 pages. [Source: Bought]

Christian fiction:

1.  The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill. Julie Klassen. 2016. Bethany House. 448 pages. [Source: Review copy]

Christian nonfiction:

1. Hungry: Learning to Feed Your Soul with Christ. Rondi Lauterbach. 2016. P&R. 224 pages. [Source: Review copy]
2. Rescuing the Gospel: The Story and Significance of the Reformation. Erwin W. Lutzer. 2016. Baker Books. 224 pages. [Source: Bought]
3. John Bunyan and the Grace of Fearing God. Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley. 2016. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]
4. Jesus. A.W. Tozer. 2017. Moody. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy] 
5. Culture. A.W. Tozer. 2016. Moody. 176 pages. [Source: Review copy]
6. Pursuing Health in an Anxious Age. Bob Cutillo, M.D. 2016. Crossway. 208 pages. [Source: Review copy]
7. Unlimited Grace. Bryan Chapell. 2016. Crossway. 192 pages. [Source: Review copy]
8. Prophet, Priest, and King. Richard P. Belcher Jr. 2016. P&R Publishing. 236 pages. [Source: Review copy]
9. Thru the Bible: Genesis 1-15. J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 204 pages. [Source: Bought]
10. Thru the Bible: Genesis 16-33. J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 188 pages. [Source: Bought]
11. Thru the Bible: Genesis 34-50. J. Vernon McGee. 1975. 180 pages. [Source: Bought]
12. The Book of Jesus. Calvin Miller, ed. B&H. 576 pages. [Source: Bought]
13. Christmas is Coming! But Waiting is Hard! Karen Whiting. 2016. Abingdon Press. 112 pages. [Source: Review copy]
14. Hidden Christmas. Timothy Keller. 2016. 160 pages. [Source: Library]
15. The Believer's Walk With Christ. John MacArthur. 2017. Moody. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!

Today's question: Who is your favorite composer? What is your favorite soundtrack?

I don't have one. I have a top four or five.

Patrick Doyle. I'm going to list him first. Because he may truly be my favorite. Maybe. My favorites of his include MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and Cinderella (2015).  


Hans Zimmer. So many favorites. But I will narrow it down to the Batman movies and INCEPTION. But how could I leave out Pirates of the Caribbean?! 

Howard Shore. The LOTR and HOBBIT soundtracks.


Michael Giacchino. He's everywhere these days. Not that I mind! He did the music for LOST. But that is certainly overshadowed these days by all the movies he's done. He does the music for the newer Star Trek series. And a lot of stuff for Disney.

John Williams. You're probably thinking Star Wars. And you'd be right. But I really, really, really love the soundtrack to The Book Thief and Schindler's List.

Harry Gregson-Williams. I love his work on Shrek and the Chronicles of Narnia.


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Won Ton and Chopstick: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku. Lee Wardlaw. Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin. 2015. 40 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: It's a fine life, Boy. Nap, play, bathe, nap, eat, repeat. Practice makes purrfect.

Premise/plot: Won Ton returns in a second picture book in Won Ton and Chopstick. Won Ton is most upset--at least at first--at the new 'surprise' at his house. The surprise is a PUPPY. The family may call the puppy, "Chopstick," but Won Ton calls him PEST. This picture book has plenty of adventures for the pair.

My thoughts: I really loved Won Ton. And this second book is fun. I thought the repeating refrain of the first book was fun, but I think it's even better the second time around.

Puthimoutputhimoutputhimoutputhim--wait! I said him, not me!

That never gets old!!!

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10



© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!

Today's question: What is your favorite movie released from BEFORE you were born?

Probably something Disney. The Aristocats, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Robin Hood.

I've already mentioned dozens of musicals. I've already mentioned some of my favorite comedies starring favorites like Cary Grant, Doris Day, etc.

I love, love, love watching old movies!

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Bears and a Birthday. Shirley Parenteau. 2015. Candlewick. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The makings for a cake are there. The recipe's ready. Where are the bears?

Premise/plot: 4 small bears (Fuzzy, Floppy, Yellow, Calico) work together to create a surprise for Big Brown Bear on his birthday. Readers see the bear mixing, baking, frosting a cake as well as wrapping his birthday present. Big Brown Bear gets quite suspicious and wants to know what his friends are doing. But, of course, no peeking is allowed.

My thoughts: This one is cute and predictable. If your little one loves the other books in the series, this one is definitely worth picking up. It would also serve as a good introduction to the series. I don't think the books have to be read in any certain order!

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 7 out of 10

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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A Breach of Promise. (William Monk #9) Anne Perry. 1999. 384 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Oliver Rathbone leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh of satisfaction.

Premise/plot: A Breach of Promise is the ninth book in the William Monk mystery series by Anne Perry. In this one, Oliver Rathbone takes up a difficult, near-impossible-to-win case. His client, Killian Melville, is being sued for breach of promise. His friendship with Zillah Lambert was taken--by her family--as a romantic relationship. A whole wedding was PLANNED without him ever having said "I love you" or "Will you marry me?" Everything was assumed by Zillah's parents. Melville was late to catch on that he was "trapped." The case goes to trial, and, Rathbone calls on Monk to help him find something--anything--to help his client. Surely there is some reason why Melville refuses to marry her and claims that he CANNOT ever marry. Hester Latterly is nursing a patient that surprisingly enough is not directly connected in any way with the crime!!! But both Rathbone and Monk are depending on her to help them "make sense" of this case.

My thoughts: I loved this one. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it. It ends with Monk decisively choosing to ask Hester something BIG. Now, have I been wanting these two together for many books? Yes and no. No, in that I personally *like* Rathbone better. And I think Oliver was just as much in love with Hester as Monk was/is. Also, I really ADORE Oliver's dad. And the thought of Hester being in that family and getting MORE of both Oliver and his Dad would have made me quite happy. That being said, it was obvious for several books now that Hester for whatever reason loves Monk. I don't know why she prefers Monk to Rathbone. I don't. But she does. So yes, I am glad that Monk stopped being stupid and argumentative enough to pop the question. If the two are destined to be together, I'd rather it be settled sooner rather than later.

Now, for the case itself. It was a twist upon twist. And I forbid myself to cheat even a little. So that helped. I think the series is guilty a bit of having modern opinions taken up by the historical characters and proclaimed a bit smugly. At times. But overall, I really found myself enjoying this one cover to cover.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you! 

Today's question: Your top three movie characters...

I must have been CRUEL to think up a question like this. Seriously. What was I thinking?! 

I'm going to go with 

3) Thor
2) Captain America
1) Samwise Gamgee from LOTR

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!

Today's question: What is your favorite science fiction or fantasy film?

I'm leaning more towards fantasy today. I really love, love, love the movie Penelope. I don't think it gets as much love as it deserves. Enchanted would fall into the 'fantasy' genre as well. As would Princess Bride which I've already mentioned a few times!

I really love, love, love the Chronicles of Narnia movies. Particularly The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. 

LORD OF THE RINGS also comes to mind of course! I love that movie so much!!!

For science fiction, I really love, love, love INCEPTION.


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Rainbow Valley. L.M. Montgomery. 1919. 256 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: It was a clear, apple-green evening in May, and Four Winds Harbour was mirroring back the clouds of the golden west between its softly dark shores.

Premise/plot: Rainbow Valley is about the Blythe children and their best friends, the Meredith children. The Merediths are in interesting bunch! The father is a Presbyterian minister. The mother is dead and very much missed. The children are wild and wonderful. Over half the book centers on the adventures of Jerry, Faith, Una, and Carl. The other half focuses on the Blythe children: Jem, Walter, Nan and Di, Shirley, and Rilla. 

Why you should still read it even though it isn't about Anne: Montgomery is a great storyteller who excels at characterization. The Meredith children, particularly Faith, are great characters to spend time with. Mary Vance is another LIVELY character. Love her or hate her, you can't forget her! This one also has some lovely scenes with Walter about the 'Pied Piper' he hears calling in Rainbow Valley. Reading Rainbow Valley deepens the bond you feel for certain characters. The memories the two families create and share in Rainbow Valley--the place--are important in Rilla of Ingleside. Rilla of Ingleside is not to be missed. It is one of the BEST in the series.

My thoughts: I really loved the courtship in this one of the children's father!!! It was super-sweet and fun. I love this book not so much for its connection to Anne, as it is I just LOVE L.M. Montgomery in general. She's a wonderful writer whose birthday is very close to my own!


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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The Christmas Story. Robert Sabuda. 2016. Candlewick. 12 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Long ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary. She was soon to marry a carpenter named Joseph. God sent an angel to her with a message: "Hail, Mary! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid. Soon you will have a baby, named Jesus, who will be the Son of God." "Let it be as you have told me," Mary said. "I am the servant of the Lord."

Premise/plot: The Christmas Story is Robert Sabuda's newest pop-up book. The story may be familiar, even too familiar, to some. But it's a story that is timeless. The pop-ups are quite detailed and though done simply--only in white and gold--they are indeed 'exquisite.'

My thoughts: I liked it. I do think Robert Sabuda's pop up books are more for older readers--like adults--than younger readers. But I think if young readers are careful, they can get a lot from this story as well.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!


Today's question: What is your favorite period drama?
  
Young Victoria
North and South 
Doctor Thorne 
Anne of Green Gables (first two movies only)
Persuasion
Jane Eyre
Scarlet Pimpernel
Pride and Prejudice

If we're including TV shows: Downton Abbey, Lark Rise to Candleford, The Crown, and Call the Midwife.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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A Child's Geography of the World. V.M. Hillyer. 1929/1951. 472 pages.

First sentence: When I was a boy, my nurse used to take me to the railroad station to see the trains.

Premise/plot: A Child's Geography of the World was first published in 1929. The edition I found was revised and published in 1951. The tone is casual conversation. There are a few black and white illustrations throughout the book. The book is full of information, but what kind?

The truth is some information stays the same no matter the decade. (For example the location of the The Great Lakes, the Empire State Building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa). But plenty of things have changed and changed dramatically! Nations have passed away, governments have been toppled, revolutions have taken place. Also the United States has more than 48 states! Mount Everest has been climbed. Man has gone to the moon and back.

The last war mentioned is World War 2. Communists are mentioned, or perhaps I should say warned against!

Race is definitely an issue if you're reading this with children. (God created black men at night and many black people in Africa eat each other. The narrator makes an offhandedly comment that you will likely never see a real live Indian because there are few left. The narrator later makes an aside that the U.S. does it's best to keep out the Chinese.) I would say adults can throw away the bad and keep the good and have the discernment needed to tell the difference between the two. I would not recommend young children read this on their own for several reasons. One being that unless this text has been updated and revised recently, you'd have more misinformation than correct information.

My thoughts: I find vintage books entertaining. I do. Rare, long out-of-print books call to me. It's a way to capture a glimpse of the past, for better or worse. Not a historical writer's idea of the past. Good Morning, Miss Dove is one of my favorite, favorite books--and movies. This book would have been published at exactly the right time for Miss Dove to use!

The information is dated, true, I won't lie, but it is also a strong narrative. If there weren't problematic sections, I could easily call it charming.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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The Purple Pussycat. Margaret Hillert. 1950. 31 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: We can not play now. We have work to do. Can you help me? Now we can go. Come with me. I want you to come.

Premise/plot: A boy's toy--a purple pussycat--has adventures on his own once the boy falls asleep.
The copyright of my copy of the book says 1981. The book was a part of Follett's Just Beginning To Read series. The whole book has just a fifty-eight word vocabulary. And perhaps that simplicity keeps it from being a wow of a plot.

My thoughts: Was it worth the quarter I paid for it? Probably. The series promises COLORFULLY ILLUSTRATED books, and, I won't deny that these illustrations are colorful. I'm not sure you'd see anything like them published today. (The house the boy lives in desperately needs the Property Brothers, in my opinion.) Once the (toy) cat begins his adventures outside, I think the book becomes more interesting.

Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10


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Charity Reading Challenge
Host: Becky's Book Reviews (sign up here)
Duration: January-December 2017
# of books: You decide

Sign up by leaving a comment.

Read for a good cause! Buy books at a charity shop, or, even a friends of the library book sale, or, donate a certain percentage of money for each book you read for the challenge. You can choose your own goal of how many books to read, what charity you'll be donating money towards, how much money, etc. (For example, you might want to donate $1 for each paperback you read, or, $3 for every hardback you read. You can work out the details yourself.)

Rules:

• Books and audio books, so long as purchased from a charity shop (or library book sale), count. E-books count if you donate a certain percentage of money to the charity of your choice. (You may read ANY book you choose if you donate your set amount.) Brand new books, old-and tattered out-of-print books. Both are welcome!
• You do not need a blog to participate. You can comment on this post or any challenge-related post to update others on your progress. 
• Any qualifying book finished in 2017 can count towards the challenge.
• Books can be of any length and be written for any audience. This challenge does not exclude picture books. 
• Qualifying books can be books you've intended to read for ages, or, impulse buys!(Who goes into a charity shop with a list?!)
• No list is required, but, you can make one as you go if you like. The fun thing about this challenge is that everyone's list is going to be unique!
• You may read for more than one charity if you like.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!

Today's question: What is your favorite musical? 

Musicals are my favorite genre. Most days anyway. I've already shared a list of musicals that are period dramas too. 

So I'm going to go with Mamma Mia, The Muppets, and Enchanted. (Might as well add The Muppet Movie).

There are a few musical scenes in non-musicals that I'd add as well. Heath Ledger singing in 10 Things I Hate About You is all kinds of wonderful. And A Knight's Tale has a very musical feel to it even though it's not really a musical. (LOVE the dancing scene with Golden Years)


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Bedtime Book. Mabel Watts. Illustrated by Florence Sarah Winship. 1963. 28 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: At night, when you're sleepy, Mom turns down your bed. But suppose you were some sort of animal instead...

Premise/plot: This bedtime book is animal-focused or animal-themed. We've got an elephant, turtle, mouse, lamb, lion, puppy, kitten, horse, bear cub, fawn, stork, bird, fox, seal, and squirrel. The text is written all in rhyme.

My thoughts: Really loved this one. I think I loved the turtle most of all. If you were a turtle you'd get under your shell. Then you'd huddle and cuddle and sleep very well." Almost better than the text, the illustrations.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!

Today's question: What is your favorite holiday film?

I have so many!

Holiday Inn
Muppet Christmas Carol
Shop Around the Corner
It's A Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
White Christmas


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I are teaming up again...this time to celebrate CHRISTMAS. 25 days of answering questions! You are definitely welcome to join in on the fun! I'm sharing the list now to give you time to prepare. It officially starts December 1.

1. When do you begin listening to Christmas music or watching Christmas movies?
2. Is there an album or movie you like to listen to or watch first?
3. Where do you do your shopping? Online or in store? Do you love or hate shopping? Do you have a plan and stick to it?
4. My gift recommendations for the 2016 holiday season.
5. My holiday wishlist and/or my "dream" stocking?
6. The book I'm most looking forward to reading this Holiday season...
7. The album I'm looking forward to listening to this Christmas season...
8. The movie I'm looking forward to watching this Christmas season...
9. A treat I love to make or eat during the holidays...
10. Favorite thing I love to do with my family during the holidays...
11. Favorite Christmas songs or albums from your growing up years...
12. Favorite movies or Christmas specials from your growing up years...
13. Favorite present(s) from your growing up years...
14. Favorite present(s) from recent years....
15. Favorite Christmas songs or albums currently...
16. Favorite Christmas movies or specials currently...
17. Favorite Christmas books (top 3, 5, 10)
18. Favorite Christmas scenes from books and/or movies...
19. When do you wrap presents? As you buy them or the very last minute? Do you love or hate wrapping presents?
20. Did you ever try to sneak a peek at presents early? Are you a present shaker?!
21. Christmas Eve traditions...
22. Christmas traditions...
23. Day after Christmas traditions...
24. A Christmas I'll never forget...
25. What I love most about Christmas...Christmas greetings.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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The Very Best of Friends. Steffi Fletcher. 1963. 27 pages. [Source: Bought]

First sentence: Once upon a time a cow, a hen, a goat, and a pony lived on a farm. They lived there most happily. But then one day a new owner came to the farm.

Premise/plot: The animals on this farm runaway. Each animal finds a place to stay. They meet together every day. They meet a little boy who happens to be great at taking care of them. They decide the little boy would be a great new owner.

My thoughts: Well, I must admit I was disappointed with this one. I was judging it at first by the illustrations alone. I didn't bother to read the text before I bought it. The text was just silly and super unrealistic. (Was it as unrealistic as Bess not having legs for several pages in Ballerina Bess? I don't know.) For example, the cow milks herself and comes to town trying to sell her milk. The hen carries her own eggs to town to try to sell. And the goat somehow, someway makes cheese from her own milk and ties it on her back to take it to town and sell. Still, it isn't a complete loss for I do like the illustrations.

Text: 2 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10


© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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Original artwork by Charles Haigh-Wood (1856-1927)

Host: Becky's Book Reviews (sign up)
Duration: January - December 2017
Goal: To have adults read more picture books. To celebrate the fact that picture books are for everyone! Families are, of course, welcome to join in!
# of books: minimum of 6

Option 1: BINGO CARD!
Option 2: CHECKLIST (read as few as six, or as many as you like)

Feel free to copy/paste this. You can replace the _ with an X or a ✔ (copy/paste it) when you finish reading a book. If you list the books you read, that may help other people decide what to read.

_ 1. An alphabet book
_ 2. A counting book
_ 3. Concept book: shapes or numbers or opposites or colors
_ 4. a book set on a farm or in the country
_ 5. a book set in the city or in an urban area
_ 6. a book set at the beach, in the ocean, or by a lake
_ 7. a book with human characters
_ 8. a book with animal characters
_ 9. a bedtime book
_ 10. a rhyming book
_ 11. a book celebrating art
_ 12. a book celebrating dance
_ 13. a book celebrating music
_ 14. a book celebrating family (parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc.)
_ 15. a book about feelings, expressing feelings
_ 16. a book with a twist (unexpected) ending
_ 17. a book about pets (cats, dogs, fish)
_ 18. a book celebrating libraries or reading
_ 19. a book translated into English (originally published in another language/country)
_ 30. a book about trains or planes
_ 31. a book about cars or trucks
_ 32. a book about starting school
_ 33. a book about friendship (sharing, caring, forgiving)
_ 34. a book about being ME, about being unique, special, loved, etc.
_ 35. a fairy tale
_ 36. a twisted (adapted) fairy tale
_ 37. a book about a holiday
_ 38. a new-to-you author
_ 39. a new-to-you illustrator
_ 40. a book about new experiences (dentist, doctor, sleepovers, movies, playing sports, learning to swim, etc.)
_ 41. a series book
_ 42. a book celebrating food (cooking, eating, trying new foods, eating healthy)
_ 43. a book published before 1950
_ 44. a book published in the 1950s
_ 45. a book published in the 1960s
_ 46. a book published in the 1970s
_ 47. a book published in the 1980s
_ 48. a book published in the 1990s
_ 49. a book published in the 2000s
_ 50. a book published 2010-2016
_ 51. a book published in 2017
_ 52. a book by Dr. Seuss
_ 53. a book by Mo Willems
_ 54. a book by Jan Thomas
_ 55. a book by Eric Carle
_ 56. a book by Laura Numeroff
_ 57. a book by Patricia Polacco
_ 58. a book by Jon Klassen
_ 59. a book by Beatrix Potter
_ 60. a book by Kevin Henkes
_ 61. a book written or illustrated by LeUyen Pham
_ 62. a Caldecott winner
_ 63.  a Caldecott honor
_ 64. a picture book biography
_ 65. a nonfiction picture book
_ 66. a book from your childhood
_ 67. a book you discovered as an adult
_ 68. a book celebrating writing, being an author or illustrator
_ 69. a library book
_ 70. an audio book
_ 71.  a book about dinosaurs OR dragons
_ 72. nonfiction book about animals (or animal)
_ 73. a challenged book OR a controversial book
_ 74. a book that makes you laugh
_ 75. a book that makes you cry
_ 76. hate the text, love the art
_ 77. love the text, hate the art
_ 78. a book with a great cover
_ 79. a book with an ugly cover
_ 80. a book about toys
_ 81. a book about weather
_ 82. a picture book for older readers
_ 83. a book of jokes, riddles, tongue-twisters
_ 84. a book about seasons
_ 85. a song
_ 86. a poetry book
_ 87. a book by a celebrity
_ 88.  a book published in Australia
_ 89. a book published in the UK
_ 90. a book about science or math
_ 91. a book about history or historical event
_ 92. a book about sports
_ 93. a book about celebrating birthdays
_ 94. a book about a President or world leader
_ 95. a book about another country
_ 96. a book celebrating faith
_ 97. a pop-up book, or, a book with cut-outs or flaps or fold-outs
_ 98. a bilingual book
_ 99.  a television series that has been adapted to a book
_ 100. a book that has been adapted to a television series
_ 101. an adaptation of a myth or legend

OPTION 3: ABCs. Read 26 picture books, one for each letter by title and/or author.

Sign up by leaving a comment. Do indicate which option you're leaning towards. And if you have a blog, please leave your blog address so I can visit you.

Reviews are not a requirement. But if you do review, you can share links to your reviews. I'm thinking of having check-in posts on the 15th of every month.

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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So Kailana (The Written Word) and I really LOVED participating in Jenni Elyse's 30 Days of Books.  We thought it would be fun to do a movie-theme list of questions! Feel free to switch "favorite" to "least favorite" if that is more applicable to you!

Today's question: What is your favorite drama? 



Amazing Grace
Belle 
Return to Me
Book Thief
Inn of Sixth Happiness
The Help
Hiding Place
Life is Beautiful
Steel Magnolias
Mr. Holland's Opus
Forrest Gump
King's Speech
Cyrano de Bergerac

© 2016 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

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