* * / * * * Sucks to Be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire (maybe)
Author: Kimberly Pauley
Hardcover
Publisher: Mirrorstone (August 26, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786950285
ISBN-13: 978-0786950287

Book description: Mina Hamilton’s parents want her dead. (Or undead to be precise.) They’re vampires, and like it or not, Mina must decide whether to become a vampire herself. But Mina’s more interested in hanging out with best friend Serena and trying to catch the eye of the too-hot-for-high-school Nathan Able than in the vampire training classes she’s being forced to take. How’s a girl supposed to find the perfect prom date and pass third-year French when her mom and dad are breathing down her neck–literally?

Book review: I thought it was going to be dorky, but it wasn’t. It was really good. The story is realistic, funny and well put together. ~ N.C., 14 years old

Buy it on Amazon.

* * * Heartbeat for Horses
Authors: Laura Chester & Donna Demari
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Willow Creek Press (March 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595434437
ISBN-13: 978-1595434432

Book description: Hearbeat for Horses is a collection of writing and photographs brought together in honor of horse crazy girls – those who might only live in the fantasy world of books and porcelain statues, who pin posters onto their walls and dream of jumping like National Velvet, or who actually compete in rodeos and horse shows in an attempt to win that blue ribbon.

Book review: This is an AWESOME book! Celebrating and honoring girls who love horses and the wonderful connection they share with these amazing animals. My daughter will go CRAZY over the pictures and selected prose and I am very sure she will follow up on each writer’s contribution if those writers have written anything else that has to do with horses.

Very nicely done. Superb photographs; poignant quotes, poetry and excerpts. A very nice book to give as a gift, one that will be treasured always.

Buy it on Amazon.

* * Hiding Glory
Author: Laura Chester
Illustrator: Gary A. Lippincott
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Willow Creek Press (August 1, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595436162
ISBN-13: 978-1595436160

Book description: First in a series of imaginative children’s books this is the wild tale of a small blue horse named Glory (guardian of the morning glory vine) who takes Turner Flint off to the land of Joya, where she can forget her earthly worries, like her taunting older brother and what she should wear on the first day of school. Lippencott’s drawings, together with Chester’s prose, take us on a very exciting gallop, filled with fun and fright.

Book review: Laura Chester writes a true fantasy, one where children (especially girls who love horses) can escape from the troubles of the world to a magical place – just as Turner Flint, the heroine in Hiding Glory. Great imaginative storytelling.

Buy it on Amazon.

* * Marvel The Marvelous
Author: Laura Chester
Illustrator: Hary A. Lippincott
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Willow Creek Press (July 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595438416
ISBN-13: 978-1595438416

Book description: In the far reaches of Northern Joya, most of the inhabitants wear skates, for without these sharp, silver blades it would be too slippery to traverse the shimmering ice fields.

When the King and Queen find a frozen girl child in a snowbank, everyone stops and tries to thaw her out. A gigantic bonfire is lit, which brightens the night sky, but soon the ice fields of Joya are melting. A trickling stream becomes a rushing river, then suddenly, a deluge.

Leaving the comforts of their dry, warm stable, Lee Rumsey and Little Marvel are swept away on a torrential adventure. Their dog friends, Garbonzo & Beanie, follow. Together this foursome explores the dank underworld of Joya as well as its most fragrant gardens.

Throughout her journey to the Treasure House, Lee is compelled to follow the cries of her baby sister, but first she must help release Spigot Von Glume, and tame a tribe of terrible teasers. Finally, Marvel and Lee outwit an even more dangerous foe.

This wild fantasy also deals with serious issues, like the emotional pull between family and friends. The characters grapple with loyalty and betrayal, with deep feelings of connection and the fear of losing love, but through the humorous, often playful antics of the characters, Leezie and Marvel overcome all obstacles, and their unique friendship wins out.

Book review: A wonderful, fantastic adventure! Witty and fun. A great book to share with your kiddos.

Buy it on Amazon.

* * Planet Of The Dogs
Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 104 pages
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions; 1ST edition (July 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0978692802
ISBN-13: 978-0978692803

Book description: Out in space, on the other side of the sun, is the Planet Of The Dogs. Dogs have always lived there in peace and happiness. One day many years ago, the council of the elder dogs learned that there were problems on Earth, the Planet of the People. Many people had forgotten how to love and had become mean and greedy. The good people of Green Valley were threatened by the warrior tribes of Stone City. The council realized that they needed help. This is the story of the first time dogs came to planet earth to teach people about love and to bring peace to Green Valley.

Book review: WOW. Be prepared to be drawn right in. I was! Very good writing; excellent storytelling.

Buy it on Amazon.

* * Fowl Language: Supernatural Rubber Chicken

* * Fine Feathered Four Eyes: Supernatural Rubber Chicken

* * * Piper Reed The Great Gypsy

* The Adventures of Seamus the Sheltie
Author: James Beverly
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 116 pages
Publisher: Nightengale Press (April 15, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1933449535
ISBN-13: 978-1933449531

Book description: THE ADVENTURES OF SEAMUS THE SHELTIE is about a real dog who can understand about 65 human words. Over the years, the author often watched his dogs, and based on their behavior, tried to imagine what they were thinking and what they would say if they could. To make the Seamus stories more fun to read, the author added a language for the dog that was derived from the canine physical makeup, the intelligence and language of a young child, and a large dose of humorous imagination. Seamus brings a new and entertaining context to life lessons that make them fresh and engaging for the readers of all ages. Humor is a key ingredient, and a happy ending to each story underscores the important moral or basic value relevant to each story in this book, setting the stage for wonderful discussions with a child.

Book review: Very cute. I recommend it especially for all young dog lovers. What makes this book a hit are the suggested points for parents to discuss with their children. The stories are not heavy handed at all and appeals to the imaginative reader.

Buy it on Amazon.