Wednesday 19 June 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #18: Review of Shirley Link: Middle Grade Mystery


Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #18
 
Some of you may have noticed I am on a bit of a middle grade mystery binge at the moment. I can't get enough of them. I do have an alterior motive but I am not quite ready to reveal why.....Oh the mystery.
 
Todays review is for a great middle grade mystery.
Shirley Link and the Safe Case by Ben Zackheim
 
 

Description:

I put on my kindest face for the poor man. I even smile a little. Marie slashes her fingers across her neck, telling me to stop with the fake grin. She must think I look creepy again. I keep smiling, though. I need to practice. I have a problem with people thinking I'm mean. - Shirley Link

And so it goes, for Shirley Link. Brilliant, brazen and still a whole year away from her driver's permit. Sure, she's only 14 years old and has homework to do, but she'll put it aside for the right mystery! 

 

Shirley Link's kickoff adventure pits her against a thief who's stolen thirty thousand dollars from her school's safe. Usually, she'd wrap that kind of case up before The Big Bang Theory. But there's one intriguing, frustrating detail. The half-ton safe disappeared too! Shirley must find the culprit quickly, or else her beloved principal, Mr. Reese, will lose his job. As she digs deeper, Mr. Reese looks more and more guilty. Will Shirley save him, or get him tossed in jail?

My Review:
Well, to preface this review I must tell you of my absolute love of the TV series Veronica Mars, so when I found this book I was absolutely delighted. Shirley is the middle grade equivalent. She is smart, witty and has awesome observation skills, but of course is completely and utterly misunderstood by most of her teachers. Her friends totally get her though and I loved the way the author portrayed Shirley and her friends accepting each others quirks and working to their strengths.
The mystery was fast paced, funny and very cleverly done, but I can't go any further without offering spoilers. I liked Shirley from the get go, along with her crazy cop mum and eccentric dad.
This was a quick clean read, with a dash of unrequited love and a smidgen of mild violence. Just another great example of a very cool middle grade mystery which I think reluctant and avid readers would really enjoy. I recommend if for children aged 10+    

Where to find Ben:

Follow on twitter: https://twitter.com/zackheim
Website: http://benzackheim.com/


More Books by Ben:
 
 
 
But wait, there's more.
Ben is generously offering all 3 books to 5 lucky entrants, so hop on down to enter the rafflecopter. 


 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome to the 18th Kid Lit Blog Hop. The Kid Lit Blog Hop takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We have managed to create a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists, as well as parents seeking out their next great read. So, you are more than welcome to link in and take some time to make some new friends. A big, big, big THANK YOU to all of you who abided by the new rules. I definitely noticed much more visits among everyone who participated. It is so much fun to develop relationships with all you wonderful people who participate in the Kid Lit Blog Hop time after time. I know that sometimes we are busy, but even if you visit just a couple people, it will make a big difference in your experience with being part of the Hop. Please join me in welcoming back our co-hostess for this Hop, Ramona from Create With Joy. Welcome Ramona! Please be sure to give each of our hostesses a visit to say a quick hello!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
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Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *Please Read*:

1. We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!
Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Monday 10 June 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #17 + Post Office Book Review

Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #17
 

Well, to explain the title of this post, for anyone has only just recently joined our hop, I have a confession. Sometimes I buy cheap books for Gigi from our local post office. They aren't exactly literary genius and occasionally the stories don't make any sense at all. Now that I am a permanent hostess on the hop, I was joking with Renee our illustrious CEO and master of all that is blog hop, that if we get desperate to make it to our target 100 links I may be forced to do a Post Office Book Review.

Here we are again folks, not quite to 100 links, so I am forced with one arm tied behind my back do another Post Office Book Review. Well, truth be told there is no forcing, we love it as you may have figured out.



Todays Jem is

"On The Road with Mavis and Marge"
by Niamh Sharkey
 
Favourite opening lines:
 
Mavis was different to other cows. She was hungry for adventure.
Marge was smarter than the average chicken. She wanted to go where no chicken had gone before.....
 
And thus begins the adventure.
 
They start on their bike, manage to crash it, and have to find other means of transport. They collect a colourful cast of friends along the way, until they finally find themselves in outer space, longing for home.
 
They all decide that home is the best place to be, but not without a little stowaway.  Check out the last page.
 
 









We love this book and I think we have decided that Niamh Sharkey is a firm favourite, as she is both writer and illustrator.

Now Gigi's 2nd birthday is approaching and I am gathering a list of absolute must have books for her birthday list to give to all the family. 

Here is what we have so far, can you suggest anymore. Shoot us a comment if you are still reading lol

  1. Hippopotmus on the roof eating cake.
  2. Diary of a wombat
  3. The Night Pirates
  4. Monstore
  5. Boy + Bot
  6. Bear Snores On
  7. Alexander and the terrible horrible no good very bad day
  8. Grill Pan Eddy
  9. Randy Riley's Really Big Hit
  10. Mabel and Me, Best of friends
  11. Giant Dance Party
  12. Creepy Carrots
  13. The Lamb Who Came To Dinner
  14. You Can't eat a Princess
  15. Wilfred McDonald Fox
  16. What The Ladybug Heard.
  17. An undone fairy tale
  18. Ivan becomes a hero  

Catch you on the hop folks. 

 
 

Please see our NEW RULES below!

Welcome to the 17th Kid Lit Blog Hop. The Kid Lit Blog Hop takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We have managed to create a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists, as well as parents seeking out their next great read. So, you are more than welcome to link in and take some time to make some new friends. Please join me in welcoming a new permanent hostess, Reshama at Stacking Books - a wonderful blog with many recommendations for the best children's books. We are also pleased to have Fiona Ingram, the author of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab (click for my review of this FABULOUS middle grade book) and a blogger as well, joining us this week as co-hostess of the Hop. Welcome Reshama and Fiona! Please be sure to give each of our hostesses a visit to say a quick hello!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *NEW*:

1. *NEW* We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. *NEW* Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!
Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Kid Lit Blog Hop #17 :What About Barnaby Review + Giveaway



Welcome back to the Kid Lit Blog Hop #17
Today I have a great middle grade mystery that I won from a giveaway on this very hop to review for you. 

"What About Barnaby"
by Martha Rodriguez




Description: 
 When Barnaby Q. Percival's disappearance comes to light, Zeke and Scotty team up to find him. Will they be able to decipher the mystery of the missing mutt on their own? Come along as old and new friends, (furry and not) work together to reunite Barnaby with his best friend, Mr. Jensen!
What about Barnaby? is Martha's first middle-grade fiction book about two friends who try to solve the mystery of Barnaby the dog's disappearance.  Neighborhood friends chip in to help the boys find Mr. Jensen's mutt.  Will a new detective agency be born?


My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed this first person point of view middle grade mystery. It starts off with Zeke awaking in the night to strange noises, only to find those noises could possibly have been the key behind the disappearance of Barnaby, Mr Jensen's lovable mutt.
With the help of his excitable friend Scotty, the boys set about to solve the mystery. They discover clues that involve secret codes and one fun fast paced adventure, full of hilarious observations by Zeke along the way.
During their investigation, they make a new friend in a little girl with epilepsy, who has one very special pooch looking out for her, but of course I won't spoil the ending.
I love the innocence of middle grade characters like these, which makes it so easy to like them straight away and get on board with their antics.  This is a 100% clean read, with no violence or themes unsuitable for children and I would recommend this not just for middle grade. 
I think reluctant readers will really be drawn into the fun shenanigans of Zeke and Scotty. I can see this being a fantastic read aloud book to kids age  6-10.
I give What About Barnaby 5 stars.   

and now, another giveaway, hooray
Martha has kindly offered 3 e-reader (mobi) copies of What About Barnaby, so jump into the Rafflecopter below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 
About the Author:


Martha Rodriguez is the author of the children’s books A Reel Cool Summer, Smell My Feet! 10 Seriously Silly and Sweet Short Stories for Squirts, and What About Barnaby?  She is also the owner of Read To Me Publishing, LLC.

Martha was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of three.  She is a wife and the mother to three awesome kids.  Like most moms, she has had many years of experience answering the question, “We’re bored, what can we do?"  One answer to that question brought about the story behind A Reel Cool Summer where her real kids are the characters!

Smell My Feet! is a collection of short stories, for children ages 7-10, which she original published on her blog.  An angel, a hero, and a cute dog named Charlie are some of the characters you'll meet.  Don't be surprised if you recognize yourself, a crazy uncle, or a friend in one of them.

Martha enjoys visiting elementary schools in person and through Skype to help kids get excited about reading and writing!


Martha and her husband, Jose, live in Tallahassee, Florida.

You Can find Martha:
Website:http://www.readtomepublishingllc.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadToMePublishingLLC
 
Other books by Martha:








Please see our NEW RULES below!
Welcome to the 17th Kid Lit Blog Hop. The Kid Lit Blog Hop takes place on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. We have managed to create a dynamic and engaged community of children's books bloggers, authors, publishers, and publicists, as well as parents seeking out their next great read. So, you are more than welcome to link in and take some time to make some new friends. Please join me in welcoming a new permanent hostess, Reshama at Stacking Books - a wonderful blog with many recommendations for the best children's books. We are also pleased to have Fiona Ingram, the author of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab (click for my review of this FABULOUS middle grade book) and a blogger as well, joining us this week as co-hostess of the Hop. Welcome Reshama and Fiona! Please be sure to give each of our hostesses a visit to say a quick hello!

Happy Hopping everyone and enjoy the Hop!

Kid Lit Blog Hop
<div align="center"><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/category/kid-lit-blog-hops/" title="Kid Lit Blog Hop"><img src="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Kid-Lit-Blog-Hop-Button-Sep-2012-e1349976901756.jpg" alt="Kid Lit Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
 

Kid Lit Blog Hop Rules *NEW*:

1. *NEW* We ask that you kindly follow your hostesses and co-hostesses. You can follow us any way you choose (Email, GFC, Twitter, Facebook, G+, Pinterest, etc.), but we've added our preferences below. If you could just give us a quick "follow" or "like" that would be much appreciated! Make sure to leave us a message if you are following us (i.e., on Twitter or Facebook or on our websites) and we will be sure to follow you back. Thanks! :-)
Hostesses:
Co-Hostesses:
2. Link up any Kid Lit related post. This can be a link to a children’s book review, a discussion about children’s literature/literacy, or a post on a recently-read children’s book or one that you love from your childhood.
* Don't link directly to your blog, it must be a specific post*
* For Authors, we prefer you to link to your blog if you have one *
* Make sure you include an image relevant to the POST (e.g., book cover), not your blog button or photo of yourself.*
* Feel free to link more than one post.*
3. *NEW* Please visit AT LEAST the TWO LINKS directly ahead of your own and leave them some love in the form of a comment. We are trying to build a community of bloggers, readers, parents, authors, and others who are as passionate about children’s literature as we are so please CONNECT and follow any or all of the blogs that interest you! 4. If you like, grab the button above and put it somewhere on your blog, preferably the post you're linking up. If you'd prefer, you can just add a text link back to this Hop so that others can find it and check out all these great book links! 5. It would really help us get the word out about the Kid Lit Blog Hop if you would be so kind as to tweet, share, and spread the word about the Hop!
Interested in co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop? Please email renee @ motherdaughterbookreviews (dot) com and put Co-Hosting Blog Hop in the subject line.
Happy Hopping!

Saturday 1 June 2013

Review :Fallen Pharoah Book 3 Quest Series






It's time to reunite without the burden of a perilous quest.  Let's just sit back, relax and enjoy the moment.  The idea is simple enough.  What could possibly go wrong?
Tragedy sends a shockwave across the land, and rumours begin to surface and spread.  Has the very thing that protects the Pharaoh gone missing?  An ancient Egyptian legend foretells that without it, the safety of the Pharaoh is doomed.  Khafre calls upon his trusted friends from the future to seek out the fabled Ankh of Life.
It's a quest to discover if the legend is true.  If it is, our heroes need to find the ankh and return it to its rightful place.  The awesome foursome from the future are in the race of their life - against the passage of time and mysterious forces that want them stopped.  
This edge-of-your-seat adventure weaves its thrills and mystery through the very crossroads of time itself.  From ancient Egypt, to the centre of time, to modern Paris.  The gang of four must face their most amazing encounters so far.
The pressure is on.  Who is trying to stop them?  Will our heroes overcome the danger and challenges of their newest quest?  Only time will tell.
The time has come for the legend to rise and protect.

My Review


Book 3 in the series is by far the best. I am going to do my best not to give any spoilers, but the beginning scenes of the book were absolutely facinating. The kids travel back to ancient Egypt using the ephemeral portal, only to find themselves right in the middle of an extremely momentous occasion. The descriptions of the ceremony which I won't give away, were truly enthralling, as we get a detailed glimpse into the customs of the ancient egyptians.

Next the kids find themselves on a dangerous quest, which takes them to an incredible place called "Times Square," but its not the times square you are thinking of. The author's descriptions were fantastic, with the usual mix of dry humour.
The kids realise the answer to their quest lies in none other than modern day Paris and believe me when I say, you will get a huge kick out of the description of what the Eiffel tower really is for....oops, spoiler, I can't say anymore. 
A fast paced action packed adventure that will teach kids a huge amount of ancient history, topped with classic one liners including sand dribbling statues, papyrazzi and hieroglyphic graffiti. 
One of my favourite lines when the author describes the dastardly villains the Uberdiles. 
" They looked tough but they were not the sharpest chisels in the chamber.'


5 stars. I loved this third book in the series and recommend for kids aged 9-12.

Due for release on June 1.

Now for some awesome Giveaways

Hop on over to Goodreads 
http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/53053-the-fallen-pharaoh 
or enter the rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

S.W. Lothian is a funny and cool guy from Australia. His kids call him ‘Phil Dunphy’, because he reminds them of the dad from Modern Family.  He isn’t sure whether this is a compliment or not, but he takes it as a compliment.

 When he writes, it’s for his kids.  He writes stories to excite them, inspire them and teach.  Stories with awesome edge-of-your-seat action and adventure scattered with fun.  Stories that let adults remember their own childhood dreams.

His dream has evolved over the years, from superstar cartoonist – to corporate soldier – to proud parent – to children’s writer.  In his wildest dreams, his books will be extremely successful.  However, it’s one step at a time.  A waterfall starts with a trickle; he hopes his books are his waterfall.  He’s building that waterfall – one book at a time.




S.W. Lothian can be contacted by…


Blog: www.swlothian.wordpress.com