Treasure Island Graphic Novel by Robert Louis Stevenson Review # 15

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (March 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0785125957
ISBN-13: 978-0785125952


Summary for the Back Cover:

"Fifteen men on a Dead Man's Chest- yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!"
With this sinister natch of piratical song echoing along the English Coast, the mysterious Billy BOnes ushers young Jim Hawkins into an undreamed-of world of danger and adventure on the far-flung, mist-shrounded Treasure Isalnd, And over it all looms the towering shadow of the most famous corsair of them all- the ever-scheming, intirguing, and enigmatic Long John Silver

My Review:

I really did not like this book. Treasure Island is one classic that did not enjoy. I guess I am not into the pirate thing. The pictures were lovely but the story did not keep my attention it took me four days to finish this book and it was graphic novel that would usually take me a day in a half to read. I kept want to do other things rather than read this book so when I was finish I was actually proud of myself for sticking through it.

Pirates and gold have always been the fascination with young boys so I am sure I will recommend it to my son but for myself I have no intention of reading the original if I could not get into the coloring book.

I rate this book a 1/5


FCC: I am an Amazon associate and I borrowed this book from the library. I may be compensated through the Amazon associate program. The opinions expressed here are solely my own opinion.

Frankenstein The Graphic Novel by Mary Shelley Review #14

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Classical Comics (January 6, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1906332509
ISBN-13: 978-1906332501


Synopsis

Conceived as part of a literary game among friends in 1816, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is today regarded as a classic piece of 19th century literature. The story begins with the journey of an adventurer, Robert Walton, who saves the life of a man at the North Pole. That man, Victor Frankenstein, tells Walton about his experiments with the creation of life and how he ended up at the North Pole. Through this simple plot device, Shelley was able to deal with serious real-world issues like acceptance, tolerance, and understanding, as well as the universal human need for companionship and love. The novel, of course, inspired a host of films, from the 1931 classic starring Boris Karloff to Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein, and more recently, a series of novels by Dean Koontz. This version, though slightly abridged, retains much of the original dialogue and remains true to Shelley’s brilliant vision.



My Review:
This is beautifully illustrated book. The writing was not the original words but it stayed true to the story. I have read the original about 3 years ago. This is the story of Dr. Frankenstein who decides to make a human after seeing a lightening storm little did he know what he was getting himself into.

Frankenstien is a reread for me but in a different version. After this second reading I have learned to appreciate Frankenstein even though it is not one my favorite books. The pictures in this novel brought Mary Shelley's vision to life right before your eyes. I would recommend it for a teenager who is studying her novel to gain a better understanding of the text but this should not be used in studying for a test because it is Not the original work.

I rate this 3/5

FCC. Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library. I am an Amazon Associate. I did not receive any compensation for my review and the opinion expressed is solely my own.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene Review #11

Product Details from Amazon.com:
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (May 1, 1960)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0448095033
ISBN-13: 978-0448095035


Summary and Review:

It starts out with Nancy and her friend Helen riding on a motor boat when they see a storm brewing. Suddenly they are in an accident and are saved by Laura Pendleton who states she may need Nancy soon for a mystery. She says that her mom recently has died and she was contacted by the Abhorns who are responsible for her care since she is a minor. Lauren is to meet the Abhorns later that day she is nervous and when she finally meets Ms. Abhorn she senses something is not right. That is when the really mystery of the The Bungalow begins...

I really liked this book even though I could basically predict the ending towards the later middle half of the book. The character were engaging and you find yourself cheering for the good guys. The story itself was very good and I like this as much as the first Nancy book. I would recommend this for the age group stated above. I really can not wait till my daughter is old enough to appreciate this series. It does not seem really dated either.

I rate this book 4/5

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from the library and I am an Amazon associate. I have not be compensated in any way and the opinion expressed is solely my own.

Coraline The Graphic Novel by Neil Gaiman Review #5

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; Reprint edition (May 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060825456
ISBN-13: 978-0060825454




Summary from the back cover:

When Coraline steps through a door in her family's new house, She finds another house stragely similar to her own(only better). But there's another mother there and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.


My review:

I had the seen the movie before reading this so I knew what this was about. This graphic novel was totally different from the movie but with some similarities. I have never read the original adaption to this book so I can not compare the two.

In this version it starts out with Coraline in her normal life where her parents are too busy with their jobs to entertain her. She is bored because she has nothing to do but interact with her wacky neighbors. One day Coraline decides to explore and then her life changes..

I really loved the illustrations in the book. They were well done. I found myself entranced in this graphic novel that I hardly put it down in the 2 hour sitting. While I can not compare it to the original I really enjoyed this and I think kids will too.

I rate this a 4/5.


FCC. Disclaimer: I checked this book out at my local library. I am an Amazon affiliate and I was not influenced in any way to write a positive review. All the opinions above are solely my own.

Betsy And The Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace Review #5

Product Details from Amazon.com
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperTrophy (February 16, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0064405451
ISBN-13: 978-0064405454


Product Description from Amazon.com
It's the trip of a lifetime.Betsey Ray, 21 years old, is heading off for a solo tour of Europe. From the moment she casts off, her journey is filled with adventure--whether she's waltzing at the captain's ball, bartering for beads in Madeira, or sipping coffee at a bohemian cafe in Munich.

It's rich fodder for a budding young writer, and Betsy's determined to make the most of the experience. If only she could stop thinking about her ex-sweetheart, Joe Willard...

Then a handsome, romantic Italian goes overboard for Betsy, and she has a big decision to make. Marco Regali is passionate, fascinating, and cultured. Could it be that Betsy's heart belongs in Europe instead of Minnesota?Betsy’s childhood dream is finally coming true—she’s off to Europe just like she and Tacy planned so long ago. Despite her travels and many adventures, Betsy’s heart won’t let her forget Joe Willard, her high school sweetheart.


About the Author from Amazon.com
Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980) was the beloved author of the Betsy-Tacy books as well as many other books for adults and children.


My Review:

As with the previous book I found this one very hard to get into. I guess as Betsy got older she lost a lot of her appeal for me. While I cherish the ones when they were in their elementary years. I found this one a real bore. It took me a week to get through it and that was forcing myself.

The character Betsy for me was kind of silly. I could not relate to her. I understand she took the trip to get over losing Joe but she could never really stop thinking about him.

Ms. Lovelace did a very good job of descibing the countries which a love to read about. One thing I can say is that this book made me want to go visit Venice.

Most fans of the series would love this but to me I guess I was not really in the mood.

I rate this a 2/5.

FCC Disclaimer: I borrowed this from my local library. I am also an Amazon Associate. I was not paid for my opinion and what is expressed is solely my opinion.

Betsy was Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace Review #4

Product Details
Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: HarperTrophy (February 3, 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0064405478
ISBN-13: 978-0064405478


Summary from Amazon.com:
Product Description
The Best School Year Ever
That's the kind of junior year Betsy Ray has planned for herself. And when her childhood friend Tib Muller moves back to Deep Valley, Betsy's sure her perfect year is off to a grand start. With charming, funny Tib around, Crowd doings are more fun than ever -- especially after Betsy starts Okto Delta, the first -- ever sorority at Deep Valley High.

But soon Betsy's luck takes a bad turn. The Crowd is getting into trouble at school, and Betsy isn't given a chance to compete in the annual Essay Contest. Could Betsy's best school year turn out to be her worst?


My Review:

This book is my least favorite so far in the Betsy-Tacy series. I just could not get into it. Betsy has grown in to such a silly girl. Her sister goes off to school and is pledging a sorority and she decides to start her own. This is when all her troubles start. She starts acting out in school and makes silly remarks. Some of the dialogue could not possibly be one of a 16 yr old girl. I guess times have changed since the writing of this book. Betsy was Junior just bored me a little. It took me the whole week to read it. I am moving on to Betsy and the Great World since I do not have Betsy and Joe in my possession. I also could not possibly take any more of her high school years.

I rate this a 2/5.

Nancy Drew Mystery Stories The Secret Of The Old Clock Review #2

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 9-12

Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap; Back-to-back Ed edition (September 2, 1987)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044809570X
ISBN-13: 978-0448095707

From the inside cover:

Nancy, unaided , has thrilling adventures seeking a lost will.



My Review:

This story sets out as any other story we learn about the background of Nancy and then in then by the third chapter the mystery begins. This mystery is about the whearabouts of a second will left by Josiah. The Tophans seem to think that the money from Mr. Crowly belongs to them since they took care of him for years before his death. Ms. Drew quickly finds out that he has other friends that and the he possibly had a second will from the old lady Abby Rowen he one of her rants. Being the curious girl she is Nancy decided to find out the truth. Along the way she finds about two sisters who were told by Josiah that they would be inheriting money from him when he dies.So the adventure begins and with tons of excitement for your little girl and the young at heart.

I really liked this story and it was quite a page-turner. I almost could not put it down but life got in the way. I used to enjoy Nancy Drew mysteries as a kid but I never read the original ones. I think I read the files series. This book grabs your attention from the very first page. I hope to introduce Nancy Drew to my daughter when she is older.

I rate this a 5/5

FCC Disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate and I borrowed this from my local library.

Two Mini Reviews of the Picture books I read to my daughter

This week I read two books to my daughter that she picked out from the library. My daughter had cute picks this week. She is only 3 yrs old and this is what she picked:





Product Details
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Library Binding: 24 pages
Publisher: Picture Window Books (August 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1404802274
ISBN-13: 978-1404802278

My Review:

This is a cute little book with rhymes to keep the child's attention. While my three-year-old did not get the riddles, she enjoyed the pictures and it kept her attention. The pictures are very colorful which is appropriate for her. She loved naming the animals that came up.

Rating 4/5

The second book is:



Product Details
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 1, 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0689829825
ISBN-13: 978-0689829826

My Review:

This is another cute book. The author really get inside the mind of a school-age child. As we all know kids have huge imaginations and the kid is this book is no exception. He thinks that all the faculty at the school live there and work their but he soon discovers his teacher out about in the community. He is puzzled and thinks she is leading a double life that no one knows about but him. The illustrations are very colorful and they held my daughters attention. She loved the exaggerated picture of the teacher especially the picture where the little boy says the teacher has eyes in the back of her head.

My rating is 5/5 great book for your kids and very appropriate for this season.

Review of Read and Share Toddler Bible

Product Description
This new addition to the Read and ShareTM brand contains 40 stories plus a 60 minute DVD including bonus features just for toddlers.
The Read and Share Toddler Bible is a delightful way to introduce little ones ages one to four to God's Word. Gwen Ellis's engaging retelling of Bible stories along with Steve Smallman's colorful art communicate God's Word clearly to small tots with short attention spans. Stories from both the Old and New Testaments include all-time favorites ranging from Creation, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, to Jesus' birth, miracles, death, and resurrection.
Bonus DVD includes stories and bonus features from the popular Read and ShareTM DVD Bible series. Each story is three minutes long to keep toddlers attention span engaged.



My Review:
Read and Share Toddler Bible is a children's book that introduces your toddler to the wonderful stores of the Bible. This is geared toward Children ages 2-4

I found this book very interesting and my three year old daughter loved the stories. In fact, we read seeral of the stories in one day. The DVD that came with did not hold her attention much. It lacked the action thati s required to keep and active toddler entranced.

My eight year old enjoyed reading it to himself and enjoyed following in the book while the DVD was on. He was little disappointed when the DVD stopped abruptly.

I would recommend this to parents of small children who are interested in teaching their children the different storiesand lessons of the Bible.

I rate this book 4/5.

Review of Glinda of Oz by Frank Baum

Summary and Review:

This is the last book in the Oz series but I am reading this series out of order.

Even though it entitled Glinda of Oz, Glinda is not a major character in the story. The two main characters in the story are Dorothy and Ozma and how they travel to the lands of the Skeezers and Flatheads. Along the way the have some mishaps and challenges. When they eventually get to the land of the Flatheads they find that they are going to war with the Skeezers. The all fighting over fish in the pond. Not just any fish but the 3 Adepts who were turned into fish by the leader of the Skeezers. Well Ozma tries to stop them and she and Dorothy end up in the middle and are eventually trapped in the land of the Skeezers. Will they get out? Well you will have to read to find out.

This book as well as most of Frank Baum's books are filled with lessons for children. This novel is not different. This book includes bullying, lying and cruelty. I think any child would love this book its full of fantasy and not to scary for the little ones. This book is very engaging and you are immediately immersed in the beautiful language of the book. This book is a rather quick read even though I recieved it daily via Daily Lit. I finished it in about 2wks reading 4 entries a day.

I would recommend this to any family who wants an escape to the land of OZ.