Goodnight Hockey

Goodnight Hockey
by Michael Dahl  Christina Forshay

Following in the footsteps of their previous sports related bedtime story, Goodnight Baseball and Goodnight Football (which I reviewed here almost a year ago), Michael Dahl and Christina Forshay bring hockey fans their very own goodnight story, Goodnight Hockey. The season for these young fans will not begin until October 7th, but they can fall asleep to and dream about their favorite team starting August 1st when this title will become available. You can pre-order now from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

I have to admit, I have never been to a hockey game. I live in Texas. Our sport is football. However we do have some very dedicated hockey fans here. The Dallas Stars have won seven division championships, won the Presidents' Trophy and the Conference Championship on two occasions, and dare we forget they won the Stanley Cup in the 1998-99 season! They are in the top ten when it comes to arena size (19,200 capacity at the American Airlines Center), so we MUST have a decent number of fans.

I believe Goodnight Hockey will become the favorite bedtime story of young goaltenders, wingers, centers, and defencemen. The colorful illustrations and rhyming text will inspire wonderful dreams of pucks sliding across the ice, slapshots, hattricks, and last second winning scores.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Capstone Books, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Goodnight Hockey for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

The Far End of Happy

The Far End of Happy, written by Kathryn Craft, is one of the great reads that grabs you and refuses to let you go until the conclusion of the book. Craft's ability to pull you into the story and make you feel a part of the action is amazing.

The Far End of Happy
written by Kathryn Craft

The novel, in its entirety takes place over the course of one day and is told in three voices: Ronnie (the wife), Beverly (the mother-in-law), and Janet (the mother). Each of the narrators provides their version of the background story of Ronnie and her husband Jeff, as well as their point of view for the events of the day. The book is broken into sections of time, beginning at 7:00 in the morning and ending eleven hours later. At the conclusion of the book you will need to take time to sit back and reflect on what you have read. It is most important to understand that although this is a work of fiction it is based on the author's personal experiences of a 1997 event that forever changed her life and those of her children and extended family.

Here is a book trailer for The Far End of Happy.



You can purchase The Far End of Happy at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. The official publication date is May 5, 2015.

Kathryn Craft is a former dance critic who wrote for The Morning Call daily newspaper in Allentown, Pennsylvania, for nineteen years. Craft wrote exclusively nonfiction until she was plunged into the kind of real-life drama that demands attention. In 1997, after fifteen years of marriage, her husband committed suicide in a police standoff, leaving her and their two young sons.

The Far End of Happy was born from Craft's need to make sense of what her husband had done. Kathryn has been a leader in the southeastern Pennsylvania writing scene for more than a decade and is also the author of The Art of Falling. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. You can learn more about Kathryn Craft and her books at her website www.kathryncraft.com.

I do not believe a better title could have been chose for this book. I have to applaud the author for her ability to bring this most intimate story to print. Thank you to the two Kathryns who brought this book to my attention - Kathryn Craft, author and Kathryn Lynch, publicist.


**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Sourcebooks has provided a complimentary coy of The Far End of Happy in electronic format and in an uncorrected advance copy reader for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion. The bibliographic information and book trailer were provided by the author's publicist, Kathryn Lynch of Sourcebooks.

Laugh-Along Lessons

The Laugh-Along Lessons series written by Helen Lester and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger currently has ten titles. These titles, as well as the new Laugh-Along Lesson 5-Minute Stories can be found on the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt website. Most of these titles have been re-issued from previously published text. Each of the books has a free downloadable version of the story from the publishers website which can be accessed by entering a code printed in the book.

Princess Penelope's Parrot
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

Princess Penelope’s Parrot (originally published in 1996) - Princess Penelope is reminiscent of Veruca Salt from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She wants it all and she wants it now. At her royal birthday party, a parrot becomes her new obsession. She is, however, disappointed when the parrot does not speak, regardless of the prompting, yelling, and screaming at the bird. When the richest prince in the land, Percival, plans a visit, Penelope is overjoyed. Her plan to marry the prince is spoiled when the formally non-verbal parrot suddenly begins to talk. Princess Penelope learns the importance of being wise with your words when she loses the prince to a parrot.

The Sheep in Wolf's Clothing
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

The Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing (originally published in 2007) - Ewetopia wants to stand out and be noticed by all of her friends, however no matter her outfit, they do not give her a second glance. When she attends the Woolyones’ Costume Ball dressed as a wolf, the other ewes sneer in disbelief at her distasteful costume.  When a stranger dressed in a beautiful wool costume appears, all of the sheep are mesmerized. Ewetopia realizes something is amiss when the stranger yells, “Mother” when seeing her. Quick thinking saves Ewetopia and the other sheep from this wolf in sheep clothing! Children will delight in this sheep tale with a number of “ewe”nique character names and a lesson in believing in yourself.

The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

The Wizard, the Fairy, and the Magic Chicken (originally published in 1983) - Competition between the three title characters is fierce. They each want to show they are better than the others. When they magically produce more than the three of them can handle together they learn the importance of teamwork. Even though they continue to argue, they remain fast friends.

Pookins Gets Her Way
by Helen Lester and Lynn Munsinger

Pookins Gets Her Way (originally published in 1987) - Pookins could be considered a spoiled brat. If she doesn’t get her way she “makes faces, throws apples, and yells very loudly.” Since no one wants Pookins doing any of those things, she always gets her way. This routine proves to be a problem when she meets a magic gnome in the forest. Pookins requests a number of wishes, which the gnome gladly grants, but when she asks for her final wish the gnome questions her to make sure this is really her desire. The end result is not only very funny, but proves it is not always good to get what you want. In the end Pookins sees the error of her ways and learns an important lesson about being considerate.

The free downloadable audio version of each of these books allows the reader to listen to the story while looking at the pictures in the physical book. An audio prompt is provided to young listeners to they will know when to turn the page. A free parent discussion and activity guide is also provided with this access code, however there are no corresponding materials for any of these titles in the guide. The titles included in the guide are as follows: It Wasn’t My Fault, Listen Buddy, Me First, and A Porcupine Named Fluffy.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the above mentioned titles for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

I Can Read

In 1957 HarperCollins published the first book in their I Can Read series. It was Little Bear written by Else Holmelund and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. Now, over 55 years later, the series is flourishing and expanding with an ever growing cast of favorite characters for young readers, Fancy Nancy, Splat the Cat, Pinkalicious, and Flat Stanley, to name just a few.

Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble
by Bruce Hale and Guy Francis

Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble is written by Bruce Hale and illustrated by Guy Francis. This Level 1 book is written by the author of the original Clark the Shark books. In this story Clark has a loose tooth as the result of being hit in the mouth with a soccer ball. He is scared to visit the dentist after talking to one of his ocean friends. Once Clark meets Dr. Pia, the dentist, and hears her funny jokes his nerves are calmed. The short rhyme Clark shares, “I didn’t shed a tear, ‘cause there was nothing to fear” may help young reader’s fears be eased whether the fear is of a dentist or another frightening situation.

Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie
by Lori Haskins Houran and Macky Pamintuan

Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie by Lori Haskins Houran and illustrated by Macky Pamintuan is based on the “Flat Stanley” series created by Jeff Brown. Stanley Lambchop is a boy who is only half an inch thick. He was flattened when a bulletin board fell on him. He doesn’t let his condition affect his life, in fact he uses his uniqueness to help others. In this I Can Read – Level 2 book, Stanley inspires a new phenomenon for the local baker at Pete’s Sweets. Fans of Flat Stanley will enjoy this new story and will definitely want to partake of one of Pete’s new sweet treats. This engaging story is a wonderful addition to the tradition of the I Can Read series.

Pinkalicious: Cherry Blossom
by Victoria Kann

Pinkalicious: Cherry Blossom by Victoria Kann is a level 1 Beginning Reading book in the I Can Read series based on the very popular character, Pinkalicious. In this story the title character is excited for the start of spring and the local Cherry Blossom Festival, “the pinkest day of the year”.  While attempting to fly a kite, Pinkalicious is magically transported to Japan for a traditional Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival where she enjoys a parade, drums, dancers, and a tasty strawberry mocha. The magic of being transported to Japan might be a bit confusing to young readers. If the cover illustration is discussed prior to reading, there will be a better connection made, especially if there is research conducted about Cherry Blossoms.

Splat the Cat and the Hotshot
by Laura Driscoll and Robert Eberz

Splat the Cat and the Hotshot is written by Laura Driscoll, illustrated by Robert Eberz, and based on the bestselling books written by Rob Scotton. Splat the Cat is presented in this Level 1 I Can Read! book as a Cat Scout. He feels inferior to a new member of his troop, but soon discovers to be a true hotshot one has to be prepared for anything. Splat the Cat is a wonderful addition to the I Can Read series because he is such a popular character. By putting Splat in a troop of scouts, young readers can get an insight into activities they might participate in if they were to become a Boy or Girl Scout.

Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish
by Jane O'Connor and Ted Enik

Fancy Nancy: Peanut Butter and Jellyfish by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Ted Enik is a Level 1 I Can Read! title. Fancy Nancy and her classmates are visiting the aquarium. Like all of the Fancy Nancy books, fancy words are presented throughout (detest, diorama, revolting, spectacular, and transparent). At the end of the book there is a glossary defining each of the fancy words for the young readers. O’Connor has been expanding children’s vocabulary since she first introduced Fancy Nancy in 2005. This book is a great way to celebrate Fancy Nancy’s 10th Anniversary.

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Stuck in the Mud
by Ree Drummond and Diane de Groat

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Stuck in the Mud based on the Charlie the Ranch Dog books written by Ree Drummond, and illustrated by Diane de Groat. In this Beginning Reading (Level 1) story Charlie’s enthusiasm for his job of herding cattle. When a calf wanders off, Charlie tries to redirect her to the herd, but gets stuck. He does not panic. He tries a variety of means in order to get help and free himself and the calf. This is a great title to share with children who are beginning readers and love animals, especially dogs.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, HarperCollins Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the above mentioned titles for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the authors or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Ordinary People Change the World

I have been a fan of Brad Meltzer for quite awhile. I have read a number of his adult bestsellers and love watching his television series Lost History and Brad Meltzer's Decoded.  His love for history is always clear in his delivery, whether through television or the written word. 

I am Abraham Lincoln
by Brad Meltzer

I am Jackie Robinson
by Brad Meltzer

I am Rosa Parks
by Brad Meltzer

I am Amelia Earhart
by Brad Meltzer

When I heard he was going to be writing a series of books for young children on historical figures I knew it was going to be great. I would expect nothing less. I have to say though, he far surpassed my expectations with his series of book geared to children from kindergarten to third grade. The series Ordinary People Change the World includes books about many famous historical figures including Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, & Jackie Robinson. Books about Lucille Ball and Helen Keller will be released later in 2015. They are perfect introductory biographies for this age group. The research and language used allows young children to understand the hardships overcome by each of the famous individuals, while encouraging the reader to follow their own dreams and aspirations. There is a clear sense of positivity in each of the books, even those whose life was cut short. Amelia Earhart’s story ends with a parade following one of her historical flights. Abraham Lincoln’s story ends following the historic Gettysburg Address. Each book ends with a two page spread of photographs of the historic figure and Jackie Robinson’s also includes a timeline with significant dates highlighted including: 1942 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army, April 15, 1947 – his first game with the major-league team the Brooklyn Dodgers, and other history making events. I highly recommend all of the titles in this wonderful series of biographies for young children. I can't wait to see the next set of historical characters he will present in this series.

Meltzer's website provides a few printable activities to go along with the book series. Activities include a page for children to draw a picture of their hero - "Who's Your Hero?", a chart with brave deeds where you must decide if the heroic deed was performed by Abraham Lincoln or Amelia Earhart - "Guess the Hero",  and "What Makes a Great Hero?" where the heroic traits of Abraham Lincoln and Amelia Earhart are listed and the child can list the traits of their personal hero. There is also a word search and a connect the dots activity.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Dial Publishing Company has provided a complimentary copy of the following titles for review purposes: I am Amelia Earhart, I am Abraham Lincoln, I Am Rosa Parks, and I am Jackie Robinson.

Kathryn Pincus Blog Tour

A few weeks ago I received an email asking if I would be interested in participating in the blog tour of a new author. I was a bit taken aback because I have never been contacted to participate in this something like this. I have always been the one to make contact. I am so glad I agreed to this wonderful opportunity. Not only did I get to read a fabulous new book, but I was introduced to a great new author.

Kathryn Pincus

Kathryn Pincus was raised in the New York metropolitan area, received her undergraduate degree (B.A., Magna Cum Laude) from the University of Delaware, and her law degree (J.D.) from the Georgetown University Law Center. Pincus honed her writing skills in her law practice, presenting complex factual and legal matters in clear, compelling, and persuasive writings. Since her “early retirement” from the practice of law, she has filled her days taking care of a busy household and family, supporting numerous charitable and community causes, and writing fiction.

Long Hill Home
by Kathryn Pincus

As soon as I received Kathryn's book I do what I always do with a new book. I immediately went to Shelfari and started entering information about the book. As I was listing the chapter headings I discovered the book is written in different voices.  Each chapter is headed with the person from who's viewpoint the chapter is written and the date the events are taking place. This was by no means a spoiler for the book, but great incite as I knew the key players before the action began.

I was immediately drawn into the story line and the characters. Pincus develops all of her characters in such a way that you know them without being bombarded with too much background information. You are provided with just the right amount of background knowledge about each of the characters in order for the story to progress. Her foreshadowing of events was subtle and did not ruin the anticipation of the action.

Long Hill Home could fall into a number of genres: legal thriller, thriller, women's fiction, etc. Labeling it in a specific genre may prevent some readers from picking up this fabulous book, but I hope this would not be the case. In just 244 pages Pincus takes us through the days leading up to and following the brutal abduction and rape of Kelly, a young mother and lawyer. Intertwined in Kelly's story are those of her family, eyewitnesses, and others involved. Although the book deals with a horrific circumstance the details are not graphic. Pincus handles the rape and the eventual reconnection between husband and wife in a very delicate manner. She shows how a victim can be pulled back to a normal life with the help of a professional counselor and family members. I highly recommend this book which is now available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

More information about Kathryn's debut thriller, Long Hill Home, can be found at http://kathrynpincus.com/long-hill-home. There, you can also see wonderful images allowing you to explore the places of her book which include: Brandywine River and Breck's Mill, Downtown Wilmington; Kelly's law office building, the Courthouse & Maria's apartment; Kelly's Highlands neighborhood; Chad's house in the woods; Rockford Park; and the Running Trails. These photographs allow you to walk or "run" in Kelly's shoes and to see her world.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Smith Publicity Inc., has provided a complimentary copy of this title for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or publicity company and is solely my opinion.

Gone Girl: Better Late Than Never

Once again I was sucked into the debate of book vs. movie. Is it a bad thing? No. It is just a thing. To be honest, every time I go to the movie theater and sit through the previews I try to catch the small glimpse of the credit information to see if the trailer was based on a book. If I can't read quickly enough, I will grab my phone (yes, in the movie theater...it is after all the previews and not the feature presentation...although this does NOT happen at the Alamo Draft House...I have to put pencil to paper there...after all, I don't want to get kicked out of the movie theater before the movie starts just because I am trying to find out about a future movie!!...I digress) to see if the movie is based on a book, play, poem, etc.

I ALWAYS want to read the original before seeing the screen adaptation. More times than not, the book is SO much better. I saw a recent post on Facebook discussing books and movies Here is the question posted - "What movies are better than the books they're based on?" I have to admit I was shocked by most of the responses. Comments about movies being so much better than the books for titles such as Gone with the Wind, The Help, The Princess Bride, and even the Harry Potter series! Maybe I am not reading the same books with these titles! How can someone possibly say Gone with the Wind was boring?!? Maybe I am prejudice. It is one of my all time favorite books.

Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn

I can't remember if it was during the previews for A Million Ways to Die in the West (please don't judge me, it was my husband's movie choice), The Fault in Our Stars, or Guardians of the Galaxy when I first saw the preview for Gone Girl. I was immediately interested in the movie, but quickly realized I had heard of the book, even though I had not read it. I believe I have a copy of an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for Gone Girl I picked up during the Texas Library Association's Annual Conference. So for this particular book, even though I have had a copy of it pre-publication, it took the buzz of the upcoming movie to get me interested in reading the book. I put it on my TBR (To Be Read) list, one of the many I have. I decided it was time to read the book when the movie was to be released on DVD. So, I grabbed a copy of the book from Half Price Books and read it. Wow! I loved every minute of the book. I was immediately grabbed and quickly pushed over the edge with the magnificent twist. I am not going to post any spoilers for the book because I don't want any potential readers of the book to be disappointed. This awesome book might already be spoiled for you if you saw some of the clips from the 2015 Oscar Awards. I guess they don't think about spoiling an ending of a book because EVERYONE has already seen the movie, right?!? (Sorry for the sarcasm! No, I'm not. It ticked me off! I am just glad I had already read the book and seen the movie!)

I know the book has been out for almost three years and the movie for almost a year, but if you have not read Gone Girl or seen the movie, I would highly recommend reading the book and then seeing the movie. I have heard some people had a difficult time getting through the first half of the book. If that is the case for you (it was not for me at all), please go forth knowing you will be SHOCKED by the twists and turns Gillian Flynn includes in her third novel, and the best-selling book to date.