All posts by Britney Haim

Action & Adventure, Children's Fiction, Children’s Girls and Women’s Books, Detective / Crime, Thriller

The Night Raven – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

TitleThe Night Raven
AuthorJohan Rundberg
PublisherAmazon Crossing Kids (September 5, 2023)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, Audio CD
Pages192
GenreChildren’s European Historical Fiction
Children’s Books on Orphans & Foster Homes
Children’s Books on Girls’ & Women’s Issues
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/131662509588 / 978-1662509582

“My name is Mika Moonwind, and I am no longer prey. I am a hunter.”

Mika Moonwind – The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg (2023)

AUTHOR

Johan Rundberg is an award-winning author of children’s books who lives in Stockholm. He has written picture books, early readers, and middle grade, including Kärlekspizzan, Knockad Romeo, and the series Häxknuten. In 2021, he was awarded Sweden’s most prestigious literary prize, the

August Prize, in the children’s and YA category for Nattkorpen, the original edition of The Night Raven, which was first written in Swedish. Nattkorpen was also the winner of a Swedish Crimetime Award in the children’s and YA category. There are now four books in this series published in Sweden.

Excerpt taken from Amazon.com

SYNOPSIS

In 1880 Stockholm, 12-year-old orphan Mika gets entwined in the search for the notorious serial killer the “Night Raven.” She is a very intelligent, determined and caring young girl. Not only does she help look after all of the other orphans at the Public Children’s Home, but she also works at the Chapel, a local bar.

Late one night in the orphanage, Mika answers the door to find a young boy with a new born baby. He quickly puts the child in Mika’s arms, but before he runs off he says, “The Dark Angel knows I’m the one who took her.” The boy disappears before Mika can stop him. That’s not the only odd thing happening in Stockholm that night – there is a murder! Not just any murder, but a murder that fits the modus operandi of the “Night Raven!” However, the Night Raven was supposedly dead; “The executioner’s axe made sure of that.”

Detective Valdemar Hoff, who is investigating the murder, is impressed with Mika’s uncanny ability to remember explicit details and how well she makes deductions based on her observations. He takes her to the murder scene and asks her opinion. Impressed with her analysis, he enlists her help in solving the crime. Together, they have to work in opposition to the local government and overcome police corruption to locate and apprehend the villain before they can hurt someone else.

Who was the boy that left the baby behind and who’s baby was it? Who is the “Dark Angel?” Is the Night Raven truly dead or is he on the rampage again? Can a 12-year-old orphan really help the police solve such a horrific crime?

CONCLUSION

The Night Raven is an enthralling fast-moving period crime mystery. Rundberg’s writing is well rounded, the characters are well defined, and the plot is multi-faceted and easy to follow. The descriptions of 1880’s Stockholm are detailed and allow the reader to formulate the scenes in their mind easily.

I really like this book. Even though I find a 12-year-old orphan a stretch working with the police on a gruesome murder investigation, Rundberg creates a believable justification for her involvement. She is pretty much a young Sherlock Holmes, or Holly Gibney (Stephen King).

Overall, I think this book is great for all audiences, even though it is marketed for 10-14-year olds.

There will be 4 books in The Moonwind & Hoff series: The Night Raven (November 1, 2023) , The Queen of Thieves (March 5, 2024), The Angel of Death, and The Blood Pact. I can’t wait for the other 3 books to be released in english.

One final note; SF studios has acquired the film rights to the Moonwind and Hoff series. They are expected to start filming the first movie based on “The Night Raven” in 2024 with a projected film release in 2025.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Johan Rundberg, Amazon Crossing Kids, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review The Night Raven.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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book review, Children's Fantasy, Children's Fiction, fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Horror Fiction, Horror Fiction, paranormal, Supernatural

THE CROOKED DOOR – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

The Crooked Door - Brad McLelland & Louis Sylvester
The Crooked Door – Brad McLelland & Louis Sylvester
TitleThe Crooked Door
AuthorsBrad McLelland & Louis Sylvester
PublisherHenry Holt and Co. (BYR) (April 11, 2023)
FormatKindle, Hardcover
Pages320
GenreChildren’s Spine-Chilling Horror /
Children’s Action & Adventure Books (Books)
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/131250124387 / 978-1250124388

AUTHORS

Brad McLelland was born and raised in Arkansas and spent several years working as a crime journalist in the South. In 2011, he obtained his MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma State University, where he met his writing partner, Louis. A part-time drummer and singer, Brad lives in Oklahoma with his wife, his stepdaughter, a mini Aussie who gives hugs, and a chubby cat who begs for ham. He is also the co-author of the Legends of the Lost Causes series.

Louis Sylvester is a professor at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. He and his wife spend their free time playing tabletop games from his collection of over a thousand card and board games. Louis enjoys watching Western films and reading fantasy novels. He has two dogs that go wild when they hear the word treats. He is also the co-author of the Legends of the Lost Causes series.

Excerpt taken from The Crooked Door.

SYNOPSIS

Thirteen year old Ginny and her family are moving to a new state and a new town. They are forced to take a detour off the main highway when their troubles begin. Bernard, their crusty old pick-up truck, breaks down just outside of picturesque Pottsville. It is a story book town; clean, no traffic, happy people, with kids playing and riding their bikes in the streets.

While the local mechanic takes a look at Bernard, Ginny is taken away by some of the local kids for a tour of the town. Toy stores, ice cream shops, and bike shops are everywhere but there is something disturbing about the town. The lack of cars on the streets, the aged dress of the locals and the distant looks on their faces give Ginny a bad vibe. When the kids take her into the Town Hall basement, she really gets spooked. There, in the middle of the floor is a crooked door. She’s told to knock twice, donate some blood and the thing most dear to her and she will receive a wish. Her wish comes true but what is the price?

After Ginny gets back to the hotel, things really get spooky. The town at night transforms into something twisted with demonic creatures roaming the streets. Her parents are no where to be found, and Ginny is frantic. She learns that picturesque Pottsville is really a dimensional realm for twisted fairies and creatures of the night. The creatures demand sacrifice and Ginny’s parents are next on the menu. No one can escape Pottsville; everyone that tries to leave always end up back where they started.

Will Ginny find her parents in time? Can they escape Pottsville? Can she avoid the creatures of the night and the ghouls that are tracking her? Can she save her family and the kids of Pottsville?

CONCLUSION

The Crooked Door is a slow starter; about half-way the book took off and I couldn’t put it down once things got going. Reminiscent of Stephen King, it has just the right creepy feel to it. As I read the book, it reminded me of the Twilight Zone episode “It’s a Good Life,” featuring Bill Mumy. It also has a “Children of the Corn” vibe throughout the story, and it even takes a little from “The Lottery,” by Shirley Jackson. A really good combination of horror and creepy.

Although the first half of the book was slow and the story and characters weren’t fully developed, the second half more than made up for it. In the second half the characters really come to life and the suspense is palatable. You can feel the fear and anxiety in the prose. The authors take the reader on a fantastic but scary journey filled with suspense and excitement. The horror seen through a young desperate girls eyes trying to save her family and escape demonic beings is an intense and adrenalin fueled journey.

Suitable for all ages, I highly recommend sticking with the book once you start it. You will not be disappointed. I really enjoyed The Crooked Door.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

ACKNLOWLEDGEMNTS

I would like to thank Brad McLelland & Louis Sylvester, Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review The Crooked Door.

OTHER WORKS BY THIS AUTHOR

book review, Children's Fantasy, Children's Fiction, Children's Self-Esteem Book

MY GIRLY UNICORN – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

My Girly Unicorn - J. Pedicini
My Girly Unicorn  J. Pedicini
TitleMy Girly Unicorn
AuthorJ. Pedicini
IllustratorCono
PublisherNewhall Publishing Co (June 7, 2022)
FormatKindle, Paperback
Pages34
GenreChildren’s Fiction, Children’s Fantasy
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/130962743631 / 978-0962743634

AUTHOR

Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Former freelance writer for the Philadelphia Bulletin.

Excerpt taken from Amazon.

SYNOPSIS

In a far away land up in the clouds, a herd of young unicorns play and laugh out loud. But one little unicorn so sad and shy, was left all alone when the other unicorns went by. They would not play with the Girly unicorn, she had a great big purple horn. Then one day the clouds turned dark and grey, the rain threatened to wash them all away. The Girly unicorn danced and danced, she chased the clouds away as if by chance. All of the other unicorns were so happy and glad, they hugged the Girly unicorn and she was no longer sad.

CONCLUSION

A cute book well animated. The colors are bright and the pictures are great for young children. The plot is pretty much Rudolph the Red Nose reindeer adapted for a girly unicorn instead. The story is told through rhyme and is quite short. A good bedtime story for children 2-5 years old.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank J. Pedicini, NetGalley and Newhall Publishing Co for affording me the opportunity to review My Girly Unicorn.

book review, Children's Fiction

THE LITTLE PRINCE AROUND THE WORLD – REVIEW

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Litercurious Book Review

The Little Prince Around the World by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry estate
The Little Prince Around the World by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry estate
TitleThe Little Prince Around the World
AuthorCorinne Delporte
IllustratorAntoine de Saint-Exupéry estate
PublisherCrackBoom! Books (October 4, 2022)
FormatHardcover
GenreChildren’s Fiction / Children’s Europe Books
Pages24
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/132898023531 / 978-2898023538

CREATOR OF LITTLE PRINCE SERIES

Author ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY

ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY, the “Winged Poet,” was born in Lyon, France, in 1900. A pilot at twenty-six, he was a pioneer of commercial aviation and flew in the Spanish Civil War and World War II. His writings include The Little Prince, Wind, Sand and Stars, Night Flight, Southern Mail, and Airman’s Odyssey. In 1944, while flying a reconnaissance mission for his French air squadron, he disappeared over the Mediterranean.

SYNOPSIS

The Little Prince’s flower is sick. He decides to travel around the world and take some pictures of tourist attractions in order to cheer up his flower. The end.

CONCLUSION

Although the graphics are nice and the historical data included for each landmark is accurate, there is no plot and no story. The Little Prince Around the World is simply a bunch of colorful drawings of landmarks with a small blurb of information about each one. I would give this one a miss, there are much better books out there for your children.

Rating: 1 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry estate, NetGalley and CrackBoom! Books for affording me the opportunity to review The Little Prince Around the World.

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

BADGER IS BORED – REVIEW

Badger is alone and at a loss to find a distraction for his listlessness. Soon however, a cast of animal characters arrives and together they manage to conquer tedium through group participation and collaboration. 

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by Britney Haim
book review, Children's Bedtime Stories, Children's Fiction, Children's Reading & Writing, Educational, Travel & Adventure

ALL ABOARD THE LONDON BUS – REVIEW

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LITERCURIOUS BOOK REVIEW

All Aboard the London Bus
TitleAll Aboard the London Bus
AuthorPatricia Toht
IllustratorSam Usher
PublisherFrances Lincoln Children’s Books (June 7, 2022)
FormatKindle, Hardcover, Paperback
Pages40
GenreChildren’s Europe Books /
Children’s Travel Books (Books)
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-10/13071127973X / 978-0711279735

AUTHOR

Author Patricia Toht

I’ve lived most of my life in Chicagoland. But for four years, our family was blessed to live in England. Windsor Castle was close to our home, and horses often clip-clopped down our lane. We made wonderful friends, ate lots of good pub food, and took long walks in Windsor Great Park. On weekends, we explored London. And sometimes we traveled to other countries, too.

Those years were magical ones, with a royal wedding (Will and Kate), the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Olympics all happening during our time there. Lucky us!
​

My book, ALL ABOARD THE LONDON BUS, grew from my experiences in London. 

Excerpt from https://www.patriciatoht.com

ILLUSTRATOR

Illustrator Sam Usher

Sam Usher graduated from the University of West England and his debut picture book Can You See Sassoon? was shortlisted for the Waterstones Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. He is particularly admired for his technical drawing skill and prowess with watercolour. Also a talented pianist, when he’s not holding a pen and wobbling

at paper you’ll find him perfecting a fiendishly difficult piece of Chopin.

Excerpt from https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/illustrator/2693/Sam-Usher.html

SYNOPSIS

Come with us aboard the London bus. Let’s take a fantastic ride, through the streets both narrow and wide. Let’s see the sights that stimulate and thrill. Aboard the bus, excitement you will feel.

All Aboard the London Bus is a sojourn through the streets of London, England. Patricia Toht explores some of London’s most famous tourist attractions both historic and new. She visits such places as Buckingham’s Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, the British Museum, the Tower of London, the London Eye and many more.

CONCLUSION

All Aboard the London Bus is a wonderfully illustrated children’s story about the sites around London. Pat captures the excitement and grandeur of some of London’s most famous places to visit. She takes the reader on a journey using rhymes and stunning graphics.

Sam Usher does an exceptional job illustrating All Aboard the London Bus. The drawings are vibrant in color and entertaining to look upon. Along with the narrative, the pictures help tell the story in an exciting and interesting way.

At the end of the book, the author includes a section “Find out more about London.” Here she gives little tidbits of historical data about the places the books visits. These tidbits of information are accompanied by illustrations.

All Aboard the London Bus is an entertaining fun read for children and adults. Both the narrative and the plates are child appropriate, radiant, colorful and beautifully delivered. This book is great for bedtime or just for reading. I heartily recommend this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Patricia Toht, NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for affording me opportunity to review All Aboard the London Bus.

OTHER PUBLICATION BY THIS AUTHOR

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    Pick a Pumpkin
  • Dress like a girl 2
    Dress Like a Girl
  • pick a pine tree
    Pick a Pine Tree
book review, Children's Fiction, Children's Science Fiction, Supernatural, Thriller

Frances and the Monster – review

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Litercurious Book Review

TitleFrances and the Monster
AuthorRefe Tuma
PublisherHarperCollins (August 23, 2022)
FormatKindle, Audiobook, Hardcover, Audio CD
Pages352 pages
GenreChildren’s Robot Fiction Books / Children’s
Spine-Chilling Horror / Children’s Mystery,
Detective, & Spy
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/130063085763 / 978-0063085763

AUTHOR

Refe Tuma is an author in his own right, and a Co-author with his wife. He lives in Kansas City with his family and their plastic dinosaurs.

SYNOPSIS

Frances is a super-smart scientist little girl. Her mother and father are great scientist and she wants to be just like them, only better. Raised in an overprotective environment, Frances couldn’t even leave the house. She spent her days studying and doing experiments with her mother and father. When her parents leave to go to a symposium; Frances, left on her own with just the robot nanny, finds her grandfathers secret laboratory.

Studying her grandfathers notes, she quickly picks up his experiments where he left off. She wants to succeed where her grandfather failed. She uses the robot body from her nanny to enhance the cadaver left in the laboratory. Then BOOM! The monster awakens! He goes on a rampage and escapes the laboratory and starts to terrorize the town. Frances has to catch him and bring him back. What follows is an adventure through a town she has never been in. Being chased by the local constable, Frances has to stay one step ahead of him while trying to track down and capture the monster. Can she stay out of jail? Will she capture the monster before it kills someone? The chase takes her through seedy alleyways, in the sewers and over the rooftops. Her adventure has just begun.

CONCLUSION

Frances and the Monster is targeted at kids 8-12 years old, but will appeal to most ages. It is a high paced thriller with a bit of horror; especially at the end. The prose is appropriate for anyone 8 or older, while the plot is both interesting and engaging.

Refe has done a great job with this story. I was unable to put it down and almost finished the entire book in one sitting. The last 2 chapters really threw me for a loop. The plot twist and the horror element was surprising and disturbing (in a good way).

I definitely recommend this book. If you like thrills, suspense, excitement and a little horror, then you will love this book.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Refe Tuma, NetGalley and HarperCollins for affording me the opportunity to review Frances and the Monster.

Jubilee – Review

Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and and Olympic Dream is a book about courage, determination, overcoming insurmountable obstacles, and a love for horses. This book is an inspiration to all…

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book review, Children's Bedtime Stories, Children's Fiction, Children's Reading & Writing

BADGER IS BORED – REVIEW

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Litercurious.com

Audio & Book Reviews Site. Why watch when you can read?

Badger is Bored by Moritz Petz & Illustrated by Amélie Jackowski
TitleBadger is Bored
AuthorMoritz Petz
IllustratorAmélie Jackowski
PublisherNorthSouth Books (April 19, 2022)
FormatHardcover
Pages32
GenreChildren’s preschool book, Children’s fiction
Reading age: ‎ 4 – 8 years
ISBN# 10/130735844798 / 978-0735844797

AUTHOR

Moritz Petz was born in Hamburg, Germany. Upon completion of his studies, he traveled through Italy, Denmark, and Sweden, working a variety of jobs before returning to study history and German. His interests include: music and writing.

Excerpt from NorthSouth.com

ILLUSTRATOR

Amélie Jackowski was born in Toulon, France. She studied at the Higher School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg and at the University of Provence in France. She has published many children’s books. Her work has been exhibited at numerous group shows, including the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy.

Excerpt from NorthSouth.com

SYNOPSIS

Badger is Bored by Moritz Petz and illustrated by Amélie Jackoski is a magical and original tale. When the story begins, Badger is alone and at a loss to find a distraction for his listlessness. Soon however, a cast of animal characters arrives and together they manage to conquer tedium through group participation and collaboration. 

CONCLUSION

Badger is Bored is illustrated throughout in a colorful, child friendly style. The work is ideal for children 4-8 years of age and is 32 pages in length. The book is short enough to maintain a child’s attention and yet long enough to be entertaining. The story is uplifting and positive. The illustrations and the narrative combine in harmonious unity.

Badger is Bored is a perfect way to harness and reset preschool children’s indifference, encourage their engagement and provide them inspiration. The brevity of the book is its strength. Sadly, this book will only be distributed in hardcover format. Overall, there is a feeling of fun and it is a great way to fill those times when children’s minds want to wander. 

Rating: 3 out of 5.

AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Moritz Petz, NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for affording me the opportunity to review Badger is Bored.

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Aviation History, Biography, book review, Children's, Children's Historical Biographies, children's Reading, Children’s Girls and Women’s Books, Non-Fiction, Women in History

Soaring in Style – Review

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Litercurious Book Review

Soaring In Style: How Amelia Earhart Became
a Fashion Icon by Jennifer Lane Wilson
TitleSoaring In Style: How Amelia Earhart Became
a Fashion Icon
AuthorJennifer Lane Wilson
IllustratorLissy Marlin
PublisherCapstone Editions (February 1, 2022)
FormatHardcover
Pages32
GenreChildren’s Literature, Historical Non-Fiction
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/131684464285 / 978-1684464289

AUTHOR

Author Jennifer Wilson Image and bio.

If you would like to learn more about Jennifer Wilson, check out her website here.

ILLUSTRATOR

Illustrator Image and bio.

Lissy Marlin is an award winning illustrator and character designe from the Dominican Republic. She has worked on many projects and has illustrated on a plethora of titles. Learn more about this fantastic artist here.

SYNOPSIS

Soaring in Style is the little known side story of Amelia Earhart. This story not only tells the tale of her becoming a woman pioneer of aviation, but also a pioneer of women’s fashion. It details the motivation behind the aviation icon and what drove her into fashion design.

CONCLUSION

Soaring in Style is a simple story for young girls 8-10 years old. It describes the hardships that women endured in the early 1900’s in a man’s world. Although the story is uncomplicated, it is inspiring for young girls who want to chase their dreams. Amelia Earhart not only breaks down barriers in the aviation industry, but she bucks the system in women’s clothing design as well.

Although I knew quit-a-bit about Amelia the aviator, I had no knowledge of Amelia, the designer. This book introduces a whole new dimension to the aviation icon.

Soaring in Style is brilliantly illustrated. Lissy Marlin’s use of color and design is breathtaking. The images may be simplistic in nature, but they are provocative, they describe the story well and they are just the right type for young audiences.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Jennifer Lane Wilson, Capstone Editions, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Soaring In Style: How Amelia Earhart Became a Fashion Icon.

FREE TO READ NOW ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Let’s Go On A Hike, by Katrina Liu is currently free-to-read on KindleUnlimited. Discover all the wonders of nature with this beautifully illustrated book all about a little boy on a hike with his dad, mom, and Archie, the corgi. Great for children ages 2 to 8.

book review, Children's Historical Biographies, children's Reading, Non-Fiction

Charles Dickens – Review

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Litercurious Book Review

Little People, BIG DREAMS Charles Dickens by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Little People, BIG DREAMS Charles Dickens by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
TitleLittle People, BIG DREAMS Charles Dickens
AuthorMaria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
IllustratorIsobel Ross
PublisherFrances Lincoln Children’s Books
FormatHardcover, Kindle
Pages32
GenreChildren’s Non-Fiction, Children’s European
Books, Children’s Historical Biographies
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/130711258961 / 978-0711258969

AUTHOR

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director in constant search of new concepts for children’s books. Working for more than fifteen years for clients in top advertising agencies, her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture.

ILLUSTRATOR

Isobel Ross is originally from Bath, UK.

Studied at the Arts University Bournemouth, graduating with a BA (hons) in Fine Art.

SYNOPSIS

Charles Dickens is a micro biography staring the eponymous man himself. Charles Dickens is part of the hugely popular Little People BIG DREAMS Series. Vegara has focused on one of Englands favorite authors. Only one other author ever came close in popularity, that being Sir Arthur Conan Doyle the writer of Sherlock Holmes.

In this monograph Vegara writes to her audience of 4-7 year olds. Simple sentence structures and short paragraphs make up the concise history of Dickens.

The book begins well, however the end comes too quickly and lacks detail of the latter part of his life. Vegara did include a more formal chronology at the close. This short chronology is accompanied by plates of Charles Dickens as he aged.

CONCLUSION

Charles Dickens by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Isobel Ross is a brief partial history of the great man.

It is age appropriate and the illustrations enhance the readers overall experience. The illustrations were both informative and fully supported the written narrative. They are fun and add color to the story.

Overall, Charles Dickens is a good read for younger children. It is brief enough to be read at bedtime.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Little People, BIG DREAMS Charles Dickens.

OTHER WORK BY THIS AUTHOR

book review, Children's Equestrian, Children's Fiction, Children’s Girls and Women’s Books, Fiction, Horse Books

Meg and Merlin – Review

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Litercurious Book Review

Meg and Merlin by Tanya Landman
TitleMeg and Merlin: Making Friends
AuthorTanya Landman
IllustratorSònia Albert
PublisherBarrington Stoke Ltd (January 2022)
FormatUnknown, e-ARC used for review
Pages64
GenreChildren’s Literature, Children’s Equestrian Books
LanguageEnglish
ISBN978-1-80090-085-1

AUTHOR / ILLUSTRATOR


Tanya Landman has authored more than forty books for children and young adults. She writes across a broad age range and has earned many awards and accolades for her literature. Learn more about her and her books on her website.

Sònia Albert is an illustrator from Mataró, a Mediterranean city near Barcelona. Her true love has always been the illustration world. When she’s not drawing you can find her walking by the beach, reading or learning to play the ukulele.

SYNOPSIS

Meg just turned ten today and she dearly loves horses. Her sole wish in life is to have her very own pony. She dreams of ponies; she wishes for ponies; she even writes Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy asking for ponies. Unfortunately, for Meg, her parents have fallen on hard times. Not only can they not afford a pony, but they had to dramatically cut back on her riding lessons.

When Meg wakes up on her tenth birthday, she notices something is different today. She smells stables, but that can’t be because she lives in a housing estate. Going to the window Meg sees a pony in her front garden! Did her dream finally come true? Did mom and dad finally find a way to get her a pony? Read the book and find out what happens to Meg and the pony.

CONCLUSION

Meg and Merlin: Making Friends is a wonderful tale for young children. The reader can feel Meg’s frustration and anguish at being unable to have her own pony or be able to ride when she wants to. The reader sympathizes with her plight and roots for her to get her very own pony. When Merlin arrives in the yard, there is a feeling of expectancy yet tempered with suspense; will she be able to keep the horse?

The story is heartwarming and up-lifting. I enjoyed all the little nuances the author included in the story such as when horses twitch their lips when they are tickled. She does an outstanding job of integrating the horse characteristics with the riders instincts.

Sònia Albert has done a superb job with the illustrations. Although they are black and white, they are age appropriate and tell the story wonderfully. Her depictions are accurate and simplistic in nature and possess just the right amount of detail to make them perfect for this book.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever wished to have a horse or misses their own horse. Young children will love this feel-good story!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Tanya Landman, Barrington Stoke Ltd and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Meg and Merlin: Making Friends.

Jubilee – Review

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Prince of Ponies – Review

Zofia was a young girl in Poland when the Germans invaded. Many years later she has the opportunity to help another refugee from a war torn country. Mira loves horses and Zofia takes her under her wing and mentors her to become a wonderful horsewoman.

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HORSES – Review

Horses, by Paula Hammond is a stunningly illustrated, beautifully narrated and skillfully written work. Containing 200 high definition, highly colored, rich, photographs that paint an evocative image of the species. So powerful in fact, that you can almost smell the leather, sweat, and soil that is so familiar to horse lovers everywhere.

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