Book review - A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower

 

Title: A Robin, a Ribbon, and a Lawn Mower

Author: Mark David Smith

Genre: mystery/humor

Similar books: Wallace and Grace Take the Case by Heather Alexander

                      The Ghost and Max Monroe series by L. M. Falcone 

Rating:

 

a nice blend of elements

Summary (provided by publisher): It’s summer, and the Weird Sisters are convinced that the residents of Covenly aren’t coming to their pet emporium—and newly opened detective agency—because the sisters are too strange. So they decide to let nine-year-old Jessica Nibley teach them how to play on the swing to fit in.
They soon discover the town’s beloved tire swing lying on the ground with its rope severed. Who would do such a thing? And why? Jessica and the sisters are determined to solve the mystery. As they search for clues, they stumble onto a second mystery: the robin that nests at Chelsea Oh’s house has gone missing. So they plan to find both the robin and the swing vandal.

My opinion: This is the second book in a series, a fact I didn't realize when I started reading it though that quickly became apparent. There are many references to previous events and established relationships and identities are not rehashed. Even so, that was only a minor barrier to understanding. Since this is a beginner chapter book, the plot and writing are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. There is a fair amount of humor, largely based on the multiple meanings for words and the confusion based in homophones. So not only is this a mystery, it could be used to reinforce lessons on grammar. It's a mystery but largely light hearted. There is no danger or serious crime. It's cute and one I would easily recommend to young readers.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

                      

Thank goodness for toothbrushes

 This winter I learned the ancient art of nalbinding after I was gifted a book and needle for Christmas. After I finished my little basket, I set aside my needle until I could find some wool yarn for my next project. 

A couple of weeks ago I was gifted the perfect yarn and wouldn't you know, I can't find the needle. I'm quite certain I put it somewhere "safe". Too safe, I guess, because I'm going to have to move everything to find it. 

I was resigned to setting aside the yarn for months when I remembered a stash of used bamboo handled toothbrushes. I'd figured I would use them for spatter painting or detailed scrubbing but I was struck by the resemblance to my nalbinding needle.

Obviously, the toothbrush is much thicker but after I cut off the brush head it only took a couple of evenings shaving it down with my pocket knife to get the right general shape. Then I drilled in the eye and sanded the whole thing down. After letting the glue dry (it cracked when I drilled it) I have a workable needle.

 

I actually kind of like the contour

May the Fourth be with you

 It's been a little while since I've done one of these. It used to be my habit to draw a Star Wars character as I imagined it looked as a baby every May 4. I quickly ran through my favorites and the exercise has forced me to think more creatively. I hadn't planned to draw one this year but this juvenile Tauntaun found it's way into my doodles this week.

Happy Star Wars Day my friends.

Graphic novel spotlight

 

Otis and Peanut by Naseem Hrab

At face value, Otis & Peanut is like a lot of early graphic novels currently on the market. Think Narwhal and Jelly or Shark and Bot. Even the title has the same construction. Now, those other books can be a lot of fun. They're silly and reach beginning readers with their easy to follow text and engaging illustrations. Otis & Peanut has those same elements. This book includes three stories where the pair work through some challenge together. These appear simple but, as with a Frog and Toad story, the simplicity masks a deeper reflection on life and identity. A fear of getting a haircut or the changes that come with moving house are met with funny solutions but also examine change and being true to yourself. And then there's "The Swing", where Otis and Peanut remember a friend who is gone. They discuss grief and how even remembering the good things is painful. This is a sweet, heartfelt story that may be a little emotionally intense for some but is beautiful anyway. Much as with Frog and Toad, this may be a book that will be appreciated by children in a surface way and on a much deeper level by their parents.

 Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non fiction book review - The Van Buren Sisters vs. the Pants Police

 

The Van Buren Sisters vs the Pants Police by J.F. Fox

This is the sort of book we see occasionally - a woman who defies cultural standards and opens the door for future women to do the same. This one gives us a few unique details. Not only is this a story of sisters, they were raised to be independent and as capable as their brothers. It's no wonder, then, that they decided to travel the country on a motorbike, wearing trousers. It's a simple narrative. The language is easy to understand and none of the content is challenging so it's suitable for young readers.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Book review - The One and Only Ruby

 

Title: The One and Only Ruby

Author: Katherine Applegate

Genre: realistic fiction

Similar books: Star the Elephant by Remy Lai

                     Waluk by Ana Miralles 

Rating: 

 

exactly what I wanted it to be

 

Summary (proviede by publisher): Ruby’s story picks up a few months after the events of The One and Only Bob. Now living in a wildlife sanctuary, Ruby’s caretaker from the elephant orphanage in Africa where she grew up is visiting. Seeing him again brings back a flood of memories both happy and sad of her life before the circus, and she recounts the time she spent in the African savannah to Ivan and Bob.

My opinion: In each of the prior books in this trilogy, Applegate uses an immediate threat as a method for the protagonist to acknowledge and eventually work through trauma from their past. In Ivan we meet the character of Ruby, a tiny elephant who has lost her whole family and faces a life in captivity. She is an innocent who drives Ivan to act. In Bob we see a Ruby who has started to develop more personality. She's found a family and has begun to prove that she is capable of helping. And finally in this book we have Ruby as a complete character. We see her largely as a sunny, positive "kid" but we also see the trauma of her past. We see how her experiences in Africa have driven a deep fear of change into her. The threat here is less immediate. There is no abusive owner, no natural disaster. Just Ruby and her fears. In this volume Applegate completes her trifecta of the affects of trauma on a character and the ways it causes us to behave. Each book provides something different to the reader and is worth reading in it's own right. As with the other two books, this volume talks about animal cruelty in a plainspoken but never graphic way, so be aware of that if you're intending to give this book to an especially sensitive young reader. 

More information: The One and Only Ruby releases today!
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Listen with me

 

The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate

If you could choose anyone in the world to provide the voice of a scrappy little stray dog, who else would you choose but Danny Devito? (I'm given to understand he provided the voice for Bob in the film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan but I haven't seen it yet) Right from the start this audio book is engaging and charming. This volume gives us much more insight into the loveable scamp Bob from the first book, a stray who doesn't trust people and insists he is best on his own. This book shows us a Bob who has found a home but still doesn't fully trust anyone. The immediacy of a natural disaster and intense physical threats forces him to address the hurts of his past and find a way to move forward. This is a nice companion piece to the first book and presents trauma through a different lens.