Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners

By Judy Sierra, Illustrated by Tim Bowers
Alfred A. Knopf, $16.99, 32 pages

Would You Know What to Say to a Dinosaur?

Suppose You Meet a Dinosaur: A First Book of Manners  is a darling story to be read and read to someone young! Using dinosaurs as a means to teach young ones good manners is quite brilliant, not unique, but brilliant none-the-less. The entire story is set in a grocery store with various events going on to teach good manners. Such events as: the dinosaur knocking over a pile of apples, your cart accidentally hitting the dinosaur in the shin, sharing banana chips  and her glasses falling to the floor teaches the proper thing to say for each event such as: Thank you, I’m sorry  and Yes, please.

Colorful, almost life-like illustrations make the page-turning and story so much more exciting. The writing is sing-song rhymes and flows right along with the pictures. This is a wonderful book for any young reader, although some parents may find a potty word used in the book unacceptable for the age group. The rest of the book makes up for that one minor social faux pas.

Reviewed by M. Chris Johnson

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Emily and Carlo

By Marty Rhodes Figley, Illustrated by Catherine Stock
Charlesbridge, $15.95, 32 pages

Emily and her Shaggy Friend

Emily and Carlo  is a sweet and classically written children’s book about the relationship between the poet Emily Dickinson and her dog that is sure to warm the hearts of all who read it. Not only does author Marty Rhodes Figley spin a jovial tale in her third children’s book, she includes short excerpts of Dickinson’s letters and poetry that will introduce young readers to her personality and work as a writer. Figley’s story begins in 1849, just before Emily turns nineteen. Her brother Austin is at college, and her younger sister Vinnie is off at school. Emily is very lonely in the empty home, and her father buys her a puppy. Emily names him Carlo after the dog in Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, one of Dickinson’s favorite books.

With Carlo around, Emily is not so lonely. Over the years, the odd pair goes on many adventures together through gardens, woods and meadows. Emily teaches Carlo manners, hides poems in flowers, and feeds Carlo heart-shaped cookies. After many years together, Carlo grows old and passes away. Emily misses her old companion dearly, but carries his spirit with her. I highly recommend Emily and Carlo  for children and their parents. It is a lovely story, an accessible introduction to poetry and a moving tale of companionship and loss perfect for younger readers.

Reviewed by Emily Davis

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Lola Reads to Leo

By Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
Charlesbridge, $6.95, 32 pages

Expressing Sibling Love Through Reading

It’s sort of nice to read a story about a sister helping her younger brother. Lola Reads to Leo  follows Lola as she reads to her baby brother Leo in almost every circumstance. She constantly reads to him, from when he wakes up to when he falls asleep, and to comfort him as well as teach him. Arguably the worst part of this book is its pro-reading message, which can get over-bearing, but the overall sweetness of the book makes up for it.

The illustrations are beautiful and warm, making for a very comfortable read; this is a book that will see numerous re-readings. For children that want something a little more complex, the pictures have the added bonus that a child can explore them, making them the possible starting point of stories themselves. That ability to scale with the child, going from mere story to the beginning of stories themselves, is probably the nicest feature of this book. For parents looking for a beautiful book with re-read value, this is an excellent first book.

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

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Oceana: A Love Story

A Story of Love, Loss, and Life

 

By CC Lindh
CreateSpace, 92 pages, $19.99

Oceana: A Love Story is aptly titled. The main plot focuses on a romantic relationship, but the story includes so many other kinds of love as well: love of nature, lost love, remembered love, passion for life, and more. It is also obvious that the author loves her subject. Every page makes it clear that this story is very important to Lindh, and that, in turn, makes it more important to the reader.

The book follows Oceana, a surfer with a traumatic past, and her new neighbor Guy as they meet and develop a serious relationship. Problems arise when Oceana begins exhibiting symptoms of early-onset dementia, and the couple must cope with both the immediate problems and the future possibilities.

This is a tender story that spurs contemplation of love, life, death, and personal passions. Unfortunately, it is not without its flaws. A story of this scope could easily fill a novel, and the brevity of Oceana means that some parts are skipped over or not fully explored. For example, when Oceana and Guy meet, she is hostile towards him. She later slams her door in his face. Then, just a few pages later, she teaches him to surf and invites him to dinner. This quick change in feeling seems rushed and unrealistic. The book could definitely benefit from added exposition.

Also, the writing is a little stilted. It feels like the author wants to be so sure that the readers understand everything exactly as she imagines it that, in the parts of the relationship that she does show us, she includes excessive descriptions. This keeps readers focused on the minutiae and prevents us from becoming fully involved in the story.

That said, the more I look back on the book, the more I like it. As the particulars of the writing fade, and I am left with the plot and emotions of the tale, I find that the heart of the story is beautiful. This would be a great book for teenagers or for anyone who enjoys details but does not need an in-depth exploration of larger themes.

Lastly, at the end of her book, Lindh asks readers to support organizations that focus on dementia. Through this story, she certainly draws attention to the importance of dementia research and care, and, for that, I say this book is a success.

Sponsored Book Review

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The Messenger

By Siri Mitchell
Bethany House, $14.99, 375 pages

This story of a strong-minded young Quaker woman and a quiet, reserved tavern owner will keep you turning the pages with anticipation. Alternating between these two narrators – Hannah Sunderland and Jeremiah Jones – this richly detailed, exciting story moves quickly through the action, and each chapter leaves you wanting to read another.

Set in British-occupied Philadelphia in 1778, this story reveals some unlikely heroes willing to risk their lives to do what is right for the patriots of the Revolutionary War. When Hannah’s twin brother ends up in jail, charged as a rebel against Britain, she is torn between following her religion, which strictly forbids getting involved in anything political, and giving in to her heart’s pull to care for her beloved brother. Jeremiah, a reluctant spy for the Colonists, finds that he needs Hannah’s help in a plot to rescue men from the same jail, so they agree to form an unlikely alliance.

As they begin to secretly work together, both struggle with internal conflicts of their own. Hannah’s involvement in this plan goes against her religious beliefs; while Jeremiah’s past wounds continue to trouble his mind and heart. Being strong-willed and determined, each begins to challenge the other to look at the world in new ways and evaluate what really matters to them. A well-written, enthralling historical novel, The Messenger will not disappoint.

Reviewed by Aimee Rasmussen

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The Rose of Winslow Street: A Novel

By Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House, $14.99, 352 pages

Elizabeth Camden has created a mesmerizing tale in The Rose of Winslow Street. Historical Fiction lovers will instantly connect with the main character, Libby Sawyer. Libby lives a quiet, predictable, straight-laced life with her father in Colden, Massachusetts in the late 1800’s. While they are away at their summer home, Michael Dobrescu breaks in and takes over the Sawyer house and claims it as his own. Dobrescu is a Romanian with many secrets and desires and an entourage of people that have secrets of their own, too. Libby is torn between loyalty to her father and an intriguing connection to Michael and the obvious love he has for flowers. As the battle of the home’s true owner plays out in court, Libby finds herself helping Michael’s family while risking her reputation with the townspeople.

Camden writes with clarity and immense emotion. The reader cannot help but fall in love with the characters of this engrossing novel. The story has plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader wanting more.

Reviewed by Seniye Groff

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The Newlyweds: A Novel

By Nell Freudenberger
Alfred A. Knopf, $25.95, 337 pages

In The Newlyweds, Nell Freudenberger offers a nuanced portrait of marriage, family and culture in the 21st century. Amina Mazid, a young woman from Dhaka, Bangladesh, meets her American husband George Stillman on the online dating site AsianEuro.com. A year and a half later, Amina is adjusting to married life in Rochester, New York. She’s also dealing with everyday prejudices and the loneliness of living in a foreign land. After getting a job, Amina is determined to acquire her citizenship as quickly as possible and focuses all her energy on saving up enough money to bring her parents to live with her. Along the way, she learns to cope with George’s shortcomings and discovers some startling secrets about George and his family. Despite what she finds out, Amina returns to Bangladesh to pick up her parents, only to realize that her father is in deep trouble and her first love may still lay claim to her heart. Freudenberger weaves a witty and, at times, heartbreaking tale of love, loss and hope, and readers will relish this clever examination of immigration and married life.

Reviewed by Laura Di Giovine

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Seating Arrangements: A Novel

By Maggie Shipstead
Alfred A. Knopf, $25.95, 300 pages

Maggie Shipstead’s debut novel Seating Arrangements is a delightful romantic satire that takes place at the Van Meter vacation home on the fictional New England island of Waskeke. The setting, of course, is a wedding of Winn Van Meter’s pregnant daughter Daphne to the wealthy and steadfast Greyson Duff, and the plot follows three days of the marriage ceremony’s preparation. The buttoned-up Winn is more concerned with gaining membership in the prestigious Pequod Club than with the wedding  that his resolute wife Biddy has been working on for months. This charming, Gatsby-esque comedy of errors also includes Daphne’s sexy bridesmaid who has no problem setting her sights on the older, married Winn, her dejected younger sister who recently had her heart broken by the son of Winn’s oldest rival, and a host of inebriated Nantucket revelers. Soaked in boozy, witty dialogue, Shipstead’s book provides a vivid portrayal of an endearingly flawed WASP-y family. Grab gin and tonic and flop into an Adirondack chair with this compelling and amusing beach read.

Reviewed by Laura Di Giovine

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Glamour in Glass

 

By Mary Robinette Kowal
Tor Books, $24.99, 331 pages

Mary Robinette Kowal’s Glamour in Glass is the follow-up to her highly-regarded debut novel, Shades of Milk and Honey. In this sequel, Kowal continues the story of Vincent and Jane, who met and fell in love in the first novel. It is written in the same Jane Austen-esque style, a voice that the author works very hard to maintain, even to the point of researching words in order to avoid anachronism. However, in this one, Kowal seems a little freer and more at home with the characters and the novel length – prior to the publication of her first novel, she was already winning awards for her short stories. Her voice skillfully continued, Kowal moves her characters out of the drawing room and into a wider environment on the European continent. She also lets her very conventional Jane grow and blossom, realizing her power and potential as an individual and a woman. Kowal is a vividly creative, captivating author. Her books are not only entertaining, they’re well written. This book does give away important details from the first novel, so read that first, but then you must read this book!

Reviewed by Katie Richards

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The Battle of Blood and Ink: A Fable of the Flying City

By Jared Axelrod, Illustrated by Steve Walker
Tor Forge, $25.99, 144 pages

Journalism on a flying city can be a definite problem; if the Powers That Be no longer like you, disposing of the body is easy. In The Battle of Blood and Ink, Ashe publishes the most aggravating one-sheet on Amperstam, which reveals the truth that the Powers That Be want hidden. As part of her investigations, she finds out the secret fuel source of the flying city and a possible lifesaver for one of her childhood friends.

This is a book that you will enjoy. The artwork and graphics are a little rough and need some polishing, but they work. The story is some serious fun; it is a rollicking adventure in the finest “Nelly Bly meets Perils of Pauline” fashion. The story has just enough of a humor/horror mix to keep you interested, and the twist at the end is well earned. The characters are very well written, with their own flaws and moments to shine; even the villain is sympathetic. By the end of the book, lives are saved, power has been shifted, and you will have had a great time.

Reviewed by Jamais Jochim

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