✰✰✰✰ Darleen Darling is a young silent film star who's life is about to get even more daring. When her family's studio decides to generate some extra publicity with a fake kidnapping stunt, things go terribly wrong. Not only does Darleen get kidnapped for real, but she stumbles upon another kidnapping already taking place. To her surprise, the captive is none other than heiress Miss Victorine Berryman!
It's evident quite quickly that the two captives are in a heap of trouble. When it's obvious help isn't coming, the two young girls quickly become friends and hatch a plan to rescue themselves. With daring escapes, murderous plans, and danger around every corner, their daring rescue unfolds like an adventure movie serial. Will the two manage to outwit their captors or will evil prevail? Check out this captivating read to find out.
The Bottom Line: This tale of adventure is a quick read that will keep kids in middle school turning the pages. The escapes and plots are fun to read, but the budding friendship between two very different (and very resourceful) young ladies is what really shines through. I'm looking forward to reading more mysteries featuring these two clever heroines. Highly recommended for young fans of mysteries and historical fiction.
Details: Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet. ARC published by Candlewick Press in 2020. 368 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-0619-7 [NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]
✰✰✰ Welcome to Valentine’s Day, a time when everyone is caught up in pink bouquets, sweet candy treats, and cheesy cards. Everyone, that is, except Crankenstein. He doesn’t like underwear with hearts, chocolate with coconut, or being in the school pageant. Yechhhh! What could possibly melt this Crankenstein’s heart? Something everyone needs. Check out this picture book and discover the secret.
The Bottom Line: Not everyone is a fan of candy hearts, flowers, and kisses. This large picture book with bright, bold illustrations is perfect for kids in Preschool – Grade 1 who don’t enjoy the lovey-dovey nature of the season.
Details: A Crankenstein Valentine written by Samantha Berger & illustrated by Dan Santat. Picture book published by Little, Brown and Company in 2014. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-316-37638-9
✰✰✰✰½ When Brownie Groundhog leaves for her long winter’s nap, she tells her friends not to bother her until spring. What is a fox and a bunny to do in the meantime? “Wintry things,” says Brownie. Although they try to do wintry things, it’s cold outside, and Fox and Bunny soon get bored. When Fox gets the bright idea to borrow his friend’s warm scarf, a hesitant Bunny follows along. Soon Fox “borrows” lots of things. With all the racket, it’s only a matter of time before Brownie wakes up to find a BIG surprise waiting for her. Will Brownie be angry with her friends? It looks like Brownie won’t get the sleep she needs, but the ending just might surprise YOU!
The Bottom Line: Friendship is the key to this tale, because although Brownie’s friends borrow her things without permission and wake her up, Brownie keeps her cool. Segovia’s whimsical, wintry illustrations in acrylic and ink are a real treat and add humor to the story. Plus, this picture book manages to be a holiday book without specifically mentioning a particular religion or culture. An enjoyable read for celebrating Groundhog’s Day, Christmas, or the season of winter. Highly recommended for little ones in Preschool – Grade 2 or for classroom storytimes.
Details: Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise written by Susan Blackaby & illustrated by Carmen Segovia. Picture book published by Sterling Children’s Books in 2013. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-4027-9836-8
