Book Review: 'The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny' by Bella Swift

✰✰✰✰ Peggy the pug is getting a new sibling just in time for Easter. The new sibling is cute, soft, and cuddly. Everyone in the family is excited, except Peggy. Peggy is used to getting a whole lot of attention, and now she’s playing second fiddle to a bunny! In fact, the newcomer is so adorable, Peggy decides to become a bunny too. Can Peggy convince everyone she’s just as cute as the new pet? Or will Easter end in disaster? Hop on over to the library and check out this cute tale.

The Bottom Line: This delightful, gentle, easy-to-read tale reminds readers that there’s more than enough love to go around in a family. Each member holds an unique spot in a family; no competition is needed. This is Book #3 in The Pug Who Wanted To Be series. Enthusiastically recommended for middle grade readers experiencing sibling rivalry.

Details: The Pug Who Wanted to be a Bunny by Bella Swift. Hardcover published by Aladdin in 2022. 160 p. ISBN: 9781534486850 

Book Review: 'The Sisters of Straygarden Place' by Hayley Chewins

✰✰✰½ Winnow, Mayhap, and Pavonine Ballastian have been living alone at Straygarden Place ever since their parents left them behind seven years ago. The house is surrounded by strange, silver grass and floating trees, and their parents warned the three sisters never to go outside. The girls never want for anything as the magical house takes care of their every need, but then one day Winnow goes outside. When she returns, it's obvious to Mayhap and Pavonine that something is very wrong with her. Mayhap is determined to help her ailing sister, but what she uncovers may destroy their very existence. With time running out to save Winnow, the young girls must make decisions that will change everything.

The Bottom Line: Despite a slow start, the author eventually drew me in with her haunting prose, and the book turned into a real page-turner. The setting features a bit of creepiness as the children grow up with everything taken care of for them. However, what really shines through in this book is the bond of sisterly love. Recommended for middle grade readers and young adults who enjoy reading fantasy and horror. There are a lot of magical elements in this story that readers will appreciate as well.

Details: The Sisters of Straygarden Place by Hayley Chewins. ARC published by Candlewick Press in 2020. 208 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-1227-3 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Tiny's Big Adventure' by Martin Waddell

✰✰✰✰✰ Tiny Mouse has never been to the wheat field before, but his sister, Katy Mouse, has. Together they scamper to the field. There are so many things Tiny has never seen before, but Katy knows what everything is. The two siblings are having a grand adventure, until Tiny gets lost amongst the stalks of wheat. What's this here? What's that over there? Suddenly everything seems scary. Luckily, it's Katy Mouse to the rescue.

The Bottom Line: This tiny tale of big adventure is a winner. Lawrence's detailed engravings are stunning and engaging. Little ones will have as much fun looking at the illustrations as they will listening to the story. The large print makes it easy to read for beginning readers. Highly recommended for children in grades Pre-K – 1 and for storytime.

Details: Tiny's Big Adventure written by Martin Waddell & illustrated by John Lawrence. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2004. 32 p. ISBN: 0-7636-2170-6 

Book Review: 'Who Let the Ghosts Out?' by R. L. Stine

✰✰✰½ Max is just your average eleven-year-old with the same problems as any kid. However, he has one problem that you probably don't. His bedroom is haunted by two ghost kids. When the ghosts were alive, they used to live in Max's house. They have returned looking for their parents. Unfortunately, they don't live there anymore, and no one knows what happened to them. 

The only one who can see and talk to the ghost kids is Max. So it's up to Max to help them. Unfortunately, in order to find out what happened, Max must battle with the most evil spirit of all, Phears. Will Max be able to help the ghost kids find their parents and get his bedroom back?  Only time will tell. Pick up this quick read at your library today! 

The Bottom Line: This is the first book in the series. It will appeal to kids in upper grade school and middle school as the main character, Max, has the typical problems of any eleven-year-old. This is a fast-paced read. 

Details: Who Let the Ghosts Out? (Mostly Ghostly) by R.L. Stine. Hardcover published by Delacorte Press in 2004. 144 p. ISBN: 978-0-385-74663-2 

Book Review: 'Happy Valentine's Day, Dolores' by Barbara Samuels

✰✰✰½ Dolores and her big sister, Faye, get along swell...most of the time. However, after Dolores sneaks into Faye's room one too many times, they have an argument. Dolores agrees to stay out of her sister's room, but when she spies Faye with a small box, curiosity gets the better of her. After all, one small peek won't hurt, will it?

Inside the box Dolores discovers an adorable Valentine's Day present. She simply must try it on, and Faye will be none the wiser. Dolores almost gets away with it until the present goes missing. Whatever will Dolores do? Valentine's Day just around the corner. With her cat, Duncan, and a little bit of luck, Dolores still has time to make it the best Valentine's Day ever.

The Bottom Line: This charming tale of sibling rivalry makes this holiday book special. Perfect for storytime or bedtime, kids will identify with both the big sister and the little sister. Humorous illustrations complement the story. This installment of Dolores and Duncan is fun reading for kids in grades K - 3.

Details: Happy Valentine's Day, Dolores by Barbara Samuels. Hardcover picture book published by Melanie Kroupa Books in 2006. 32 p. ISBN: 9780374328443