✰✰✰✰ After an Austrian nobleman offers a sizable donation to the University of Oxford, private investigator, Charles Maddox, is sent on a quest to vet the mysterious benefactor. Maddox soon discovers that the Viennese countryside is steeped with superstitious tales about the baron and his castle. As the days go by, disturbing dreams and incidents haunt Maddox. After nearly dying, Maddox returns to London where a series of horrific murders have taken place. The deaths are rumored to be the work of a vampire, but Maddox suspects his nemesis, the baron. With another young woman missing, Maddox must race against time to find her before another innocent dies.
The Bottom Line: This is the third book in a series; each book pays homage to a literary classic. This dark installment plays off Bram Stoker's Dracula. Although I have not read the previous books, Shepherd includes plenty of back story so the reader does not feel lost.
This book got off to a slow, smoldering start as I adjusted to the writing style. The story jumps back and forth between different points of view and times. However, the book is full of mystery and intrigue. Shepherd has braided together the elements of superstition, science, and classic literature to create a gripping suspense that I couldn't put down. With the paranormal twist and Gothic mood, this book will appeal to fans of historical fiction. A word of caution though...this tale is not for squeamish readers.
Details: The Pierced Heart: A Novel by Lynn Shepherd. Hardcover published by Delacorte Press in 2014. 256 p. ISBN: 978-0-345-54543-5 NOTE: I received a free copy from Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.
✰✰✰ Children everywhere expect the Easter Bunny to deliver brightly painted eggs every year on Easter Sunday. But one year the Easter Bunny overslept. Upon waking he wondered what to do with all the colored eggs. As the months went by, the Easter Bunny tried delivering the eggs on Mother’s Day, the Fourth of July, and Halloween. None of the children were interested. The poor bunny was very discouraged by the time Christmas arrived. Fortunately, Santa always knows the best way to set things right again.
The Bottom Line: This classic children’s book has been enjoyed and shared by several generations since it was first published in 1957. As the Easter Bunny tries again and again to deliver the eggs, children will learn the importance of never giving up. It’s also a great story for kids who tend to oversleep. The charming, retro illustrations will interest kids and adults alike. Recommended for kids in grades K – 3.
Details: The Easter Bunny That Overslept written by Priscilla and Otto Friedrich & illustrated by Adrienne Adams. Hardcover picture book published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books in 1983. 33 p. ISBN: 0-688-01540-9
✰✰✰✰½ In preparation for the seder, a local baker is making Passover matzah. He uses the last scraps of matzah dough to form a little man and pops him in the oven to bake. When the baker opens the oven door, the crispy Matzah Man jumps out and runs away. Taunting people and animals along the way, the Matzah Man narrowly escapes becoming part of the Passover meal. He outwits them all until he meets young Mendel Fox. The Matzah Man is in for a big surprise when clever Mendel offers to help him hide from his pursuers.
The Bottom Line: This humorous and festive tale is a rollicking adaptation of The Gingerbread Boy. This adventure is just plain fun to read with Howland’s use of repetition, rhythm, and rhyme. Additionally, Howland’s cheerful and bright illustrations in gouache and cut-paper collage with colored pencil will appeal to readers of all ages. Check this one out for kids in grades 1 – 3. Includes a “Passover Glossary” at the end.
Details: The Matzah Man: A Passover Story written & illustrated by Naomi Howland. Hardcover picture book published by Clarion Books in 2002. 32 p. ISBN: 0-618-11750-4
✰✰✰✰½ Gilbert has plenty of pranks planned for April Fools’ Day. Unfortunately Gilbert is the one falling for everyone else’s tricks. Even his mother manages to play a joke on him, but the worst tricks come from Lewis the bully. Gilbert has just one trick left. Will it be enough to save the worst April Fools’ Day ever? Read the story to see who gets the last laugh.
The Bottom Line: This charming and clever book in the series is for anyone who has ever been tricked on April Fools’ Day. Gilbert is a sweet character and a good sport who proves that good guys don’t always finish last. Diane deGroat’s colorful illustrations will make you look twice for the April Fools’ Day surprises they contain. (Answers are included.) Highly recommended for kids in grades K – 2. Great for story time too.
Details: April Fool! Watch Out at School! (Gilbert and Friends) written & illustrated by Diane deGroat. Hardcover picture book published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2009. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-06-143043-5
