#NetGalley Book Review: The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks

This is a cute story and was a nice gentler book for #Fraterfest!
The Messiest Monster on Mill Street
by Sarah Sparks

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CH1TJNSW
Publisher ‏ : ‎ ViaNova Productions, LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 2, 2023
Genre: Children’s, Personal Growth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

Description
Max's messes are legendary—paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and toys scattered everywhere. Max never intended to be messy; there was simply too much to do and too much fun to be had. Until one day, his mess becomes an uncontrollable monster of its own!
With lively illustrations and playful rhymes, each book in the Monsters on Mill Street series follows an energetic and lovable monster on an adventure filled with chaos and unexpected challenges. Every child will recognize a piece of themselves in Max and the colorful cast of characters on Mill Street.
But wait, there’s more! Because the Monsters on Mill Street series is specifically designed to assist children in developing executive functioning and social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, it’s a treasure trove for parents, grandparents, and educators who are looking to inspire young readers and empower them to overcome life’s challenges.
Your child will enjoy these books so much, they won’t even realize they’re learning!

Review:
Max is a very messy Monster. He just is too busy to pay attention to the mess he leaves around him. Until the day the mess overwhelms even him. Then he learns a bit of self-control.

This is a cute story with wonderful illustrations. The story does a good job of sharing a normal life problem and shows how one can take control to lessen the mess. I wasn’t fully convinced that it changed Max but it still has a good strong message to share with children to help them be aware of picking up after themselves. I would share this with my grandchildren and recommend it to be shared with children everywhere.

Source: October 2023 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2023NetGalley goal.

#FraterfestRat Audio Book Review: Gustav Gloom and the People Taker by Adam-Troy Castro

I enjoyed this story that combines darkneAdam-Troy Castross with sweet friendship.
Gustav Gloom and the People Taker
Written by
Narrated by Jesse Vilinsky

Run Time 4h 42min
Release Date: November 19, 2019
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Children's, Paranormal, Supernatural
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher Description
Enter an exciting new world of shadows from Hugo Award nominee Adam-Troy Castro. Meet Gustav Gloom.
Fernie What finds herself lost in the Gloom mansion after her cat appears to have been chased there by its own shadow. Fernie discovers a library full of every book that was never written, a gallery of statues that are just plain awkward, and finds herself at dinner watching her own shadow take part in the feast!
Along the way Fernie is chased by the People Taker who is determined to take her to the Shadow Country. It’s up to Fernie and Gustav to stop the People Taker before he takes Fernie’s family.

Review:
The community of Sunnyside Terrace view Gustav Gloom as the saddest boy they have ever seen. He seems to live alone in the dark Gloom mansion. When ‘helpful’ people go to the house to see what they can do, they either are never seen again or come out less than the whole person that went in. So they neighbors have learned to stay away.

Fernie What and her father and sister have just moved in next door to the Gloom mansion. The young sisters, especially Fernie, have a fascination with monsters and dark, scary stories. Fernie wants to visit the Gloom mansion even though she sees the dark shadows in the yard and has already seen a strange event with a neighbor dog. The first night in their new house, Fernie’s cat escapes and Fernie follows her to Gloom mansion. Fernie’s reluctance to enter the dark building is overcome by her desire to protect her cat.

As Fernie looks in the different rooms for her cat, she comes upon a huge library. A strange man explains to Fernie that the empty looking books are every book that has never been written. Soon Fernie finds herself under attack by a looming beast and a dark, evil looking man. Gustav snatches her from the attack and the two race off only steps ahead of danger as Gustav tries to get Fernie out of the building before she is caught by the People Taker. Gustav tries to explain the many dangers of the house as they rush through other strange rooms, sharing a little about themselves and becoming friends.

Fernie’s father and sister come looking for her when they find she is missing. They are met by a supposedly friendly ‘neighbor’ who lures them into the mansion. Can Gustav save his new friend and her family from the monsters in his home?

This is another dark but cute story that is good for younger audiences…as well as adults. The author has created rather unique monsters and situations in the dark and gloom that surrounds Gustav and his home. The scary adventure is softened by the sweet characters and their developing friendship. I notice that the ebook has some cute images that children would enjoy. I liked the audio version which seemed to soften the darkness a little for me. I do recommend this to middle grade students and their parents who will enjoy reading or listening with them.

Audio Notes: Jesse Vilinsky does a lovely job with the narration. The pronunciation is clear and distinct and conveys the somber tone of the setting while also sharing the emotions of the children. I expect that I will get more in the series and I would chose the audio version.

Source: November 2020 Chirp Purchase $0.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and #FraterfestRat (#6) goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Out, Mouse! by Valerie L. Egar

This looked cute and is!
Out, Mouse!
by Valerie L. Egar
Narrated by Paul Collins

Listening Length : 35 minutes
Audio Release date ‏ : ‎ May 12, 2021
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whistle Oak (April 6, 2021)
Reading Age: Ages 6 to 9
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 78 pages
Genre: Children's, Folk Tales, Mice, Multicultural
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mouse problems? Professor Dunderbutt advises writing a polite letter to the mice, suggesting a better place to live. If the first letter doesn't work, try again. And again. His method never fails. But...the two mice in Finn's cottage are fussy. They expect indoor plumbing. A library. Raisin scones. Finn searches the Irish countryside for a house that will please his unwelcome guests. He writes polite letters. Will the professor's advice work?
Based on an Irish folk belief, Out, Mouse! is a humorous early chapter book for children aged six to nine with the mice outsmarting Finn at every turn. Thirteen chapters with an author's note, narrated by British actor Paul Collins. May be used in conjunction with the paperback to aid word recognition and reading skills.
©2021 Valerie L. Egar (P)2021 Valerie L. Egar

Review:
Finn discovers two little mice are sharing his home, eating his breakfast and chewy on the morning paper. He researches how to address the problem and decides to implement Professor Dunderbutt's advice to write a polite letter suggesting a better place for the mice. They go and explore the recommendation, but later in the day he finds them returned to his cottage. He tries other properties, with more room, more food sources, more amenities, better views, by the sea, in the country, in the city, in a lighthouse or a castle... Each time the mice investigate but return. What is it they want?

The professor becomes annoyed and frustrated but modifies his angry outbursts to continue to write polite letters. Can he convince them to move out? The result, especially the conclusion, is quite cute.

I wanted a quick read/listen and this fit the bill. I also downloaded the book (adobe digital edition) and like the short chapters perfect for sharing with children. It is also a light delight for adults to enjoy too. I easily recommend this to readers who are looking for a quick, humorous read/listen.

Audio Notes: Paul Collins does a lovely narration with a distinct accent that puts one in the modest setting. I think children would enjoy listening too and I would love to share this with my grandchildren.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audio goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: Chicken Talk Around the World by Carole Lexa Schaefer

This is a lovely little book.
Chicken Talk Around the World
by Carole Lexa Schaefer
Pierr Morgan (Illustrations)

Publisher : Little Bigfoot; Illustrated edition (March 16, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 32 pages
ISBN-10 : 1632172917
Reading age : 4 - 8 years
Grade level : Preschool - 3
Genre: Children's, Farm Animals, Multinational
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

Explore world languages and different cultures as we see--and hear--grandmothers' chickens in the United States, Mexico, Kenya, Japan, India, and France, in this delightful book that introduces children to cultural diversity.
Kid-friendly text full of onomatopoeia and simple international vocabulary makes Chicken Talk Around the World a great read-aloud. Bright, charming illustrations show multigenerational families and chickens in different environments, celebrating cultural diversity; as well as universal elements, such as the special relationships grandmothers have with their grandchildren no matter where they live in the world.

Review:
This charming book shares grandmothers and chickens in at least six countries and languages. It is a lovely book to share with children as you show them how different cultures have much in common even as you share the differences in language, settings, chicken feed and types of chicken.

It is an easy read with bright, engaging illustrations. I would be glad to get this for my grandchildren!

Source: NetGalley 2020. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021NetGalley goals.

Audible Book Review: Disney Junior Storybook Collection

My granddaughter and I enjoyed listening to this (while I fell asleep for nap).
Disney Junior Storybook Collection
Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey/Minnie, Henry Hugglemonster
By: Disney Book Group
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 08-19-16
Language: English
Publisher: Disney
Genre: Children's
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Explore Enchancia with Sofia the First, and sail the Never Sea with Jake and his crew. Help Doc diagnose her toy patients; hang out at the Clubhouse with Mickey, Minnie, and the rest of the gang; and have a roarsome time with Henry Hugglemonster! This fun-filled book features 18 stories starring your favorite Disney Junior pals!
©2016 Disney Book Group (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
I purchased this audiobook with my grandchildren in mind. Our seven year old knows all of the characters and I met some new ones. We enjoyed sharing quiet time as we listened to several stories at a time. Many of the stories shared a good moral which we discussed briefly (for the times I remained awake).

I recommend this to parents with children or grandchildren who could enjoy reading by listening to some of the stories they can find on TV and books. The length of each story fit well into a 20-30 minute setting for a week of sharing.

Audio Notes: Emily Woo Zeller did a great job narrating each story. The delivery is clear and in a storytelling voice that worked for the variety of characters. I enjoyed the listening experience.

Source: 8/2//2017 Audible Book Sale $1.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander

This was a very fast, fun and charming read.
The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander

File Size: 3795 KB
Print Length: 197 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1250169178
Publisher: Imprint (April 30, 2019)
ASIN: B07CL27HGD
Genre: Action and Adventure, Children's, Middle Grade
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The Library of Ever is an instant classic for middle grade readers and booklovers everywhere—an adventure across time and space, as a young girl becomes a warrior for the forces of knowledge.
With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored—until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe’s wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.
She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.

Review:
Lenora an 11-year-old left home is bored with the nanny who is dragging her around visiting the nanny’s friends and shopping for items the nanny wants. Finally, the nanny stops at the library and Lenora perks up. She slips away from nanny to visit the children’s section of the library and what an adventure she finds!

Lenora helps a boy trying to get into a strange, mysterious hall in the library. Lenora slips into a library through a door with a sign that says: Knowledge is a light. Lenora runs into a Chief Librarian who tells Lenora she must leave. But Lenora convinces the Librarian to give har a job as a Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian. Lenora is directed to use her imagination, be resourceful and show courage. She is placed first at the Calendar Help Desk so she can learn important dates in history. She begins learning interesting details but is soon dragged off by a robot to help a kingdom in the future! When she returns to her desk Lenora is promoted to Third Assistant and moves on to another help desk. Her adventure continues through several departments where she learns new facts and helps creatures including penguins, ants and cats. She visits the future, outer space, the globe and ancient Egypt. As the adventure moves along, Lenora is confronted by an enemy who wants to stop her and, even worse, wants to destroy knowledge. What can Lenora do to help fight the enemy that is trying to bring darkness?

The journeys are fantastical and the reader learns fun facts along the way. I found the story delightful and think it would be wonderful for the intended audience of middle graders. It might be better enjoyed if read in sections as it is rather busy and fast paced. Still, it is well worth the fun reading experience.

Source: NetGalley 2019. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

#NetGalley Book Review: Nick Newton is Not a Genius by S.E.M Ishida

I enjoyed this Middle Grade story and its charming illustrations.
Nick Newton is Not a Genius
by S.E.M Ishida

File Size: 6244 KB
Print Length: 117 pages
Publisher: BJU Press/JourneyForth (October 16, 2016)
ASIN: B01M4KELXW
Genre: Adventure, Children's, Clockwork, Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Nick Newton is not a Genius. He’s just a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero’s greatest secret. With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

Review:
Nick Newton is a fourth grader who is not a genius like his parents and his older sister. His mother is a genius scientist and his father is a genius artist. His annoying sister, Erma, is a child prodigy with several talents. Nick’s testing reveals he is a normal kid and won’t be able to attend the school for the genius children. This sets his parents on a search for an appropriate alternative school.

Meanwhile, Nick is happy to be working on a project he found in the attic, among his grandfather’s things. His grandfather, for whom Nick is named, was a war hero and famous inventor of weapons. Nick is sure that greandfather developed other things besides war weapons. Nick has found the parts of a clockwork bird and instructions and he is intent on piecing the bird together.

When Nick begins his new school the founder of the school, Mr. Volk, wants Nick’s mechanical bird as a collector’s piece. Nick is cautious of the man especially in light of negative rumors regarding him and his robotic inclinations. Will Nick be safe in the school and can he protect his treasured clockwork bird? Can they unlock the secrets hiding in grandfather’s locked trunk?

This is a fun story with engaging, uncomplicated illustrations. The secondary characters, including his family, the butler and Mr. Volk, have their individual charming, quirks which add interest. The story reads easily and I think middle school students would certainly enjoy this as I did. Nick learns from mistakes and adventures as all normal children should/can. I enjoyed Nick’s discoveries and realizations at the end of the story even though the ending seemed a bit abrupt.

The tag words at Amazon include "Christian" however I did not see any overt religious message. I think perhaps the implications of a mechanical heart may be involved in that tag. I do recommend this especially for students (and adults) who enjoy clockwork or model elements and a little mystery too. I am encouraging my eight-year-old granddaughter to try the story.

Source: NetGalley Selection 2018. The qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge and as a 2018 title for Alphabet Challenge.