Review: 'Charlie Bumpers Vs the Squeaking Skull' by Bill Harley

Charlie Bumpers Vs the Squeaking Skull by Bill Harley, Illustrated by Adam Gustavson, 2014, Peachtree, $13.95, hardbound, 176 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: appropriately spooky. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Halloween is fast approaching, and Charlie Bumpers and his best friend, Tommy Kasten, don't want to take their little sisters Trick-or-Treating. Fortunately for them, school mate Alex McLeoud asks them to come to his house for a Halloween sleep-over to go Trick-or-Treating and watch scary movies.  

Unfortunately for Charlie, he doesn't do well with scary movies. But rather than admit this to his friends, he allows his older brother, Matt, to experiment on him with a 'de-scaring' technique. 

On the school front, there's going to be a Halloween costume contest Charlie desperately wants to win. But he has no idea what to go as this Halloween. 

Filled with humour and realistic situations and problems, this book is sure to please any kid between the ages of seven and 10 -- and probably some who fall outside that range, as well. 

If you like this one, try: Charlie Bumpers Vs the Teacher of the Year, by Bill Harley; and Charlie Bumpers Vs the Really Nice Gnome, by Bill Harley. 

Don't forget the other stops on the tour!

Friday: The Late Bloomer's Book Blog .

Review: 'Stanley's Garage' by William Bee

Stanley's Garage by William Bee, 2014, Peachtree, $14.95, hardbound, 26 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: great. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Another installment in the Stanley series, this one takes a look at Stanley the hamster's garage. Stanley busies himself helping his friends with their various car issues, from filling up the tank to changing a flat tyre to radiator problems. 

The artwork is clear and colourful, not to mention pleasing to the eye, and the text is simple and straightforward. Kids will love seeing all the different characters in their interesting cars, and will even learn a little bit about vehicle maintenance. The story also teaches about colours.

If you like this one, try: Stanley's Diner, by William Bee; and Stanley the Farmer, by William Bee. 

Review: 'Stanley the Builder' by William Bee

Stanley the Builder by William Bee, 2014, Peachtree, $14.95, hardbound, 26 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: neat. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


This neat little book will engage younger readers who need simple language and a mild introduction to colour.

In this tale, Myrtle the mouse asks Stanley the hamster to build her a new house on the plot of land she's just bought. With the help of Charlie (another mouse), Stanley clears the land, builds the house, and makes the home beautiful for his friend Myrtle. 

At the beginning of the book are a couple of pages filled with pictures of colourful tools. Kids who love tools and building will love this book and Stanley. 

If you like this one, try: Stanley's Garage, by William Bee. 

Don't forget the other stops on the tour:
Kiss the Book

And tomorrow:
The Fourth Musketeer

Review: 'Calico's Curious Kittens' by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Calico's Curious Kittens by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes, 2003, Charlesbridge, $1.99, softbound, 31 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: very good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble. 


Calico's seven rambunctious kittens are very curious. When it's time for them to take a nap, they hide in drawers and in bags, and get in the flour. Then they bring the curtains down, then sneak outside, where they get into still more mischief.

The text is simple and alluring, and the artwork is well done. Each of the kittens has a name, and it's fun to read about their many antics. 

Written for ages 5-8.

If you like this one, try: Counting on Calico, by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes. 

Review: 'The Cake Thief' by Sally O Lee

The Cake Thief by Sally O Lee,  2008, BookSurge, $8.99 softbound, 34 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: colourful. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble. 

Clarence is a cake thief. He steals a cake every morning -- big cakes, little cakes, tall cakes, short cakes. Any kind of cake. 

Then one day, instead of a cake, Clarence finds an invitation to a party. The only requirement is that he bring a cake. But Clarence doesn't know how to bake a cake. 

With help from his cat, Evelyn, Clarence embarks on the adventure of baking a cake for the first time, and learns about friendship. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?    

Review: 'The Willies' by Ethan Crownberry

The Willies by Ethan Crownberry, 2007, Lulu.com, $8.06, softbound, 80 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: good. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Told in rhyme, this book is the result of the author's own experience with 'the willlies,' that feeling you get when you're scared without any real reason to be. In this book, the willies are real creatures determined to scare you. 

The story takes place on Halloween night, when a 12-year-old boy is walking home by himself. The artwork, all black-and-white, is smooth and attractive, and the rhymes are often clever, although the book is rather long. 

One nit to pick: the author uses the word 'passed' when he means 'past.' 

An unusual and interesting book. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Review: 'Gallery Ghost' by Anna Nilsen

Gallery Ghost: Find the Ghost Who Paints the Most! by Anna Nilsen, 2008, Birdcage Press, $17.95, hardbound, 40 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.  


Written to help children develop an interest in the arts, Gallery Ghost is a mystery of sorts. The narrator, Sarah, works at night to clean a haunted art gallery, and wants the readers' help. She's playing a game with the ghosts of the artists: the artists put details of their own paintings onto the paintings of other artists. The goal is to figure out which ghost made the most changes.

There are a lot of artists represented -- 24, in fact, and their names and a brief description are given. 

There's a score sheet included, and a magnifying glass to help the reader find the clues. The answers are at the back of the book. It's a pretty clever idea. 

Written for up to age seven. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?

Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Horse Book Reviews.

Review: 'Wind Dancer' by Chris Platt

Wind Dancer by Chris Platt, 2014, Peachtree, $15.95, hardbound, 126 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: brilliant. A handsome face, indeed! Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This is a touching story about a girl who lost her horse and a young man who lost his leg in a war he can't forget.

Ali McCormick, 13, has decided not to love horses anymore; it hurts too much after losing her precious Max. But she can't decide not to love her brother, who she also feels she's lost after he came home from Afghanistan damaged. 

But Ali's best friend, Cara, won't let her forget how special horses are, and neither will Ali's parents, who soon bring home a pair of neglected horses for Ali to tend. 

You'll have to read the book to find out if Wind Dancer, one of the horses in question, can save the people who are trying to save him. 

For middle readers. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Sally’s Bookshelf.

Also, go to http://peachtree-online.com/index.php/book/wind-dancer.html to get information on author Chris Platt. 

Review: 'Claude at the Beach' by Alex T Smith

Claude at the Beach by Alex T Smith, 2014, Peachtree, $12.95, hardbound, 96 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: appropriate. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


Another in the humourous 'Claude' series, this one has Claude and his companion, Sir Bobblysock, going to the beach for a vacation.

Fans of the previous installments will thoroughly enjoy Claude and Sir Bobblysock's antics as they find out what a visit to the beach is all about, from sunbathing to sharks to pirates. 

Written for grades 2-4.  

If you like this one, try: Claude in the City, by Alex T Smith; Claude at the Circus, by Alex T Smith. 

Review: 'Bat Loves the Night' by Nicola Davies

Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Sarah Fox-Davies, 2001, Candlewick Press, $ 8.99, softbound, 29 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: brilliant. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This beautifully descriptive book follows Bat as she flies through the night searching for food and returns to her young one in the morning. The watercolour and pencil illustrations are masterfully done and capture Bat and her surroundings with precision and love. 

At the front of the book are line drawings of seven different types of bats (Bat, a pipistrelle, makes eight). Along the way, bat facts are inserted beside the main text. 

'Thistledown fur,' 'pixie ears,' velvet scrap,' and 'coat-hanger feet' are some of the vivid descriptions you'll find in this book.  

Alan Marriott reads the CD which accompanies the 'Read, Listen, and Wonder' version. 

For ages 5-8. 

If you like this one, try: Little Lost Bat, by Sandra Markle; The Moonflower, by H Peter Loewer. 

Review: 'Rules Are Rules' by Julie Scandora

Rules Are Rules by Julie Scandora, 2008, Book Publishers Network, $17.95, hardbound, 32 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: very good. Where we got it: author. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble.  


This story is about a little girl named Maya who is expected to give her aunt a kiss, but doesn't feel comfortable doing so. Angry, she goes to 'her' forest, where she is able to think more clearly. 

Maya also tells her troubles to a trusted neighbour, elderly Mrs Morales, who lives alone except for her cat. Mrs Morales helps Maya think through her problem, and come to a conclusion as to what to do about it. 

A well told and thoughtful tale which guides children to listen to their intuition, find comfort in nature, share their problems with a caring adult, and to know they deserve respect. And adults could learn a thing or two from it, as well. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?

Review: 'A Visitor for Bear' by Bonny Becker

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker, Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, 2008, Candlewick Press, $16.99, hardbound, 52 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: excellent. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


This is a very charming story about a bear who doesn't like visitors, and a mouse who refuses to take no for an answer.

Bear has a large sign on his door confirming that he doesn't like visitors. In spite of this, a mouse knocks on the door, turns up in the oddest places, and in general makes quite a nuisance of himself whilst Bear tries (unsuccessfully) to have a single cup of tea and breakfast for one. 

The mouse's antics, coupled with Bear's humourous reactions, make this book one both adults and children will enjoy reading over and over again. 

For ages 2-5. 

If you like this one, try: A Birthday for Bear, by Bonny Becker.    

Review: 'Santa's Eleven Months Off' by Mike Reiss

Santa's Eleven Months Off by Mike Reiss, Illustrated by Michael G Montgomery, 2007, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 24 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million. 


Apparently, Santa Claus and his elves have a lot of free time. At least, that's the idea in this book, which explores the many funny ways Santa spends his time when he's not working on making toys. 

Told in rhyme and accompanied by equally humourous pictures, Reiss' book shows Santa incognito, at the Summer Reindeer Games, sumo wrestling, and photographing documents for the government as a super-spy, among other things. Always with him are Rudolph and a smiling, unnamed elf.

If you like this one, try: The Santa Trap, by Jonathan Emmett.

Review: 'Chestnut' by Constance W. McGeorge

Chestnut, by Constance W. McGeorge, Illustrated by Mary Whyte, 2004, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 30 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: very nice. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


Chestnut is a horse who lives in a city by the sea. Every day he and Mr Decker (along with an unnamed cat) make deliveries about town. 

One day, the mayor and his daughter, Jenny, stop by Mr Decker's to see if he and Chestnut will be able to make all their deliveries in time for Jenny's birthday party. Mr Decker assures them they will -- but on that special day, Mr Decker falls asleep before setting out on the delivery run, and he won't wake up to make the deliveries. 

You will have to read the book to find out how Chestnut saves the day; be sure to keep an eye on the ever-present cat whilst you're reading. The prose is simple and straightforward, and the watercolour paintings of Whyte's hometown of Charleston, SC are realistic and beautiful. This is a pleasant tale, quietly told. 

For ages four and up.

If you like this one, try: McGeorge and Whyte have collaborated before, and readers who enjoy Chestnut would probably enjoy the Boomer books, which were inspired by Whyte's golden retriever.  

Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour!

Contest on Peachtree's blog (www.peachtreepub.blogspot.com).

Review: 'You've Got Dragons' by Kathryn Cave

You've got Dragons, by Kathryn Cave, Illustrated by Kick Maland, 2003, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 29 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: cool. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


The dragons in this book aren't really dragons, they're problems, and everyone gets them sometimes. Ignoring them won't make them go away. And sometimes, when you think the dragon isn't there anymore . . . it still is. 

Dragons are big, and they make you make silly mistakes. Dragons make everything complicated. And if you tell anyone about them, they might think you're weird. 

But there are some things you can do when you have dragons, and this book tells you what. 

This is a very clever, creative story that can get kids and parents talking. Plus the dragons look cool. 

For ages five and up. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour!

Good Reads with Ronna! (www.goodreadswithronna.com).
   

Review: 'Claude at the Circus' by Alex T. Smith

Claude at the Circus, by Alex T. Smith, 2012, Peachtree, $12.95, softbound, 94 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: fitting. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


This adventure has Claude (who wears a beret and a rather fetching sweater) and Mr Bobblysocks (who is both a sock and quite bobbly) heading to the park for the afternoon. While there, they get caught up with a group of joggers, fall asleep where they oughtn't, and get ice cream; and then they're invited to the circus!

At the circus (as at the park), Claude tries only to do what is right and to help people. It isn't his fault that things go wrong. When things go wrong this time, it's Claude and Mr Bobblysocks to the rescue, filling in for the circus folk. They get to act like clowns, walk the high wire, and even do a trapeze act, all before hurrying home before Mr and Mrs Shinyshoes return. 

Wacky and fun-filled, this book has lots of artwork and heroes you can root for. 

If you like this one, try: Claude in the City, by Alex T. Smith. 

Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour!

There's a Book (www.theresabook.com).

Note: Alex T. Smith is on twitter: https://twitter.com/Alex_T_Smith

And Claude has his own blog too! http://claudebooks.blogspot.com/

Review: 'When Edgar Met Cecil' by Kevin Luthardt

When Edgar Met Cecil, by Kevin Luthardt, 2013, Peachtree, $15.95, hardbound, 30 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: good. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


This book takes the old problem of moving to a new school and new town and puts it in a fresh perspective. Edgar is a robot, living his happy robot life with his robot best friend, Quincy. 

Then one day Edgar's parents tell him they're moving. Edgar is devastated; he'll miss Quincy. When he gets to his new home, things don't improve. Everything is strange. Instead of robots, there are aliens, and all of them are weird -- but none of them is weirder than Cecil, the big kid who keeps staring at Edgar. 

Edgar plays by himself, unwilling to interact with the other kids, until Cecil approaches him. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens next -- but it's a happy ending. 

The artwork is interesting and colourful, and kids will get a kick out of all the different robots and aliens. It's also fun to see Cecil peering at Edgar every chance he gets. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?

Review: 'The King of Little Things' by Bil Lepp

The King of Little Things by Bil Lepp, Illustrated by David T. Wenzel, 2013, Peachtree, $16.95, hardbound, 31 pages. Category/Genre: faery tale. Cover: interesting. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


In his land on the far side of a mountain lived the King of Little Things. He was the only king who was satisfied with what he had. Other kings -- big kings -- wanted more. Worst of all was King Normous, who wanted all. 

One day, when King Normous had all but the land of the King of Little Things, he decided to get that, too. And that's where things got interesting. 

Once you read this book, you'll realise just how much power little things have. Because little things don't just exist to serve big things; they can do things all on their own. There's also a little (pun intended) game to play at the end, in which the reader may try and find all the little things pictured in the back and front flaps of the book. 

A whimsical tale about the might of the small. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions?

Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour!

Sally's Bookshelf (www.sallysbookshelf.blogspot.com).

Review: 'Charlie Bumpers Vs. the Teacher of the Year' by Bill Harley

Charlie Bumpers Vs. the Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley, Illustrated by Adam Gustavson, 2013, Peachtree, $13.95, hardbound, 138 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: terrific except it looks like his foot is backwards . . . Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


Charlie Bumpers did a terrible thing to a teacher: he hit her in the head with his sneaker. It wasn't on purpose. But the teacher told the principal and threatened Charlie with no more recess for the rest of his life should she ever catch him throwing shoes in school again.

And now Charlie has that teacher for fourth grade. 

His mother is ecstatic because Mrs. Burke was the Teacher of the Year last year. Charlie's older brother, Matt, thinks it's funny (he knows about the sneaker). And no-one but Charlie's best friend, Tommy, seems to understand. 

Not only does Mrs. Burke hate Charlie, she's also a neat freak, and Charlie, well . . . isn't. He doesn't know how he'll last in Mrs. Burke's class for a whole year. And to make matters worse, Mrs. Burke assigns everyone's seats, and Charlie has to sit right in front of Miss Smarty Pants herself, Samantha Grunsky. 

There's a new kid in class, too, Hector from Chile, and no-one pays him any mind. Charlie feels bad for him, so he befriends Hector and tries his best to include him in group activities. 

Charlie also tries, really tries, to buckle down and make nice with Mrs. Burke. But things -- as they always seem to do when Charlie is involved -- keep going wrong. 

Kids will relate strongly to the well-meaning but trouble-bound Charlie. All the characters in this book are extremely realistic, and the pen-and-ink drawings will make kids stop reading for a moment just to admire the pages. There's plenty of humour, and everything that happens in this book is written in a way that makes you think it could actually happen. 

Written for ages seven to ten.

If you like this one, try: the upcoming Charlie Bumpers Vs. the Really Nice Gnome, by Bill Harley. 

You may also want to check out the author's blog at:
http://charliebumpers.wordpress.com/.

There's a trailer for 'Charlie Bumpers Vs. the Teacher of the Year' at:

http://www.billharley.com/charliebumpers1.htm.

And you can read a chapter and listen to the song Bill Harley wrote for the book here:
www.charliebumpers.com.

Don't forget to check out the other sites on the tour!
Gidget's Bookworms.

Review: 'Lion Vs Rabbit' by Alex Latimer

Lion Vs Rabbit by Alex Latimer, 2013, Peachtree, $15.95, hardbound, 30 pages. Category/Genre: mainstream. Cover: intriguing. Where we got it: publisher. Where you can get it: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million.


Lion Vs Rabbit is about the animals who are relentlessly bullied by Lion and how they finally get him to treat them nicely.

The animals are all tired of Lion's bullying; he gives them wedgies, pins silly notes to their backs, and steals their lunch monkeys. But none of the animals is brave enough to stand up to Lion and make him stop. So they hire outside help.

Many animals answer the ad for help: a bear, a moose, and a tiger; but none of them wins against Lion. Then one more animal shows up: a rabbit. In contest after contest, Rabbit wins against Lion. Finally Lion must admit defeat: never again will he bully the animals. 

Clues are given in the artwork as to how Rabbit outsmarts Lion. Readers of around age five or over should be able to start picking out the clues. They will also appreciate the book's humour and colourful cartoonish drawings. 

One of the bits we found particularly witty was the stat cards for Rabbit and Lion, given at the beginning of the book. Here we find out how the two animals rate against each other in terms of size, meanness, and brains. 

The sheer cleverness of this book will make kids want to read it again and again. 

If you like this one, try: Suggestions? 

Don't forget to visit the other stops on the tour!

Kid Lit Reviews: www.kid-lit-reviews.com

There's a Book: www.theresabook.com

Blue Owl Reviews: www.blueowlreviews.blogspot.com