Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Bear follows his friend, Goose, on a wild-goose chase in search of treasure.  They dig and they dive.  Will they find what they are looking for?  Treasure by Suzanne Bloom will remind you that sometimes the greatest treasure is right in front of you.  This book is a very quick read…perfect for young kids.

Book Chat: I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
****
"It was an amazing syfy adventure with a love story. It had a decent pace to it, towards the end it's like a nonstop freefall. A good book. Can't wait for the next." -Tommie Brooks

Book Chat: The Raising

The Raising by Laura Kasischke
*****
"A page turner. I didn't want to put it down. Has some interesting twists. I'll look for other books by this author." -Nita Jackson

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Baby and friends are outside in the garden making interesting things for lunch – mud pies, puddle-water soup, dirt dessert and more. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? However they are not making lunch for themselves. Read Feeding Friendsies by Suzanne Bloom and find out who is going to eat these yummy meals.

Have you ever wished you were different than you are? If you have, Oscar Slimeglider in Ordinary Oscar by Laura Adkins knows just how you feel. Oscar is a snail who is tired of being an ordinary snail. Oscar wants to be different…actually Oscar wants to be famous! When the Fairy Godsnail comes to visit Oscar and grants him three wishes, Oscar believes his dream to be famous is finally coming true. Ordinary Oscar is a great reminder to be careful what we wish for.

Mirror Mirror by Marilyn Singer is the perfect book for kids of all ages who love the classic fairy tales. This unique collection of reversible verse, classic fairy tales show there are two sides to every story. Read these poems from top to bottom and then reverse the lines and read from bottom to top to see these well known classics in a whole new light.

Book Chat: Against All Enemies

Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy
*****
"I like Tom Clancy. This is a very plausible story of Taliban working with Mexican and Columbian cartels to do harm to the U.S.A. (It's a big book, but worth the read.)" -Lois Neufeld

Book Chat: One of Our Thursdays is Missing

One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde
*****
"I really like Jasper Fforde's books and this one was no exception. They really make you think with all the references to other books and characters." -Amy Rech

Book Chat: The Man Who Tasted Shapes

The Man Who Tasted Shapes by Richard E. Cytowic
****
"A remarkable book discussing the rare disorder of synesthesia. This lack of seperation between the senses allows people to taste shapes, feel colors, or see sounds. Through his research the author makes the case that consciousness is not rational." -Mark Tolbert

Book Chat: Salvation in Death

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb
****
"One of about 40 books in the 'In Death' series. Well told story where many puzzle pieces fall in place as the investigation procedes - related crimes and people. Even after it is known who did it and why, the story continues for how they get caught." -James Whitfield

Hayley's Children's Book Reviews

Have you ever been nervous about stepping out and trying something new? The young bird in If I Never Forever Endeavor by Holly Meade is safe inside his comfortable nest. He is considering giving his new wings a try. There is a great big, wonderful world to explore but what if he tries and his wings don’t work? We all face situations where we might succeed or we might fail. This book is about the decision to try something new and one possible outcome.

Sandra Markle’s Butterfly Tree is a beautiful story about Jilly and her mom exploring one of the many wonders of nature. One afternoon while playing on the beach Jilly sees something in the distance. At first it looks like black pepper raining in the blue sky. As the black rain comes closer, it turns into an orange cloud and eventually disappears into the nearby woods. Jilly and her mom set out to follow the orange cloud and make an amazing discovery. Check out this book and find out what amazing discovery they make.

Book Chat: The Passage

The Passage by Justin Cronin
***
"Mixed feelings on this book. It is a government project gone wrong - so wrong that it turns half the world into vampires. It is obviously the 1st of twelve books to come. After 800+ pages and to realize the end is 11 books away is devastating!" -Amy Grelinger