Bon Appétit! – book review

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Bon Appétit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child by Jessie Hartland Biography Juvenile Nonfiction Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Julia Child and her husband spent many years living abroad in France and other places, traveling when necessary to accommodate Paul’s employer.  While they were living in France, Julia took cooking classes and met two other women – Simca and Louisette – who were trying to create a book of French recipes for … Read more

Homer (Cooper) – book review

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Homer by Elisha Cooper Picture book * * * * Stars (Great!) Homer is an older, laid-back family dog (he looks to be a golden retriever or yellow lab). He spends a day on the porch while the other members of his family (other dogs and people, too) come and go about their business. Everyone checks in with him – inviting him along on their adventures and activities – but Homer is happy where he … Read more

Robin Where Are You? – book review

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Robin Where Are You? by Harriet Ziefert illustrations by Noah Woods Picture Book In this picture book, a birdwatcher grandpa and his beginning birdwatcher granddaughter go birding together. Grandpa explains how to use binoculars to spot birds and helps his granddaughter find and identify the different species they encounter. Cleverly constructed foldouts allow readers to peer into trees, bushes, and brushy areas and discover the birds as the characters do. Descriptions of the birds, their … Read more

Raining Cats and Detectives – book review

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Raining Cats and Detectives Guinea PIG #5 by Colleen AF Venable illustrated by Stephanie Yue Funny Mystery Graphic Novel * * * * Stars (Great!) Sasspants and Hamisher have finally committed to being “real” detectives – by getting a desk and a cup of pens – when Viola’s (Mr. Venezi’s newest employee) efforts to sell pets (it is, after all, a pet store!) begin to pay off. Sasspants is adopted by the perfect owner – … Read more

Anna Dressed in Blood – book review

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Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake Audio edition Horror Supernatural Suspense Thriller * * * * Stars (Great!) Cas is a professional teenage ghost hunter. He uses his father’s athame (specially blessed – or possibly cursed – knife) to send harmful, destructive, dangerous spirits to their eternal rest. His father was killed several years ago, and while Cas is following in his footsteps, he’s also amassing the knowledge, experience, and power he will need … Read more