This audiobook dramatization is an exquisite rendering of a classic that has delighted readers for generations. Audible did an amazing job on the prodThis audiobook dramatization is an exquisite rendering of a classic that has delighted readers for generations. Audible did an amazing job on the production and brought the world of Avonlea to life with flair. I felt transported to another time and place. From the moment I began to listen, I knew this was special and my expectations were exceeded by a mile.
I’ve often considered this to be one of those stories that is the total package because it appeals to a wide range of ages and depending on where I’ve been in my own life I’ve pulled different items of importance from the narrative. There’s beautiful yet, accessible writing. The story evokes a plethora of emotions from laughter to tears. Anne is a memorable character with her positive attitude, huge heart, vibrant imagination, and vulnerabilities.
I spent hours as a child within Avonlea and what a gift it was to revisit the familiar story in a fresh manner....more
Our family loves the Past and the Curious podcast, so adding this book to our shelves was a no brainer. Being the “Mom” of course, I had to wait for mOur family loves the Past and the Curious podcast, so adding this book to our shelves was a no brainer. Being the “Mom” of course, I had to wait for my turn to read it, but I knew this was one children’s book I was 100% going to read to myself. The underwear based, historically accurate, tales are presented in an easy to read, conversational style, and most importantly a humorous tone. Which makes learning about history fun and inviting for kids and kids at heart. As a parent I’m grateful for those writers out there who present history in fun and engaging ways. As an avid reader, I’m also grateful to grab a quick read like this and learn something new, and be able to discuss events like these with my kids. Five stars- for making history come to life by showing how underwear played a part in many milestones from women’s suffrage to the moon landing. ...more
A winner of the Newberry, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, was recommended to me by many horse loving children. Henry had a way of taking actual horses fromA winner of the Newberry, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, was recommended to me by many horse loving children. Henry had a way of taking actual horses from history and incorporating part fact and part fiction and blending them to the point that the result is historical fiction for children that brings the characters and history to life. The way of life depicted in the 1700’s - 1800’s was interesting to me. She included the War of 1812 and President Monroe which I liked. The heart of this story is of a boy (Joel) and a horse (Little Bub). We see them grow and change throughout the years. There are messages of hope, love, determination, and perseverance which we can all benefit from at any age. If you like horses, history, or stories about underdogs this is one you might enjoy. ...more
I borrowed this from my kid for the Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt “Book Based on a Popular Movie”. It’s a children’s chapter book that is a summarI borrowed this from my kid for the Popsugar Reading Challenge prompt “Book Based on a Popular Movie”. It’s a children’s chapter book that is a summary of the first portion of the movie. It also includes an additional story and color photos. It’s decently written, as long as you don’t open it expecting life changing literature. I could see kids enjoying this for a light easy read. ...more
Written, illustrated, and narrated by Cressida Cowell, Which Way to Anywhere is a magical, adventurous read for the kid in us all.
My children are hugWritten, illustrated, and narrated by Cressida Cowell, Which Way to Anywhere is a magical, adventurous read for the kid in us all.
My children are huge fans of Cowell’s books. We’ve been reading them forever it seems. So many wonderful memories and dynamic conversations regarding the stories over the years. Gathering around with this one was a no-brainer.
“So….come with me if you dare and take the Which Way to ANYWHERE”
There’s interesting family dynamics in the novel as the children are a part of a blended family. The children want to know more about their own magic and the magical system in general. The characters show some struggles on both fronts.
K2 and Izzabird are twins, they keep their family’s magic a secret from their step siblings, Theo and Mabel, but when their baby sister Annipeck is kidnapped all bets are off.
“What if the fantasy worlds you imagine the maps you draw and redraw the land that you shape with forests and hills, the islands the seas, what if they are REAL?”
The narrative is well balanced with more intense moments interspersed with lighter elements for younger readers. There’s plenty of wit, imagination, and whimsical illustrations.
I wish I could’ve gotten to know the characters better. I throughly enjoyed the book, but still felt like I didn’t know them all that well. There’s a sequel..so maybe next time?
This was the first time I had ever heard Cowell narrate and she did a fabulous job. The entire family loved this one.
Often when a favorite series produces a spinoff series, I have mixed feelings, on the one hand there’s a palpable excitement that, yes, I get to dive Often when a favorite series produces a spinoff series, I have mixed feelings, on the one hand there’s a palpable excitement that, yes, I get to dive back into this world again, but on the other there’s apprehension. The feeling of what if the magic “it” factor that I loved in previous books becomes watered down or worse yet, gone. Firestar isn’t the narrator any longer and I had to kind of hold my breath to see what I thought…. Ok, this is ok. A lot of new characters to meet, with familiar cats taking more of a supporting role. Ok, I’m ok with that. The spirit of the original series feels solid and intact. Better than ok, this is good. The only aspect I didn’t love was that not a lot happens in the story. It’s an introduction to a host of new characters and it lays some groundwork for what I assume is the future storyline. I’m ok with that, I can’t imagine how difficult writing a spin off to such a popular well loved series is. The narrator on the audiobook version is outstanding. I read this along with my kids who kept saying one more chapter…one more chapter. Glad we jumped into this spinoff with all four paws. ...more
Currently a freebie on Audible, The Secret Treasure, is a children’s story geared towards Minecraft fans. It’s just ok as a story goes. I don’t see i Currently a freebie on Audible, The Secret Treasure, is a children’s story geared towards Minecraft fans. It’s just ok as a story goes. I don’t see it making any kind of lasting impression. However, that’s not always the point in reading or listening to books. Sometimes the point is just a little escape from reality or a fun way to pass the time on a car ride. On those points, The Secret Treasure, fits the bill. ...more
I began reading this series alongside my children and found myself just as enamored by it as they were. Fantastic characters, tons of action, and eno I began reading this series alongside my children and found myself just as enamored by it as they were. Fantastic characters, tons of action, and enough humor to make this a favorite series. This being the final book in the original series (there are some spinoffs) we see a lot of loose ends being tied up and a serious brawl over control of the forest. I can’t recommend this entire series enough for children and adults alike. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I’m glad I gave this series a chance. ...more
A strong addition to the series, Hollowpox, is a great continuation of Morrigan Crow’s story. Fantastic characters, lots of twists, and enough humor tA strong addition to the series, Hollowpox, is a great continuation of Morrigan Crow’s story. Fantastic characters, lots of twists, and enough humor to keep readers engaged. Highly recommend for kids and adults alike. ...more
The Warrior series is comprised of the kind of novels that make life long readers of children. Forest of Secrets is an exceptional addition to the se The Warrior series is comprised of the kind of novels that make life long readers of children. Forest of Secrets is an exceptional addition to the series. It’s full of twists and turns with tons of action along the way. Highly recommend these for middle grade through adult. The audiobook version is excellent as well. ...more
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