Another great historical biography by Demi. She tells a great story of Joan of Arc. At the center of it, is Joan's faith. She is on a holy mission. ThAnother great historical biography by Demi. She tells a great story of Joan of Arc. At the center of it, is Joan's faith. She is on a holy mission. The problem comes when she loses her faith for a time. Things go wrong then.
What's so interesting is that people want to put this coward on the throne. Charles VII didn't want the throne. Over and over again, he just wouldn't take it. Joan risked her life to get this turkey on the throne. He was a very weak ruler.
In 1920, the Catholic church finally sainted Joan of Arc. My one question is does God really care who is on the throne. Why wouldn't God have cared if the English took the throne. I guess I'll never know.
The artwork is very medieval beautiful artwork. It's pure Demi. She has a gift with her brush. She doesn't always give a ground for people to stand on and so much of the time people float around in her paintings. It's just her style....more
Another fine book in the Over and Under series. Who knew so much was happening under the snow. I wonder if there are places still where the snow last Another fine book in the Over and Under series. Who knew so much was happening under the snow. I wonder if there are places still where the snow last all winter. I think they are far fewer.
The prose is lovely and the animals are cute. There is a list of each animal at the end to read a bit about.
A very cute book about Winter. I wish we had that sort of snow here now. At least we got one snow this year. Better than the last three....more
First fun fact. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written by Mozart when he was only 4 years old. I love a song a 4 year old wrote over 200 years ago isFirst fun fact. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written by Mozart when he was only 4 years old. I love a song a 4 year old wrote over 200 years ago is still on everyone's minds. I saw a Chinese Drama where the lead girl leads a group of townsfolk with the song, so it's the world over.
I got this book because I love Jerry Pinkney's work. I love his take on classic fairytales. The artwork was lovely. The story is about a squirrel dreaming away at night. I just didn't catch his vibe here.
I saw some reviews saying this was a graphic novel, but the story I got was only a short story, no pictures. It would be an okay graphic novel. It seeI saw some reviews saying this was a graphic novel, but the story I got was only a short story, no pictures. It would be an okay graphic novel. It seems they are selling this chapter by chapter and I don't know if that's how I want to consume this. I might go on.
I'm not sure sure how I like the world building. The world feels harsh and the characters, while being fully realized don't seem to be characters you are supposed to like. I thought Maelstrom was a cool character but the main character, Demetri, is not likable. I don't know if I want to put up with him.
I do believe this is a Japanese story in English. I don't know that I like the set-up of this story. I'll have to decide if I'm going to go on later. ...more
What do you know, Stephen King mentions my childhood hometown. The reverend who is in the story is from Jonesboro Arkansas. I wouldn’t think that littWhat do you know, Stephen King mentions my childhood hometown. The reverend who is in the story is from Jonesboro Arkansas. I wouldn’t think that little place would show up in a story. Anyway.
This was a great story, one of the best in the Bazaar of Bad Dreams. We meet an old rich white man who had an accident and is in constant pain. He is being taken care of my his nurse, Kat. There are a few more people in the room, one of them being the reverend who is here to heal the old man. Kat is against it and knows this man is a charlatan and wants the old man to do the hard work of physical therapy instead of looking for shortcuts.
The piece gets good from here and this is a supernatural story. It’s one of my favorite of the collection. The ending has a creepy factor....more
Reading the intro by King, I understand that the reader is supposed to know what happens from the beginning. We are waiting for the conclusion. It’s sReading the intro by King, I understand that the reader is supposed to know what happens from the beginning. We are waiting for the conclusion. It’s so; very quickly, the reader understands what is going on. The clues are good and as the story goes on, more clues are given so anyone should be able to pick up on what is coming.
We meet a husband and wife and we spend the day with the husband at his work. I was entertained by this story. It’s one of the rare stories King knew the ending first, which isn’t how he normally writes.
I was very entertained by this story from Bazaar of Bad Dreams. I find it's a story showing the power of denial in life. I am constantly amazed by how powerful our denial can be and how easy we can lie to ourselves....more
This is a strange little story. King’s set-up for the story helps it make more sense. He saw an article about a crash and car full of dead people in tThis is a strange little story. King’s set-up for the story helps it make more sense. He saw an article about a crash and car full of dead people in the car and they couldn’t figure out how it happened. So, King wrote his own story with that set-up about what was going on in the car.
2 friends are taking a road trip up north in a van with their combined 7 kids. At a rest area, there is an elder couple of poets on their way to give a talk. The part I enjoyed most was the part with the poets. They would make an interesting story on their own, I think.
It's a decent story, nothing supernatural in it. In the middle of the Bazaar of Bad Dreams bunch. ...more
I'm reading through Bazaar of Bad Dreams and this was the first story on the first day for Spooky Season.
Wow! This felt like the best of King. I simpI'm reading through Bazaar of Bad Dreams and this was the first story on the first day for Spooky Season.
Wow! This felt like the best of King. I simply loved this story. It was so well told and his writing is so good here. I loved the character Pete. Pete finds the high school kids hang out spot. It seems like this is all his story, but Pete simply brings us to where the action is and then the story takes a turn. The monster shows up.
We have seen monster cars before, but nothing like this car. I thought this story was delightful and if the rest of the collection is like this, I'm going to love reading these stories. Delightful. I was creeped out. I think it might be easier to creep me out at my age now than when I was young, but I'm okay with that. This story worked for me.
I put the book down and I remember feeling just how wonderful a really great King story can be. There was plenty of danger in this book and the best trope is when adults don't listen or believe what kids are telling them. ...more
This is an indepth look at germs and disease in a fun way kids can get into. Richard uses rats, fleas, mosquitos and other disease spreaders to be theThis is an indepth look at germs and disease in a fun way kids can get into. Richard uses rats, fleas, mosquitos and other disease spreaders to be the silly scientist characters in the book. They are simply eye candy. Make no mistake, this is a factual look at bacteria, viruses and disease and the history of humanity living with them.
This goes into Bubonic plague, Leprosy, smallpox, cholera, malaria, TB, etc. All the major killers throughout our history. I will admit to being so oblivious to all these things growing up in a country with vaccines and people being healthy. 1 in 5 children didn't die from some terrible disease. Covid-19 sure has changed my outlook. This book is talking about all that and it's easy to see how it's saying something like Covid could happen in the future.
There were some disturbing things too. There is a new strain of TB in Africa that antibiotics won't treat and in 2011 when this was written, they were worried about this spreading and it could be a real killer. I mean, I certainly don't want something else to come along. I admit to taking health for granted and the fact that people are disease free. Now, I worry a bit about these plagues and what might be coming next.
The one thing this didn't go into is how Global climate change is a factor in the spread of disease and scientist now say that these plagues will be more common in the future if the climate continues to warm.
It's a great book for kids who are interested in science how the world works. It can also be a bit scary. It's not a beginning book and this would be a powerful book right now during COVID. They keep the facts coming and the artwork silly. There isn't a story, this is about the diseases. I knew a lot and I still learned something from this book. ...more
Fascinating story. Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901 and she lived. The story is rather interestingFascinating story. Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901 and she lived. The story is rather interesting. Who was Annie?
She was a elderly woman in her 60s who taught at a Charm School in Bay City MI. Her clients had dried up and she had no retirement, so she was looking for a way to make some money. Eventually, she decided on going over the Falls in a barrel to make money. Isn't that strange. She was an innovative woman at that. She designed and made her own barrel and found a publicist to drum up curiosity. She did tell the world she was in her 40s so when people actually saw her, they didn't believe it was her that went over.
She went over the falls alright, but she wasn't able to turn that into the money she had hoped. People would see her and they lost interest when they saw a grandma saying she went over the falls. How sad, right. Since there there have been 8 other people to do the same thing, the last as late as 1995. I simply can't imagine why you would want to do something like that.
The artwork is amazing and beautiful. It is beyond stunning here. I can't believe how talented Chris is.
Nephew was amazed by this longish book. He said, it would be like his Yaya going over the falls and he couldn't believe that. He thought it would be a fun ride. Sure it would(sarcasm). He gave this historical work 4 stars. Hey, that's amazing. ...more
The Highway Rat is a baddie. He sits on the highway or the road through the mountains and he robs the people of all their food, even if he doesn’t likThe Highway Rat is a baddie. He sits on the highway or the road through the mountains and he robs the people of all their food, even if he doesn’t like it. Even the leaves the ants are carrying, the Highway Rat takes it all. He’s so bad that he steals his own horses hay.
A duck is on the road with no food and so the Highway Rat is going to eat the duck, but the duck finds a smart way to outsmart the Rat. It’s a lovely ending. The rat is taught a lesson.
The artwork is colorful and fun. The rat looks a little like Zorro, but he is a baddie for certain. I love Julia Donaldson’s work. She works with Axel as illustrator and they make an excellent team.
The nephew had fun reading this. He wanted the rat to win, the scoundrel. He thought this was a fine book, but it could have used a monster at the end to make it better in his opinion. He was glad a book finally had some action. He gave this 4 stars. ...more
This was so well done. A girl is looking at this book in the library about the coral reefs. As she is reading it, her imagination takes over and all tThis was so well done. A girl is looking at this book in the library about the coral reefs. As she is reading it, her imagination takes over and all these facts about the ocean begin to appear and the room fills with water and she and her book are swimming all over the ocean. We learn about fish cities, the coral reefs and how they house most of the life in the ocean. This book is packed with facts and we see how it all looks in the head of the girl.
I like that when she is done, she is wet on the steps of the library and all the kids want to read the book for the experience. It’s a wonderful blend of whimsy and how coral reefs work. It’s a great way to tell a serious story.
The nephew was even interested in this story. He thought it would be cool if the library filled with water like that. I said it would ruin all the books and he looked at me and said it’s all pretend, silly. He would like to go scuba diving someday. He gave this 4 stars. He thought the sharks were a bit scary. ...more
The story moves along in this 16th volume. We start seeing Bufkin who is stuck in the study at the old Fabletown find a way to get out. I will miss FrThe story moves along in this 16th volume. We start seeing Bufkin who is stuck in the study at the old Fabletown find a way to get out. I will miss Frank and the mirror. That was some funny stuff. We meet Jack Pumpkinhead in a far off place of Oz. I love that this is now part of Fables. I have been wanting to see more Oz characters.
Fabletown is putting together a Super Team with all their best fighters to try and take down Mr. Dark. They come up with superhero costumes and everything. It's pretty great. Ozma embraces it and dresses the part. I'm ready to see more of Ozma and what she can do. Who is she? and what makes her tick?
The North Wind finds that he has to kill his own grandson according to his own laws he laid down. He takes one for the team and then he engages Mr. Dark and finds a way to defeat him and save his grandson. it seems overly simplistic, but it could work and I'm okay with that.
The last issue, we finally go back to see Sleeping Beauty who pricked her finger and put 9 million people to sleep. There is an emperor trying to wake her up again and now she is back in the story. I'm assuming that will be the next volume.
This issue wasn't as grand and epic as the past handful have been, but it was a good story and a transition story. I can't wait to see what Bill Willingham does next.
I Love this Series. They just keep getting better and better. So much happens in this long volume.
We start out getting a whole issue on Snow and RoseI Love this Series. They just keep getting better and better. So much happens in this long volume.
We start out getting a whole issue on Snow and Rose's past and we see how much Rose loathed Snow White. We see their childhood and how spoiled Rose was. Next, we are back at the farm and Rose Red finally gets back to the living world. It's nice how that happens.
The best part of the book is seeing Totenkinder duel with the Dark Man. It is epic and she is a real bad ass. She thinks about things from all sorts of angles and... well just read it for yourself. This is some great writing. We are left wanting more and more and more. I think they can't keep this going, but the characters stay true to their stories and the actions are believable. The story evolves in a rational way. I can't wait for the next one.
I say this with each review. Amazon needs to bring this to the scene. It could be 7-8 seasons easy and so good.
If you like Fantasy & graphic novels, then you need to be reading Fables. ...more
Tommy is back for another volume. We are learning more of this world and how it works. Tommy is beginning to comprehend that he is more than just a noTommy is back for another volume. We are learning more of this world and how it works. Tommy is beginning to comprehend that he is more than just a normal human and maybe he is more his dad's character in this story. Lizzie has some surprising back story in the book as well.
There is one issue in this volume that is told like a choose your own adventure book and I did not care for that issue. It was tiring to read and a waste of time. Only my opinion.
I do wonder when Tommy is going to come into his power. He is afraid of who he is still.
This horror story is about Vampires and Zombies. I enjoyed myself reading this story. It entertained.
Lord Baltimore has survived a plague that is wipiThis horror story is about Vampires and Zombies. I enjoyed myself reading this story. It entertained.
Lord Baltimore has survived a plague that is wiping out humanity caused by a vampire that almost took his life. The plague victims can come back as zombies and kill more people. We don't yet know what is bring to life the dead and what controls them. Lord Baltimore is hunting down the vampire.
He fought in WWI in the trenches. That's all the backstory we know. We start the story of by him finding shelter in an old woman's home and she is a fortune teller. Her daughter runs off with Lord Baltimore.
The horror is good and no graphic or extra bloody. There are plenty of wacking off heads and stuff, but it's not overly gross.
It looks like Strega Nona is a series and this is the Christmas story. In Italy, they must celebrate quite a few days to make up the Christmas season It looks like Strega Nona is a series and this is the Christmas story. In Italy, they must celebrate quite a few days to make up the Christmas season and this is about the whole Christmas season.
There is Sant Nicolas Day on Dec. 6th. Next is Feast of Saint Lucia on Dec. 13th. Followed by Christmas Eve on the 24th and they don’t eat during the day. Christmas is Dec 25th. Next is the Feast of Saint Silvester for good luck. New Years day is Jan. 1st. Last is the Eve of Epiphany on Jan. 5th and this is the night that animals can talk so the people make sure to give them good food so they say good things about them.
Big Anthony is supposed to put out the goat food and it looks so good that he eats it and gives the goat straw. In retaliation, the goat eats Big Anthony’s blanket. Well, on the day of Epiphany, Jan. 6th, Big Anthony makes up with the goat and they call a truce.
I didn’t think this was the best Christmas story, but it’s different and interesting. It is just not the same fun as the original. The kids did laugh at Big Anthony again. The nephew liked when the goat ate the blanket. He gave this 3 stars. The niece didn’t think this was very Christmasy. She did laugh at the goat too. She didn’t like it as much and she gave this 2 stars. ...more
I know a little of Diego Rivera from the things I learned about Frida. They were married and this book mentions nothing about that famous marriage. ItI know a little of Diego Rivera from the things I learned about Frida. They were married and this book mentions nothing about that famous marriage. It’s a children’s book and it glosses over most of who Diego was as a person and focuses on his artwork - which is probably best. It is interesting how he blended classical painting, cubism and ancient aztec/mayan art together and painted his country. It makes for a unique view. I enjoy that. This book is simple, he went to study art and then he was asked to paint murals all over the country in Mexico and he did. The end.
I do have an issue with the artist and I can’t figure out way every single person has their mouth open the same way like a duck quacking. It looks weird and I don’t understand the choice. Even the dog’s mouth is open like that. Every painting reproduced in these pages is this way. I don’t get it. Maybe it’s the nod to Mayan art.
It’s a nice introduction to Diego and his artwork.
The nephew was mildly interested in this book. At the end of the book it begins asking what he would paint in today’s modern world if Diego was alive. It asks if he would paint our fascination with monsters and aliens and the nephew loved that. It sparked his interest. It also asked about wrestling and the colorful costumes and he thought that was funny too. He liked the parts at the end that weren’t Diego, but conjecture. He thought the book was ok and gave this 2 stars. ...more
This is a story about the past. With TV the way it is today, I don’t see as many people excited over books. It looks like this was back in the 50s or This is a story about the past. With TV the way it is today, I don’t see as many people excited over books. It looks like this was back in the 50s or so. Miss Dorothy is from Mass. and she wanted to be a librarian in a nice brick building when she grew up. Her husband moved her to the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC and they didn’t have any building for a library (why is she a miss instead of Mrs then is what I want to know?). So, she collected money for a Bookmobile and she drove all over God’s green Earth delivering books in a beautiful green truck.
Eventually, someone left her a white house to use as a building and she turned it into a wonderful library.
I love stories like this. I love what this woman gave to the world. She loved books and we need books to broaden our lives. Reading is still important and I hope it will continue to be important.
The nephew wasn’t thrilled with this story. A lady driving around with books isn’t his idea. He thought the scene when she gets her truck stuck in the river was good and she was saved. He ended up giving this 2 stars. It was too serious - he said....more
Nancy and her Friend are Splendid Spellers, or so they think until they have their spelling test. They actually are good spellers and they do practiceNancy and her Friend are Splendid Spellers, or so they think until they have their spelling test. They actually are good spellers and they do practice all week on their words. I enjoy the way Nancy incorporates spelling her words into her normal day talking with people. She is precocious.
Both kids are good spellers and they actually enjoy their spelling words, well, once they sit down to do them. They would rather be playing, honestly. Giggle is a good word in her. Jane is so whimsical.
Again, the nephew wouldn’t read this story, but the niece read it on her own. She told me it was good and she gave it 3 stars. ...more
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