Book Review: Unicorn Bowling by Dana Simpson

**I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Attention! We have Phoebe and her Unicorn #9!!! My son and I have read these from the first book. We were beyond excited.

First let me tell you what Ivan says. "This was full of the funniest jokes yet!"

It's very lighthearted, and as an adult I still enjoy this series. I especially get it when her parents are on scene. But Phoebe and her Unicorn speaks to the little girl I used to be. Love it, seriously!

Book Review: Narwhal's Otter Friend: A Narwhal and Jelly Book

A new Narwhal and Jelly book! My 10 year old son was very excited. He really has enjoyed this series.

It's cute, and silly. I like how it has a few facts about otters and jellyfish. And that they talk about jealousy in friendships. If your BFF makes a new friend, how does that make you feel?

My son said it was great, but too short. I think he's starting to get a little too old for these. Very cute read, perfect for the younger crowd.

Some Books to Review - from kids to adults and something in between...

**Many thanks to NetGalley for this copy**

Ivan and I have been hooked since the first Pheobe and her Unicorn book. Here comes #8, Unicorn Theater by Dana Simpson.

This one is all summer camp and that was fun. Instead of band, this year Phoebe wanted to attend drama camp. She is looking forward to spending time with Marigold (the Unicorn is named Marigold Heavenly Nostrils for those who are unfamiliar), but Marigold has invited her sister Florence Unfortunate Nostrils.

It's a silly story, but it seriously deals with the whole jealousy issue. Don't act like you haven't ever been jealous when a friend is spending time with someone else. We've all been there. That's right, I'm saying I learned something here. Not that I didn't already know that on a human level, but it was a good refresher course. Just because your friend is hanging with someone else, doesn't take away your friendship nor diminish it's importance.

It's a great message in a fun book. Ivan and I both think so!

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**Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!**

This next book is Claw the System: Poems from the Cat Uprising by Francesco Marciuliano.  Another book of cat poems. I don't know who was more tickled, me or Ivan. He adores cats, I think the poems are funny, and we both enjoy reading them together.

I'm not sure how to really review poems. I like the book, some of the poems make me laugh and the photographs are gorgeous!

If you liked "I could Pee on This" or "I Could Pee on This, Too!" you will 100% love this.

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**Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this!**

This book is titled Super Chill: A Year of Living Anxiously by Adam Ellis. I'm a new fan of Mr. Ellis! This book was full of insights, and "I do that, too!" moments put out there in a hilarious way.

Sometimes it's anxiety, not wanting to do social things, and sometimes you just want the tacos more than the workout! I laughed a lot, I mean a lot! I want to read this one over again before it expires.

I have enjoyed Sarah's Scribbles, and this is in the a similar category but for guys. Enjoy!

Graphic Novel Review: Upgrade Soul by Ezra Claytan Daniels

**Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review this title.**

This was one strange and powerful story. Hank and Molly are getting older, and decide to invest in this new procedure. They also get to be the first human beings to try it out. They get young new bodies, the company gets the money and the research.

I found the artwork disturbing and sometimes depressing. The story was dark, and it really made you think. I hated it and I loved it. I wanted to put it down, but I couldn't. And in the end, I don't regret it at all.

I really do have to thank NetGalley for expanding my mind one more time, because I never would have picked this up in my library.

Book Review: Ozy and Millie by Dana Simpson

**Thanks NetGalley for lending us this digital copy!**

Ivan and I love Dana Simpson! Well, we have read and enjoyed all the Phoebe and Her Unicorn books, and when I spotted this, I had to get it for Ivan. He was excited, too.

Well, he read it in one day and insisted on my reading it, too. Which I planned, but he really had fun with it.

It had a lot of the same tone of Phoebe and her Unicorn, but it was geared toward an older crowd. The backstory says she wrote these when she was younger.  It's still perfectly fine for the younger crowd.

I liked it a lot, it made me laugh. Ivan loved it, and he's 9. He was excited to share and talk about it, and you can't ask for higher praise than that!

Reviewing Children's Fiction

This is a Taco! 
written by: Andrew Cangelose
drawn by:Josh Shipley 

**Thank you NetGalley for this copy.**

This was a tickle! My son, Ivan, said yeah and he read it. His only complaint was that the digital edition was lagging. That has nothing to do with the book, but my tablet.

It's a funny story built around a few squirrel facts. The  squirrels name is Taco because he loves Tacos. When the author talks about hawks, Taco steps in and takes control of his story. This is a little one picture book, and your kids will just love it!

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Brina and the Gang of the Feline Sun
by Giorgio Salati & Christian Cornia

**Thank you NetGalley for this copy.**This is a pretty easy to read graphic novel. Again, Ivan was game to try this one as he is an avid cat person.

This family goes on vacation and when their cat starts throwing a tizzy about being inside, they let it out. That annoyed me, because who is the human here??? They were worried about her escaping, and guess what happens?

Brina got a taste of freedom and she went with it. But it is up to her to figure out who her real friends are.

There is one crazy moment where the leader talks about how he came to be injured. He was taken from his boy and put in a bag and thrown in the river. It really made Ivan angry, he told me he will NEVER forgive that man. So, that was a little rough for him to read through. The thing is, that stuff happens. So, not that wasn't a happy moment, and there's another crazy moment, so don't go with real young kids on this one.

But other than that. You know what? Honestly, those humans drove me nuts, I didn't like the one cat, but I still read it all the way through and enjoyed myself. So, it is a good enough story.

Book Reviews:

I haven't written in awhile, and I have a few books I need to talk about. Let's start with my new favorite:

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
**Thanks to NetGalley for the digital copy!**

When I first started this book, it was really hard to read. It triggered some of my abandonment and accident fears. But it was so flawlessly written, engaging, and all that. I just had to see what happened with Margaret.

And she hasn't seen or talked to her sister in over 3 years, what on earth is up with that? Will Margaret walk again, how will she heal? What will happen then? And that title...who is walking away???

Loved it. It made me laugh and cry, and made the security guard at work think I'd lost it because I had a huge grin on my face as I finished this one. Book hangover for sure!

Sheets by Brenna Thummler
**Thanks again to NetGalley for this digital edition lent to my tablet**

I try to pick up graphic novels I think my 9 yr old will enjoy. He's all about the Smile books, doesn't even phase him that the main characters are all girls. He just loves those heartfelt stories. Yeah, Ivan! He likes that we can share a book. And we both loved this one!

The main character is reeling from the loss of her mother. She is trying to keep the family business going, and keep her family together all while being a middle school student. She is running a laundry. And then guess what?

Yeah, ghosts...seriously great story about loss and adversity. You just have to read this one! Plus the graphics were amazing, the colors are few but they just pop!

The Big Empty Life of Alphonse Tabouret by Sibylline Desmazières,  Jérôme d'Aviau
**And again, thanks Netgalley!**

This one fell kind of flat. I enjoyed it well enough. But I didn't love it. I don't care to ever read it again.

But it was cute, and sometimes silly. My son had me read it to him, but he never picked it up. It just didn't move fast enough, and it really didn't make enough sense.

Knowing this was a translation, I wonder if it's a bad story or a bad translation.

Fruit Ninja & Jetpack Joyride Hc by Nate Cosby
**Thanks NetGalley for keeping my son in books!**

I didn't read this one. And I'm not going to either. Let me tell you about this. I didn't download it, I showed it to Ivan and he insisted. Apparently there's a game or two involved her.

What I do know is that Ivan sat down and read this in one evening. Now, he's a fast reader, I just tell you it grabbed his attention. My 9 year old reader, wouldn't put it down. Not even when it was time for me to read to him. Nope, we skipped reading that night. So, that should tell you enough about this one.

The Creature Garden by Harry and Zanna Goldhawk
**Thanks NetGalley!**

I almost forgot about this one! Oh my gosh, it's a fantastic drawing book!

All sorts of animals, all sorts of cute tidbits and great instructions. If you or someone you know wants to play around with drawing animals - grab this book!

If someone you know doesn't like to draw, but likes art and animals, likewise grab this book.

Comic Review: Dead of Winter by Kyle Starks and Gabo

**Big thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this one!**

I'm loving this dog, and this dog seriously HATES zombies!  It has its moments of funny, and its moments of dead serious. (get it, dead???)

Ok, ok. Great artwork in here, I did like the story, and especially enjoyed the extra cover art at the end. But there isn't much development of any characters. It's like a glossed over walking dead reboot.

I am going to want to see more of this series, because there are loose ends. It felt the end of this was just too quick. Too much buildup, but if there will be more to come, that's going to work itself out.

Book Review: Limited Edition by Aude Picault

**Thank you NetGalley for this unlocked PDF!!!**

This is a wonderful graphic novel for women. Although men, you might learn a thing or two in here. Claire is a thirty-something neonatal nurse, hoping she'll find the right man. She keeps putting herself out there, and really just putting out, hoping he's the one.

Will she get her happily ever after?  Or will she find her good enough for now?

I really enjoyed this and read it in only a few hours. I like that I can read this one again and again. I hope to see more from Clare or this author. It is based in France, maybe Paris? So that different culture is interesting, as well.

Graphic Book Reviews

Badass Babe Workbook by: Julie Van Grol

I want to thank NetGalley for updating this one, now I actually get to review it!!!

Every, and I mean, every woman needs this workbook. It is full of wonderful things to think about, and sometimes they aren't happy things. All of us women have stories to share, art to create, and people to love.

I am still working my way through this. I love all the little spinets of badass babes, women who are writers, artists, activists. Women who will inspire you to make your own creations. And get the physical book if you can, it really is a workbook!

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Birding is my Favorite Video Game by Rosemary Mosco

My children and I had a riot with this one! It's got a lot about environmentalism and even has some great quotes and information. But it is also incredibly funny.

I would say I was most impressed with the index that listed every single animal used in the book. It's not just about birds.

And my favorite line? "Take action for animals. Because they are really, really bad at it."

Thank you NetGalley and Rosemary Mosco!!!

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The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais

Oh my, I love Amélie Fléchais! She's a fantastic storyteller. Thank you NetGalley!

While I loved her story of Little Red Riding Wolf, this one wasn't as big of a hit. I adore how it started, with a very big fairy tale. My son didn't like that part. Then when the boys started, I thought he'd relate to them...he said it was boring. So 9 year old graphic novel reader just was not impressed. 

I think it was a really sweet story, but it might not hit just right with the american market. Beautiful artwork, as always and totally worth the time. You really do have to see where it goes. 

Graphic Novels/Comic Books

**Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review.**

By Monica Gallagher and Kata Kane

So, my son said this was traumatizing. Because there was kissing, or maybe it's because it was a ghost, or a murder.

Nope, it was because of the kiss. Anyway, I enjoyed it! There is a brother and sister, their parents just split and the kids took sides. But this is complicated, and the family business, paranormal investigating, was split up as well.

So, can the girl solved the mystery of her new GFF?

Lots of complicated relationships, but I think it's fine for tweens and up.

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**Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to review.**

By John Layman and Sam Kieth

I had a hard time putting this one down. Art heist, mystery and a touch of sweet romance. Maybe Ivan would like this one better. Eleanor and her pet Egret are tracking down the paintings by Anastasia Rue. There is a detective on the case, who finds himself drawn to Eleanor for some reason. And Anastasia does not have the patience to wait. Can the detective save Eleanor in time? You'll have to read it to see.

It was a little jumpy in the story, but in the end it all comes together. It was a fun story, and the artwork was really nice. I think it is geared toward adults, but would be safe for a younger crowd. Although there is a bit of a creepy/scary part. So, read it first and use your own judgement.

Book Review: Unicorn of Many Hats by Dana Simpson

Ivan literally squealed when I showed him this on. So first, let me thank NetGalley for letting me review another Phoebe and her Unicorn adventure.

There's nothing specific I can point out. It follows Phoebe and the people in her life. She deals with teasing, friendships, and other issues. My son has his own things to deal with, and one of them is pointing out the "truth" to people. When Phoebe insisted Marigold was a horse and Marigold stormed off in a huff, it made me happy that he had read that lesson.

There are so many good things pack in here, and it's funny and cute. The little girl in me who loved Unicorns, adores this series. I also love that I can enjoy this with my son.

I hope Dana keeps writing, and that Ivan and I can keep reading.

P.S. It was pretty awesome to see Ivan light up telling his librarian how he got to read the latest Phoebe and Her Unicorn book before anyone else!  lol

Book Review: Gordon: Bark to the Future by Ashley Spires

**I keep forgetting this part - I was given a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

But to be fair, they didn't really give it to me, as it's expires in 60 days from the time I downloaded it.

Anyway, I requested this one for my son. He loves the Binky adventures, or now the P.U.R.S.T. adventures.

According to Ivan this was good, but not great. I think he is biased because he doesn't like dogs in general.

I read through it, it's a quick read, great for early readers. And I thought parts were really funny. Like "Holy Fuzzbutt!" and "Holy hair balls, that's confusing."

I laughed, but it wasn't my favorite thing. I'm afraid I'd have to go with a meh rating, too.

Book Review: Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton

**I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

The latest in the Narwhal books is here! I requested this one for my son Ivan. He loves Narwhal, and this didn't disappoint.

First he read it. His review is that it's the perfect length, but he wishes it had been longer because he enjoyed it so. And that it was really funny.

He told me I had to read it. I planned on it, I'm a reviewer here.

I read it out loud, both boys listened. I heard a few chuckles from my oldest. I laughed too, Narwhal is silly and Jelly is a great straight man.

I did think it was crazy short. I mean, I read it out loud in less than 15 minutes. I'd put this as a great early graphic novel.

This week in Graphic Novels #4

How to Be Perfectly Unhappy
by: The Oatmeal

It's a very quick read, and I think I read it on his website already.  But I love the sentiment here.

He talks about how he isn't necessarily unhappy, he feels very fulfilled by what he does. But he argues that our definition of happy if flawed.

It spoke to me, because people don't really tell me I'm unhappy, but I feel like I fall short of some goal.

It's nice to have someone tell me it's an unattainable goal.

Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy: Disco Fever
by: Doug Savage

The 2nd Laser Moose is here and we were so excited!!!  This book is so silly that we all laugh. I love how incredibly silly it all gets.

Sometimes they are sarcastic which is really funny for adults. And sometimes it's just silly which is really funny for kids. Frank is there, and there's a vegetarian wolf!

And the real star, the evil chickadee! But can Laser Moose find the proof he needs?

The CAT Encylopedia for Kids
by: Joanne Mattern

42 unique cat breeds! Not all of them are covered in this book. She goes into pretty in depth detail about a few, and then some quick explanations for the remaining.

I loved the photographs and I found the information interesting. She talks about the history of the breed and also how to care for it. Just like with dogs, some cat breeds are suited to certain situations.

Ugliest kitten award goes to that hairless breed. Oh man, who knew a kitten could make you squirm?

My favorite breed? Maine Coon followed by a Russian Blue. How about you?

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story
by: Debbie Tung

I loved this book so much! The artwork is fairly simple and cute. It's never overwhelming.

And the story...it's more of a journey. She's a quiet girl in a noisy world. She shares how she feels anxious. How there's all this pressure from outside and inside to socialize more.

I've been there. People telling me to not be so quiet. Or teasing me for reading a book. My mom used to take us to parties and her friend's house. They aren't my friends. Not to be anti-social, but yes I'd rather read my book than socialize.

I love my friends, and I like to see them. But I also need that quiet time to recharge. It was a wonderful story that made me feel like I found a little piece of my tribe.

This week in Graphic Novels #2

Phoebe and her Unicorn in the Magic Storm
by: Dana Simpson

**I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

My son and I discovered Phoebe and her Unicorn on Hoopla thanks to our library. He read all 5 copies about 3 times and then checked them all out again.  He really liked them. So I jumped at the chance to review this. The only downside is we only get to keep this one for 55 days.

Anyway, it was as good as ever. Ivan and I like to read it together, where I get to read the unicorns and goblins and Ivan reads the rest. We made it halfway the first day, and then he finished the book without me.

I like how friendships are valued in these stories. And how different people, who may not even really like each other, can still work together and get along.

Ivan really likes all the different characters, and it always makes him laugh.  He said this was a really good book, and it looks like it's a To Be Continued...so he's excited about that.

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Fowl Language - The Struggle is Real
by: Brian Gordon

**I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

The most honest look at parenting I've ever seen. Plus it's hilarious! The language is pretty adult, but my kids enjoy this as much as I do.

I especially like the comics where I can point out that is how they act. Kind of a fun way to say, "see how silly that is???"

There was a comic in here where a mom was saying her son won't eat meat anymore. I'm living that reality. All they could come up with is the kids must be messing with her. And I thought, "yup, that makes sense!"

I read this one night after putting my kids to bed, I had to keep choking back the laughter so I wouldn't wake them up. I think I sounded like an air mattress with a slow leak - lol.

You do not need to read the first book to read this one. It completely stands alone, most of them comics are stand alone. It's more of a collection, not a set story line. But I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a laugh.

Book Reviews: The Little Red Wolf and Taproot

**I borrowed a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Before you think highly of me, I did not read this in french. In English it is called "The Little Red Wolf" and it's a take on Little Red Riding Hood by Amélie Fléchais.

The little wolf has an old grandmother through the woods, and he is tasked with bringing her a bunny to eat. When Wolf finds himself lost and has eaten the bunny, he is scared of being in trouble. A little girl comes and offers to help Wolf get another bunny.

There is a story the girl sings, about a woman and the village guard who falls in love with her. I would say this is more a storybook than a graphic novel. While the artwork is beautiful, you should read it first before reading it to your child.

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Book Review: Real Friends

Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

My librarian friend suggested this after my post about Sunny Side Up. So I ran right down to my library and picked it up. The Chippewa River District Library rocks!!!

I didn't even ask Ivan to try this, I just handed it to him.  And he read it in the car on the way home. He read it at bedtime. He even took it to the bathroom and finished it around midnight. He came back and was trying to show me that it was a true story. He was so excited by this story.

He told me I should read it, too.  So when I took my friend's boy to his music lesson, I read this while I waited. This girl is about my age, say 10 or 11 in 1984.  There was so much I could relate to. Difficulty with "friends", glasses, having a hard time relating to people. 

This is a memoir, "just like El Deafo!" - Ivan, age 8.  We both wholeheartedly recommend this book. 

Book Review: Sunny Side Up

Let me say, my youngest (age 8) tends to get stuck on certain books and reads them over and over again. He mostly likes graphic novels; he absolutely devours them. When he likes something, I usually buy it for him because it will be read repeatedly.  

I checked out this story from our library. Getting him to read before bed isn't usually an issue. I asked him last night to at least try this one. To give it a few pages, and then decide if he wanted to read it or not.

Over an hour later he asked if his 20 minutes were up. And if that doesn't convince you that this is an engaging story, he read during the day. My video gaming only while the sun is out boy took his Kindle and instead of Hungry Shark Evolution, finished reading this book.

I was going to read it myself, tonight when he was finishing it up.  So we'd kind of read it together. I got online to find a notice from Goodreads suggesting what I could read next. "Ivan, did you finish Sunny Side Up?" I asked as he walked into the living room.  

"Yup! I told you it was good, Mom!" Then he said that I had to give it 5 stars. I pulled it up and read it myself, very quick for an adult. It was a sweet story, funny and sometimes sad.

You can read the description and decide for yourself.  It's another memoir style book (graphic novel), along the lines of El Deafo (which I also recommend).  It takes place in the summer of 1976, but it jumps back to explain why she ended up with her Grandpa in Florida. I found it easy to follow, although a little confusing in the beginning before I caught on to what was happening. 

All in all, a light read dealing with a serious issue.